Special Offers & Information

Landbase Australia:  Postal Votes

Postal Vote forms have a 'used by' date! Collect your postage votes on or after Sunday 22nd August (probably even earlier) and you’ve missed the election!

Jan at Landbase advises that she will contact her clients immediately their Postal Voting forms arrive at her office.

Jan also suggests all travellers review their voting arrangements as soon as possible.  She says many travellers leave home for a trip before election campaigns are called – and obviously do not have absent voting arrangements in hand.

Visit:  www.landbase.com.au  Phone:  0408 686 461

The 2010 Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Week: Preparations Well Underway

The Slim Dusty Centre took a major step forward with the standing up of the external walls on the site commencing on 21st June, 2010.  All walls are expected to be completed by 30th June and the building will be at lock up stage by the end of the year.

The Truckies Tribute to Slim was due to finalise on the 1st July 2010, but due to popular demand has been extended until 13 August 2010. 

The 2010 Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Week will be held at the Kempsey Showground from 25th to 31st October, 2010. 

Motorhomers very welcome - powered sites available. 

Visit: www.slimdustycentre.com.au  Phone:  02 6562 6533

Polaris:  New In Dash Multimedia Unit

A stunning new in-dash multimedia unit with all the mod cons has been released by Polaris.

The Multimedia PID3619 has a fully functional 6.2” touch screen with GPS/DVD that provides connection to either an IPOD or an IPhone with a handy cable hidden in the glove compartment.  It also features a new digital screen making it even easier to view on a bright day.  It has a virtual CDC player providing storage for five CDs whilst playing the sixth, an AM/FM radio, SD/USB port and Bluetooth for hands free calling.

These units come standard with a reversing camera to make driving the vehicle that little bit easier and safer.

Visit:  www.polarisgps.com.au  Phone:  1300 555 514

DriveNow:  Supporting Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia

DriveNow.com.au, an online campervan and car hire company, announced a new partnership with Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia (CHFA).  The partnership will help make a real difference to sick and injured children nationally.

Launched on 1st July, DriveNow.com.au donate $5 from each baby and child restraint booked through the site, the aim being to donate $15,000 during the first 12 months. These funds will be used for research, services and equipment within the main children’s hospital in each state. 

Adult seatbelts do not provide sufficient protection for babies and children, so an appropriate child restraint must be used until children are approximately 26kg in weight – generally about seven years of age. DriveNow provide customers with the entire range of restraints through their vehicle hire suppliers, from baby restraints and capsules to child restraints, booster seats and harnesses.

With prices starting from $5.50 a day, it’s a great way for DriveNow customers to help out, doing nothing more than what they would normally do when hiring a vehicle through the site.

Visit Aust:   www.drivenow.com.au/home/campervan-hire  Phone: 1300 547 214
Visit NZ:     www.drivenow.co.nz/home/campervan-hire

Pass The Post:  New Website, New Services

The new owner of Pass The Post, Jo Dissanayake, hasn’t taken long to implement her own ideas into the business.

The new website has now been uploaded, listing the new services and features.

Significant changes include the ability for people to sign up online, clients to top up their accounts online and a new blog facility.

There is also a 'latest news' feature – already displaying five items!  Two of them, 'what type of rig' and 'some useful tips before you set out on your trip', won’t be able to be resisted by most motorhomers and prospective motorhomes.  There is a facility to add your comments to the news item.

Pass The Post is now contactable by Skype.

Visit:  www.passthepost.com.au  Phone:  07 3351 0965

Export Nippon: Japanese Motorhomes and Buses

Any pre 1989 vehicle can be imported into Australia.  Export Nippon also export post 1989 vehicles.

The first happy experience when you contact Export Nippon in Tokyo is the Australian accent – the business is owned and operated by Australians.  They know what they are doing – they’ve been in business 10 years and export to 60 countries.

The completely re-vamped website has just been launched.  Videos provide plenty of information on the vehicles and services offered by Export Nippon. 

