iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 77 - 1 August 2015
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Transcript of iMotorhome eMagazine Issue 77 - 1 August 2015
JokerrsquosWild
Half SafeBy name and nature ndash find out more
TravelThe man From Snow River FestivalhellipIt might look
funny but wait rsquotil you see insidehellip Project Polly
The costs of doing businesshellip
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
Issue 77 Aug 01 2015
Win$50 for the
best letter
FRONTLINE CAMPERVANStaking you places
Frontline VW Transporterbull Car like fuel efficiency and maneuverability
bull Horizontal pop top system for greater ventilation
bull Swing out stove for ease of use
bull 3 year unlimited KM warranty
bull ABS amp ESP safety systems
Side amp Rear Fly Screens (worth over $900)
Outside Shower (worth over $360)
ACCESSORIES PACK INCLUDES
Visit takingyouplacescomau for available stockor contact your local Frontline dealer Sydney 02 9939 0600 or Northern NSWQLD 02 6681 1555Terms and conditions apply See website for details
The Frontline range is easy to drive compact and designed with comfort and functionality in mind
Taking you places yoursquove only ever dreamed of
Purchase a Frontline VW Transporter before the end of August and receive an accessories pack worth over $1200 absolutely FREE making your travelling experiences more enjoyable
HURRY offer only available while stocks last
SGG Pty Ltd Lic No MD11739 MVRL23910 | Frontline Camper Conversions Pty Ltd MD12998
iMotorhome eMagazine is published twice monthly and available by free subscription from wwwimotorhomecomau
Your letters and contributions are always welcome
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Published by iMotorhomePO Box 1738 Bowral NSW 2576 Australia
ABN 34 142 547 719
T +614 14 604 368
E infoimotorhomecomau
W wwwimotorhomecomau
EditorialPublisherManaging Editor
Richard Robertson
T 0414 604 368
E richardimotorhomecomau
Roadtest Editor
Malcolm Street
E malcolmimotorhomecomau
Contributors
Jess Ciampa Emily Barker and Allan Whiting
Design and ProductionDesign amp Production Manager
Agnes Nielsen
E agnesimotorhomecomau
AdvertisingAdvertising Manager
This could be you
E advertisingimotorhomecomau
LegalAll content of iMotorhome eMagazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content however no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience andor loss arising from reading andor acting upon information contained within iMotorhome eMagazine or the iMotorhome website
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
About iMotorhome | 3
FRONTLINE CAMPERVANStaking you places
Frontline VW Transporterbull Car like fuel efficiency and maneuverability
bull Horizontal pop top system for greater ventilation
bull Swing out stove for ease of use
bull 3 year unlimited KM warranty
bull ABS amp ESP safety systems
Side amp Rear Fly Screens (worth over $900)
Outside Shower (worth over $360)
ACCESSORIES PACK INCLUDES
Visit takingyouplacescomau for available stockor contact your local Frontline dealer Sydney 02 9939 0600 or Northern NSWQLD 02 6681 1555Terms and conditions apply See website for details
The Frontline range is easy to drive compact and designed with comfort and functionality in mind
Taking you places yoursquove only ever dreamed of
Purchase a Frontline VW Transporter before the end of August and receive an accessories pack worth over $1200 absolutely FREE making your travelling experiences more enjoyable
HURRY offer only available while stocks last
SGG Pty Ltd Lic No MD11739 MVRL23910 | Frontline Camper Conversions Pty Ltd MD12998
The Most Recognised Name in Motorhomesreg
2015 motorhome range now available nationwide
Proudly Australian designed and built in our Brisbane factory
Accept no imitations
Find a Winnebago dealership near you Visit
wwwgowinnebagocomau
Licensee and authorised distributor of Winnebago Industries Inc Forest City Iowa USA
AUSTRALIA amp NEW ZEALAND
2014_iMotorhome_AprilMayJune_FullPage_240315indd 1 21042015 21454 PM
Happy birthday horses Did you know today ndash August 1st ndash is the accepted birthday for horses born in the southern hemisphere Why Because it fits with their 11 month breeding cycle and enables standardisation of age groups in racing events We celebrate with our old paddock boys with carrot cake when we remember and a few little treats sans candles (they have terrible trouble with matches) Itrsquos an interesting concept really Imagine if all people celebrated the same birthday At least therersquod be no excuse for forgetting In case yoursquore wondering January first is the northern hemispherersquos equivalenthellip
Speaking of horses for courses Irsquove recently been thinking about the plethora of motorhome shapes and sizes It made me wonder if people buy a motorhome to suit them or if they make themselves fit a motorhome ndash or a bit of both First-time buyers would likely be the ones to buy a motorhome they like the look of but when you accumulate experience do subsequent purchases become more head and less heart-based
Project Polly is a case in point Shersquos not our lsquodream motorhomersquo and to be honest after swanning around in the latest and greatest in the course of this job taking Polly on is something of a daunting challenge Purpose-built rental motorhomes must withstand years of use and potential abuse so above all they need to be robust For robust read lsquobasicrsquo but not necessarily in features ndash Polly has most mod cons ndash but in presentation and detail
Experience is a double edged sword and as they say you canrsquot miss what yoursquove never had Wersquove lsquohadrsquo ndash as in travelled in ndash some of the very best motorhomes including those with an abundance of kitchen storage thoughtfully appointed bathrooms cleverly designed bedrooms and spacious comfortable loungesdinettes Polly has none of these There are a few poorly laid out
cupboards to divide the space beneath the kitchen benchtop the most rudimentary bathroom and an equally basic sleeping area and dinette Whatrsquos acceptable for a week or two in a rental vehicle is quite different to what you want to live with long-term Irsquom not highlighting these short comings as a complaint however just an observation Polly is a special horse for a particular course
Pollyrsquos main purpose now is as a vehicle (no pun intended for a change) to show what can be done to almost any motorhome when you find things that donrsquot suit or just want to improve it Some wersquoll do ourselves ndash Mrs iM is very handy ndash and some will need to be outsourced (as a handyman Irsquom a great magazine editor) Where Project Polly excites is in being a semi-blank canvas we can stretch nip tuck and snip into shape and the seemingly endless possibilities that provides
So back to my original question Do you buy a motorhome to suit or do you fit into one I think the answer is a bit of both Polly suits financially and by providing the instant ability to carry our tandem bike She also fits size-wise into the usage pattern wersquove come to value courtesy of our long term Casuarina Hopefully shersquoll be more suitable and wersquoll fit better when wersquove tweaked and played with her a while And hopefully we can inspire some of you to follow suit be it in personalising your existing motorhome or by starting out more modestly with your own lsquoblank canvasrsquo Best hang on then itrsquos sure to be one heck of a ridehellip
HorsEs for coursEshellip
on my mind | 5
Richard
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
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An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
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T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
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T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
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T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
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The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
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quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
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1
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wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
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motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
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Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
FRONTLINE CAMPERVANStaking you places
Frontline VW Transporterbull Car like fuel efficiency and maneuverability
bull Horizontal pop top system for greater ventilation
bull Swing out stove for ease of use
bull 3 year unlimited KM warranty
bull ABS amp ESP safety systems
Side amp Rear Fly Screens (worth over $900)
Outside Shower (worth over $360)
ACCESSORIES PACK INCLUDES
Visit takingyouplacescomau for available stockor contact your local Frontline dealer Sydney 02 9939 0600 or Northern NSWQLD 02 6681 1555Terms and conditions apply See website for details
The Frontline range is easy to drive compact and designed with comfort and functionality in mind
Taking you places yoursquove only ever dreamed of
Purchase a Frontline VW Transporter before the end of August and receive an accessories pack worth over $1200 absolutely FREE making your travelling experiences more enjoyable
HURRY offer only available while stocks last
SGG Pty Ltd Lic No MD11739 MVRL23910 | Frontline Camper Conversions Pty Ltd MD12998
iMotorhome eMagazine is published twice monthly and available by free subscription from wwwimotorhomecomau
Your letters and contributions are always welcome
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Published by iMotorhomePO Box 1738 Bowral NSW 2576 Australia
ABN 34 142 547 719
T +614 14 604 368
E infoimotorhomecomau
W wwwimotorhomecomau
EditorialPublisherManaging Editor
Richard Robertson
T 0414 604 368
E richardimotorhomecomau
Roadtest Editor
Malcolm Street
E malcolmimotorhomecomau
Contributors
Jess Ciampa Emily Barker and Allan Whiting
Design and ProductionDesign amp Production Manager
Agnes Nielsen
E agnesimotorhomecomau
AdvertisingAdvertising Manager
This could be you
E advertisingimotorhomecomau
LegalAll content of iMotorhome eMagazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content however no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience andor loss arising from reading andor acting upon information contained within iMotorhome eMagazine or the iMotorhome website
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
About iMotorhome | 3
FRONTLINE CAMPERVANStaking you places
Frontline VW Transporterbull Car like fuel efficiency and maneuverability
bull Horizontal pop top system for greater ventilation
bull Swing out stove for ease of use
bull 3 year unlimited KM warranty
bull ABS amp ESP safety systems
Side amp Rear Fly Screens (worth over $900)
Outside Shower (worth over $360)
ACCESSORIES PACK INCLUDES
Visit takingyouplacescomau for available stockor contact your local Frontline dealer Sydney 02 9939 0600 or Northern NSWQLD 02 6681 1555Terms and conditions apply See website for details
The Frontline range is easy to drive compact and designed with comfort and functionality in mind
Taking you places yoursquove only ever dreamed of
Purchase a Frontline VW Transporter before the end of August and receive an accessories pack worth over $1200 absolutely FREE making your travelling experiences more enjoyable
HURRY offer only available while stocks last
SGG Pty Ltd Lic No MD11739 MVRL23910 | Frontline Camper Conversions Pty Ltd MD12998
The Most Recognised Name in Motorhomesreg
2015 motorhome range now available nationwide
Proudly Australian designed and built in our Brisbane factory
Accept no imitations
Find a Winnebago dealership near you Visit
wwwgowinnebagocomau
Licensee and authorised distributor of Winnebago Industries Inc Forest City Iowa USA
AUSTRALIA amp NEW ZEALAND
2014_iMotorhome_AprilMayJune_FullPage_240315indd 1 21042015 21454 PM
Happy birthday horses Did you know today ndash August 1st ndash is the accepted birthday for horses born in the southern hemisphere Why Because it fits with their 11 month breeding cycle and enables standardisation of age groups in racing events We celebrate with our old paddock boys with carrot cake when we remember and a few little treats sans candles (they have terrible trouble with matches) Itrsquos an interesting concept really Imagine if all people celebrated the same birthday At least therersquod be no excuse for forgetting In case yoursquore wondering January first is the northern hemispherersquos equivalenthellip
Speaking of horses for courses Irsquove recently been thinking about the plethora of motorhome shapes and sizes It made me wonder if people buy a motorhome to suit them or if they make themselves fit a motorhome ndash or a bit of both First-time buyers would likely be the ones to buy a motorhome they like the look of but when you accumulate experience do subsequent purchases become more head and less heart-based
Project Polly is a case in point Shersquos not our lsquodream motorhomersquo and to be honest after swanning around in the latest and greatest in the course of this job taking Polly on is something of a daunting challenge Purpose-built rental motorhomes must withstand years of use and potential abuse so above all they need to be robust For robust read lsquobasicrsquo but not necessarily in features ndash Polly has most mod cons ndash but in presentation and detail
Experience is a double edged sword and as they say you canrsquot miss what yoursquove never had Wersquove lsquohadrsquo ndash as in travelled in ndash some of the very best motorhomes including those with an abundance of kitchen storage thoughtfully appointed bathrooms cleverly designed bedrooms and spacious comfortable loungesdinettes Polly has none of these There are a few poorly laid out
cupboards to divide the space beneath the kitchen benchtop the most rudimentary bathroom and an equally basic sleeping area and dinette Whatrsquos acceptable for a week or two in a rental vehicle is quite different to what you want to live with long-term Irsquom not highlighting these short comings as a complaint however just an observation Polly is a special horse for a particular course
Pollyrsquos main purpose now is as a vehicle (no pun intended for a change) to show what can be done to almost any motorhome when you find things that donrsquot suit or just want to improve it Some wersquoll do ourselves ndash Mrs iM is very handy ndash and some will need to be outsourced (as a handyman Irsquom a great magazine editor) Where Project Polly excites is in being a semi-blank canvas we can stretch nip tuck and snip into shape and the seemingly endless possibilities that provides
So back to my original question Do you buy a motorhome to suit or do you fit into one I think the answer is a bit of both Polly suits financially and by providing the instant ability to carry our tandem bike She also fits size-wise into the usage pattern wersquove come to value courtesy of our long term Casuarina Hopefully shersquoll be more suitable and wersquoll fit better when wersquove tweaked and played with her a while And hopefully we can inspire some of you to follow suit be it in personalising your existing motorhome or by starting out more modestly with your own lsquoblank canvasrsquo Best hang on then itrsquos sure to be one heck of a ridehellip
