Trakka Road Tests

1964-2022 It’s with unfathomable sadness I advise the passing of my beautiful wife Kelsey – aka Mrs iMotorhome – on Saturday 29 October, just a month and a day after her 58th birthday. The cancer Kelsey had so bravely fought for three months and which we believed conquered, returned with a vengeance, to the disbelief of everyone, including her treatment team. It was just two weeks from re-diagnosis until her peaceful passing in palliative care, whilst I held her hand… Kelsey genuinely lived life to the full, especially her 32 years as an international flight attendant with Qantas, 25 of which were as a Customer Service Manager. A nurse by training, her first job was with Woolworths whilst still at school. Ironically, Kelsey said she had come full-circle, returning to Woolworths due to COVID-19 after taking voluntary redundancy from flying. Many of you had met Kelsey and some of you were fortunate to count her as a friend. Thank you. She loved the motorhoming life and as we were transitioning to retirement, we'd just decided to downsize and invest in a ‘proper’ motorhome. As anyone who has lost the love of their life knows, there are no words to comfort or console. In time I will return to motorhoming and hope to run into some of you in my travels. Until then, please raise a glass to Kelsey's memory, she would love that. If you are fortunate enough to have someone special, cherish every moment and take nothing for granted. Life is fragile and tomorrow is promised to no-one, so make the most of it. See you on the road… Richard.

Once again, it's been awhile since my last post and on Sunday we should be heading off to Düsseldorf for the 2022 Caravan Salon. I say should be, because for Mrs iMotorhome and me the 2020s continue their appalling record of disappointment and disruption. Early in July, Mrs iM went to see about a muscle strain in her side that wasn’t repairing. A CAT scan revealed a large abdominal mass that a biopsy indicated as cancer, and in short order she ‘boarded the train’ at Chris Obrien’s Lifehouse (COBLH) – a specialist cancer hospital attached to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney – and it departed the station at high speed. A flurry of appointments followed, including a PET scan that confirmed the mass to be a rapidly growing malignant tumour. Chris O’Brien pioneered the concept of treatment by an integrated team of cancer specialists, before tragically succumbing to brain cancer in 2009. As Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said at the time, “Chris' vision was for an integrated cancer treatment centre so that patients would no longer have to navigate their way through all the different elements of dealing with their illness alone.” It has been and is a lifesaving godsend… After initial surgery was aborted due to a tumour-induced anaesthetic reaction that nearly caused a stroke, the second attempt succeeded and the tumour was removed. Unfortunately, so was quite a bit more. As I write, it is one week since the operation and Mrs iM is on the slow and difficult road to recovery. She will remain in hospital for at least another week and we are still awaiting the results of pathology, plus a follow-up PET scan to determine what, if any, ongoing treatment is required. I find it impossible to adequately express my thanks to the surgical team that navigated the eight hour operation, which included calling in a third specialist surgeon to deal with an unexpected situation. Ditto the astonishing compassion and care of the largely-Irish nursing staff in Intensive Care (and now on the ward). There are no words… Going forward, this is a life changing event and we are still coming to terms with what has happened and its ramifications. Of course, all travel plans are cancelled, including any thoughts of tours, as the priority is simply recovery. It's frightening how, as the Americans say, life can turn on a dime. For the moment we are taking things one day at a time and that will be the pace for some time to come. If all goes well, Mrs iM should reach her best level of ‘new normal’ in about six months, but life will never be the same. That’s it for now. Until next time, hold your loved ones close and look after your friends – ours have been truly remarkable. And don’t take today or tomorrow for granted. Finally, if you’ve got an ache or pain that’s not going away, please get it checked out. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed…

Suncamper's Sovereign Custom: Australia's first coachbuilt motorhome on a Chinese cab-chassis. Here's my take-out... By Richard Robertson It might seem inevitable Chinese light commercial vehicles will enter the Australian RV scene and eventually rule, but that isn't necessarily the case. Consider the Japanese: Despite dominating car, SUV and ute sales in Australia they have little presence in the RV industry beyond campervans, some big motorhomes and specialist 4x4 models. Still, when Chinese manufacturer LDV released its Deliver 9 van and cab-chassis range back in 2020 I wondered when, not if, the first local manufacturer would see an opportunity/be brave enough to bring one to market. At this year’s Sydney show, Belle RV debuted its budget-priced Deliver 9 van-conversion motorhome – the Runaway – while Suncamper displayed its C-class Sovereign Custom on a Deliver 9 cab-chassis. Each manufacturer has taken a different path with its LDV-based product and it's the Suncamper Sovereign Custom that's the subject of this review. First, however, let's take a close look at the LDV Deliver 9. Imitation Transit? They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it appears LDV thinks the Ford Transit is well worth copying. There’s more than a passing similarity between the pair and a cynic would say it goes to prove the Chinese are good at copying but not innovating. You could also argue that when someone else has done all the groundwork, why not improve on it rather than reinvent the wheel? Interestingly from a motorhome point of view, the Transit has been out of favour with local manufactures for years. Initially due to the lack of an auto transmission, I’m not sure what the reason is now, beyond development costs. But I’ve digressed… Like the Japanese and Koreans before them, Chinese auto manufacturers bought their way into the local market by producing cheap and often cheerless cars and light commercials, whose sole redeeming quality was price. Those models have been quickly followed by better looking, better equipped and safer vehicles backed by extended warranties, but still maintaining a price advantage. Indeed, the rate of development of the Chinese automotive manufacturing industry has been breathtaking and in very short order it has leapfrogged into the 