Export Nippon source second hand, low mileage Japanese vehicles either specifically to order or for stock.  Customers in Australia have the option of a motorhome conversion in Japan by Export Nippon or organise their own conversion in Australia.

Currently on the website is the 7m, rear mounted, turbo charged engined Hino Leisse – an alternate vehicle for motorhomers considering the Toyota Coaster.  The Hino has more head room and is wider than the Coaster.  Air ride suspension and underbody storage are additional attractive features for motorhomers.  The website displays photos of a beautiful conversion.

Visit:  www.exportnippon.com  Phone:  81  804 206 9901

Van Rest Beds Direct:  Motorhome Essential – a Good Mattress

What equipment is really essential in a motorhome?  A shower, a toilet?  Most people would agree a good mattress is an essential item.

The first mattress debate surrounds the foam rubber verses inner spring option.

Annette Adams of Van Rest Beds said, “Most people in Australia don’t sleep on a foam rubber mattress at home so when they go motorhoming they’d like to match the comforts of home.”

Annette explained that foam rubber mattresses have a 'memory' – the 'dents' remain in the mattress.

Annette also explained the difference between a 'RV' mattress and a 'home' mattress.  The RV mattress is often of lower profile to save precious space in the motorhome and, again, is often lighter. Annette suggests a two to five year pro-rata life span for a RV mattress whereas a home mattress may well serve ten years.

Visit:  www.bedsdirect.com.au  Phone:  03 9401 2211

Portmail Redirections: "Oils Ain’t Oils"

"Oils Ain’t Oils" is a famous line from a TV advertisement which meant not all oils are the same.

Ray & Cathy at Portmail Redirect say the same about postal services. The terms 'express' and 'overnight' when related to mail services don’t necessarily mean either express or overnight. They can be guaranteed only when from major centres to major centres.

Ray & Cathy are experts in mail services. They can often rearrange the make up, timing and packaging of your mail to get the best possible delivery times, keeping in mind the best available pricing.  

Visit:  www.portmailredirect.com.au  Phone:  1800 232 017

Hobart Showground Motorhome Park: Caretaker Opportunity – Summer Season

Peter Derkley of the Hobart Showground Motorhome Park said the Park's close proximity to the Hobart CBD makes it an ideal tourist hub, especially for those with big rigs and pets.

Some of the destinations motorhomers love to see around Hobart include the historic Richmond Village, Salamanca in the waterfront area and home of the famous Salamanca Market, the big hill (Mount Wellington that overlooks Hobart), Port Arthur and the Tasmania Peninsula.  Sunday morning the Showground comes alive as the sun comes up with the opening of the Hobart Showground Sunday Market and various other Showground events. 

The Park is looking for suitably energetic caretaker(s) from November 2010 through till Easter 2011 (term negotiable). CMCA Member with some experience preferred.  Ideal for someone who wants to come to Tassie and stay for an extended period.

Two CMCA Members have worked the role for the past two years.  They enjoyed the experience and were extremely well received by park guests

Contact is Peter Derkley, Operations Manager.

Visit:  www.hobartshowground.com.au/motorhomes  Phone:  03 6272 6812

Dynamic Solar Solutions:  New Look Website and Newsletter

New websites are always worth another visit.  One item which catches the eye is the bi-monthly newsletter.  You can subscribe to the email version or just pop onto the Newsletter page on the website.

The July/August 2010 Newsletter has a fascinating article for those interested in solar panels - a story on the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC).

The DKASC is a demonstration facility for commercial solar technologies operating in arid desert conditions in Alice Springs.  Funded by the Federal Government, Stage One has 13 systems.  Although set up for domestic and commercial applications, information can be adapted to RV use.

The efficiency of a number of solar panel brands was measured – and Jamie of Dynamic Solar Solutions reports, “Two brands certainly rate high and are best used in RVs rather than grid connect because of their cost.”

Visit:  www.dynamicsolarsolutions.com.au  Phone:  07 5492 5071

Kampacons:  New Renault Master LWB Campervan

A new motorhome based on a Renault Master LWB is nearing completion in the Kampacons factory.  Fully self-contained with air conditioner, shower, toilet, fixed double bed, 120 litre fridge and solar capable, it has already booked a feature spot in at least one major RV magazine. It will be also be on display at the major summer RV shows.