HorsEs for coursEshellip
on my mind | 5
Richard
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
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FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
iMotorhome eMagazine is published twice monthly and available by free subscription from wwwimotorhomecomau
Your letters and contributions are always welcome
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Published by iMotorhomePO Box 1738 Bowral NSW 2576 Australia
ABN 34 142 547 719
T +614 14 604 368
E infoimotorhomecomau
W wwwimotorhomecomau
EditorialPublisherManaging Editor
Richard Robertson
T 0414 604 368
E richardimotorhomecomau
Roadtest Editor
Malcolm Street
E malcolmimotorhomecomau
Contributors
Jess Ciampa Emily Barker and Allan Whiting
Design and ProductionDesign amp Production Manager
Agnes Nielsen
E agnesimotorhomecomau
AdvertisingAdvertising Manager
This could be you
E advertisingimotorhomecomau
LegalAll content of iMotorhome eMagazine and website is copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of content however no responsibility is accepted for any inconvenience andor loss arising from reading andor acting upon information contained within iMotorhome eMagazine or the iMotorhome website
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
About iMotorhome | 3
FRONTLINE CAMPERVANStaking you places
Frontline VW Transporterbull Car like fuel efficiency and maneuverability
bull Horizontal pop top system for greater ventilation
bull Swing out stove for ease of use
bull 3 year unlimited KM warranty
bull ABS amp ESP safety systems
Side amp Rear Fly Screens (worth over $900)
Outside Shower (worth over $360)
ACCESSORIES PACK INCLUDES
Visit takingyouplacescomau for available stockor contact your local Frontline dealer Sydney 02 9939 0600 or Northern NSWQLD 02 6681 1555Terms and conditions apply See website for details
The Frontline range is easy to drive compact and designed with comfort and functionality in mind
Taking you places yoursquove only ever dreamed of
Purchase a Frontline VW Transporter before the end of August and receive an accessories pack worth over $1200 absolutely FREE making your travelling experiences more enjoyable
HURRY offer only available while stocks last
SGG Pty Ltd Lic No MD11739 MVRL23910 | Frontline Camper Conversions Pty Ltd MD12998
The Most Recognised Name in Motorhomesreg
2015 motorhome range now available nationwide
Proudly Australian designed and built in our Brisbane factory
Accept no imitations
Find a Winnebago dealership near you Visit
wwwgowinnebagocomau
Licensee and authorised distributor of Winnebago Industries Inc Forest City Iowa USA
AUSTRALIA amp NEW ZEALAND
2014_iMotorhome_AprilMayJune_FullPage_240315indd 1 21042015 21454 PM
Happy birthday horses Did you know today ndash August 1st ndash is the accepted birthday for horses born in the southern hemisphere Why Because it fits with their 11 month breeding cycle and enables standardisation of age groups in racing events We celebrate with our old paddock boys with carrot cake when we remember and a few little treats sans candles (they have terrible trouble with matches) Itrsquos an interesting concept really Imagine if all people celebrated the same birthday At least therersquod be no excuse for forgetting In case yoursquore wondering January first is the northern hemispherersquos equivalenthellip
Speaking of horses for courses Irsquove recently been thinking about the plethora of motorhome shapes and sizes It made me wonder if people buy a motorhome to suit them or if they make themselves fit a motorhome ndash or a bit of both First-time buyers would likely be the ones to buy a motorhome they like the look of but when you accumulate experience do subsequent purchases become more head and less heart-based
Project Polly is a case in point Shersquos not our lsquodream motorhomersquo and to be honest after swanning around in the latest and greatest in the course of this job taking Polly on is something of a daunting challenge Purpose-built rental motorhomes must withstand years of use and potential abuse so above all they need to be robust For robust read lsquobasicrsquo but not necessarily in features ndash Polly has most mod cons ndash but in presentation and detail
Experience is a double edged sword and as they say you canrsquot miss what yoursquove never had Wersquove lsquohadrsquo ndash as in travelled in ndash some of the very best motorhomes including those with an abundance of kitchen storage thoughtfully appointed bathrooms cleverly designed bedrooms and spacious comfortable loungesdinettes Polly has none of these There are a few poorly laid out
cupboards to divide the space beneath the kitchen benchtop the most rudimentary bathroom and an equally basic sleeping area and dinette Whatrsquos acceptable for a week or two in a rental vehicle is quite different to what you want to live with long-term Irsquom not highlighting these short comings as a complaint however just an observation Polly is a special horse for a particular course
Pollyrsquos main purpose now is as a vehicle (no pun intended for a change) to show what can be done to almost any motorhome when you find things that donrsquot suit or just want to improve it Some wersquoll do ourselves ndash Mrs iM is very handy ndash and some will need to be outsourced (as a handyman Irsquom a great magazine editor) Where Project Polly excites is in being a semi-blank canvas we can stretch nip tuck and snip into shape and the seemingly endless possibilities that provides
So back to my original question Do you buy a motorhome to suit or do you fit into one I think the answer is a bit of both Polly suits financially and by providing the instant ability to carry our tandem bike She also fits size-wise into the usage pattern wersquove come to value courtesy of our long term Casuarina Hopefully shersquoll be more suitable and wersquoll fit better when wersquove tweaked and played with her a while And hopefully we can inspire some of you to follow suit be it in personalising your existing motorhome or by starting out more modestly with your own lsquoblank canvasrsquo Best hang on then itrsquos sure to be one heck of a ridehellip
HorsEs for coursEshellip
on my mind | 5
Richard
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The Most Recognised Name in Motorhomesreg
2015 motorhome range now available nationwide
Proudly Australian designed and built in our Brisbane factory
Accept no imitations
Find a Winnebago dealership near you Visit
wwwgowinnebagocomau
Licensee and authorised distributor of Winnebago Industries Inc Forest City Iowa USA
AUSTRALIA amp NEW ZEALAND
2014_iMotorhome_AprilMayJune_FullPage_240315indd 1 21042015 21454 PM
Happy birthday horses Did you know today ndash August 1st ndash is the accepted birthday for horses born in the southern hemisphere Why Because it fits with their 11 month breeding cycle and enables standardisation of age groups in racing events We celebrate with our old paddock boys with carrot cake when we remember and a few little treats sans candles (they have terrible trouble with matches) Itrsquos an interesting concept really Imagine if all people celebrated the same birthday At least therersquod be no excuse for forgetting In case yoursquore wondering January first is the northern hemispherersquos equivalenthellip
Speaking of horses for courses Irsquove recently been thinking about the plethora of motorhome shapes and sizes It made me wonder if people buy a motorhome to suit them or if they make themselves fit a motorhome ndash or a bit of both First-time buyers would likely be the ones to buy a motorhome they like the look of but when you accumulate experience do subsequent purchases become more head and less heart-based
Project Polly is a case in point Shersquos not our lsquodream motorhomersquo and to be honest after swanning around in the latest and greatest in the course of this job taking Polly on is something of a daunting challenge Purpose-built rental motorhomes must withstand years of use and potential abuse so above all they need to be robust For robust read lsquobasicrsquo but not necessarily in features ndash Polly has most mod cons ndash but in presentation and detail
Experience is a double edged sword and as they say you canrsquot miss what yoursquove never had Wersquove lsquohadrsquo ndash as in travelled in ndash some of the very best motorhomes including those with an abundance of kitchen storage thoughtfully appointed bathrooms cleverly designed bedrooms and spacious comfortable loungesdinettes Polly has none of these There are a few poorly laid out
cupboards to divide the space beneath the kitchen benchtop the most rudimentary bathroom and an equally basic sleeping area and dinette Whatrsquos acceptable for a week or two in a rental vehicle is quite different to what you want to live with long-term Irsquom not highlighting these short comings as a complaint however just an observation Polly is a special horse for a particular course
Pollyrsquos main purpose now is as a vehicle (no pun intended for a change) to show what can be done to almost any motorhome when you find things that donrsquot suit or just want to improve it Some wersquoll do ourselves ndash Mrs iM is very handy ndash and some will need to be outsourced (as a handyman Irsquom a great magazine editor) Where Project Polly excites is in being a semi-blank canvas we can stretch nip tuck and snip into shape and the seemingly endless possibilities that provides
So back to my original question Do you buy a motorhome to suit or do you fit into one I think the answer is a bit of both Polly suits financially and by providing the instant ability to carry our tandem bike She also fits size-wise into the usage pattern wersquove come to value courtesy of our long term Casuarina Hopefully shersquoll be more suitable and wersquoll fit better when wersquove tweaked and played with her a while And hopefully we can inspire some of you to follow suit be it in personalising your existing motorhome or by starting out more modestly with your own lsquoblank canvasrsquo Best hang on then itrsquos sure to be one heck of a ridehellip
HorsEs for coursEshellip
on my mind | 5
Richard
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
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An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
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Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
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the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Happy birthday horses Did you know today ndash August 1st ndash is the accepted birthday for horses born in the southern hemisphere Why Because it fits with their 11 month breeding cycle and enables standardisation of age groups in racing events We celebrate with our old paddock boys with carrot cake when we remember and a few little treats sans candles (they have terrible trouble with matches) Itrsquos an interesting concept really Imagine if all people celebrated the same birthday At least therersquod be no excuse for forgetting In case yoursquore wondering January first is the northern hemispherersquos equivalenthellip
Speaking of horses for courses Irsquove recently been thinking about the plethora of motorhome shapes and sizes It made me wonder if people buy a motorhome to suit them or if they make themselves fit a motorhome ndash or a bit of both First-time buyers would likely be the ones to buy a motorhome they like the look of but when you accumulate experience do subsequent purchases become more head and less heart-based
Project Polly is a case in point Shersquos not our lsquodream motorhomersquo and to be honest after swanning around in the latest and greatest in the course of this job taking Polly on is something of a daunting challenge Purpose-built rental motorhomes must withstand years of use and potential abuse so above all they need to be robust For robust read lsquobasicrsquo but not necessarily in features ndash Polly has most mod cons ndash but in presentation and detail
Experience is a double edged sword and as they say you canrsquot miss what yoursquove never had Wersquove lsquohadrsquo ndash as in travelled in ndash some of the very best motorhomes including those with an abundance of kitchen storage thoughtfully appointed bathrooms cleverly designed bedrooms and spacious comfortable loungesdinettes Polly has none of these There are a few poorly laid out
cupboards to divide the space beneath the kitchen benchtop the most rudimentary bathroom and an equally basic sleeping area and dinette Whatrsquos acceptable for a week or two in a rental vehicle is quite different to what you want to live with long-term Irsquom not highlighting these short comings as a complaint however just an observation Polly is a special horse for a particular course
Pollyrsquos main purpose now is as a vehicle (no pun intended for a change) to show what can be done to almost any motorhome when you find things that donrsquot suit or just want to improve it Some wersquoll do ourselves ndash Mrs iM is very handy ndash and some will need to be outsourced (as a handyman Irsquom a great magazine editor) Where Project Polly excites is in being a semi-blank canvas we can stretch nip tuck and snip into shape and the seemingly endless possibilities that provides
So back to my original question Do you buy a motorhome to suit or do you fit into one I think the answer is a bit of both Polly suits financially and by providing the instant ability to carry our tandem bike She also fits size-wise into the usage pattern wersquove come to value courtesy of our long term Casuarina Hopefully shersquoll be more suitable and wersquoll fit better when wersquove tweaked and played with her a while And hopefully we can inspire some of you to follow suit be it in personalising your existing motorhome or by starting out more modestly with your own lsquoblank canvasrsquo Best hang on then itrsquos sure to be one heck of a ridehellip
HorsEs for coursEshellip
on my mind | 5
Richard
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
6 | content
3 About UsWho we are where and other legal stuff
62 Mobile Tech Fuel Map AppA winning app from the makers of WikiCamps
66 Next IssueWhatrsquos coming up and which shows are on soon
9 ResourcesFind back issues and more on our website
26 MarketplaceThe latest Marketplace offers
5 On my MindHorses for Courses
14 NewsWhatrsquos happening in the wider RV world - and beyond
54 Travel Man from Snowy River FestivalA reader report on a special event you really shouldnrsquot miss
28 Snapshot Westfalia Club JokerCould this be the worldrsquos smallest self-contained RV
38 Project PollyBuy Gosh ndash A rundown on the purchase experience and costs
56 Feature Global Adventurer A Western Australian school salutes a little known local adventurerhellip
11 On your MindShare your thoughts for the chance to win $50
65 Advertisers IndexAn A to Z of whorsquos in this issue
46 Longtermer Horizon CasuarinaA report card on our longterm Horizon Casuarina
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
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$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
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Club Lounge