21st century. Today, brands like MG, GWM and Haval are some of the fastest growing and Australians are wholeheartedly embracing Chinese-built vehicles. In the commercial space, success has been less spectacular, with early GWM (Great Wall Motors) and LDV light commercials earning reputations for poor – okay awful – build quality, reliability, parts supply and resale. Progress has been rapid, however, and now the likes of the Deliver 9 are making significant inroads. In fact it has now passed the Ford Transit in sales in this country. So, how good is the Deliver 9 and, importantly, is it a viable motorhome base vehicle? Delivering the Goods? Let’s cut to the chase: For an RV manufacturer the LDV’s greatest appeal is price and at the time of writing (July 2022), LDV is advertising its one-size-fits-all Deliver 9 cab-chassis for $44,990 drive-away for ABN holders. That’s before any discount for volume sales or promotions to help get the model into a new market. While LDV is open about retail pricing, Ford, Renault, Fiat and others aren’t. Suffice to say, the Deliver 9’s cab-chassis price advantage is likely a minimum $10,000 over its closest Euro rival. That’s a good starting point and it’s backed by a 3 year/160,000 km warranty with roadside assistance. There’s also capped price servicing for 3 years or 95,000 km spread over 4 services. The first is due at just 6 months/5000 km ($287), then it’s 12 months/35,000 km ($400), 24 months/65,000 km ($580) and 36 months/95,000 km ($695). The Deliver 9 chassis uses a traditional ladder-type frame. The vehicle is 6.20-metres long, has a 3.76-metre wheelbase and a 14.2-metre turning circle. Power is delivered to the dual 16-inch rear wheels with their 195/75R16C Light Truck tyres, and it has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4495 kg. That means it can be driven on a car licence, plus it has a useful 2800 kg braked towing capacity. Suspension is McPherson struts up-front and tapered leaf springs at the rear, while braking is by disc brakes; ventilated on the front wheels and solid on the rears. Speaking of power, the engine is a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel that meets the old Euro 5 standard, meaning no AdBlue fuel additive is required. Output is a relatively modest 110 kW @ 3500 rpm and 375 Nm @ 1500-2400 rpm and its delivered through a conventional 6-speed automatic. Fuel capacity is 80-litres and it comes with a fuel saving stop/start system. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.6 L/100 km and I’d expect 13-15 L/100 km with the motorhome body. However, the trip computer was showing an average of 17.4 L/100 km since new (I’m thinking), which reflects the more ‘spirited’ driving I’d expect for this specific unit. All-in-all the Deliver 9 is mechanically conventional and, would you believe it, almost a dead ringer for the Ford Transit. But what about safety and technology? Read on… Safety Firsts Light commercial vehicle safety is a bit of a grey area in Australia, with few vehicles actually crash tested. Even the lauded Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is untested, but in October 2021 the Australasian New Car Assessment Program – ANCAP – released a Commercial Van Safety Comparison that will be the subject of an upcoming story. For now, suffice to say that of the four vans actually crash tested, the Ford Transit Custom (2012), Mercedes-Benz Vito (2014) and the Toyota HiAce (2019) each earned five stars. Scarily, the Mitsubishi Express (2021) earned zero stars – a humiliating first for its Japanese manufacturer… For LDV, the Deliver 9 brings new firsts in safety and technology, but it’s a mixed bag compared with its rivals and a long way behind the Ford Transit. On the active safety front it features an Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Brake Assist System (BSA), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). What it lacks in electronic wizardry to equal the best is AEB that also detects pedestrians and cyclists, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) to help stop you falling asleep, and a Speed Limiter. In its defence, the Sprinter doesn’t have all these as standard either, while a Renault Master wants for AEB of any kind, LKS, LDW, BMS and DMS in standard trim, but does come with a speed limiter. Woohoo! What of the Transit? It comes with all the systems and earns an ANCAP gold star… On the passive safety front the Deliver 9 has front, side and curtain airbags, while it also has expected features like remote central locking, electric windows (not one-touch), electric mirrors, cab air-conditioning (not climate control), a multi-function steering wheel (not leather), an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a 4.2” digital display between the instruments plus a 10.1” touch-screen infotainment system with Apple Car Play (but not Android Auto), a pair of USB charging outlets and more. As to how the Deliver 9 might fare in a crash, if LDV’s engineers have been as diligent ‘replicating’ the Transit’s structure it should do quite well. Of course that’s speculation as the current Transit cab-chassis also hasn’t been crash tested, but it’s difficult to believe Ford wouldn’t use the same engineering that helped the Transit Custom van earn its five star rating. Driving Experience Nuts and bolts aside, what's the Deliver 9 like behind the wheel? Good – mostly. The cab is modern and well laid out, visibility is good, steering is well weighted and the big infotainment system is easy to use and read, especially in Apple CarPlay mode. The seats are a bit basic, despite the driver’s having a good range of adjustments, and lack a bit of padding plus lumbar support. In the test vehicle, the two-place passenger seat was fixed and not where you’d want to sit for long distances, but there is a single-seat option that should provide more comfort. The lack of one-touch electric window operation was a small but annoying omission, but not as much as the absence of a rest for the left foot, compounded by the slightly odd shape of the driver’s footwell. Like the Transit, the deliver 9’s little turbo-diesel is on the lower powered side compared with its competitors, while the 6-speed auto lacks a few ratios compared to the latest opposition. The nett effect is this is a vehicle – in a motorhome application at least – requiring a fair bit of ‘wellie’ to get and keep moving, and which runs out of puff on hills sooner than others. Apart from that the engine and gearbox are smooth and cab noise levels aren’t particularly noticeable, except on concrete roads. Also, the suspension is quite ‘crashy’, lacking European levels of control: It quickly helps you remember this is a delivery truck first and motorhome base-vehicle