New Zealand
iMotorhome Issue 8: June 2017
A Day in
Coromandel!
Da y test
Roller Team Trailbla zer
8
Like its geographic namesake TrailLite’s Coromandel deserves exploration‌
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
RGB / .ai
Facebook “f ” Logo
RGB / .ai
Published by iMotorhome
Design and Production
PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW 2776. Australia.
Lead Designer
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
The Dream Starts Here At SmartRV we consider ourselves to be your dream team.
Automatic
Ixeo IT728G
Central heating
Drive on a car licence
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
2
Bürstner Ixeo IT728G
699
$161,900
4
Bürstner Ixeo IT734
4
749
749
$171,900
Bürstner Elegance i840G
4
230
Bürstner Ixeo IT680G
230
2
230
2
230
230
Bürstner Ixeo Time IT590
$171,900
861
$246,900
Prices include GST and on roads costs. Prices and specifications are current as at June 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
4 Street view
Kia ora! Haera mai. At the time of writing, Sydney is working its way through a very mild Autumn. Sure the trees in some areas are providing magnificent backdrops for motorhome photography but otherwise it's a very pleasant time of year. Not so much so recently, however, in the Arthur's Pass/ West Coast region of the South Island, where Mr iM Publisher has been on a research trip. I received reports of windblown campsites and rain and sleet slashing across his motorhome’s windscreen. Also, reports of snow on the mountain tops of the Southern Alps. Something that's music to the ears of us members of the snow ski fraternity but not necessarily everybody else! I know from my own experience the weather around Arthur's Pass can be a funny old thing. Some years ago I was in the Christchurch area trying to finish off some motorhome photography, but the rainy weather was very much against me. I happened to be staying in Methven at the time and a local suggested I take a trip to the West Coast where the weather would be much finer, as indeed it was. My only problem was that a "short cut" via Lake Coleridge proved to be a "long cut" because the road at one point was water damaged and inaccessible. So much for local knowledge on that occasion. In this issue we are taking a look at two quite different motorhomes. One being the Coromandel 757 from long established NZ manufacturer Traillite, the other a Roller Team Pegaso 740 (Trailblazer) that the RV Super Centre has recently imported. The latter is Italian built but has come via the UK where rental company Just Go uses them for a year before selling them on. It's an interesting idea, not the least being that Roller Team motorhomes are not built for the rental market, but for retail use. What’s also interesting is that Just Go opted for an A-class motorhome, something quite unusual in the rental world.
In the case of Traillite's Coromandel, it's an 8.2 metre motorhome that uses the novel approach of a northsouth Luton bed with built-in steps to gain access. That leaves space in the rear for a full lounge. It was hard not to make comparisons with the Winnebago Winnie Minnie we recently used on our Route 66 tour across the USA. It was over 8 m long but weighed in very differently, with a tare of 5216 kg and a GVM of 8400 kg. The Coromandel, by comparison, having a tare of 4840 kg and GVMs of either 5995 kg or 7000 kg, depending on choice. What was most noticeable apart from the price (the Winnebago being less than half the cost of the Traillite) was interior design. Whilst the Coromandel has a very "open" feel about it, the Minnie Winnie, despite being nearly 200 mm (8 in) wider, felt much more closed in. Being someone who prefers more open plan living it’s not difficult to work out which I’d choose. In my opening comments I mentioned changing weather, but something else is changing too. Mr iM Publisher and I have decided we currently do not have the resources to continue with a standalone iMotorhome magazine for New Zealand. It’s a regretful choice because the New Zealand motorhome market is dynamic and very different to Australia’s. The good news is we'll still be continuing our NZ motorhome reviews and travel features, but they will be included in our new combined Australian and New Zealand magazine, still on a monthly basis. As I said, a regrettable decision but do make sure to keep reading to stay up to date on what’s happening on the NZ scene.
Haere ra
Malcolm
6 Contents
2
About Us
8
Behind the Wheels
4
Who we are, where and other legal stuff
Difficult decisions…
10
Street View Kia ora!