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Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Caravan_MOT_3Models_AVIDAindd 1 250415 744 PM
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
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The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
iMotorhome
reso
urce
s
because getting there is half the fun
Ask a Question
Back Issues
Road Tests
SubscriptionMarketplace
Reader Survey
Reader Review
User Guide
Magazine Resources
Review and images by Malcolm Street
Dethleffs lsquobabyrsquo A-class is something to ogle athellip
Esprit de Cor Blimey
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
resources | 9
Paradise Motor Homes wwwparadisemotorhomescomau 245 Brisbane Road Biggera Waters Queensland 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email infoparadisemotorhomescomau Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs patents and copyrights trade copy 2013
Australiarsquos Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australiarsquos best quality motorhome
bull Outstanding value for money competitively priced from $158000
bull Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems
bull Industryrsquos longest amp most comprehensive motorhome warranty
bull Built for Australian conditions
bull Models available with or without slide-outsbull Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior bull Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacitybull Outstanding road handling amp ride comfortbull Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes bull Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet amp shower bull Market leading layouts amp lifestyle featuresbull Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space bull Proven reliability of Paradisersquos patented slide-outs
Relax in Paradise
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From
Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
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An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
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on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
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Bony Mountain Folk Festival
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We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
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cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
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Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
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quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
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wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
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motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Hi iMotorhome magazine Firstly I would like to tell you how much I enjoy each issue and for all the very useful information therein I particularly enjoyed the Fiat Ducato drink holder inventions and the final collapsible marine cup holders sent in by Pam brilliant I sent away for them immediately having the same issue in the drink holder dept with our Fiat
I have some interesting information for all Fiat Ducato owners which I would like to pass on as it will be a great saving for them Recently we needed some new wiper blades for our 2012 Fiat Ducato motorhome Firstly I went to all the usual places like Supercheap and the like with no success so was forced to go to the Fiat dealer (the wipers are different lengths driverrsquos side longer) Upon hearing the price of $125 a pair and being told they are very difficult to fit sand o would need to be fitted also by Fiat I picked my jaw up off the desk went home and started trawling the internet Soon I came across a fantastic company called Wipertech (Freecall 1300 778502) in NSW who arranged next day delivery to us in Qld
They have every blade from every vehicle at less than half the original cost and a YouTube video showing you how very easy it is to fit them There
price was $59 for the pair including delivery I also got a 20 discount for showing interest on a return email after signing up So $47 as opposed to $125 ndash less than half price for the same item and the packaging was the same Oh it also took me ndash a 59 year old women ndash all of 30 seconds to fit each blade as they just snap in and out easy as pie
Every Blessing for a fantastic next issue We look forward to it
Suzanne and Stephen
Thanks for the terrific tip Irsquom sure many readers will find it useful Also pleased you found the cup holder saga a valuable one too I do find it remarkable how much auto manufacturers and dealers charge for even the most basic parts Then therersquos the concept that if you donrsquot use lsquogenuinersquo parts you your family and vehicle will likely go to hell in a hand basket Only this week I received a press release from an automotive industry group stating just that ndash in regard to air filters Please accept this issuersquos $50 prize which now means yoursquore $3 ahead on your new wipers Enjoy
Itrsquos only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind you should be able to have yours too If you have anything to say ndash or ask ndash just drop a line to lettersimotorhomecomau and wersquoll share it with our readers Wersquoll also reward
the most interesting useful or thoughtful letter each issue with $50 to help you on your way
Clean Sweep
Win $50 for the best letteron your mind | 11 Enjoy the ultimate go-anywhere off road
adventure with the Jabiru 4x4 Xtra From Alice Springs to Halls Creek and via Tamani Track reach isolated camp
spots which require solid ground clearance and traction with this
high performance luxury vehicle
Jabiru 4x4 Xtra Redefine your camping adventure
Visit trakkacom or call 1800 TRAKKA
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Hi Richard just reading an old issue re the Suncamper Sherwood Twin Bed and noticed your comment about the shower recess being big enough to pick up the soap presumably after one has dropped it
In our Kea Dreamtime we dont use cakes of soap instead relying on pump action liquid soap that stores nicely below the cabinet doors Wersquove been doing that for a number of years and it makes the showering process very easy A quick wet down with the hand shower a liquid soap-up and then another quick wet down to remove the
suds and presto in a couple of minutes (and little water) one is clean for another day Have enjoyed the magazine since day one Keep up the good work
Regards Bob
Thanks for the tip Bob and good to see you reading back issues Just wondering though what happens if you drop the liquid soap dispenser Safe travels
Safe Key in Numbershellip
In-dispenserable
12 | on your mind
Hi Richard for those worried about misplacing their motorhome key a solution is to Sikaflex a small 3 digit combination safe onto the inside wall of their gas cylinder cubbyhole I did it a couple of years ago My safe is very small approx 150 x 100 x 45 mm and I had to hold it in place whilst the Sikafles cured A potential thief would need to know the combination or have an awful lot of time to feed in the 1000 possible combinations to open it And because of its position on the side of the cubbyhole it is not apparent to onlookers when the door is open I think I purchased the safe at Bunnings and it was quite inexpensive
Regards Bob
Thatrsquos a great tip thanks Bob and one we might try ourselves on Project Polly if we can find a suitably small safe at Bunnings or similar Because yoursquore obviously a lover of small things Irsquom going to send you one of our limited edition hand-made leather-bound iMotorhome note books as a thank you for sharing such a useful tip Hope you enjoy it
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
14 | News
HORIZON MILESTONEhellip
A major milestone for Horizon Motorhomes was recently reached the sale of its 500th motorhome This
was a proud moment for Clayton Kearney the owner of Horizon and the Ballina Campervan amp Motorhome Centre (BCMC) which is the sole dealer
The Horizon story began in the early nineties with a 21 year old Clayton working as a mechanic and buying a second hand car yard with his stepfather
One day we had a campervan on the yard and it sold straight away So we started sourcing more campervans and developed our own look and before we knew it we had a brand and called it Horizon Motorhomes Back then we never would have thought this business could have grown to this sizerdquo Clayton said ldquoWe are extremely excited and grateful to be in our 20th year and to be selling our 500th motorhomerdquo
Donald and Lorraine Kirkaldy of Toormina Coffs Harbour purchased a new Horizon Casuarina and with their family collected it from Ballina To their surprise and delight they found they were the lucky 500th purchasers With the Casuarina came a gift
a congratulatory bottle of Chandon and a certificate certifying them as the 500th Horizon Motorhomes owner
Previously the couple were caravan owners but after running into several issues with their van during travels to Ballina a few years ago they called into the BCMC showroom to get some assistance and that was when they spotted their first motorhome ndash a burnt orange Horizon model ndash and decided a motorhome would be their next choice
ldquoWe chose Horizon Motorhomes due to quality reliability the in-built design and safety features We also love the freedom to move the whole vehicle with ease backing it and parking anywhere and also the compactness of itrdquo Donald said
The couple is set for their first big adventure heading to North Queensland during the remaining winter months then on to the Great Ocean Road in summer Horizon specialise in built-in (van conversion) motorhomes and to find out more information visit horizonmotorhomescomau bcmccomau or call (02) 6681 1555
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
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T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
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T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
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T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
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The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
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quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
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wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
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Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
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sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
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FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
News | 15
PORTABLE LITHIUM POWER
E volithium says its battery system is designed and manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions and built tough to handle even
the most remote desert tracks and corrugated roads Through the use of an optional inverter its lithium battery system provides portable 240 V
electricity for everything from laptops to espresso machine game consoles CPAP machines kitchen appliance and more Of course it provides 12 V power for a range of other uses
The lightweight self-managed plug-and-play unit powers most appliances and can be charged using a variety of technologies Itrsquos also claimed to employ a guaranteed fail-safe management system that goes above and beyond the basic systems of other lithium batteries The company says a proprietary quality casing and unprecedented built-in safety measures protect users from hazards associated with battery units With proper care and maintenance itrsquos claimed it will last 10 years or more To find out more visit evolithiumcomau or Freecall 1800 944 044
NORTHCOACHEQUIPMENT PTY LTD
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
16 | News
ACHTUNG CAMPERS
A young couple based in Geelong has just launched Australiarsquos first designer campervan company Achtung Camper
(AC) saying it is giving people a new way to go travelling
lsquoAchtungrsquo means attention in German and is often used in international signage on hiking trails to alert hikers to important information The name was chosen due to owner Ronny Probandtrsquos German nationality
ldquoIn a market that is traditionally known for its unfashionable and cumbersome campervans AC offers people the latest style and innovative solutions to everyday camping problemsrdquo a press release claims
AC claims it has the only vans on the market with fully insulated interiors (utilising Greenstuff insulation made from 80 recycled bottles) plus a fully carpeted interior Thanks to custom sized storage AC also claims its campervans have more storage space than any other similar sized van on the local market
Owners Tania Differding and Ronny Probandt says they share a love for campervan travel The idea was sparked eleven years ago when they ventured off in an old campervan to tour Australia
Ronny commented ldquoFriends wanted to buy a campervan but didnrsquot want to spend their hard earned dollars on something that looked like it was designed and built in the 80srdquo
After more research we discovered a plethora of people under 60 who wanted to travel in something stylish and werenrsquot being catered for While travelling we also met many campervan owners who were disappointed by the look and feel of their purchase due to the lack of alternatives on the market
AC says its lsquodesigner campervansrsquo are built using high-end designer fabrics fittings from Germany and the best quality materials available They feature Dinosaur Designs accessories and furniture grade hardwearing film faced plywood available in over 10 colours The company encourages customers to choose their own colour scheme and material for the floor walls upholstery cabinetry and curtains at no extra cost
Ronny originally a carpenter from Germany has lived in Australia for 11 years working on high-end design projects around Sydney and Melbourne To find our more visit achtungcampercomau email infoachtungcampercomau or contact Tania on 0423 321 995 for more information
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
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$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
News | 17
TOUR BUS BAN
ONLY INhellip
T he recent decision by the International Cycling Union (UCI) to ban riders sleeping in motorhomes during the Tour de France in
order not to give competitors an unfair advantage did not apply to non-riding staff Consequently Team Sky took its American A-class motorhome on the recently completed Tour Team Sky manager Dave Brailsford said it would actually
make more space available for riders in hotels along the way and permit some to have a single room Australian rider Richie Porte right-hand man to 2015 Tour winner Chris Froome stayed in the motorhome during the 2014 event and was reported to have been ldquodisappointedrdquo with the UCI ban
A burning A-class Winnebago drove into a gas station in Kosse Texas when the driver pulled in to ring for help ndash apparently
without considering the consequences Fire spread to the canopy of the station but due to the