second. Speaking of refinement, this is where Chinese auto manufacturers’ rush to quickly span development generations becomes apparent. Having driven a range of current generation Chinese-made vehicles and read quite a few reviews, the single most common issue is the lack of technological refinement in the driving experience. It’s not just an LDV thing, this is common across brands and will, no doubt, be addressed sooner than later. What this translates to on the road is electronic driving aids either too sensitive and intrusive or not sensitive enough. On the test Deliver 9, adaptive cruise control (ACC) was annoying and even dangerous. Good ACC smoothly slows you when there's a vehicle ahead and smoothly accelerates when the road is clear. It's not distracted by terrain or vehicles outside the lane and works almost imperceptibly in the background. And then there’s this one… Speed changes could be, but weren't always, abrupt, and there appeared no consistency in when it would begin to decelerate when approaching a slower vehicle from behind. Similarly, when the road was clear the engine would surge at what sometimes seemed near-maximum effort to regain the preset speed. Most alarmingly, however, was its tendency to think vehicles in adjoining lanes, roadside obstacles and things like rock faces in a cutting were obstacles and rapidly slow us down. On the freeway this was downright dangerous as you never knew when it would happen and you could easily end up with a B-double up your backside if not careful. In the end it proved best to use ACC only on open and preferably straight roads. A quick online search shows this isn’t an isolated case, so it’s something LDV needs to immediately address. It’s probably a blessing in disguise the Deliver 9 only has Lane Departure Warning rather than Lane Keeping Assist as well, as that might have become an additional, unwelcome battle ground! Body Matters Of course the Deliver 9 is only half this story; the other half being the Suncamper C-class motorhome body on its back. The Sovereign Custom is a made-for-rental model that carries and sleeps six, and as such makes perfect sense being attached to the LDV. It’s a spacious if no-frills design as rentals often are; one that parents holidaying with a small tribe or a couple of couples could happily holiday in. However, it’s built the same way as all Suncamper motorhomes, as this description from the company website explains: “All motorhome models boast a steel frame base and aluminium, fully welded framework for the walls, rear, nose and single-piece roof. Walls and roof are fully insulated with fire-retardant foam and pressed. “Framework is extensive so every fitting is screwed into a solid spot, not into insulation. The walls are more than 30mm thick and the roof is more than 45mm. This is more than double (and in some cases triple) other manufacturers. A rust-proofing and sound deadening agent is applied under the floor to protect from noise and road damage”. It’s also worth noting cabinetry is plywood, not foam-board coated in wood look-a-like and it’s glued-and-screwed like home furniture, not stapled together. Size Matters Dimensionally, the Sovereign Custom is 6.95 m long, 2.4 m wide and 3.3 m tall. It has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4490 kg and tare weight of 3300 kg as tested, providing a healthy max payload of 1190 kg for 6 souls and all their necessities, plus water and fuel, LPG and so on. Speaking of water, fresh capacity is 130-litres while grey is 83-litres. Electrically, things are good thanks to a pair of 120 AH deep-cycle house batteries, topped up by a 175 W solar panel. Naturally, LED lighting is used throughout. Big and boxy to suit its intended purpose, the first things that strikes you is the unusually high floor level, which requires double electric steps and even then, a considerable step-up to the first one. At 165 cm, Mrs found it quite a chore, compounded by the lack of an external grab handle that was yet to be fitted. I found this puzzling and also noted the sizeably deep fairing between top of the cab and the bodywork above. It tuns out that because the Deliver 9’s cab roofline curves upwards quite a bit at the rear, the body had to be mounted higher on the chassis to accomodate the over-cab bed. Thus, the floor is higher than usual, necessitating the extra steps. Bugger… External storage is limited to single locker on the kerb-side rear, which accesses space under the corner bed. It has room for a table and chairs, hoses, etc, but as a rental not a lot of travel bags would also fit. There’s a locker close by for the pair of 4 kg LPG cylinders, plus an access hatch for the toilet cassette on the driver’s side. Apart from that the body sides are smooth and easy to clean, while a large roll-out awning and double-glazed acrylic windows are fitted. There’s plenty of room on the back wall for a bike rack too, something rental customers would no-doubt appreciate. Inside Story Climbing inside reveals a ton of headroom and a spacious floorplan, especially considering there’s no slide-out. It has an over-cab bed (that’s why it’s called a C-class), central kitchen and four-seat cafe-style dinette, and a kerb-side corner bed, with the bathroom in the driver’s-side rear corner. Glossy white walls, light-timber cabinetry and darker wood-effect flooring deliver a bright if somewhat minimalist feel, as do the flat-fronted cabinets. However, the black upholstery and mattress covers seem a bit severe and could be lightened-up to help customers into holiday mode. There’s plenty of natural light too, aided in no small part by the large hatch above the corner bed. The over-cab bed, accessed via the usual aluminium ladder, seems to be the larger of the two permanent beds; the rear corner bed – also known as a French Bed – suffers from the chamfered corner usual with this design. The dinette converts to a child-friendly double, with bed boards and the ladder stored in a slim cupboard just to the left of the door as you enter. The over-cab bed doesn’t lift, which is no issue as the current seating arrangement precludes walk-through cab access, but future models will have a single passenger seat and a tilt-up bed would be handy in that situation. Four diners are well catered for, but two extras will likely be sitting on the corner bed, given the lack of swivelling cab seats or cab access. Those lucky enough to score a proper dining position will appreciate the decent table size, view from the large window and comfort from the well padded, belt-equipped seats. The family chef will appreciate the good bench space, triple burner gas cooktop with grill and oven, sink with drainer and the excellent 150-litre 2-door fridge/freezer that runs solely on 12-volt