New Zealand
iMotorhome Issue 6: April 2017
Covi2017! More to see than ever‌
Feature
Melbourne Show
2 About iMotorhome
iMotorhome New Zealand magazine is published on the first Saturday of each month and is available by free subscription from www.imotorhome.co.nz. Reader contributions are always welcome! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Facebook “f ” Logo
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Published by iMotorhome
Design and Production
PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.
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ABN: 34 142 547 719
E: chris@imotorhome.co.nz
Christopher O'Hare
T: +61 414 604 368 E: info@imotorhome.co.nz W: www.imotorhome.co.nz Publisher
Legal
Publisher/Managing Editor
© 2017 iMotorhome. All content of iMotorhome New Zealand Magazine 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 and/or loss arising from reading and/or acting upon information contained within iMotorhome New Zealand Magazine or any iMotorhome websites.
Richard Robertson E: richard@imotorhome.co.nz Editor Malcolm Street E: malcolm@imotorhome.co.nz
RANGER
2016
RELEASE
Sunliner Ranger a Multi Terrain Explorer Motorhome A perfect solo explorer vehicle. The Ranger can be easily drive through city streets and park in suburban driveways, but when you need it you can head to the bush and really get off the grid. The Ranger is fully self-contained, with bathroom, kitchen and sleeping facilities on board; the comforts of home are always with you. If you want to be lakeside, chasing the surf or exploring the outback, the Ranger gives you the freedom to take your passions wherever the road leads you.
www.sunliner.co.nz VIDA
RIALTA
RANGER
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PINTO
NAVIAN
MONTE CARLO
4 Street view
Kia ora!
H
aera mai from the Covi Motorhome and Caravan Outdoor Supershow. Mr iMPublisher and I are here for a few days checking out the latest and greatest from the New Zealand RV industry. To say the least, it’s very busy and all the dealers and manufacturer told us they sold at least 20 motorhomes or caravans on day one! Well, we know they like to exaggerate a bit, but there were plenty of people clearly doing some serious looking. It’s always tempting to delve into the differences between the Australian and New Zealand RV industries. Although they look the same on the surface, underneath they are very different and anyone considering doing business in both countries needs to get their head around that before they start. A mistake could be very costly. Apart from anything, NZ is a much more motorhome orientated country and that makes a difference on a number of fronts. The import-to-local manufacture ratio is also very different. I must confess to being a little surprised to meet one Australian manufacturer whose product has been in NZ for quite a few years and have him tell me this was his first time at an NZ show! Still, he did tell me which particular niche his products are aimed at and it isn’t a bad target. One other key difference lies in the economies of both countries. Delving into the murky subject of politics, NZ certainly has the edge, with a much more stable situation. Sure there are no revolutions going on in Australia, but burning through five Prime Ministers in as many years is no claim to fame, nor does it do much for economic stability. NZ seems to have a growing economy that hasn’t come from either a large mining or industrial sector. That confidence is certainly reflected in the RV industry, which is moving along nicely thank you very much, and with any number of buyers ready to snap
up something new and shiny. It’s also benefiting from substantial tourism, which has very positive effects on motorhome rental that of course flow on elsewhere in the industry. Something I often do at shows, especially when tired of walking, is to find a comfortable seat in a motorhome that takes my interest. Spending a little time there is often quite instructive in what other show goers think. It’s also interesting what they assume or don’t see. One particular Bürstner motorhome, a new Lyseo model, has the next best thing to the time honoured NZ Back. You know, that club lounge at the rear with windows all round. This layout didn’t quite have the full club lounge but it had everything else. Any number of people came through and said something like, “Oh forget this, you have to make the bed up every night,” and departed. What they failed to do was look up. In addition to the front drop down bed that many Bürstner designs have, this layout also had a drop down bed in the rear. The importer, SmartRV, told me they had long requested some variant of the NZ Back, but clearly they should have had a team member in that motorhome full time! Meanwhile, on the Dethleffs stand a number of motorhomes had single beds in the rear and many potential buyers didn’t hang around long enough to find out that a double bed is also available! Ask questions folks – your dream motorhome might well be available! Once again the Covi Supershow has been a great event, with plenty of goodies on display and showing strong evidence for things going very well for the NZ RV industry. May it long continue!