local fire brigadersquos close proximity it was quickly extinguished No-one was hurt but damage to the station forecourt and equipment was considerable and the old motorhome gutted
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
18 | News
MOTORHOME SUNROOF
Dutch company Polyplastic is claiming to have invented the first fully automatic sunroof for motorhomes and caravans The
electric roof can be operated whilst driving and will be available from October 2015 for manufacturers and from the (European) summer of 2016 for end users for DIY installations
Initially outer dimensions will be 1850 mm long x 742 mm wide with a height of 75 mm Two other sizes of 655 mm x 1200 mm and 960 x 1200 mm will later become available Total weight of the smallest sunroof including frame is 195 kilos
Various colour options will be available for the heat-insulating acrylic glass Acrylic glass Roxite IQ can also be used which makes the unit resistant to hail damage In addition the sunroof can be manufactured using a special scratch resistant coating Inside a patented acrylic panel system with indirect and individually controllable LED lighting borders the window frame The sunroof can also be operated manually by a switch on the frame or by remote control
Webasto Thermo amp Comfort Australia Pty Ltd 423-427 The Boulevarde Kirrawee NSW 2232 Freecall 1800 244 494 infowebastocomau wwwwebastocomau
Webasto ndash your gas free solution for independent travelling
Thermo Top ndashWater Heaters
DieselCook Top
Air Top ndashAir Heaters
Dual Top ndash Combination Heaters
Quiet powerful operation
Low power amp fuel consumption
Use whilst parked amp on the move
Compact and effi cient
Fast heat up times Can be combined with fan radiators to provide cabin heat
Heat amp hot water from one unit
Easy to use multi-function controller
Low power amp fuel consumption
High cooking power up to 1800 W
No naked fl ame and no fumes
Robust high quality Ceranreg cooking surface
RVCompressorFridges
AU
1325
2
Extensive range of Uprights and Drawers
Available as DC Only or ACDC
Robust high quality with Danfoss Compressors
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The inaugural iMotorhome get-together is being held at of one of Australiarsquos most interesting historical sites ndash Joadja Creek Set deep in a valley on the western fringe of the Southern Highlands of NSW this tranquil and picturesque location was once a thriving industrial centre and township complete with its own railway
Come and meet the iMotorhome team enjoy a guided site tour a tour of the recently completed Joadja Whisky Distillery and delight in an authentic Spanish tapas dinner followed by a few drinks by the camp fire
Wersquove booked out the valley for the weekend but space limited to about 20 motorhomes so book early and secure your spot
Date 11-13 September 2015
Location Joadja Creek Heritage Site NSW
Cost $59 per person
Whatrsquos Includedbull Entry fee
bull 2-nights non-powered camping (FriSat) with basic facilities available
bull Guided historic site tour by the owner
bull Tour of Joadja Whisky Distillery
bull Spanish tapas dinner on Saturday night
ExtrasExtra night (Sun) $6 per person
Beer with dinner $5 each
Wine with dinner $6 glass
Bookings
Email infoimotorhomecomau with your name and contact details and wersquoll put you on the list Payment via EFT required to confirm booking Space is limited so contact us today
Wersquove Booked Out The Valley
iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun
1 Due to licensing restrictions BYO is not available with the Saturday night dinner but okay at other times (like around the camp fire)
2 Access is via several kilometres of dirt road The final 2 km can be tricky after heavy rain and we reserve the right to reschedule or cancel the event due to weather conditions In either case a full refund would be offered
3 Access isnrsquot recommended for coach-sized motorhomes but anything up to about 9 m will be fine
Fine Print (please read)
Click for Google Maps
Now includes
friday night
sausage sizzle
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
20 | News
A third generation is about to take over at RV accessory maker Truma Alexander Wottrich will gradually take over the
reins from his mother thereby continuing the tradition of this successful family company In addition to a mechanical engineering degree Alexander also has a Masters in family business management and last worked for the company Hilti as a technical project manager I am very much looking forward to my new role at Truma and helping to design its future he said The 32 year old already has work experience in many areas of the company and is himself a camping enthusiast Truma says that it will remain a family owned company
TRIED AND TRUMA
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
WINNEBAGO BIRDSVILLE
mdash U1191mdash
$108 374 Drive AwaySuit New buyer Only 24000kms
WINNEBAGO ESPERANCE mdash U1265 mdash
$124956 Drive AwayTow Bar Diesel Heater Low kms
TALVOR KEPPEL mdash TA5008 mdash
$117772 Drive AwayOnly 31000kms 6 berth U Shape
Club Lounge
PRE-OWNED
NEW
5 Melrose Drive Wodonga VIC | 02 6024 4222
We Sell Australia Wide Trade-Ins Welcome AWRVWORLDCOMAU
ArsquoVAN OVATION M8 mdash AV2099 mdash
$139355 Drive AwayLots of Factory Options
WINNEBAGO WHITEHAVEN mdash WB6005 mdash
$154300 Drive AwayOnly 2000kms FREE Solar SAVE $$$
SUNLINER HOLIDAY H531 mdash SU4040 mdash
$180575 Drive AwayIveco Slideout Bed Washing Machine
DEMO
$134060 Drive Away$175390 Drive Away $150794 Drive Away
$114940 Drive Away
The Wirraway 260 SLWith i t rsquos Fu l l Length S l ideout Room amp Apar tment
Sty led Layout
From WIRRAWAY ldquoAustraliarsquos Most Innovative Motorhomesrdquo
Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
For details contact Rob Tonkin - Wirraway Motorhomes 6 Hynes Court Mildura Vic 3500Phone Fax (03) 50 230 230 - New Email infowirrawaycomau amp New Website wwwwirrawaycomau
On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
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Wirraway is a dedicated family owned business striving for Motorhome excellenceOur Motorhomes are our passion Every Wirraway Motorhome is handbuilt and designed by
experienced motorhomers who know the importance of making life easier on the roadNew to our Range is the brilliant lsquolive like a movie starrsquo Wirraway 260 SL
the latest in our 260 series our EuroStyle 260 with itrsquos European styled interiorand ldquoThe Motorhome of the Yearrdquo the Wirraway 260
Wirraway Motorhomes feature opulence style and all the legendary designelectrical and construction innovations that are unique to all Wirraways
Each Wirraway Model is unique - All are a Must SeeView Our New Website to view All Models Download Brochures ampVirtual RealityTours
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On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 copy Rex Willmer
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
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From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
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24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
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11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
22 | News
In the UK the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has identified that once again lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo is the most common contributory
factor included in over 30000 vehicle accidents a year following a Freedom of Information request to the Department for Transport
Analysis of the 2013 contributory factor combinations shows that top of the list was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with a lsquofailure to judge another persons path or speedrsquo These two together were responsible for 13299 accidents or 7 of the total number Next up was lsquofailure to look properlyrsquo combined with lsquocarelessness or recklessnessrsquo or lsquojudged to be in a hurryrsquo These totalled 9132 accidents or 5 of the total
Other reasons to emerge from the data were more than 3000 accidents caused by rsquoslippery roads
due to weather conditionsrsquo combined with lsquoloss of vehicle controlrsquo (number seven on the list) and 1470 accidents caused by lsquoexcessive speedrsquo combined withrsquo losing control of the vehiclersquo
The top 20 combinations of reasons totalled some 200074 accidents The full table can be downloaded HERE and makes interesting reading
Sarah Sillars IAM chief executive officer said ldquoThese figures show conclusively that simple human errors continue to cause the majority of accidents We feel that many people eventually get complacent behind the wheel and inattention creeps in Combine this with fatigue and distractions inside and outside the vehicle and the message is clear that drivers must apply their full attention to driving ndash you simply cannot do two things at once if one of them is drivingrdquo
ACCIDENT CAUSE RESULTS
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
News | 23
P arents drive more than 1800 km a year further than the average Australian drive the equivalent of an extra trip from
Melbourne to Brisbane during the year And the older the kids the more kilometres parents spend behind the wheel new automotive data from Roy Morgan Research shows
Australianrsquos drive an average of 15813 km per year down around 2000 km per year compared with 10 years ago However the 49 million drivers who are parents with children under 18 in the home drive 17659 km per year on average a cumulative 87 billion kilometres annually (like driving to Pluto)
Parents with babies aged 0-2 and toddlers aged 3-5 drive an average 15807 and 15570
kmyear respectively which is close to the norm But all that primary school dropping off and picking up at ages 6-8 takes the total up to 16764 km per year When the kids are 9-11 their parents drive farther still an average 17433 kmyear
Yoursquod think once kids are 12-15 years old there are bikes and public transport to get them round But no Having a new tween or teen in the house adds a massive 1580 km to 19013 km per year And once yoursquore teaching them to drive at ages 16-17 expect to hit your driving peak at 4233 km per year more than the average driver a total 20046 Thatrsquos like a leisurely family road trip ndash from South Korea to South Africa
PARENTS DRIVE FURTHER
wwwebooktravellercomauFor more information visit
From the ocean to the outback and destinations in betweenFancy some scenic touring through the Flinders Ranges or paddling a kayak on Cooper Creek Perhaps a bit of camping solitude in the Gawler Ranges is more to your liking Maybe a spot of fishing at Beachport or just lazing back at Melrose for a couple of days
Whatever your fancy this ebook for iPad contains a selection of 12 of South Australiarsquos most accessible and beautiful destinations that offer travellers great touring and fantastic camping opportunities
Whether yoursquore travelling by motorhome towing a caravan or just packing a tent there are destinations for everyone
12 DESTINATIONS
ONLY $999
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
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T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
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T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
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T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
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The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
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FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
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the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
24 | feature
Our regular feature keeping you in touch with whatrsquos happened and happening in the world of freedom camping in Australia
These stories and more can be found in detail at the Freedom of Choice website indexed by state and town while you can also find the latest news and updates on their Facebook page
1 July ndash Sydney ndash An unexpected proposal
Sutherland Council is proposing an RV camping trial in Sydneyrsquos south
2 July ndash Kulin Council WA ndash Progressive thinkers
This has to be a first for Australia and we congratulate the Council for its progressive thinking and promotion of RV tourism Not only have they taken this bold step for a 2-year trial they also provide 48 hour free parking for RVs right on the main street in a beautiful setting Read item 63 of these Council minutes
7 July ndash RVs are welcome in Eumundi
Recreational vehicle owners are staying where none have stayed before late last year thanks to the $250000 new amenities block and recreational facility at Eumundi on Queenslandrsquos Sunshine Coast
8 July ndash Port Hedland embraces free camping
Recently travellers have been voicing their concerns about a distinct lack of free camping on the West Coast ndash and just like that Port Hedland turns around and makes this sensational move This is a massive win for travel folk who now have the affordability and comfort of this camp while the beautiful mining town itself is already seeing the benefits of the travel dollar
12 July ndash Council wants camping to return to Dumaresq Dam
Community feedback is now being sought for the planned upgrade of Dumaresq Damrsquos recreational area Once complete Council hopes the venue will be Armidalersquos answer to Bondi Beach
14 July ndash There are advantages in attracting the Grey Nomad
Marburg is cashing in on the rise of Grey Nomads and the camping culture by serving up a convenient site for travellers Marburg Showground has become an official home away from home for motorhomes vans and caravans as well as a staging point for local tourists
Freedom Camping
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR RV OWNERS
The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
in ideal conditions Super light
too at 108kg Folds away
quite compact for small storage
To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
bull More Versatile Than Any Other RVbull Camp Anywhere - Itrsquos Self Containedbull Large Bathroom With Shower amp Toiletbull Easy To Operate With Electric Jacksbull Models For Single Extra amp Dual Cabsbull Plus Famous Ozcape Quality amp Support
5th wheeler specialist
hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
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Sep 11-13
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11-13SEP
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Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
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last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
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11-13SEP
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07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
feature | 25 14 July ndash Kenilworth ndash happy campers at
showgrounds
There is a misconception out there that Grey Nomads bring little to communities staying where they can for free and living off the smell of an oily rag But RVs are big business and rural communities like this one are reaping the benefits
14 July ndash WA is taking step to boost RV tourism