power. There’s also a microwave above the fridge, but of course it requires mains power. Whilst there’s no range-hood there is a large window that runs almost full length behind the kitchen unit. Cupboard space is good, but some has no shelving, or just one in a big cupboard, and a bit of extra thought could make this valuable space more efficient. Come wash time, people will appreciate the well proportioned bathroom with its separate shower and sufficient space to dry-off and dress (or just change) – a feature not found in every motorhome bathroom. There’s a swivel-head cassette toilet, handbasin with the cupboard storage below, a height-adjustable shower, bright lighting, a roof fan-hatch and lots of mirrors. The only downside is a shower curtain rather than a screen or door, as there’s nothing worse than being chased by a cold, clingy curtain whilst washing! Food for Thought My main interest in reviewing the Suncamper Sovereign Custom was to spend time in the new LDV Deliver 9. Summing up, it looks good, is modern, seems well built, has good equipment levels and is a ‘nice’ drive. Surface ‘wow’ disguises some ‘oh’ issues, but an owner would soon come to terms with its few foibles and feel at home. It’s also backed by a decent warranty and a capped-price service plan, although again, neither is class leading. For the price, however, it appears a good buy and only time will tell in terms of reliability, service support and parts supply. Suncamper’s Sovereign Custom is a purpose-built rental model that will also appeal to larger families or people looking to mix-and-match private ownership with income production via a company like Camplify. Suncamper has a solid reputation for sturdy construction and longterm durability, and the generational change taking place within the company is a positive sign for continued service and support, not to mention product development. Given the LDV Deliver 9’s relative bargain status the Sovereign Custom’s $169,000 base price surprises, but then what are the 6-berth alternatives? Apollo/Winnebago have a couple of models in the low $190,000s and while Jayco doesn’t list a 6-berth motorhome on its website, its rental arm – Let’sgo – does. Go figure. Avida seems to have quietly dropped the Ceduna as it’s no longer on its website, so the Sovereign Custom doesn’t appear to have too much competition. So, what’s my Chinese ‘take-away’ from all this? The LDV Deliver 9 has genuine promise as a budget motorhome base vehicle, but needs some tweaking and will benefit from further development. Chinese auto makers are quick to update even current models in response to feedback and so it can only get better. Suncamper’s Sovereign Custom targets a niche market and so is unlikely to find many buyers amongst Mum & Dad motorhomers. Given the rushed prototype status of this particular vehicle it has held-up well to more than 19,000 km of staff and rental customer operation, and only needs a few tweaks to be top of its game. Will other motorhome manufacturers follow Suncamper’s lead? Again, only time will tell.

As the song says, “Hello it’s been a while. Not much, how ‘bout you?” Actually, it’s a year today that the final edition of iMotorhome ‘hit the stands’. Sometimes it seems like five minutes and at other times, a lifetime. My apologies for being a stranger and not living up to the vague promise of “the occasional email”. Truth be known I couldn’t find the motivation: After nine furious years I think cumulative fatigue had taken its toll. Thanks to those who emailed after the final issue; your kind words and good wishes were most heartening! Funnily enough, ‘retirement’ lasted about a week as I was approached by a former colleague to supply content for the re-born Ken Tame Insurance brand – now KT Insurance as you’re probably aware – for its newsletter and new website. A mix of rehashed articles and new, it’s under the heading The Big Lap and you can find it here: https://ktinsurance.com.au/the-big-lap. That kicked off last September, which frankly was too soon for my liking, but you know what they say about gift horses and mouths… In other news, Polly found new owners some months back and is somewhere out there (and hopefully treating them well). We sold her on consignment as we didn’t want any hassle and got a fair price. Although missed, it was time for the old girl to move on. Consignment selling was a bit of an opaque process. I know the dealer was initially asking $20k over ‘my’ price and I had to give a bit in the end, but I don’t know what the final figure was. So while it was painless and relatively quick – a month or two – it’s obviously not the best way to sell if you’re chasing maximum dollars. On the plus side, the new owners got some kind of warranty that would have taken care of a couple of niggles, which is good to know. Moving Ahead! Seeing as I’m writing for KT Insurance and the world is reopening, it seems time to dust-off the iMotorhome website and perhaps reinvent it. I’ll be posting news and other articles, and sending out the odd email (promise!) to morph it into a general-interest motorhome website rather than being magazine centric. Interestingly, yesterday we test drove Suncamper’s new C-Class Sovereign, the first coach-built motorhome I’m aware of on the Chinese LDV Deliver 9 cab-chassis. Watch for upcoming review! Mrs iM and I are off to Dusseldorf in August for the first time since 2019 and we’re looking forward to immersing ourselves in the wider motorhome scene again. Would you be interested in 360º virtual tours of the best RVs we find over there? It’s something I started doing just before closing the magazine and is a great way to have a proper look through a vehicle. Then, in November we are doing a reconnaissance run around New Zealand’s stunning South Island for a new escorted tour we’re planning for late 2023. It will immediately follow an updated version of our Taste of New Zealand tour, from Auckland to Christchurch, and the two will be able to be combined for the ultimate NZ motorhoming holiday experience. Full details will appear early in the new year, so watch this space! Finally, my Facebook account was hacked last December and consequently I’ve lost access to the IMotorhome Facebook page. Facebook is an impenetrable monolith that answers to no one, least of all those it locks out after criminals take over their account and start to run political ads for Hong Kong elections. There might be a new Page at some stage – the shell is already there – but we’ll see. I have to say it’s already feeling good to be back – sort of – and I hope you’ll be happy to pick-up where we left off and see what the future holds. For now I wish you safe travels and let me know what you think: richard@imotorhome.com.au still works!