Haere ra
Malcolm
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6 Contents
2
About Us
8
Behind the Wheels
Who we are, where and other legal stuff
Exciting Times!
4 10
Street View Kia ora!
News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
20
Covi Motorhome & Caravan Supershow
30
Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Supershow
40
Feature: 4x4 Motorhomes
46
TechTalk
54
MobileTech
64
Next Issue
More to see than ever...
Showtime, Australian style...
Serious conversions for off-road adventures
Look after your loo!
Apps for every fisherman
What’s coming up in our April Issue!
50
Roadside Eats
58
What's On
Anzac Biscuits
Things to do for the next three months!
Header 7
Choose your own adventure.
Whether it’s off the beaten track or across to the next town, the TrailLite fleet features a range of motorhomes and caravans designed to cater for every taste of adventure and every budget. We’ve thought of everything. Auckland 77 Paerata Road, Pukekohe
Christchurch 280 Main South Road, Hornby
8 Behind the Wheels
Exciting Times!
T
he Covi Show 2016 was the birthplace of iMotorhome New Zealand. Malcolm has been motorhoming in the Shaky Isles for years – driven by a love of skiing – and had been on my case for some time to kick off this magazine. So, last year I came to Covi and the rest, as they say, is history (with a few hiccups along the way). If I thought last year's show was interesting and exciting, this year's was even more so. Straddling, as Malcolm and I do, the Industry in both countries it's difficult to overstate the differences between them. The most obvious is the reversal of the motorhome/caravan split. By that I mean in Australia motorhomes account for five to ten percent of the total RV market, while here it's basically the reverse. But that's only part of the story. In the little corner of the Australian RV Industry that motorhomes occupy, the rate of change often seems glacial. Go to one show for the year and you've basically been to them all, while new models are quite a big deal and new players in the market almost unheard of. The New Zealand RV scene, by comparison, is jumping out of its skin! There’s an excitement here – a buzz – the Australian industry can only dream of. New players, new models and new ideas seem to be everywhere and I have a theory as to why it’s so. Spoiler alert: if you pine for the good old days of local manufacturing and the status quo, don't read any further… Because NZ hasn't had an auto manufacturer/ assembly business for donkeys years; because you haven't burdened yourselves with special rules and regulations that view proven international engineering standards as suspect at best and inferior at worst; because you have a stable political system that has encouraged taking some risks and embracing some change, and because while consumers still value New Zealand-made they want innovation, quality, variety and value;
for all these reasons and more you have the RV industry Australians can only dream of. I know there have been tears along the way and the transition from manufacturing proven (read ‘largely old fashioned’) designs to being an import driven industry hasn't been without pain or cost, but the results are astounding. Importantly, local manufacturing, albeit on a reduced level, is alive and well, and from what I've seen is now producing highly desirable world-class products. What's fascinating from my perspective is that even in a market as small as New Zealand's, diversity and choice are driving the industry to new heights (and rewarding buyers with unprecedented choice). And then there's Australia. Yawn. We have a very long way to go… So congratulations are in order to all of you! Congratulations to the RV industry – the same industry many thought would die under the tsunami of imports, but which is now doing better than ever. And congratulations to buyers because you've been prepared to take purchase risks which, in the long run, appear to be paying handsome dividends.
The New Zealand Recreational Vehicle Industry is an exciting thing to be involved with right now. Tourism numbers continue to climb, fuelling the rental business and (some) manufacturing, while buyers are clamouring for new products and seemingly getting ever increasing choice. It doesn't get much better than this! Or maybe it does. Who knows? All I know is these are exciting times indeed and long might they continue. And thanks for taking iMotorhome along for the ride!
Richard
10 News
Latest News NEWS WANTED If you, your company or organisation have topical news to share with the wider motorhome community then let iMotorhome New Zealand know. Reader letters relating to news, articles in this issue or other topics are also encouraged. Send all correspondence and images to editor@imotorhome.co.nz and we’ll do our best to include it.
AVIDA’S NEW TORQUAY The new Torquay motorhome from Avida is a replacement for the Menindee. Undoubtedly the standout feature on this 8.05m (26’ 5”) motorhome is the driver’s-side slide-out, which fills over two thirds of the wall, and which contains the east-west bed, fridge and a cafe dinette. Consequently there's plenty of room for the full width rear bathroom and large kitchen. Based on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 519 CDI, the Torquay has a GVM of 5000 kg and comes with the superb Benz 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel that delivers 140 kW through a super smooth 7-speed fully auto gearbox.