Campers heading to popular coastal campsites in four Mid West Shires of Western Australia will soon benefit from $15 million of campsite improvements funded by the Royalties for Regions program Works to install new infrastructure improve camp grounds and upgrade access roads and tracks at Cliff Head Sandy Cape Halfway Bay Lucky Bay and Milligan Island camping grounds will begin soon
15 July ndash Park staff disappointed at moves on RV rules
Mr Pascoe said he doesnt necessarily have an issue with overnight RV-only campersrdquo Well you would never know it if you read the whole article This article brought a huge response on social media
15 July ndash Grey Nomad business is worth chasing
So often we hear claims that Grey Nomads donrsquot spend or as one tourism leader said ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo These business people would argue that point
16 July ndash Cessnock City welcomes RVs
Yet another Council recognising the benefits of attracting the RV traveller Are we starting to see a swing towards positive stories on RV tourism We think so
17 July ndash Elizabeth White says ldquoNot all tourism is good tourismrdquo
This news clip is a few months old but just came to our attention Just love the way the head of the Victorian Caravan Park Association portrays its clients Remember their own research says 85
of RV tourists uses caravan parks either full time or part time Just have to wonder if other business refer to their potential customers in a similar light
18 July ndash Outback benefits from tourism
In the past few months there have been numerous pleas not to desert the Outback due to the continuing drought as they need our help Looks like the pleas have not gone unheeded Nice to see our fellow countrymen getting the support they need to keep their communities viable
21 July ndash Australia just got a little friendlier
We like that catchphrase used in this press release from the City of Port Lincoln announcing it has just become RV Friendly
23 July ndash The grapevine at work ndash Port Hedland
To quote from this story ldquoThe first night there was one van the second night there were five and the third there were thirty and thatrsquos just word of mouth out on the roadrdquo local Councillor Julie Hunt said after the town of Port Hedland decided to install a free site next to the local turf club last month Within three days of the visitor centre posting the announcement on Facebook it had received more than thirteen thousand views
24 July ndash Here we go again ndash Alice Springs this time
Government-owned showgrounds undercutting caravan parks in Alice Springs owners say rdquoIts very disappointing to see Blatherskite Park taking so many caravans local caravan park owner and Councillor Brendan Heenan said
30 July ndash Biggenden does it well
Sometimes a town just does things well and Biggenden must be added to the list with its recently opened RV Stopover For $5 a self-contained RV can now park right in the centre of town The site is the disused railway grounds in the main street and all the shops hotels bakery newsagent etc are just a short stroll away
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
look after everything
This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
artists a Bush Poets breakfast billy tea damper great tucker ndash donrsquot miss it
An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
motorhomes in the largest undercover RV showroom in the
Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
needs too
Australiarsquos leading solar power and satellite TV manufacturers We stock the revolutionary In Flex and
Mini Flex panels Plus our Complete Traveler Satellite TV package is
perfect for motorhomes
In the heart of Victoriarsquos Gippsland region Come and enjoy our natural beauty famous lakes High Country
and expansive beaches Find lsquoExperience 40 Great Things to Dorsquo
on our website too
Australiarsquos leading fifth wheelers designed here in Australia and
built to suit our demanding conditions Fifth wheelers from
24rsquo to 36rsquo available Call 02 4953 7141 for information
T (08) 9493 7933W parklandrvcomau
T 1300 483 249W itechworldcomau bonymountainfolkfestivalcom
T (03) 5144 1108W tourismwellingtoncomau
T 1800 253 136W robertsrvcomau
T (02) 4953 7141W summerlifervcomau
Parkland RV Centre
Bony Mountain Folk Festival
iTech World Wellington Shire
Roberts RV World RV Specialists
We design and manufacture air suspension kits for all types of vehicles including motorhomes
Easy to install they let you lsquolevel uprsquo for stability and safety
Visit our world famous 300 ha open range sanctuary home to some of the most exotic and endangered animals on earth Explore by foot bike electric
cart or in your motorhome
T 1800 AIRBAGW airbagmancomau
T (02) 6881 1400W tarongaorgau
Airbag Man Batteries solar panels inverters alternators and all electrical parts including cables and switches for your motorhome We can find and fix all electrical faults and are 12 V
power specialists
T (07) 3209 3144W batterytraderscomau
Battery Traders Super Store Taronga
Western Plains Zoo
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
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The alternative to a bike25kmh with a range of 40km
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To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
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hitches fully ADR compliantno swayingincreased towing safetyeasy reversingoffroad vans available
The Duvalay memory foam sleeping system - for those who enjoy a comfortable
nights sleep but hate making the bed All the comforts of home while you explore the extraordinary To order simply call (02) 6653 4640 or email infoduvalaycomau
wwwduvalaycomau
Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
Australian market Click through to find out why theyrsquore fast becoming
Australiarsquos favourite tooT (02) 9011 8144W nomadicsolutionscomau
T 0411 616 617W tiffinmotorhomescomau
Nomadic Solutions Tiffin Motorhomes
SSoouutthheerrnnCCaammppeerrvvaannss
SSppiirriitt
sliding amp rear doorFLY SCREEN
shy easy to self installshy Australian amp world wide deliveryfor Sprinter Hiace VW T4T5Ducato Transit from $229
Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
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FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
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wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
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11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
26 | iMotorhome Marketplace
Parkland RV is the official dealer for Avida Motorhomes Crossroads RV and Opal Caravans in WA We stock quality used RVs and our modern service department can
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This great Aussie festival in the bush is on again featuring the legendary Murphyrsquos Pigs Many other great
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An official Avida motorhome dealer with more than 50 new
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Southern Hemisphere Our service department is here for all your
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1
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Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
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Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
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Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
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(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
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Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
iMotorhome Marketplace | 27
The E-Twow Electric scooter for adults
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To find out more call Mark on 0412027330 or email
mje240adamcomauwwwe-twowcom
1
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Nomadic Solutions - the original quality constructed
lsquolifestyletabletradersquo that is easily attached to the side of your
motorhome Now available in lsquomill finishrsquo for custom painting
Americarsquos favourite motorhome is now available in Australia Tiffin
Motorhomes Australia is proud to offer the Allegro Breeze 32 to the
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Over13 1113 years13 cover13 manufacturing13 experience13 Australia13
wideFree13 Measure13 amp13 Quote13 Call13 in13 Factory13 135413 Mons13 Road13 13 Forest13 Glen13 13 Sunshine13 Coast13 Queensland13 13 PH-shy‐130013 30413 332075456481813 wwwcaravancoverscomau13 infocaravancoverscomau13 Qld13 Stockist13 of13 Duvalay13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13
FLEXIBLE STORAGE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR CAMPERVAN OR
MOTORHOMEStore those additional items up and out of
the way using our adjustable transportable and modular storage system
wwwskytrackscomau
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
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last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
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Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
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Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
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66 | Next Issue
Westfaliarsquos club Joker is arguably the worldrsquos smallest motorhomehellip
28 | snapshot Westfalia club Joker
Jolly Joker
by Richard Robertson
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
This issue wersquore taking a break from our usual test program to bring you something different A look at arguably
the worldrsquos smallest production motorhome
Westfalia is one of the oldest manufacturers of motorhomes in Europe The business traces its roots right back to 1844 when founder Johann Bernhard built a forge to manufacture heavy horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods arriving at the newly-built railway station Fast forward a century and in 1951 the first
Westfalia conversion of a Volkswagen T1 Transporter was created as a special order for a British officer stationed in post-war Germany The resulting lsquocamping carrsquo was so successful it soon entered production and the rest as they say is history
From that unlikely beginning every iteration of Volkswagenrsquos venerable Transporter series has been subject to a Westfalia conversion with the current T5 series being no exception Interestingly Westfalia has
Function over form is the order of the day but what function it has German manufacturer Westfalia is a van specialist and has converted every series of VW Transporter since the original T1 Consequently they know a thing or two about space efficiency
snapshot | 29
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
carved a niche for itself not unlike Australiarsquos Horizon Motorhomes in that it only offers van conversions There are only four model ranges in the Westfalia line-up the VW-based Club Joker the Amundsen and Columbus models built on the Fiat Ducato and the Marco Polo based on the all-new Mercedes V-Class (which replaces the Viano and Valente people movers) Impressively ndash and an indication of Westfaliarsquos conversion prowess and quality ndash the Marco Polo is also sold by Mercedes Benz dealers in Europe as a lsquocompact camperrsquo
Decades of maximising every available millimetre show in the design detail of all Westfalia models
Therersquos no doubt some of the designs would feel cramped to your average Australian or New Zealander but bear in mind Europeans are much more accustomed to and adept at living in smaller spaces
Meet the Joker
The Westfalia Club Joker is available in two models the Club Joker City and the Club Joker In a nutshell the difference is the City
is a lower specced model with a narrower main bed and no shower although it still includes a cassette toilet For those willing to forgo an internal shower and who could cope with a 121
Right This slimline panel controls and monitors all vehicle systems including
battery condition heating and hot water Below An optional second bed covers
the rear passenger seats and sleeps one adult or two kids You can see the main bed
overhead folded forward and its tracks between the top and bottom side-windows
30 | snapshot
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
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(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
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last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
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Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
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66 | Next Issue
m (4 ft) wide double bed it actually has a lot going for it ndash including a saving of close to pound5000 (nearly A$11000) on the Club Joker
However itrsquos the range-topping Club Joker thatrsquos the subject of this feature In 2000 Australian manufacturer Trakka built the one-off Trakka 2000 in response to an initiative
by the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia called lsquoRVs of the New Millennium The idea was to showcase to the public the exciting future of RVs and to include as many futuristic innovations as possible with a view to eventual production Using a T4-series Volkswagen Transporter Trakka built a high-roofed
version its pop-top camper of the day but included a rear corner bathroom Sadly the Trakka 2000 didnrsquot become a production reality but it does show the idea of a high-roofed bathroom equipped VW-based motorhome has been around for some time
Referring to the Club Joker which was introduced at the
Decades of maximising every available millimetre shows in the design detail of all Westfalia models
snapshot | 31
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
2012 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon Westfalia says ldquoWith this vehicle the company from Rheda-Wiedenbruumlck carries on more than 60 years of tradition Westfaliarsquos engineers and developers consciously continue to build on the experience gained from converting more than 100000 camper vansrdquo
ldquoA special feature of the new Club Joker is the combination of driving comfort based on the excellent Volkswagen T5 chassis and the unequalled motor home functionality in this class Four permitted seats a big kitchen in the rear side area and the new Westfalia Flex bathroom ndash a toilet-shower room combination ndash make the Club Joker a fully-fledged motor home Westfaliarsquos use of hot water heating is also a trendsetter in this class The vehicle is heated more consistently and for longer compared to a hot air heating systemrdquo
Below The main bed features a clever folding base that incorporates an interesting rubber-spring mattress support system Note step cut-outs in bulkhead behind seat for bed access Bottom You can also use the internal shower outside by running the hose though a hatch and hooking it up under the tailgate Clever
32 | snapshot
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The raised roof allows a raised floor providing invaluable storage space Not sure if the frame on the bathroomrsquos back wall is for an outdoor table or the optional second bed The hatch to the right accesses more storage and houses the 28 kg LPG cylinder below