It's time to say farewell... After a two month break iMotorhome Magazine returns – to say goodbye. Find out why in this final issue as the curtain is drawn on our extraordinary adventure… Download, Read Online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, #AustralMotorhomes #Slideons #VWTVMultivan #BurstnerLyseoGallery #LithiumBatteries #Vanlife #DIY #StyroMax #RVFriendlyTowns

It's our birthday, too... Happy birthday to us – it’s number nine – not that we’re counting! Where does the time go? To celebrate we’ve got something a little different for you this issue: A stylish VW T6.1 campervan with German roots and a bespoke design philosophy, from Geelong-based Achtung Camper. If you’re in the market for a quality campervan that’s more than a little different, be sure to check it out. We also report on a week spent with a new nine-speed auto Fiat Ducato to see what the new drivetrain is like in daily driving. Ian returns with the second instalment of his DIY VW Crafter van conversion – the Olive Van Project – while Warren goes to great lengths to explain battery charging and why your choices are so important. Colin takes us touring in picturesque North Eastern Victoria, while Allan gives us the goss on what he reckons is the best portable espresso coffee machine. Interested? You should be! The iMotorhome Team is also taking a well earned break to regroup and will return in July, so don’t miss this special two-month issue – grab it now! Download, Read Online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, just be sure you don't miss this special May/June issue of iMotorhome Magazine! #AchtungCamper #VWT61 #FiatDucato #Coffee #DIY #VWCrafter #12Volts #NorthEasternVictoria #RVFriendlyTowns

Time for some happy Easter reading... It's Easter again and time for some quality relaxation with family and friends. Sit back, put up your feet and grab another chocolate egg (if you must!) while you enjoy our terrific April issue. We did a fair bit of travel in March, including three nights away in the brand-new Avida Busselton C7544SL. Built on an Iveco Daily and with an almost full-length slide-out, it's now the biggest Avida you can drive on a car licence. Spacious and comfortable it can also tow three and a half tonnes, although it’s not built for free camping. We also escaped for a few days in Project Polly on a reconnaissance trip to Jugiong for the iMotorhome Magazine Reader Weekend, now scheduled for 10–13 September (are you coming?). From there we nipped across to Temora for the official opening of the CMCA's latest RV Park, its first in NSW. Read all about our adventures, plus Warren's continuing explanation on 12V power, and don't miss the first instalment of the Olive Van Project, a reader’s ambitious DIY conversion of a current Volkswagen Crafter. Download, Read Online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, just be sure you don't miss April's iMotorhome Magazine! #Avida #AvidaBusselton #Busselton #ProjectPolly #Temora #DIY #VWCrafter #12Volts #RVFriendlyTowns

Just in time for autumn... Welcome to the March issue of iMotorhome Magazine – and the first day of autumn 2021. After the wettest and coolest summer in the South East in years, many of you will be starting to plan your midyear journeys north. If you're into campervans and venturing off the beaten track, don’t miss our test of Trakka’s class-leading Trakkadu 450 AT. That’s AT for All Terrain and it’s an amazing piece of gear. Built on the latest Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 with 4Motion all-wheel drive, German Seikel-brand suspension and an interior that leaves the competition in its wake, this is one impressive, go-almost-anywhere machine. For something completely different we feature a unique Chinese designed and built luxury motorhome with twin slide-outs and a pop-up second floor, complete with balcony! We also look at sustainable 12V power, explain the differences between conventional automatic and the new DCT gearboxes, review a composting toilet and much more. Download, Read Online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, just be sure you don't miss February's iMotorhome Magazine! #Trakka #Trakkadu #TrakkaduAT #12Volts #DCTGearboxes #CompostingToilets #RVFriendlyTowns

Time for us to get back to work... Can you believe it's already February? To get things underway we've spent a few days in Trakka's fun little Torino T2, which finally gets a 9-speed auto as part of the latest Fiat Ducato update. Allan Whiting has driven the impressive EarthCruiser Extreme adventure wagon, built on a modified Toyota LandCruiser 79-Series, plus we have breaking news of the new Iveco Daily E6 that's bristling with the latest technologies. We also explain AdBlue fuel additive and why it's the future; feature an update on an RV shared ownership syndicate 10-years on, and bring you part-one of a reader's journey from novice motorhomer to ordering his dream machine. On top of that there's news, travel and RV Friendly Towns, so what are you waiting for? Download, Read Online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, just be sure you don't miss February's iMotorhome Magazine! #Trakka #TrakkaTorino #EarthCruiser #EarthCruiserExtreme #LandCruiser79 #Iveco #IvecoDaily #IvecoDailyE6 #AdBlue #Euro6 #Travel #RVFriendlyTowns

By Richard Robertson This review is from the Nov 2020 issue of iMotorhome Magazine You wouldn't pick Mildura, on the banks of the Murray in far North Western Victoria, as a motorhome manufacturing centre of excellence. And yet it is, because it’s home to Wirraway Motor Homes, a small-volume semi-bespoke manufacturer with a big reputation. Wirraway is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘challenge’ and for owners Rob and Amanda Tonkin I’m certain there’s a measure of irony in it. For the business, the Wirraway name and logo is a tribute to the first Australian-built military aircraft of World War II (a two-seat trainer) and the No 2 Operational Training Unit that flew them and was stationed in Mildura from 1942 to 1946. However, if you look closely at the logo you’ll see it’s spelled Wirr-Away, a clever and subtle play on words for a motorhome manufacturer! Rob and Amanda were building motorhomes in Mildura before I first met them back in the early 2000s, while working for the now-defunct Caravan & Motorhome magazine. Rob’s an engineer with an eye for innovation and while the rest of the RV manufacturing world has ebbed and flowed in the intervening years, Wirraway has navigated a steady course and in the process, built a loyal following. Unlike major manufacturers with stock models and a rigid list of options, to Wirraway’s ‘stock’ designs Rob will add or change pretty much anything as long as it’s practical (or you can afford it!). That makes Wirraway something of a hybrid manufacturer, sitting between the mass market and custom one-offs. The positioning works well because it provides some economies of scale and gives buyers a starting point from which to develop