The Dream Starts Here At SmartRV we consider ourselves to be your dream team.
Automatic
Ixeo IT728G
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As the leading importer of quality European made motorhomes, we specialise in finding and fitting just the right motorhome for every customer. Come and see New Zealand’s most extensive range of trend-setting Bürstner and Carado vehicles and consult our expert staff for all your individual requirements. The SmartRV commitment to excellence includes sales and full service centres in both Auckland and Christchurch. Set your dream free today with SmartRV. See our full range at smartrv.co.nz or visit us in Auckland or Christchurch.
599
$139,900
2
1
Bürstner Nexxo T740
699
$149,900
2
1
Bürstner Lyseo IT728G
749
$153,900
4
Bürstner Lyseo IT744
4
230
Bürstner Nexxo T690G
230
2
230
2
230
230
Bürstner Ixeo Time IT590
749
$162,900
749
$165,900
Prices include GST and on roads costs. Prices and specifications are current as at April 2017 but are subject to change.
It is hard to find a truly customer service orientated company but we definitely feel that SmartRV is one of those companies. Scott & Della Smith, Auckland
Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by
11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz For opening hours see smartrv.co.nz
12 NEWS12
ELDDIS MOTORHOMES ARRIVE For some years now the RV Leisure Centre at Nelson has mostly sold motorhomes from the THL empire. However, in recent times they have jumped on the Euro bandwagon and at the Covi Show, unveiled the Elddis range of motorhomes. Like the caravans, Elddis motorhomes are made in Britain, and are built on a Peugeot Boxer cab-chassis with a 96 kW/320 Nm turbo-diesel. In case you think it looks like a Fiat Ducato, it does because that is what it's based on. The B-class Encore is a typical example of an Elddis motorhome, at least the ones we saw. It has an external length of 7.4 m (24’ 4”) and features a layout with an east-west island bed, combo bathroom, split kitchen and a front lounge area with sideways facing lounges and swivelling front seats. Another model, the Autoquest, had a very clever design in which a sideways-facing lounge could convert into a forward-facing seat-beltequipped single travel seat.
NEW KEA VOYAGER Something a little different from the RV Super Centre is the Voyager, the prototype of which was on display at the Covi Show. For the first time KEA is using a Renault Master, which comes with a 2.3-litre 110 kW/350 Nm turbo diesel. It has an external length of just 5.5 m (18’), which does bring a few challenges, not the least being where the bed might go, but KEA has sorted that by fitting a dropdown bed above the two sideways facing lounges in the rear. Add to that a combo bathroom behind the driver and a small kitchen behind the passenger seat. The Traveller isn’t going to suit those who want serious space, but this little van is just brilliant for a weekender or those who love lightweight travel. It's also a great size for around town transport.
14 News
NEW CONQUEST FROM JAYCO Jayco is another company which has Renault Master-based motorhomes in its fleet. In this case it’s a Freedom 23-4, which is a 4-berth motorhome measuring 23’ 10” (7.26 m). Jayco has opted for a slightly unusual layout, with an NZ-style club lounge in the rear and a drop down bed above. Being a C-class motorhome the Luton peak houses the other two beds above the cab. In another change from the usual, the bathroom is located directly behind the driver's seat but the kitchen, more conventionally, is positioned mid-motorhome. To find out more contact South Auckland Caravan Centre on 09 271 3434 or visit the website by clicking here. Alternatively, contact Prestige Caravans Wellington on 04 233 1965 or find its website here.
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SERVICE CENTRE • Fully equipped on-site service centre • Installation of accessories • Computerised diagnostic testing • Refurbishments • Accessory servicing and repairs • Pre-travel checks
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Header 15
A new adventure awaits Introducing the new 2017 Benimar range
From
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The new Benimar range boasts an unprecedented array of features and technology in the value motorhome category. You can also choose from a range of floorplans. With only limited numbers available, make sure you get in quick.
