Caravan World Issue 634

Bcause around this time of year, many of us are looking forward to hitting the road, we have gathered features on getting things ready to roll. Malcolm takes you through what needs to be done with the van, Allison talks budgets, John Hughes checks over the tow vehicle and Amelia warns about everything quarantine. We are planning a trip across the centre, starting in a bit over a month, and the list of things to check is slowly being ticked off. This time though, I have jumped into the deep end, selling my trusty 100 Series LandCruiser and starting all over with a very basic 200. We covered many miles in the older vehicle, but I have had to face the reality that with getting a bigger van, we need…

The Victorian Government has introduced new driver distraction road rules, which came into effect on 31 March 2023. The new rules have extended existing mobile phone rules to cover modern technology including in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices like smartwatches and tablets, and will bring Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules. Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine. Community awareness campaigns will run over the coming months. The Victorian Government is also investing $33.7 million as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 to introduce new mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera technology that will help catch people using their mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts while driving. Mobile phone and seatbelt detection technologies involve…

Jayco has announced some exciting changes and innovations to its range of caravans and campers for 2023. The range features enhanced off-grid capabilities, increased safety features, elevated interior and exterior designs, and the introduction of two new models to the Jayco range: the Wren Camper Trailer and Jpod-X, both of which are aimed at couples looking for an uncomplicated solution to the RV lifestyle. The Jayco Silverline has received an all-new look, featuring updated front and rear moulding including automative style tail lights, new decals and a revised premium interior with one-piece composite PET floor. This evolution creates the most impressive and sleek Silverline yet. Among the new features being added to the range is an anticipated upgrade to battery life with lithium battery upgrade options being introduced to the…

Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) has announced a long-term national partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). This major national partnership will assist with delivering better health outcomes to Australians living beyond the reach of mainstream medical services through financial support and the provision of a fleet of Isuzu D-MAX and MU-X vehicles. “Isuzu UTE Australia understands the importance of having dependable transportation in isolated and challenging environments and as such, our D-MAX and MU-X vehicles are a perfect match for this sometimes remote work and the long-distance towing demands of the Royal Flying Doctor Service where reliability is crucial,” said Isuzu UTE Australia's Deputy Managing Director, Mr Koichiro Yoshida. “This new and exciting partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service now enables IUA to support many of our regional,…

MDC Camper Trailers and Offroad Caravans released its newest model, the XT17HRT Family, at the Let's Go Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo last month. This innovative and dynamic new model of offroad caravan has been through extensive testing and development and features a comprehensive list of standard inclusions to enable owners to escape with confidence and for longer. Boasting an impressive 875W of rooftop solar, 400Ah of lithium power, a 2000W Pure Sine Wave Auto Transfer Inverter and Full Battery Monitoring with a power management app, this model leads the way in off-grid capabilities at a market-leading price point. Sleeping five people, the flexible internal living space design of the XT17HRT Family provides several living modes. There is a king bed upfront, bunk beds that convert to day seating…

Two of northern Western Australia's most popular national parks will not reopen this year due to flooding, dealing another blow to tourism operators in the Kimberley. Bandilngan Windjana Gorge National Park, 140km north-east of Derby, experienced extensive damage by a record-breaking flood of the Lennard River in January. The entry road, ranger infrastructure and ablutions were damaged in the impact. “We're still waiting for waters to recede, but parts of the walk trail into the gorge have washed away and there's been significant damage to the banks. There's been half a metre of water through the ranger quarters and mud through the buildings,” said Craig Olejnik from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The gorge, which features striking limestone cliffs, is visited by up to 20,000 tourists a…