their dream motorhome. Wirra-Ways… All manufacturers have their ‘signatures’ and Wirraway is no different. Inside, that has long been the meticulously crafted Tasmanian myrtle timber finish (although gloss white is now offered). Outside, there’s the unmistakable paint scheme, the unique, top-loading storage drawers and the pull-out barbecue, to name a few. Rob has long been a fan of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and it powers most of the range. The very latest Sprinter 519 CDI adds upgraded technical features and now, 4x4 is available across the Sprinter-based range. They also come with a 5 year/250,000 km warranty and you can pre-pay 1 of 3 service plans if you want to ensure it’s looked after by experts. Iveco’s big Daily 70C17 is a recent addition and is backed by a 3 year/200,000 km warranty. It’s the flagship of the range and provides increased load carrying and therefore more features, but for most buyers the Sprinter will be the vehicle of choice. Upgrade options across the range include a four-point hydraulic levelling system, bull bar, towbar, washing machine, inverter, satellite TV, diesel heater, UHF radio, cabin sidesteps and twin beds (a queen bed is standard). You might think some of these items should be standard on a premium motorhome, but the bottom line is everybody's needs are different and there is little to be gained by adding superfluous equipment, cost and weight. There are three basic models in the Wirraway line-up, plus a couple of variations. Here’s a quick rundown: Wirraway 260 The original Wirraway model, the 260 is a 26 ft (7.9 m) B-class coachbuilt that’s slide-out-free. The layout has a front dinette, mid kitchen and bathroom, and rear bedroom. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 4490 kg, so it can be driven on a standard car licence, and base price starts at $209,000 plus on-roads. Wirraway 260 EuroStyle Physically the same size and shape as the ‘base’ 260, the EuroStyle brings some Euro panache to the layout. Retaining the same swivelling cab-seat/dinette arrangement up-front and rear bedroom options as the 260, it switches things up in the middle. There you’ll find an L-shaped kitchen and a split bathroom. Base price remains the same at $209,000 plus on-roads. Wirraway 260 SL The 260 SL features a near full-length slide-out on the driver’s side, adds a full-width rear bathroom, east-west bed and revised dinette. The slide-out makes it feel much more open plan, but does sacrifice the bedroom privacy of the non-slide 260 models. It also offers the option of a high gloss Classic White Interior in place of the traditional timber finish. Mechanically, the Sprinter’s GVM increases to 5500 kg, meaning a Light Rigid (LR) driver’s licence is required. Naturally, the starting price increases, to $239,000 plus on-roads. Wirraway Evolution 280 SL Aptly named, the Evolution 280 SL sees length increase to 28 ft (8.57 m) on the Iveco Daily 70C17, plus the GVM increase to 7000 kg. Essentially a larger 260 SL, the 280 SL features a full-length slide, expands the floorplan and redesigns some of the layout, especially around the cab/dinette. It also increases payload, of course, and requires an LR licence. The starting price for this imposing motorhome is $281,750 plus on-roads. Thoughts If Wirraways were bread they would be artisan bakery sourdough, a refreshing change in a world of supermarket sliced-white. Ongoing evolution and subtle innovation are the brand’s hallmark, rather than change for change’s sake. It means a 10-plus-year-old Wirraway looks remarkably like a new one – right down to the signature paint scheme – and that's no bad thing (especially when it comes to resale). The product has long been highly developed and refined, as well as highly regarded. If you're in the market for a quality, hand-built motorhome it's worth making the trip to Mildura (when possible) or catching up with Rob when the show circuit reopens. Also, be sure to check out Wirraway’s website and its galleries. To read our review of two Wirraway models, check out the surprisingly capable 260 EuroStyle 4x4 here or the impressive new Evolution 280 SL here. They’re a couple of bespoke beauties sure to impress… #WirrawayMotorhome #Wirraway #Mildura #Motorhome #Sprinter #IvecoDaily

Suncamper’s 4x4 Conqueror takes the Sherwood E-Series to new heights and possibly beyond… By Richard Robertson This review is from the Dec/Jan 2020 /21 issue of iMotorhome Magazine Not many motorhome manufacturers have iconic models that define them. Sydney-based Suncamper, however, does and it’s the Sherwood, which first rolled out of the factory when Adam got his licence and took Eve travelling (you know, after the ‘apple’ incident). Sherwoods are ‘baby’ C-class motorhomes, meaning they’re small and have a purpose-built body with an over-cab bed that rides on a separate cab-chassis. In the Sherwood’s case that has almost always been Toyota’s HiLux, in two or four-wheel drive. Despite producing a wide range of models, the Sherwood is still Suncamper’s number-one best seller and that proves it’s a sound design. Ideal for solo travellers and well-organised couples, the original Sherwood – now called the E-Series – has an east-west bed over the cab, a rear dinette for two to take advantage of the wrap-around windows, a mid-positioned kitchen and a (basic) bathroom. Fully self-contained yet legally able to park in a single car space, the Sherwood must have the longest continuous production history of any motorhome in Australia. It also has a hugely loyal following and has been proven time and again in the toughest conditions across the country. There are now five Sherwood series – E, L, R, S and T – offering various combinations of queen or single beds, wet or dry bathrooms, dinette layouts, seating and sleeping capacities, but the E-Series ..”is still the most popular. Perhaps like Smith’s Chips, the original really is best? Building on that popularity, Suncamper has upped the visual and capability ante with the tough-looking Conqueror: A rugged bells-and-whistles Sherwood with attitude, ability and appeal… Oh What a Feeling! As mentioned, Sherwoods have almost always ridden on Toyotas and the Conqueror is the first to ride on the latest generation of the SR 4x4 HiLux. Toyota has needed to play catch up with the 2020 model HiLux due to increasingly stiff competition from the likes of the Ford Ranger and new Mazda BT-50. For starters, it has increased the gross vehicle mass (GVM) to 3050 kg. Suncamper increases this on its ‘standard’ 4x4 Sherwoods to 3500 kg, but the Conqueror raises it to 3620 kg. Fully engineer-certified, all GVM increases are accomplished through substantial suspension upgrades by specialist company, Pedders. Even with all its bells and whistles the Conqueror has a ‘wet’ tare weight of 3140 kg, leaving a payload of 480 kg on the current 3620 kg GVM. The HiLux has a 5850 kg gross combination mass (GCM), meaning it can tow 2230 kg at the Conqueror’s upgraded GVM. However, Suncamper has