Caravan World Issue 630

Another year ticks over as summertime rolls into town with very unseasonably cold weather. As thousands of NSW and Victorian families battle rising flood waters, most of us are gearing up for the Christmas break when many of us pack the van to battle the crowds at our favourite campsite. In this issue, the team has some destinations with luxury touches if your usual spot is booked out or if the same old same old is wearing thin. Heather and I recently hooked up the van for the short hop over the Victorian border to Mallacoota for the Trakmaster Off Road Caravan Club's gathering. Around 150 Trakkies turned out to celebrate members who had hit their 70th and 80th birthday milestones. The birthday event is usually an annual celebration, but COVID…

ARK Corporation, a leading international brand in the trailer touring sector, was recognised with a Global Media Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas for its new XO-Tech Power Distribution Hub. “Vehicle customisation and personalisation has been growing worldwide,” said Linda Spencer, SEMA director of international and government relations. The GMA program taps top international media experts to weigh in on which new products are likely to succeed in their home markets. The global automotive specialty-equipment market is made up of enthusiasts who are passionate about the hobby. This year's program included 23 judges from seven countries. Each judge carefully reviewed and evaluated 3,000 product entries at the SEMA Show before selecting the products that they felt would resonate and appeal most to consumers in their home countries. Unveiled to Australian customers earlier…

One of the biggest weeks in the recent history of the outback community of Toompine was celebrated last month with a soft launch of Toompine's South Western Hotel (circa 1893) and the announcement of a grant to allow for a life changing supply of water to the region. Known as the pub with no town, the beer taps flowed at the iconic Toompine Hotel when the doors opened for 2022 Melbourne Cup celebrations and yabby races. In the New Year water will flow freely from taps in the outback community for the first time in decades. A once bustling frontier opal town and Cobb & Co staging post, all that remains in Toompine is the South Western Hotel which has been bought back to its former glory following a major restoration to…

Consumers who have a Swift 500 series cooker in their caravan or motorhome are advised there is now a remedy for recalled models and should immediately arrange a free inspection of their cooker and possible repair. Inspection and repairs will be carried out free of charge by the manufacturer, under a remedy Swift has negotiated with the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC). The GTRC comprises of representatives from Australian state, territory, and New Zealand gas regulators. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned about the risk of explosions and burns associated with 16 recalled models of the Swift 500 series cooker. About 11,000 cookers are affected, which were manufactured between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020 (inclusive). “Unfortunately, three people have already suffered serious injuries and burns while using a…

Another year ticks over as summertime rolls into town with very unseasonably cold weather. As thousands of NSW and Victorian families battle rising flood waters, most of us are gearing up for the Christmas break when many of us pack the van to battle the crowds at our favourite campsite. In this issue, the team has some destinations with luxury touches if your usual spot is booked out or if the same old same old is wearing thin. Heather and I recently hooked up the van for the short hop over the Victorian border to Mallacoota for the Trakmaster Off Road Caravan Club's gathering. Around 150 Trakkies turned out to celebrate members who had hit their 70th and 80th birthday milestones. The birthday event is usually an annual celebration, but…

RACV has urged Victorian motorists to exercise caution on the road following heavy rain and flooding across the state. Heavy rain has contributed to flooding on metro and regional roads, as well as causing potholes, presenting hazards for car drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists. Silvia Morris, Senior Instructor for RACV Drive School, said the dangers of potholes should not be underestimated. “Large potholes have the potential to cause severe damage to your tyres, wheels, suspension, exhaust and/or vehicle body, and in some cases can even lead to drivers losing control of their vehicle,” Ms Morris said. “Even small ones can cause wear and tear to your vehicle's suspension and steering which can be costly. When you do encounter a pothole, avoid sudden breaking and dangerous swerving into oncoming traffic. Keep a firm control of the…