CAR LICENCE
Auckland 77 Paerata Rd, Pukekohe Christchurch 280 Main South Rd, Hornby
16 NEWS 16
SAMYSOLAR+ Space is always a consideration in any motorhome and the SamYSolar+ system is a clever combination of two desirables: solar power generation and satellite reception. Basically it is a 50 W solar panel fitted to the back of satellite dish. Not only does this save space, it has a GPS tracking device that can track the sun. In fact the manufacturers reckon it can even track the sun on cloudy days! Of course you can't watch satellite TV at the same time as the solar panel is being used, but it's very clever thinking, especially when roof space is limited. The satellite dish operates conventionally and will retract automatically when the vehicle engine is started. To find out more contact RSE- Rear Seat Entertainment on 0800 639 822 or visit its website here.
FIAT RECALLS DUCATOS IN AUSTRALIA On 8 March Fiat Chrysler Australia issued a recall notice for Fiat Ducatos in Australia with the 2.3-litre engine, manufactured between 19 December 2016 and 10 January 2017. The notice says the camshaft could potentially crack while the vehicle is in use, due to a non-compliance of the material used during the production process. If that happens during use the vehicle could stop suddenly, posing a safety risk for the occupants and other road users. Owners will be contacted by direct mail and should take their vehicles to an authorised Fiat dealer for an inspection and replacement of the camshaft. iMotorhome has no word if any NZ-delivered Ducatos are affected, but we believe the affected vehicles are likely to be the new Euro 6-compliant Multijet 2 engines. To read the recall notice and for a list of affected VIN numbers click HERE
Life’s a journey
Automatic
Bürstner Elegance i840G
Central heating
Drive on a car licence
Take yours in a motorhome that sets the standard for the ultimate in freedom and luxury. Turn heads on the open road with uncompromising style and elegance. There’s never been a better time to release your inner explorer. Choose from our outstanding selection of award-winning European motorhomes and find the passport to your dreams. Our motorhomes will move you. View our full range at smartrv.co.nz or visit us in Auckland or Christchurch. Bürstner Ixeo IT680G 230
738
$136,900
4
743
$136,900
2
2
Bürstner Ixeo IT728G
699
$161,900
4
Bürstner Elegance i840G
4
230
Carado T449 – Automatic 232
232
4
230
Carado T448
749
$171,900
861
$246,900
Prices include GST and on roads costs. Prices and specifications are current as at April 2017 but are subject to change.
It’s been a dream of ours for 30 years to explore every nook and cranny that New Zealand has. We would like to say thank you to the team at SmartRV for enabling us to live that dream. Grant & Wilma McGregor
Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by
11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 005 312 | imotorhome@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz For opening hours see smartrv.co.nz
18 News
KIWICAMP According to a report in the Marlborough Express, if you can't beat them, join them. Or even better, charge them. Blenheim man Chris Wagner thinks he might have come up with a solution to his freedom camping problem. And it could be just the ticket for others too. His brainchild KiwiCamp offers a free space for campers to pull up, scan an app on their phone, and stay the night. His property, which was being used by freedom campers anyway, can accommodate up to 30 vehicles. It will still be free to park, but access to hot showers and washing machines will incur a small fee, by scanning the KiwiCamp app. "Freedom campers need somewhere to stay and the local people don't want to pay for it. With this, it pays you back," he said. Inspiration for the concept came after his Riverlands Roadhouse truck-stop was constantly filled with freedom campers using his bathrooms and storing their rubbish. Wagner, who met his fiancee while she was freedom camping, said he knew there was a better way. "I didn't want to turn them away, so we were forced to create this," he said. "The stay is free, but if you want to charge your phone, wash your dishes or have a shower, there's a charge." The campsite was accessed by swiping the KiwiCamp mobile app at a boom gate, which
automatically shut off when the site reached capacity. Using a mobile app also allowed the site to monitor who was staying and their car registrations, Wagner said. "With it I can see that Tom from France came at 2.22pm and left at 4.55pm," he said. It would cost campers 50 cents for 10 minutes of hot water for washing dishes, $2 for a shower and $4 to use the washing machine. The Blenheim site had the potential to solve freedom camping issues around the country, Wagner said. "Freedom camping brings in money and I don't think you can ever ban it. Freedom campers aren't bad people, they're 19-yearolds from Germany. I think it's a few rotten ones that spoil the bunch,” he said. Wagner encouraged councillors and the public to inspect the site when open. The Blenheim site will act as a prototype and Wagner hopes other KiwiCamp facilities could launch across the country. He said KiwiCamp would not compete with established holiday parks as the two offered different services. "This isn't competition, because freedom campers won't pay $50 a night to pitch their tent," he said.