fitted a 1500 kg-rated towbar, which should be more than enough for most users and provides an increased margin of safety. Suspension improvements aside, the Conqueror rolls on great looking 17-inch alloys shod with chunky Maxis Razar 265/70R 17 mud terrain tyres. To keep ahead of the game, Toyota has upped the output of its 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to 150 kW and 500 Nm. However, it still ‘only’ drives through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Ford’s Ranger has a 10-speed option, so 6 is beginning to look a little passé. Apart from the GVM upgrade, Suncamper has also replaced the standard 80-litre fuel tank with a 140-litre long-ranger. The latest Hilux also benefits from Toyotas Safety Sense system, which builds on its recently attained five-star ANCAP safety rating. Safety Sense includes high-speed active (adaptive) cruise control, a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and daylight cyclist detection, lane departure alert and road sign assist, plus the usual traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, etc. Add to that seven airbags and it's as far removed from an early HiLux as you can imaging. Thank goodness… Inside, Toyota has added a new sound system, a touchscreen infotainment system with eight-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Many features can be operated from the multi-function steering wheel, although it's disappointing to see it isn’t leather trimmed. To all that, Suncamper has added a tyre pressure monitoring system with a separate dash-top digital display, a GME UHF CB radio, reversing camera and a Hema GPS HX1 navigation system with on and off-road maps. Oh What a Features List! More than simply a styling exercise, the Conqueror adds a wide range of features, many of which aren’t obvious, to enhance usability, utility and liveability (and possibly other words ending in ‘ity’). Externally, the Conqueror gets a good looking Rival alloy front bumper. Not only ADR compliant for the airbags, it incorporates an underbody bash plate, two rated recovery points, is winch compatible and lighter than the original. Other upgrade and enhancement items comprise a 30-inch LED light bar on the bumper, a snorkel, bonnet scoop with protective Raptor-brand paint, a Toyota TRD grill, headlight surrounds, wide-angle and extendable towing mirrors, and front wheel-arch flares. The bodywork also picks up roof-mounted brush bars, which at the front carry a 60-inch LED (flood) light bar plus 4 LED spotlights, switched in pairs, that have a 1.8 km range. No Conqueror driver is ever going to be afraid of the dark! There are also roof racks suitable for surfboards and/or kayaks. Another notable feature is protection from the scrub thanks to that hard wearing Raptor paint and also some aluminium protection plate. Meanwhile, an Anderson plug is provided that’s suitable for charging a tow vehicle, external accessories or for plugging-in a solar blanket, etc. Speaking of solar, up on the roof are 405-watts of solar panels, although the optional air-conditioner reduces that to 270 W via the removal of one of the panels. On the topic of power, the Conqueror come standard with a 120 amp-hour lithium house battery and 2000-watt sinewave inverter, plus dual USB charging points and a 12 V power outlet. At the rear it's difficult to miss the Conqueror’s two massive spare wheels (locked on), which provide extra safety in remote areas, plus there's a neat roof ladder with four small, fold-up steps. That pretty much takes care of the obvious external extras, but here are some you mightn't or won't have noticed… The Conqueror gets larger panoramic windows – specifically on the passenger side – than the standard E-Series. It also gets a large storage locker in the kerb-side rear corner with access under the lounge/dinette that’s suitable for a barbecue and longer items like fishing rods, while next to is a gas bayonet. Two electric entry steps and a black, three-metre wind-out awning are fitted, ditto the latest style security screen door which, unfortunately, doesn’t match the body colour. Speaking of the awning, there are LED lights on both sides and the rear for convenience and nighttime security, plus an illuminated entry grab-handle. Because the Conqueror is intended for more extreme adventures it lacks a couple of features you might expect as standard: living area air conditioning and a microwave. However, careful thought has been given to its mission profile and the water system reflects this: The main tank carries 95-litres and solely serves the shower and sink, while a 43-litre tank delivers filtered drinking water to the kitchen. The cassette toilet has its own 15-litre tank, which means you're not flushing drinking water down the loo. While a little inconvenient at fill-up time, it makes the most of available water resources and the system is sure to be appreciated on extended remote trips. Both main water tanks have lockable individual fillers, plus there's a mains-pressure water connector for the shower and sink when in a caravan park. By the time you take into account the 20-litre capacity of the hot water system, 43-litres for the grey water tank and 19-litres for the toilet cassette, the Conqueror can carry up to 235-litres (235 kg) of water. Add to that about 116 kg for 140-litres of diesel and the 2 x 4 kg LPG cylinders, it means the Conqueror’s traditional ‘dry’ tare weight measurement (with 10-litres of fuel) is around 2857 kg, Suncamper advises. Body ‘n Soul Proven and durable, the Sherwood features a traditional steel frame base and fully-welded aluminium framework for the walls, rear and nose, plus a single-piece roof. Underneath, a rustproofing and sound deadening agent is applied to protect from noise and road damage The walls and roof are fully insulated with fire retardant foam and then pressed together. Because the framework is extensive, every fitting is screwed into a solid spot and the walls are more than 30 mm thick while the roof exceeds 45 mm. Inside, all cabinetry is plywood that has been glued and screwed together, not stapled. General Manager Cameron Harrison is a cabinetmaker by trade and takes great pride in the design and quality of Suncamper’s interiors. While the floor plan of the Conqueror is pure Sherwood E-Series, it has been significantly upgraded. The cabinetry has been re-designed to give a modern, seamless look, with concealed but easily-operated latches on the overhead cupboards and a new style latch that's simple and robust, elsewhere. Leather upholstery is now the go, while the U-shaped dinette with removable table converts to a second bed if/when required. There’s good internal storage for the size of vehicle including a hanging wardrobe between the bathroom and sink unit and large overhead cupboards. Other things to note include the relocation of the electrical control panel, etc, plus light switches to the wall between the kitchen bench and overhead cupboards, just inside the door. Stone