The Kampacons range continues to expand.  The Renault Master will join the successful VW Transporter T5 pop top campers and Toyota Hiace Pop top campers. On the drawing board is a Mercedes Sprinter Extra LWB motorhome.

Kampacons, based just south of Sydney, also specialise in repairs and maintenance – fix that annoying cupboard door, clean, replace or install a water filter to fix that bore water taste, fix that water leak – and bigger jobs like replacing the whole floor.

Visit:  www.kampacons.com  Phone:  02 9772 4191

Eastcoast RV's Pty Ltd:  Discount on Insurance Excess

Located in Southport on the Gold Coast, Eastcoast RV's are smash repairers for the RV industry.  To position the business to provide the appropriate services for larger vehicles, Eastcoast RV's has invested heavily in the latest equipment including full down draft 14 metre by 4 metre spraybooth.  They also have a purpose built fibreglass repair room.  

Eastcoast RVS are authorized repairers and warrantee agents for Jayco, Traveller and Winnebago.

Eastcoast RV's now offer a *$100 discount on insurance excess on insurance repairs on jobs performed by them.

*Conditions are that the labour content of the job must exceed $500 and this offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.  The motorhomer must request the discount at the time of settling his account and must mention the CMCA website NewsFlash offer.

Visit:  www.eastcoastrvs.com.au  Phone:  07 5528 2900

Caravans Plus DIY Parts & Accessories:  New DIY 240 Volt RV Installation

CMS products allow the DIY builder to fit many of the 240v cables and power points into their motorhome during construction, reducing the onsite time of a qualified electrician for the final connection and testing.

A standard set-up includes the CSM power inlet that accepts a CMS 240v cable.  This first cable is cut and a qualified electrician is needed to insert a 16amp circuit breaker or 16amp RCD into the cable before the cable continues to the rear of the first power point.  A second cable then connects to the rear of the first power point and heads off to the next power point.  This continues around the RV.

All CSM components offered by Caravans Plus comply with Australian and NZ standards for installation in RVs.  A maximum of 10 double or 12 single points can be included in a single circuit. 

Visit: www.caravansplus.com.au/detail-pages/electrical-240v.htm 
Phone: 02 6284 218

Elgas SWAP’n’GO:  Gas Bottle Safety

Did you know the leading cause of BBQ fires in Australia is equipment failure, leaks or breaks – causing over 60% of outdoor fires?

SWAP’n’GO tells us its safety and operating standards are industry-leading and every bottle is checked, tested and inspected by trained technicians in factory controlled conditions.  All bottles are cleaned, refurbished if required, then precision filled and leak tested.

Elgas SWAP’n’GO has a Safety List which includes tips such as:

* Provide adequate ventilation to allow the gas to burn and burnt gases to dissipate.
* Don’t put gas bottles inside the passenger compartments of motorhomes or cars.
* Never transport a gas bottle loose or lying on its side.
* Keep the gas bottle upright and on a stable base.

Visit:  www.swapngo.com.au   Phone: 1300 652 003

Ezy Commuter Pty Ltd:  Electric Folding Bikes a Great Success

Philip and Elizabeth Cowden purchased two Ezytraveller electric folding bicycles to provide 'local' transport and sight-seeing during the round Australia trip in their motorhome.

The Cowdens wrote to their friends at Ezy Commuter telling them the bikes have been a great success.  In part, they said, “our Ezy Commuters have proved a great success. We have used them in Alice Springs, Katherine, St George and many other places. The bikes have attracted lots of interest from other travellers.”

Steve O'Connell from Ezy Commuter said his Ezytraveller bikes exceeded the Cowden's criteria for light weight, small when folded and “easy to encase in a cover” electrical bikes.

The bikes can be ridden like standard bikes (seven gears assist!), use power assist mode or 'ebike' - instant power by using the throttle control.