News What’s happening in the wider RV world and beyond
18
Day Test: TrailLite Coromandel 575
34
Day Test: Roller Team Trailblazer 8
46
Home in the Wilderness
52
DIYER'S Bible
54
TechTalk
64
MobileTech
74
Next Issue
A day in TrailLite’s impressive and innovative Coromandel!
The price of this lightly used A-class is right!
Ramblings of a solo West Coast traveller…
Motorhome self-build and optimisation
On Road Solutions…
Campable?
What’s coming up in July…
58
Cooking 101
68
What's On
Cooking for Blokes!
Things to do for the next three months!
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
SWITCH
PINTO
NAVIAN
MONTE CARLO
8 Behind the Wheels
Difficult Decisions… As Malcolm has advised, this is the final issue of iMotorhome New Zealand. Trust me, it hasn’t been an easy decision to arrive at as we believe every market is unique and deserves its own publication. However, we are a very small team and simply don’t have the time/ people/financial resources to do a seperate New Zealand magazine justice. That’s the bad news. The good news is, from July we’ll combine New Zealand reviews, news, apps and events with our Australian magazine to create iMotorhome Australia and New Zealand – the only RV magazine to span the Tasman! Both Malcolm and I firmly believe the New Zealand motorhome market is far more vibrant and interesting than its Australian equivalent. There’s more diversity of vehicles and a more open and relaxed attitude to imports and freedom camping. In short, NZ is very much in our hearts and minds, and we certainly intend to keep reporting on it. Thanks for your support to date. Here’s hoping a true trans-Tasman motorhome magazine can actually help bridge the misinformation gap on the state of our respective markets and help foster understanding and opportunities. Gob Smacking A part of the new direction of iMotorhome is escorted motorhome tours. As you read last issue, in March/April we ran our first Route 66 tour, which was a great success. The next tour is New Zealand in November (obviously aimed at Australian readers) and so a fortnight back I spent a week on a reconnaissance trip on the South Island, scoping out places to go and things to see.
I had sunshine on the afternoon I flew into Christchurch and the afternoon I flew out, plus a sprinkling of it on other days. Mostly, however, the skies were leaden, the rain never far away and the wind demonic in places. My final night was in Akaroa, where the hills were snow dusted, my rental motorhome was buffeted by the strongest winds of the trip and at regular intervals, hail pelted down. On the West Coast the seas had been tumultuous, while crossing Arthur’s Pass snow was forecast down to 400 metres and the temperature to -7ºC. All-in-all it was a mini epic adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed; made all the better by freedom camping each night in a motorhome ideally suited to such conditions. What a week, and what a country you have. One thing that always strikes me in NZ is the scenery, which I can best describe as relentlessly beautiful. There’s a postcard around most corners, while the ability to be by the sea in the morning and in the snow after lunch is amazing. The Great Alpine Highway must rank as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, along with the drive from Westport to Greymouth. Everywhere you go it’s gob smacking and our Australian tour customers are certainly in for a real treat. Thanks again for your support; here’s to a bright future full of adventures and the kind of enjoyment only motorhoming can provide. See you on the road!
Richard
Drive away for $179,000 LEURA from $139,000
+ click to view
BIRDSVILLE from $179,000
+
click to view
ESPERANCE from $220,000
+
click to view
Freedom RV 449 Ferry Road, Christchurch Phone (03) 389 5346 | Freephone 0800 526 625 www.FreedomRV.co.nz
www.avidarv.com.au
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.
TRAILLITE OPENS NEW CHRISTCHURCH CENTRE
The TrailLite team is excited because its new Christchurch sales and service centre has opened! It's a big step forward from the old site and not only is there more room for motorhomes and caravans, there is also a dedicated service centre. Included in the new facility are a customer lounge, plus a hoist for full motorhome servicing. As a result of the new centre, TrailLite is now also able to undertake insurance work and repairs, while future plans include a fridge service facility and a one-stop shop. The new address is 247 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch. Ph 0800 872 455 or visit their website here.