snapshot | 33
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
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66 | Next Issue
ldquoBut the very best feature is the functional roof especially designed for the Club Joker According to development manager Thomas Siegert it would also have been possible to use a standard roof but this would not meet Westfaliarsquos requirements as regards insulation and quality This functional roof houses an almost 130 m wide double bed and the seating can be converted into an additional bed at the flick of a wristrdquo
Above The bathroomrsquos multi-fold doors are a work of art They conceal the toilet when discretion is desired but reconfigure to enclose the rear section of kitchen floor which lifts to reveal the shower floor pan (see pic on Specrsquos page) Right There are full size motorhomes with much less kitchen storage space Impressive
34 | snapshot
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
At 20 m x 13 m the roof bed is cosy widthways but impressively long Therersquos plenty or light and ventilation and nicknack storage is everywhere
snapshot | 35
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Above The dinette remains fully usable when the roof bedrsquos extended Optional leather upholstery appears beautifully done Note the board for the extra bed stored behind rear seats Left The two-burner cooker is the only gas appliance as the small 50 L fridge is electric while the hot water and heating system is diesel-fired
36 | snapshot
Beyond a Joke
Therersquos no doubt the Club Jokerrsquos looks are a little polarising the result of a function-over-form design brief Also the high-top
wouldnrsquot suit people looking to use this size vehicle as a daily driver if they needed regular access to underground parking Aesthetics and dimensions aside the Westfalia Club Joker is an impressive piece of design and engineering and it would be good to see an Australian or Kiwi manufacturer lsquoembrace some of its features No jokehellip
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
SpecificationsManufacturer Westfalia
Model Club Joker
Class Van Conversion
Berths 2
Base Vehicle Volkswagen T5 Transporter
Engine 20 L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 62 kW 3500 rpm
Torque 220 Nm 1500 rpm
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2540 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 3000 kg
Gross Combined Mass 5000 kg
Towing capacity 2000 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 4
External Length 529 m (17rsquo 4rdquo)
External Width 228 m (7rsquo 6rdquo)
External Height 280 m (9 ft 2 in)
Internal Height NA
Main Bed Size 200 m x 13 m (6rsquo 6rdquo x 4rsquo 3rdquo)
Luton Bed Size NA
Dinette Bed Size 18 m x 11 m (5rsquo 11rdquo x 3rsquo 7rdquo) - optional
Cooktop Dometic 4 burner and grill
Fridge 12 V Compressor 50 L
Microwave NA
Lighting 12 V LED
Batteries 1 x 80 AH
Solar Panels NA
Air Conditioner NA
Space Heater Diesel-fired hot water convection
Hot Water Diesel-fired
Toilet Cassette
Shower Wet bathroom
Gas Cylinders 1 x 28 kg
Water Tank 70 L
Grey Water Tank 70 L
Price - from in UK (not available in AustNZ)
pound47250 (A$100500 approx)
bull Bathroom in a VW T5bull Bed above seating areabull Space utilisationbull Innovationbull Quality
bull Odd looksbull Height limitationbull Expensivebull Long options listbull Unavailable locally
Pros
Cons
ManufacturerWestfalen Mobil GmbH Click for
Google Maps
Franz-Knoumlbel-Straszlige 3433378 Rheda-WiedenbruumlckGermany T +49 5242 150E infoservicewestfalia-mobildeW westfalia-mobilneten
snapshot | 37
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Buy GoshBuying an ex-rental motorhome has proved an interesting experiencehellipby Richard Robertson
Last issue I wrote of my first impressions of our ex-Apollo Rentalsrsquo 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourer christened Project Polly Now
itrsquos time to talk about the process and costs of the purchase and the surprises encountered along the way
Apollo Rentals has a website section devoted to vehicle sales though its Brisbane depot Considering they have 300-plus vehicles a year lsquoretiringrsquo from the rental fleet that comes as no surprise What is surprising is you can buy a new motorhome campervan or caravan from Apollorsquos website Listed are new Winnebago van conversions and motorhomes an Adria
motorhome plus Talvor and Adria caravans But Irsquove digressed
In the Used section where we found Polly is an ever-changing list of Talvor (Apollorsquos in-house motorhome manufacturing brand) models coming off the rental fleet Some are in stock but many are listed as ldquoavailable late Julyrdquo or similar and all include a drive-away price On the website as I write are another two 2010 Ford Transit Euro Tourers identical to Polly for $41490 (269169 km) and $41240 each (275306 km) There are also a couple of 2010 Ford Transit Euro Deluxe C-classes around $60000 a trio of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Deluxe C-classes in the low-to-
38 | Project Polly
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
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11-13SEP
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07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
mid $60000s plus a couple of 2010 VW Crafter Euro Tourers that are essentially a VW version of Polly around the $50000 mark Generic photos are used and therersquos little chance the images shown will be of the exact vehicle listed but they will give you a good idea
Before vehicles are sold they go through a workshop inspection to ensure everything works and all fixtures and fittings are sound Apollo is a licensed Queensland motor dealer and the following are included in the purchase price
bull A Queensland roadworthy certificate
bull A Queensland gas system (LPG) certificate
bull A minimum of six months registration
bull 1 monthrsquos warranty of the vehicle (appliances and motorhome build)
bull 12 months aftermarket mechanical warranty
Buying Processhellip
The purchase process is simple You can email or call about a vehicle and a nominal holding deposit is all thatrsquos
required to secure it Prior to or upon collection you need to transfer the balance into Apollorsquos account On delivery day therersquos the usual paperwork to deal with before one of the team walks you around and through the vehicle
Apollorsquos website invites you to buy new motorhomes and caravans in addition to ex-rental motorhomes Itrsquos well worth a lookhellip
Project Polly | 39
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
giving it a final once-over as they run you through all the features
Apollorsquos depot is only a few kilometres from Brisbane Airport which is good if like me yoursquore flying in to collect Prior to pick-up I arranged insurance and roadside assistance the latter providing real peace of mind for the long drive home Being a business vehicle I opted for an NRMA BusinessWise package which came in at a not-inconsiderable $379 but includes passenger transport and accommodation increased towing allowances and so on Speaking of peace of mind Apollo provides a one month warranty on the appliance and fit-out side of things A 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty is also provided which I talk about at length in a separate piece at the end of this story
The handover was painless despite the reams of paperwork to read sign and nod knowingly at Patient Apollo man Graham guided me though the process explaining everything in detail before escorting me to Polly for the walk-around and hand-over
Unexpected Bonus
As stated the purchase price includes a minimum six months registration In Pollyrsquos case the registration which was
in Victoria had been renewed just a week or so before the sale for a year Had I been a Queensland resident Apollo would have transferred the registration to the Sunshine State but being a lsquoforeignerrsquo made things more complicated
Once back in NSW Polly had to go through a detailed mechanical inspection known in the trade as a Blue Slip plus have the LPG system inspected and certified Because we run LPG-powered cars my mechanic ndash who also owns the local taxi service ndash said he could do both inspections As it happened he couldnrsquot because the gas system inspection is distinct from an LPG vehicle fuel system inspection
Top to bottom Upholstery items were nicely cleaned but wersquoll replace the ageing mattresses and likely lsquoredecoratersquo The modest 80 L Weaco 12240 V fridge was replaced relatively recently but could well have been taken from another vehicle Kitchen cupboards are basic and poorly thought out
40 | Project Polly
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
but he arranged a local gas specialist to come down and check things over Interestingly when I took both certificates to the motor registry to surrender the Victorian plates and transfer registration into New South Wales the clerk had no idea about the gas inspection certificate and waved it away as irrelevant
In a turn of events completely unexpected Apollo covered all the costs of the registration transfer process including stamp duty and paid for six months registration Had it been required they would also have covered any repair costs for the Blue Slip or gas system inspection The only downside was I had to pay all this myself and send receipts to Apollo for a refund but thatrsquos a small ask The icing on the cake was that once the transfer was complete I was able to apply
to Vic Roads for a refund of the unused portion of Pollyrsquos 12-months Victorian registration Talk about win-win It certainly stands in stark contrast to most dealings Irsquove had with motor dealershellip
Bits and Pieces
Being a fleet vehicle Polly didnrsquot come with any written or stamped service history or an ownerrsquos handbook for
that matter On request I did receive a single page printout entitled Short Service History which made for interesting reading Her specific handbook was also found and popped in the post although Irsquom still waiting for the promised driverrsquos side rear mudflap (hint hint)
Apollo get its moneyrsquos worth from its rental vehicles so donrsquot expect a silk purse for the price of a sowrsquos ear Having said that the vehicles seem well priced are regularly maintained and should have years of service left in them
Project Polly | 41
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
No dates were listed in the Short Service History and the earliest service detailed was in Cairns at 214924 km (told you it was short) Next service was in Perth at 230114 km followed by Melbourne at 248442 km I picked her up with 258266 km showing and shersquod had her oil and fluid levels checked but no oil change The sheet says shersquos next due for service at 268000 which means Apollo runs 15-20000 km service intervals For a modern diesel engine using decent oils in a non-stressed environment thatrsquos not too bad Irsquoll probably go 15000 km between changes in future but using a good oil Irsquoll also ensure the oil filter is changed every time
Between Cairns and Perth the fridge was replaced although I donrsquot think it was new and two new rear tyres fitted In Melbourne new front brake rotors and pads plus another new rear tyre (driverrsquos side) were required For the pre-sale checks in Brisbane a new windscreen and front
right tyre were installed while somewhere along the way the other front tyre had been replaced I was also told the air-conditioner dining table and kitchen mixer tap were newreplaced but therersquos no evidence in the list
The only real disappointment came when Graham was demonstrating the vehiclersquos electrical system Polly was plugged into mains power and the (single) house battery was showing 14 volts but the moment he turned on any system it dropped to 12 volts or below Away from the depot and mains power I turned on the interior lights and the gauge for the house battery dropped to less than 10 volts The battery was stuffed and a quick read of fine print showed the battery was not covered by Apollorsquos one month warranty As I had to leave Polly at the Apollo yard for a few days before she went off to have her Reverse Alert braking system fitted I paid $300 to have them fit a new 100 AH AGM house
Polly on pick-up day She looked quite good but closer inspection revealed the (expected) signs of five years as a rental vehicle Good thing Ford buildrsquos lsquoem tough
42 | Project Polly
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The Adria Coral reviewed in Issue 74 is a 6-berth C-class that Apollo Rentals imported to consider for its fleet Innovative well equipped and well priced it has a lot going for it but Irsquom not sure it would survive a full 5 year rental stint Itrsquos a good option for a private buyer though
battery While ahead financially on the registration changeover I found it disappointing that an obviously dying house battery wasnrsquot replaced in the course of the pre-sale checks Had I been a lsquonormalrsquo private buyer and found the battery close to death on my first night away I would have been less than impressed
Bottom Line
Overall Irsquom pleased with my Apollo Rentals purchase experience The process was simple and the vehicles
well priced while the registration cost recovery was a genuine surprise that added value and considerably reduced the expenses associated with a vehicle purchase
What could be better The house battery issue was disappointing while a little more pre-delivery attention to detail would be good like tightening all the cupboard door hinges and making sure
all mud flaps were fitted Having said that they didnrsquot have to do a wheel alignment or replace the wheel inserts so Irsquom not complaining just making observations
Would I recommend an ex-Apollo Rentals motorhome to a friend Yes as long as my friend was realistic The vehicles are basic but functional and Apollo makes the purchase process simple and painless while the extra value of the registration transfer is a real sweetener Of course itrsquos in Apollorsquos interests to shift ex-rental vehicles as quickly as possible so imbuing buyers with good will so theyrsquoll spread the word is a wise move Irsquom sure the vehicles owe them nothing after five years service and they can afford to be generous Herersquos hoping Project Polly proves as reliable and enjoyable as shersquos started out
Project Polly | 43
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
CostsPurchase price and comprehensive insurance aside the following costs were involved in transferring registration to NSW
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
44 | Project Polly
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
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(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
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(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
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Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
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11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Warranty Mattershellip
The warranty situation on used motorhomes and campervans is a complex one and seems to vary by