And Steve answers the obvious question, "No rego fee and no licence required in Australia. The Ezytravellers are classified as bicycles as the motor does not exceed 200 watt."

Visit:  www.ezycommuter.com.au  Phone:  07 5667 8024

Activ RV Pty Ltd (5th Wheels-R-Us): New Models – Clearance Sale of 2009 Models

The new 2010/2011 models are now available.  The great new look include recessed awnings as well as double and triple slides outs. The new colours are impressive.

The last of the 2009 models have had the price reduced to $115,000 – they must be cleared to make way for the new models.

Recent sales have resulted in an increase in good quality trade-in units.  Prices have also been reduced on this stock to release showroom for new stock. 

Visit:  www.activrv.com  Phone:  02 4959 1130

Isuzu: Brake Pads added to Isuzu BVP Range

Isuzu Trucks continues to expand its Best Value Parts (BVP) range with the recent addition of brake pads.

The BVP range provides owners of older Isuzu trucks with a high quality, competitively priced alternative to Genuine Parts without compromising quality or performance.

To ensure quality, BVP brake pads are based on genuine brake pad specifications and performance characteristics.  Isuzu's direct involvement at every stage of the production lifecycle ensures that BVP brake pads have an advantage over any other aftermarket brake pads.

Isuzu BVP pads are derived from original equipment materials that deliver optimal performance and reduced rotor wear.

BVP brake pads are available exclusively through Isuzu Dealers with a factory backed 12 month nation-wide warranty. 

Visit:  www.isuzu.com.au   Phone:  03 9644 6666 

Driver Fatigue Alarm: 'You Saved my Life!'

Paul Hatch of Orange, NSW, wrote to Driver Fatigue Alarm to thank them for saving his life!

Paul’s letter, in part, said, “I wasn't feeling particularly tired. I was close to home when I had a micro sleep and started to drift to the other side of the road.  Luckily the device worked a treat and woke me, preventing a serious accident. Although there were no other cars on the road, I was fearful where I might have ended up!  The incident left me with 'cold chill'.  I have seen your advertisement showing a little red car, crumpled to bits. I know that could have been me.

So I just wanted to say thanks for inventing such a great, inexpensive and reliable device. If it only saves one life it will be worth it - and for me that has already happened. Thank you, Paul.”

Visit:  www.driverfatiguealarm.com.au  Phone:  02 9715 5100

RV Powerstream: New Battery Charger Range arrives in Australia

The ProCharge U range of battery chargers from Sterling Power Products has arrived in Australia.

Ian Martin of RV Powerstream reports he now has the 20A, 40A and 60A in 12V on his shelves.

Battery chargers in the range, billed as the next generation of chargers, have an extensive list of features.  Most of us will understand the two digital meters, one for amps and the other for voltage.  While not being an expert on “PFC, active, up to 0.99 pf, ensuring efficient power conversion, up to almost 90% as opposed to about 50% for older non PFC technology” one can see a huge improvement in efficiency.  Again most of us will appreciate the “high voltage de-sulphation cycle, the new, low activity, standby mode to increase battery life and the battery health program.”

Battery chargers in the new range also feature a 32 L.E.D. information panel, internal scan and systems check, remote control, small footprint and light weight as well as including battery temperature sensor.

Visit:  www.powerstream.com.au

American Performance:  Ford’s Massive F-450 Pickup

The Ford F-450 pickup can legally tow a 5th wheeler with a weight of 10.9 ton!

American Performance has been operating since the early 90’s in Melbourne and is the major agent for Vehicle Development Corporation.  The VDC is the only Australian importer/manufacturer to hold full volume Australian Compliance on the current F-250 to F-550.  VDC also hold R.A.W.S and low volume compliance on the F-150.   This means American Performance trucks have the highest engineering stamp of approval available.

The current Super duty range is powered a Navistar International 6.4ltr twin turbo V8 diesel which develops 884nm of torque @ 2000rpm and 261kw @ 3000rpm. The engine is coupled to an Allison designed/Ford built 5 speed automatic transmission with Tow/Haul mode.