Collyn Rivers’ books
Header 19
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20 Covi Motorhome & Caravan Supershow
Covi 2017!
More to see than ever‌
by Malcolm Street
Show Report 21
W
ithout doubt the Covi Show was alive with activity. A strong attendance – based on the long queues for coffee and lunch – and numerous stands with plenty of motorhomes, caravans and even the odd camper trailer on display provided something for everyone. In addition to that, there were any number of accessories on offer, as well as local tourist authorities with plenty of advice on places to visit. Any exhibitor at the Covi Show who didn’t get much interest in their product can’t have been trying very hard (or was in an odd location)!
Hymer shirt, jeans and suede brogues! He was certainly a breath of fresh air and from what we gathered, there are some young minds working in senior positions in the motorhome industry in Europe, which can only be good for the industry’s future.
An item of note, at least in my eyes, was the ever increasing number of imported motorhomes and caravans from Europe. I reckon there must be just about every major European brand represented in New Zealand now, some of which I have not seen or heard of before (and one or two at least were very impressive indeed).
I personally have an award, well a mental one anyway, for the Most Quirky, and won by the Lilliput Caravan Club (yes I know this is a motorhome magazine). I had a very pleasant chat with several of the owners who had a display of four of their vans along with related period tow vehicles. Lilliput caravans were last manufactured more than 30 years ago and these ones have been maintained as much as possible in their original condition, along with artefacts from that period. I must confess though that I don’t remember seeing flat screen TVs back then, but everything else was very classy.
This was somewhat underlined by the fact that SmartRV has just launched the Hymer range in New Zealand and to mark the occasion, the managing director of Hymer, Bernhard Kibler, and the export Manager, Andrea Kibler, spent time at the show promoting the Hymer range and meeting future customers. The iM team had the opportunity to meet with Bernard and catch up on the latest goings on in the European motorhome scene. We must confess to being more than a little surprised by him: We were expecting a 60-something gent in a suit, but here was a mid 40s man in a white
I would also like to congratulate some award recipients. The RV Super Centre received the Stand of the Show award in the Large Stand category, while SmartRV received the Most Innovative for the display of their new Hymer 4WD motorhome ‘on the rocks’.
That’s the show report and from all accounts there were any number of satisfied show goers and exhibitors. I wonder what the Covi Show 2018 will bring? On the following pages and in alphabetical order are some of the manufacturers and their vehicles that took our fancy. Enjoy
An item of note, at least in my eyes, was the ever increasing number of imported motorhomes and caravans from Europe
22 Show Report
Covi 2017!
From a compact Auto-Trail (right) to the big new Avida Torquay (left) with its expansive interior, there were plenty of new and interesting models on display from Freedom RV and Avida Hamilton
Show Report 23
Country RV had a pair of Chinese vans on display and the most interesting was a HiAce copy with a high roof and full bathroom. Ideal for a single traveller, it has a lot of potential‌
24 Show report
There were plenty of exciting Dethleffs and Frankia models (top) on display, including this A-class Gloubus GT, the subject of a road test in our next issue. More modest was the new Kea Voyager, shown by the RV Super Centre. Built on a 5.5 m Renault Master, with its clever and surprisingly stable drop-down bed it attracted plenty of attention.
Show report 25
RV Leisure Centre had a good display of Elddis motorhomes, newly arrived from the UK. Built on the Peugeot Boxer (a Fiat Ducato doppleganger), they’re fully back by Peugeot in NZ for warranty, parts and servicing peace of mind.
26 Show report
Also from the RV Super Centre was this near-new Roller Team A-class for less than $130,000! The Trailblazer attracted plenty of visitors and with good reason: Italian built and nicely appointed it’s a lot of motorhome for the money. Sunliner’s compact 4x4 Ranger proved popular, while the Pinto is larger and more suited to long-term living.
Show report 27
Richard was looking very happy behind the wheel of the new Tessoro B-class from Spanish builder Benimar, which is sold through TrailLite. The big news is a 6-speed auto for the Transit, which will be in NZ around October. The contrast between the bright, clean and open look of TrailLite’s own interior designs and the darker, more compact and smaller interiors of the European Benimar range makes an interesting comparison.