benchtops are used throughout; there’s a new Thetford two-burner ceramic glass gas cook-top and a large, wooden bench extension that easily lifts into place over the stairwell. Above the cooker is a flush-mount rangehood, neatly hidden beneath the overhead cupboards, while touch-operated-and-dimmed LED strip lighting is also concealed there. As expected, the other interior lighting is LED and has a couple of switching options to reduce electrical load and/or suit ‘the mood’. A new Thetford compressor fridge sits beneath the cooker and it eliminates external venting, significantly reducing the chance of dust ingress. It circulates air internally, drawing-in cooler air underneath and venting warm air out the top, between it and the cabinet. It will be interesting to see how effective this is in more extreme conditions and if it noticeably raises the Conqueror’s internal temperature. Across the aisle in its own cabinet is the new enamelled black sink with black glass lid and matching tap. It includes a removable drain board, cutting board, wash bowl and draining rack; all of which fit neatly together and sit in the sink, under the lid, whilst travelling. As mentioned, there is a separate filtered drinking water supply, and tap, that has a cartridge-type filter under the sink. Two excellent inclusions for remote adventures year-round are a ducted Webasto diesel heater with digital controller and 12-volt Sirocco fan; the latter positioned above the stairwell so it can be swivelled to cool the living area or bed. Also on a swing-out arm is the digital TV, above the sink, which can also be viewed from the dinette or bed. Speaking of the bed, it’s an east-west queen-size and the Conqueror has a revised step and additional grab handle for easier access. There are also blue LED reading lights above the bed head (kerbside), while a large over-bed hatch, with white LEDs in the surrounds, and windows at both ends should provide plenty of ventilation. The only part of the Conqueror I can see that remains untouched from the standard Sherwood E-Series is the bathroom. Directly opposite the entry door, between the bed and wardrobe, it's a basic all-in-one wet design. Features comprise an opaque door, Thetford bench-style cassette toilet, small, corner hand basin, flick mixer tap with an extendable hose that doubles as the shower, a fold-out clothes line, mirror, LED light and a fan roof hatch. There is no storage space nor room for swinging cats, but in this size vehicle it’s what you'd expect. Impressions I only had half a day in the Conqueror and it had been awhile since I'd driven any Sherwood. However, it didn't take long for the familiarity to return. Being a 4x4 with revised suspension and larger tyres, you sit quite high and the elevated ride-height felt more akin to a van than even a bread-and-butter 4x4 Sherwood. Obviously there’s no walk-through cab and due to Toyota’s increased safety provisions in the roof structure, only a small hatch is now available to access the cab from the living area or vv. Actually, you’d probably only do it from the living area, feet first, and then only if you absolutely had to. Otherwise, it’s get out and walk around. That, perhaps, is the biggest limitation of this style of vehicle and not something exclusive to the Sherwood. On the plus side, the cab’s compact size, along with the front and side body overhang, means the cab is well shaded and the air conditioning should have little trouble proving effective in tough conditions. The new HiLux is a comfortable and high-tech office that will take a bit of time to get to know in full detail. On the test vehicle, the positioning of the large reversing camera display plus the GPS essentially obscured the view through the centre of the windscreen, but this will be addressed in production. Side visibility was excellent thanks to the large towing mirrors, split almost 50/50 between the upper, electrically-adjustable flat glass section and the lower, convex wide-angle mirrors. Performance was surprisingly brisk, with the gearbox proving a slick shifter. Engine noise was reasonably subdued except under heavier acceleration or if it dropped back a gear on a bigger hill to maintain cruise-control speed. Ride comfort was also good, partially due to Toyota’s seats but also to the well-sorted suspension. Despite the GVM upgrade, the ride was well damped and although there was noticeable thumping from the rear suspension over gaps in the dreaded Pennant Hills Rd and other surface irregularities, they were heard as much as felt. The increased ride height gives the Conqueror a higher centre of gravity and it was noticeable, although well controlled: After an initial pitch turning into a corner, the vehicle sat flat and continued without drama. The wider mud-terrain tyres provided a degree of ‘wander’ at freeway speeds, but this is something you would quickly get used to. Ditto buffeting in gusty wind conditions and from passing trucks. What I think The Conqueror elicits a kind of shock-and-awe response and it certainly created a lot of attention during my short drive. And I mean, a lot. The good news for Suncamper is it was all positive. Toyota’s latest HiLux is crammed with goodies and should prove as unbreakable as ever. Suncamper’s Sherwood has proven equally unbreakable and is more than up to the task. Together, they make a unique off-road motorhome that's small in stature but big in practicality, durability and ability. Priced at $194,990 drive-way it’s also highly competitive against rivals in the off-road motorhome segment. While any Sherwood is a fun little motorhome, the Conqueror takes that to extremes and has the potential to develop something of a cult following. More at home in wide open spaces than the confines of narrow bush tracks, it nonetheless is an extremely capable and comfortable motorhome that could literally take you all over Australia – or the world. Mighty Conqueror? I’m thinking it could well be… Pros… Looks! Capability Standard equipment Proven engineering Clever water system Comfortable Compact Cons… Tall Cab access Basic bathroom Non-matching door colour Contact Suncamper Motorhomes Unit 3, 9 Sefton Rd Thornleigh. NSW. 2120. T: 1300 416-854 E: sales@suncampermotorhomes.com.au W: suncampermotorhomes.com.au #SuncamperMotorhomes #SuncamperSherwood4x4 #SuncamperSherwoodConqueror #SuncamperSherwood #ToyotaHiLuxMotorhome #ToyotaHiLux #Motorhomes #4x4Motorhomes #4x4RV #RV

All our 2020 road tests, tastes and previews in one massive 241 page issue... The 2020 iMotorhome Magazine Yearbook is your essential reference guide of road tests, tastes and previews. Download it, read it online or grab your copy via the free iMotorhome Magazine App, just be sure you don't miss the 2020 iMotorhome Magazine Yearbook! #AvidaRV #Carado #CI #EarthCruiser #HorizonMotorhomes #IvecoDaily #JacanaMotorhomes #Jayco #Knaus #LatitudeMotorhomes #SLRVExpeditionVehicles #SuncamperMotorhomes #SunlinerRV #Trakka #Volkswagen #WindsorMotorhomes #WirrawayMotorHomes