A new adventure awaits Introducing the new 2017 Benimar range
From
$122,000
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
12 NEWS12
NZ GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY
NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore has hailed the recent Government announcement of a $178 million boost to tourism infrastructure as great news for the motorhome industry. However, it’s not just the level of funding he’s excited about; he’s equally delighted with the philosophy that accompanies the new initiative. “The Government has made it clear that the new funding is not just to address the infrastructure issues that we are all aware of but also to develop new markets – particularly in those areas outside the existing tourism hotspots. Over the past three years we have spent more than a million dollars building infrastructure through our Motorhome Friendly towns scheme and the Off-the-Beaten-Track initiative, which have both been designed to share the benefits of the tourism boom with areas outside the main tourist destinations.” Tourism Minister Paula Bennett has indicated the new Tourism Infrastructure Fund will provide $102 million over the next 4 years in partnership with local councils and other community organisations for projects like new car parks, toilets and freedom camping facilities. There will also be benefits for the Department of Conservation (DOC), with a $76 million investment in tourism infrastructure. It's all good news for the tourism industry!
14 News
WENDEKREISEN’S NEW MODELS Wendekreisen, best known for its campervan rental operation, has used that experience to move into the private retail market with the development of its Walk Through, U-Shape and The Classic campervans. All are based on Chinese-built LDV vans and come with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and 5-speed gearbox. The Walk Through is a 2 seater while the others are 3 seaters. All come with the expected campervan features and all include a shower and toilet. Prices start at just under $90,000. For more information call 09 948 6120 or visit their website here.
Super Centre Live The Dream
The RV Super Centre is your one-stop shop for motorhomes, caravans, accessories and servicing
RV SALES • Largest range of new and used 2, 4 & 6 berth motorhomes • NZ made and European imports • Wide range of caravans • Trade-ins welcome • Over 120 years combined sales and service experience
RETAIL SHOP • Huge range of RV accessories • NZ’s best brands • We can source products • Shop 24/7 with Nationwide delivery • Shop instore, online or by phone • Member discounts
SERVICE CENTRE • Fully equipped on-site service centre • Installation of accessories • Computerised diagnostic testing • Refurbishments • Accessory servicing and repairs • Pre-travel checks
FREE SIGNUP
Super Centre 169 Bush Rd, Albany, Auckland | 159 Orchard Rd, Harewood, Christchurch 0800 52 00 55 www.rvsupercentre.co.nz
Get 10% off* everyday shelf price Earn and redeem points Exclusive member offers
Collyn Rivers’ books
Header 15
The all-new Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every aspect of buying, building, modifying and enjoying camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, slide-ons, motor homes, coach conversions and off-road vehicles.
The
Caravan & Motorhome Book the complete guide
Collyn Rivers
The Camper Trailer Book
The
Camper Trailer Book
Collyn Rivers
Collyn Rivers
Caravan & Motorhome Electrics covers every aspect of all RV electrical systems. It combines exceptional technical accuracy with plain English writing. The Camper Trailer Book covers buying, building and using camper trailers of every kind. Solar That Really Works shows how to build systems that work first time and every time, and how to fix those that don’t. Whether installing solar for the first time, or trying to make an existing RV solar system work as you had hoped - this is the book for you.
Individual books are $42.50 each.
Postage per book Australia $5.50, New Zealand A$7.50, all other countries A$12.50
Special Discount Offer = 10% of all books for two or more! To order (and full details) see: caravanandmotorhomebooks.com Caravan & Motorhome Books, PO Box 356, Church Point NSW 2015
16 Header 16
NATURE ALWAYS WEARS THE COLOURS OF MY SPIRIT
Life’s a journey
Automatic
Bürstner Elegance i840G
Drive on a car licence
Central heating
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. 4
683
$134,900
Carado T449 – Automatic
738
$136,900
Bürstner Nexxo T690G 230
4
699
743
$136,900
2
1
Bürstner Nexxo T740
2
1
230
Carado T448 232
232
4
232
Carado T348
$149,900
749
$153,900
Prices include GST and on roads costs. Prices and specifications are current as at June 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 Day Test: TrailLite Coromandel 757
A Day in Coromandel!