State For example in Queensland there is no warranty required by law on a used motorhome because it is a used commercial vehicle In NSW a 3 month statutory warranty is required on all used vehicles other than motorcycles provided they are less than 10 years old and have travelled less than 160000 km (so again Polly would have missed out)
To its credit Apollo pays for and provides a 12 month aftermarket mechanical warranty from a company called Australian Warranty Network Pty Ltd (AWN) While the policy covers certain items to a certain degree if certain conditions are metadhered to there are a lot of exclusions For example I discovered under Exclusions (section 6) point A ldquoThis warranty does not coverhellip motorhomes used for hire or commercial purposesrdquo
From a private buyerrsquos perspective itrsquos good Apollo provides the warranty but cover is dependent upon you maintaining a regular service schedule in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and through a qualified motor mechanic at intervals not exceeding 10000 km or six months whichever occurs first Further more because Polly and all her ex-Apollo Rentals siblings have more than 200000 km on the clock a supplementary ldquoMotor mechanics safety check and oil change at intervals not exceeding 5000 km or 3 month whichever occurs firstrdquo is also required Coupons are provided for the service regime and you have to have them stamped and sent off to AWN with receipts within a certain time to ensure coverage
For all that expense and effort AWN covers repairs to a list of specific engine drivetrain and accessory items but with $1000 limit per claim Reading the policy document there are so many conditions and exclusions it seems likely AWN could escape honouring pretty much any claim As a free warranty on a cheap used vehicle itrsquos about what Irsquod expect
However many dealers make good money selling AWN warranties or similar to purchasers of used motorhomes who think theyrsquore buying a factory-style comprehensive warranty My advice is if yoursquore considering buying one please think again If the vehicle is mechanically sound and you have it regularly serviced by a good mechanic yoursquore likely to be fine If not consider the money saved on the warranty as payment in part or full for any repairs and without all the hoops to jump through (like finding an Approved Repairer and getting approval before any repairs commence)
The cost to Apollo of the 12 month warranty on Polly was $1185 ndash a not inconsiderable sum paid on my behalf According to the policy document 36 or 60 month warranties are available for $1335 or $1485 respectively Thatrsquos not much of an increase for a lot longer period but the compliance costs ndash especially if 3-month oil changes are required ndash would be substantial Also consider this The selling dealer receives commission ldquoUp to 6667 of the gross written premiumrdquo Thatrsquos right pay $1485 for a 5 year warranty and the selling dealer could be pocketing up to two thirds of the pre-GST amount or $900 I have nothing against businesses making money but on balance such a warranty doesnrsquot seem worthwhile If yoursquore buying used caveat emptor springs to mind Buyer beware
Blue Slip inspection ndash including four globes $11596
LPG certificate $8250
NSW Green Slip $40662
NSW Stamp Duty and 12 months Business Registration $155800
Total Costs $216308
Apollo refund of transfer costs and 6 months registration $159100
Refund of balance of Victorian registration $87104
Total Refunds $246204
Credit balance in our favour $29904
Less new house battery $30000
Out of pocket expenses $ 096
Project Polly | 45
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Snow Place Like Home
Be it ever so humble sometimes therersquos no place like a mobile homehellip
46 | Longtermer update Horizon Motorhomes casuarina
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
After 77 issues the iMotorhome production system runs like a well oiled machine The main lubricant is electricity
and much of the lsquomachineryrsquo exists in the internet Take one away and itrsquos bothersome take both away and therersquos trouble Take both away on our main production day and itrsquos a recipe for disaster ndash which is exactly what happened last issue
Friday 18 July dawned quiet Too quiet There was no rush of lsquodivine windrsquo ndash our nickname for the central heating system ndash and no life on the face of the clock radio when I peeped over the doona ldquoBlackoutrdquo I muttered out loud although as Mrs iMotorhome was in New York it was only for my own benefit A cold front of semi-Biblical proportions had been forecast overnight but so had one the week before and nothing much had happened Living in rural Australia you become accustomed to the
vagaries of the power system when the winds are upstorms are thunderingGod is acting
Turning on my mobile a text message chimed ldquoOMG hop up and look out the windowrdquo It was my neighbour I did ldquoOMGrdquo I replied The world outside was white Snow had been forecast on the Northern Ranges and the Snowy Mountainrsquos ski fields but nothing had been forecast locally Snow flurries fall here most winters and almost 11 years ago to the day (when we first moved in) we had a fall of a couple of inches overnight This morning we had four to five inches of snow no electricity and I had a magazine to get outhellip
Although connected to the electricity grid we have a cooktop that runs on bottled LPG and a wood heater in our main living area Running through my mental checklist I could cook and stay warm and work as long as
The snow came from the back of the house so Cassie and our ute faired better than they otherwise might have Despite the cold the Ducato fired up immediately showing -25ordmC on the outside temperature gauge How I wished for a diesel-fired heater
Longtermer update | 47
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
the laptop and iPhoneiPad batteries held out (the latter for mobile internet connection) Itrsquos a sad indictment of Australian infrastructure that here on the edge of the lsquoBushrsquo we have significantly faster internet through a mobile phone via Vodafone than we do through the copper-wired broadband connection Telstra provides Upload speeds are something like four to six times faster on average and on rare occasions 4G wafts our way from Mittagong which increases the difference by a factor of 10 it seems I also have a Telstra mobile data sim card in my iPad which is especially useful when travelling Both my iPone and iPad hotspot to my laptop so on this wintery morning I could eat keep warm and work So off I went and boiled the kettle lit the fire and cooked an omelette
I figured power would soon come back on and there were tentative bleeps from a few devices on a couple of occasions that gave me confidence Confidence waned however when an hour passed following the last bleep and there was no still sign of life The fire was roaring and I was sharing photos on social media when the mobile phone network slowed
Top All set up and ready to start work The single bed layout works well with the tablersquos Lagun-brand mount allowing the lsquodeskrsquo to be swung out of the way without disturbing things Above Front-wheel drive plus Continental Four Seasons tyres rated for mud and snow proved their worth
48 | Longtermer update
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Above Heading out The only danger was the chance of sliding off the driveway and getting bogged Right Heading straight back again to get my laptop and phone chargers Despite being uphill and icy there were no traction issues thankfully
and then went down ldquoNo Servicerdquo my iPhone declared so I turned on the iPad and cranked up that stalwart of bush communications Telstra Mobile One bar reception and no internet connection was the best it could offer With a sudden feeling of total isolation and the implications it had for magazine production there was only one course of action Well two actually but I couldnrsquot get to a phone to call Supermanhellip
Enter Cassie
Thatrsquos where our longterm Horizon Motorhomersquos Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash came in She was sitting partially snowbound
on the driveway and had she had a diesel heater is where I would have been sitting all morning She was also my Plan B for recharging the laptop and phone batteries
Longtermer update | 49
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Now Cassie loomed as the only thing between publishing doom or redemption (cue dramatic music)hellip
The Friday before publishing is our production day when the bulk of the magazine is laid out Agnes downloads the stories and images Irsquove previously uploaded to Dropbox and gets to work While she could do that with me incommunicado shersquod need lsquoRicardorsquo to answer the many questions that always arise With no power and now no phone there was only one thing for it Hit the road in Cassie
I packed not only the office but clothes and supplies for a (cold) night away Cassie fired up easily despite the -25ordmC showing on the outside temperature gauge While I scraped snow and ice from the windscreen the demister did its best to clear condensation off the inside and started to warm the cabin Preparing to head out I was grateful Cassie
was a Fiat Ducato Firstly in snow and ice front-wheel drive is best because the driving wheels also steer On a rear-wheel drive the driving wheels push straight ahead often despite where the front wheels are pointing Secondly Cassie was fitted with Continental-brand Vanco Four Seasons tyres that have a chunky tread pattern rated for mud and snow They came in very handy
Our driveway is downhill and apart from splashing through the snow there were no problems The Ducato was unfazed and once out on the road picking our way through a veritable frozen soup of snow slush and downed vegetation took it all in its stride Imagine my annoyance when just up the road I realised Irsquod left the laptop and phone chargers behind Despite 250-odd metres of uphill snow covered driveway Cassie wasnrsquot bothered and having collected said chargers we were off again But where to
Left Stopping to open the gate in a pond of semi-frozen slush Thank goodness for gumboots Right A neighbourrsquos cattle lunching on a fallen branch The snow brought down the limbs of many eucalypts which lead to major power disruptions
50 | Longtermer update
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Roadside Office
Sydney seemed the obvious choice being both warmer and sure to have mobile phone
internet coverage No sooner did I crest Catherine Hill on the Hume Highway than my phone sprang to life but I continued north and made for the 7-Eleven service centre on the freeway at Pheasants Nest There the outside temperature gauge was showing a balmy 85ordmC and I had full Vodafone 4G coverage (though only 3 bars of Telstra 3G ndash go figure) Not only that 7-Elevn does a great coffee for $1 and decent packaged sandwiches for $5 What more did I need While travellers of all shapes and sizes came and went for reasons equally varied over the rest of the morning and well into the afternoon the little blue Horizon motorhome parked innocuously out the back became iMotorhome Central
My OMG neighbour promised to call when power returned but as shadows lengthened there was still no word There were some things to do in Bowral before close of business so with the magazine back on schedule I headed homeward hoping against hope my neighbour had simply forgotten to call She hadnrsquot Night was falling and it was decision time Deciding to head back to Pheasantrsquos Nest and continue working I stopped by my neighbourrsquos to ask them to keep an eye on the bewildered horses (why is the grass cold and white)
Right Heading out again on Friday night Still no power but at least the snow looked pretty bathed in Cassiersquos side clearance lights Bottom Working away on issue 76 at the Pheasantrsquos Nest service area Note my phone cable in the wall-mounted USB charger I sat the phone in the magazine pouch for mobile internet reception Very handy
Longtermer update | 51
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
It turned out they had a large generator running a hotchpotch array of lights the water pump and heater and TV for the kids They were also on their way out to dinner To cut a long story short I baby sat while working at their dining table which was drawn right up to a roaring wood fire I also got to share the kids dinner pizza and potato gems baked on the fire By the time they returned around 10 we were still without power and just a few minutes later as I headed for the door the generator ran out of fuel As they called it a night ndash extra fuel is for pessimists ndash I headed home with a cunning plan in mind Once there I boiled the kettle in Cassie and filled a pair of hot water bottles then raced into the house and jumped into bed
Day Twohellip
Come first light there was still no power Snow was still thick on the ground and with no power and a magazine
to publish in just a few hours it was back into Cassie and straight into town That was right after heating water in the kettle to wash my face clean teeth and make myself half presentable After breakfast under the Arches I parked in the sunshine near Mittagong town centre set-up office and got back to business
It was still just 5ordmC outside and not a whole lot warmer inside despite the Sunrsquos best efforts when the most beautiful text message ever arrived ldquoPower Woooohoordquo It was 948 am and wersquod been lsquopowerlessrsquo for nearly 31 hours I packed up drove home cranked up the central heating and got to work
As it happened Issue 76 came out about an hour earlier than our target time of 3 pm Despite the challenges of the preceding day-and-a-bit we made it and while I could have done it without Cassie having her there provided the flexibility and freedom to easily adapt to challenges not previously encountered A motorhome like the Horizon Casuarina provides insurance in times of trouble and in a world beset by climate change weather events thatrsquos not an inconsiderable comfort
If everything goes to plan the next Longtermer report will be the last Cassie has been with us for three months and sadly itrsquos time for her to head home The good news is wersquore bringing home Project Polly so wersquoll still have a mobile office in case the Fickle Finger of Flakes points our way on future publishing days Snow telling when that might behellip
Working by candlelight at a neighbourrsquos dining table pulled up close to their wood fire
52 | Longtermer update
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Not everybody found the snow bothersome Another neighbour spent the morning with her kids building this snowman and one or two others School buses were cancelled and many local schools shut so why not
Longtermer update | 53
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
A re you interested in Australian bush heritage and appreciate seeing it kept alive Then you should consider
attending the Man from Snowy River Festival held in MarchApril each year in Corryong Victoria
The 4-day Festival which requires 350 volunteers to run smoothly attracts some 18000 annually and injects more than $8 million into the local community Impressively 2015 was the 21st anniversary ndash a major milestone for what started as a simple community-based get together