Like its geographic namesake TrailLite’s Coromandel deserves exploration‌ by Malcolm Street
DAY Test 19
J
ust east of Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula is a little bit of a secret, at least to new visitors to New Zealand. I reckon many bypass it on their way to Rotorua and Taupo, but having been in the area a number of times I know it demands a bit of investigation.
So when I briefly looked over TrailLite's Coromandel 757 earlier this year I wondered if it too might well deserve a more thorough look. With a length of 8.2 m (26' 11"), this is not a small motorhome. Indeed from the outside, it is quite impressive!
20 DaY Test
Motive Power
T
hat impressive appearance starts with the Iveco Daily 70C21, which looks good in its own right, but even more so with the Coromandel body attached. This is a C-class unit with a Luton peak for the over-cab bed, yet it is streamlined to look like part of the original design and not an afterthought. Standard motive power with the Coromandel is Iveco's 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that puts out an impressive 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. An option here is to downgrade to the single turbo 126kW/430 Nm but given the motorhome’s weight I know what I would be doing!
Whichever way you look at it, TrailLite’s Coromandel 757 is an imposing motorhome. Built on Iveco’s heavy-duty Daily 70C21 with a derated maximum weight, it has capacity to spare and should be longlasting and under-stressed. Built for extended off-grid living, the body provides spacious living through the use of an innovative over-cab bed.
DaY Test 21
Load Capacity
O
ne thing you need with a motorhome this size is a cab-chassis with a good load capacity. TrailLite de-rates the Iveco Daily 70C21 to a 5995 kg GVM, so you can still drive it on a car licence. But, given the tare weight of 4840 kg, that still gives a generous load capacity of 1155 kg. Of course the 400-litre water tank capacity needs to be taken into account: When full it will account for 400 kg, but I reckon that still leaves more than enough payload capacity for the average traveller. That's even more apparent when the external storage capacity is considered. Although there is plenty of storage space around the outside, none of the lockers are particularly large. At least not compared to other TrailLite models and many European motorhomes that have a large "garage" area at the rear. This is not necessarily a negative as the smaller lockers make it much easier to secure items and
also locate them when required. Of course there are the usual dedicated lockers for the gas cylinders, batteries/chargers and toilet cassette. On the subject of the toilet cassette, that's something of a limiter for extended remote stays, especially given the water tank capacity. However there are two TrailLite options here worth considering: a second cassette tank or a 100-litre black tank.
The boxy body maximises interior space. At the rear a version of the traditional New Zealand Back, complete with wrap-around windows, makes this a very liveable vehicle.
22 DaY Test
Bodywork
C
onstructed on a steel chassis above the Daily, the Coromandels's body is a frameless structure using walls made of a sandwich panel construction that consists of Alufiber, a foam core and ply wall lining (Alufibre as the name implies has aluminium on the outside). It's not all square walls either, with both the front and the rear having fibreglass mouldings. Dometic Seitz windows are fitted all ‘round and the entry door is a Hartal fitting, which has three features of interest. On the outside, and in addition to the normal key lock, is a digital keypad. Also, the door catch looks much more substantial than the usual hook-and-eye arrangement. On the inside the moulded plastic garbage bin is just so much better than the more traditional plastic bag on the door handle! External storage is good, but locker size is smaller than you might expect and that’s no bad thing: It reduces the chance of overloading and makes finding things easier.
DaY Test 23
On The Road
A
lthough more than eight metres long, the Coromandel isn't a difficult motorhome to drive and it's mostly a matter of remembering the length when manoeuvring around or overtaking. There's no doubt the twin-turbo diesel delivers the goods, while the eight-speed auto is certainly the champ of auto gearboxes in the motorhome world at present. It's impressive not only when moving up through the gears, but when kicking back down again under braking. It's a pity Iveco's stablemate, Fiat, can't get the same gearbox into the Ducato. Perhaps one day?
Iveco’s cab design has come a long way and the latest interior is far more car-like than its predecessors. The eightspeed auto is a gem, while the swivelling passenger’s seat provides a “hidey-hole” away from the other seating area and can provide welcome privacy.