We particularly enjoyed the reenactment of Banjo Patersonrsquos Man from Snowy River ballad an integral part of the Festival held at Khancoban Station just outside the town More than 5000 people watched the brilliantly
choreographed and presented 2 hour program where we witnessed the chase of the mountain horses and listened to a recital of this iconic poem Note Itrsquos better to take the free shuttle buses rather than your motorhome to this event
Other program highlights include
bull Bush poetry and music (The all-girl Mc Clymonts were this yearrsquos headline act)
bull A wide range of equestrian events including the conclusion of the 4-day Rileyrsquos Ride involving 50 horsemen who travel through rugged scenery from Tom Groggin Station to Corryong
bull A Rodeo and Campdraft
54 | Travel
Cracking Good TimePut The Man From Snowy River Festival on your calendarhellipby Alan Price
Cracking Good Time
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Click for Google Maps
bull Working cattle dog championships whip cracking competitions packhorse events bullock team and more
bull A Street parade and bush markets
Corryong is a vibrant rural town with a population of 1500 in the Upper Murray region at the foothills of the Australian Alps Itrsquos 130 km east of AlburyWodonga along the scenic Murray Valley Highway
Excellent unpowered camping is available on the fairways of the golf course which adjoins the Festival site It pays to arrive a few days early as by the Friday there were some 900 campsites set up Camping costs a flat $100 for the week Organisers bring in a number of semitrailers that are self-contained toilet and shower blocks and these work much better than the lsquoPorta Loorsquo style showers we have seen at many other festivals Camping is also available at nearby caravan parks However by staying on the golf course it is only a short walk to the Festival site or to the townrsquos main street
We think itrsquos the best festival wersquove attended and really enjoyed the atmosphere If you have a passion for Australian folklore literature and music plus a love of all-things bush be sure to put it on your calendar for 2016
Fast Facts
The Man From Snowy River Festival Corryong Victoria 3707
When 31 March ndash 3 April 2016
T (02) 60761992
E adminbushfestivalcomau
W bushfestivalcomau
F wwwfacebookcompagesThe-Man-From-Snowy-River-Bush-Festival
Travel | 55
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
56 | feature
Global Adventurer
Australian school salutes little known local global adventurerhellip
by Lorraine Horsley and Emma Wynne ABC Perth
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Below Ben Carlin and second wife Elinore in the early days of their marriage Bottom On tour in Japan for Standard Oil Carlin need sponsorship for fuel to continue his travels
feature | 57
W estern Australian adventurer Ben Carlin made headlines when he went on an eight-year journey over both
land and sea in an amphibious army Jeep after World War II and now his old school is paying homage to his incredible story
His vehicle has battled hurricanes in the Atlantic has crossed Asia and Africa and is now on permanent display at his old school Guildford Grammar in Perth as a reminder of an extraordinary eccentrics solo voyage
Ben Carlin was an adventurer Richard Offen from Heritage Perth said
Carlin was born in Northam in 1912 After leaving school he became an articled law clerk before studying mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines
He emigrated to China in 1939 and worked in a British coal mine Mr Offen said
Major Service
During the war he served in the Royal Indian Engineers and rose to the rank of major
It was shortly after the war in 1946 that he first saw an amphibious Jeep and decided to travel to United States to try to buy one for himself In 1947 he was able to buy the Ford GPW Jeep from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for $US901 He then spent a year remodelling the Jeep installing a new hull to carry extra fuel building a bunk behind the seats and putting in aircraft instruments and a radio transceiver
Carlin named his vehicle the Half Safe after an Arrid deodorant radio commercial at the time that used the slogan Dont be half safe - use Arrid to be surerdquo The deodorant company Guildford Grammar School archivist Rosemary Waller explained had no connection to Carlin and did not sponsor the journey The adventurer just appeared to like the name
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
He initially thought he could travel around the world in one year but suffered a setback in 1947 when during a test run between Annapolis in Maryland and New York City he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the vehicles fumes
Around the world from Nova Scotia
I n June 1948 Carlin married his second wife Elinore and after several more trials the couple finally began the round the
world journey in the Half Safe on July 19 1950 The couple departed from Halifax in Nova Scotia
After 32 days at sea they eventually made landfall at Flores in the Azores (an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic) The next leg of the trip was the Azores to Madeira which should take only nine or 10 days but took 23 days because there was a hurricane in the Atlanticrdquo Mr Offen said
The adventure then continued from Madeira to Cap Juby [in southern Morocco] and then [travelled] overland to Europe Following this the Jeep was totally rebuilt in England between 1952 and 1954
Carlin used the time in England to write a book called Half Safe Across the Atlantic by JeepThe marriage between the adventurer and Elinore was by then reportedly very shaky
The marriage didnrsquot last with Elinore lsquojumping shiprsquo in Melbourne and returning to England
58 | feature
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The second part of the trip began in May 1954 when the couple drove overland through south-western Europe Turkey Iraq Iran and through Pakistan to Calcutta Mr Offen said
At that point the couple were out of money again and their publisher suggested a side trip to Australia to promote the book sending them money for expenses to get them there The Half Safe was sent by ship to Fremantle and arrived in October 1955 but the book tour was a disaster The reviews were poor and signed copies of the book never reached stores
It was in Melbourne that Elinore decided to spit the dummy and said that she had had enough of the adventure and the marriage and left Ben to do the rest of the trip with a series of different ship mates Mr Offen said The Half Safe was shipped back to Calcutta and continued east
The next journey from Calcutta was by sea The journey then continued overland from
Half Safe was an ingenious craft but living conditions were spartan Mechanical troubles dogged the adventure too
feature | 59
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Rangoon to Bangkok Carlin reckoned there was one stretch of road in southern Burma that was the worst part of the whole trip He then travelled to Japan where he was again out of money and tried to raise funds for the next leg of the trip He sued his publisher over poor sales of the book and eventually the Standard-Vacuum Oil Company agreed to fuel Half Safe for the North Pacific crossing in exchange for an 18-day promotional tour of Japan
Boye De Mente an American magazine editor who had been living in Japan for several years joined for the voyage as Carlin travelled to Alaska in June 1957 Ms Wallers records showed within five days there were problems with the fuel tank that was towed behind the Jeep and Carlin had started behaving erratically He arrived in Alaska on September 2 1957 and Boye De Mente left the trip
Carlin travelled alone across the US for eight months stopping off in Hollywood to work on a film deal about his journey which never eventuated
60 | feature
Above Half Safe on Waterloo Bridge London at the start of the adventure Below Sailing into New York and on tour in Japan
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Finally on May 13 1958 7 years and 10 months after he set out across the Atlantic Ben drove west towards Montreal He had travelled 62744 miles overland and 17780 miles over water He crossed four oceans and five continents and became the only person in history to circumnavigate the globe by both land and sea in the same vehicle The Half Safe remained in the US while Ben returned to Australia Mr Offen said
Elinore later married an airline pilot she and Carlin had met in Madeira Carlin married again on June 1 1963 to a woman named Cynthia who was just 21 years old at the time
They were separated less than six months later in December 1963 and divorced the following year
Sadly Ben died in Perth in 1981 Mr Offen said Guildford Grammar School bought the Half Safe and brought it back from the US to the school where it is on permanent display
Half Safe dwarfed by a passenger liner in New York Its diminutive size makes Carlinrsquos achievements all the more remarkable
feature | 61
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
62 | Mobile Tech
By Emily Barker
Fuel Map Australia
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
The developers of WikiCamps have come up with another handy app for travellers Fuel Map And just like WikiCamps itrsquos
a crowdsourced wealth of information Fuel is one of the most fundamental necessities and any traveller knows how important it is to stay on top of the entire situation Price location facilities and even consumption are all important considerations Whether you are planning your trip in detail or simply following the road Fuel Map is a handy tool that can save you both time and money Itrsquos also free which as always is even better
Similar to Petrol Spy Fuel Map relies on users to input and update data including station locations details and of course prices It is important to keep in mind however that due to the nature of user sourced information details (especially prices) might not always be current particularly in remote areas You can however see when the information was last edited
The app itself is very professional and Wikicamps
has an active administration team that seems to act upon user feedback promptly This not only ensures happy campers it also encourages contributors and means they understand what works in an app
Fuel watch is clean and crisp its function is straightforward and so is its use The initial set up is as simple as choosing your fuel type from the drop-down list at the top of the screen and deciding if you wish to manually search for an area or utilise your devicersquos location services to identify nearby stations Locations of stations are shown on the map as a branded pin Independent stations have a generic bowser icon while all the main players are easily identifiable Directly above the brand in map view the last known fuel price is displayed making it quick and simple to use when yoursquore on the go
This app might be simple but there are quite a few details that elevate it to a certain standard and justify WikiCampsrsquo top developer badge Once a stationrsquos icon is selected you can view
Mobile Tech | 63
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
the address contact number distance from where you are directions and the services and amenities offered A tap on the icons also reveals their meaning but most are straightforward ATM car wash high-flow diesel gas bottles 24 hr service rigid vehicle access etc This is where you can edit the stationrsquos details and of course update prices You can also use the handy log to record purchases This allows you to view usage and track consumption handy when it comes to keeping a record of the distance yoursquove travelled and the cost One other interesting feature is the ability to view fuel price history thereby possibly working out the price-cycle in major areas
Most people enjoy chasing a bargain and very few appreciate paying more than necessary for anything Especially fuel Weighing in at only 22 MB this app is a lightweight convenient and
potentially very useful addition to any travellers arsenal Still relatively new Fuel Map is getting some great user reviews The general consensus seems to be lsquoget on boardrsquo as the more people post up-to-date prices the better the app will get Part of the joy of travel is to discover new and exciting places Part of the joy of this app is not having to pay top dollar to get there
Fast FactsAndroidiPadiPhoneCost FreeSize 22MB
64 | Mobile Tech
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Advertisers Index | 65
AirBag Man 26
Albury Wodonga RV World 21
Australian Motor Homes 13
Avida 7
Battery Traders Super Store 26
Bony Mountain Folk Festival 26
Caravan amp Motorhome Covers 27
Duvalay 27
eBook Traveller 23
e-Twow Electric Scooters 27
Frontline Campervans 2
iMotorhome 19
iTech World 26
Nomadic Solutions 27
Northcoach Equipment 15
Outback Travel Australia 22
Ozcape Campers 27
Paradise Motor Homes 7
Parkland RV Centre 26
Robertrsquos RV World 26
RV Specialists 26
Southern Spirit Campervans 27
Skytracks 27
Taronga Western Plains Zoo 26
Tiffin Motorhomes 27
Trakka 10
Webasto 18
Wellington Shire 26
Winnebago 4
Winjana RV 27
Wirraway Motor Homes 20
Advertisers Index
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue
Aug 14-16
Border RV amp Camping Expo
Wodonga Racecourse Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga Vic 3690 bull Open 1000-600 daily
(400 last day)bull Parking $12
(Take free train instead)bull Adults $18bull Seniors $12bull Kids School age free with adult
Sep 11-13
Penrith Caravan Camping amp Holiday Expo
Penrith PanthersMulgoa Road Penrith NSWbull Open 900-500 daily
(400 Sunday)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $10bull Kids U16 free with adult
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Aug 07-09
Mid North Coast Caravan amp Camping Show
Wauchope Showgrounds Beechwood RdWauchope NSW 2446 bull Open 900-500 daily (400
last day)bull Parking Freebull Adults $15bull Seniors $11bull Kids U16 free
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general
Drop us a line at infoimotorhomecomau and wersquoll happily promote it in this calendar
Our longterm Horizon Motorhomesrsquo Casuarina ndash Cassie ndash returns to her ancestral home of Ballina before next issue
and while wersquore up there Mrs iMotorhome and I will be checking our Horizonrsquos largest model the Grevillea Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter extra-long wheelbase van the floorplan wersquore reviewing
features an interesting permanent double bed with a power-operated sideways lift for easy under-bed storage access Watch out for it
Wersquoll also make a final report on our long term Casuarina plus start to look in earnest at the wish list of upgrades and modifications for our very own Project Polly Therersquos an interesting reader article about travel in remote ares plus Malcolm will be back and we should find space for some of his USA travel photos
Issue 78 will be out on Saturday 15 August Until then why not join our more than 27000 Facebook
Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai Facebook ldquof rdquo Logo RGB ai
Friends and Twitter followers and share laughs fun and more
Groovy Grevillea
Click for Google Maps
Visit Website
Click for Google Maps
Click for Google Maps
Visit WebsiteVisit Website
11-13SEP
14-16AUG
07-09AUG
66 | Next Issue