American Performance report the new 2011 Super duty range should be completed within the next 12 months.

The new range comes with a brand new all Ford designed and developed 6.7 litre sequential turbo V8 diesel (code named Scorpion) and is coupled to a brand new 6 speed automatic transmission.  The range will have a load of functional new items and safety features .

Visit:  www.americanperformance.com.au  Phone:  03 9357 0268

Innovan Campers and Caravans:  Manufacturing Capability Expanded

As the popularity of a product increases, either the waiting list or the manufacturing capability expands.

Innovan Campers and Caravans, manufacturers of very innovative slide-ons - under 30 second set up, including the awning – recently announced a $2.6 million expansion to the manufacturing capability.  

A new, state-of-the-art website has been launched, displaying the latest innovations in the Innovan Slide-on Campers.

A number of video clips, varying in time from just 30 seconds up to nearly five minutes, cover a great range of topics.  It is like spending a day having Innovans demonstrated to you – with all your questions answered.

There is also a 'click here' for recent changes to the Innovan Slide-on Campers.  Listed are all the features and components common to all the Innovan Slide-on Campers.

Well worth a visit – educational and entertaining!

Visit:  www.innovan.com.au   Phone:  07 4696 8484

Hodge RV Pty Ltd:  New Website and New Fifth Wheeler

The launch of the brand new website was timed nicely to launch the new 5th wheeler 'Panache' in Australia.  The Panache won loads of praise at the Brisbane Show – its first outing!

The Panache is a 28ft fifth wheeler, featuring a full standing height bedroom and an island queen-size bed.  It has a large flush floor slide-out with a leather two-seater La-Z-Boy brand couch together with a full four person dinning table and chairs setup.  The rear of the unit has two leather recliners and a coffee table/cabinet.

The Panache is made for permanent living or long term travelling.  It is specifically designed and built to be towed by the Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado and the Isuzu D-Max.  Each ute is able to tow the Panache with over 800kg of cargo.

Visit:  www.hodgerv.com.au  Phone: 07 5508 2157

Bainbridge Technologies Pty Ltd: Battery Management without Mains Power

Motorhomes have house batteries to enable them to be independent of mains power. 

Bainbridge Technologies introduces the new CTEK D250S Dual DC–DC Smart Charger, designed to charge, maintain and condition these house batteries using alternator power, solar power or both.  It eliminates the need for mains power to recharge the batteries.

The new CTEK D250S Dual has two DC inputs – one for alternator power and one for solar power.  It doesn’t need heavy gauge wiring, can be easily DIY installed, doesn’t require a solar regulator and it doesn’t need a VSR. 

Check out the website and get the full story on the CTEK D250S Dual – watch the You Tube clip and /or ask questions of the Bainbridge 'resident power systems expert', Peter Blume.

Want the chance to win a CTEK D250S Dual?  Tell Bainbridge about your best or worst 'dead battery' story in 50 words or less!

Visit:  www.baintech.com.au  Phone:  1300 224 683

Apollo Motorhome Holidays:  $1 per day Campervan Hire

Apollo Motorhome Holidays has an unprecedented number of relocation specials available.

From $1 per day, you can drive campervans and motorhomes around Australia, New Zealand or even the USA.  Sometimes free fuel is included!

Apollo’s relocation page is updated daily with great offers.

Visit:  http://www.apollocamper.com/reloc.aspx   Phone:  1800 777 779

Post Haste Australia:  More Families Travelling with Children

The idea for the mail forwarding business came from discussions in a caravan park with travellers complaining that getting regular mail deliveries was a problem for people on the move. That was in 2002.  Proprietors, Karin and Marten, still have customers from that time and “have developed nice friendships with them over the years.”

Karin said the trend over the last few years has been for more young families travelling with children.

These families use distance education and Karin and Marten enjoy sending school work to them on a regular basis.

Karin and Marten believe the keys to the success of their business have been 'flexibility' and 'reliability'.  When they tell you “that cheque is in the mail,” they mean before 5:00 pm on the day you requested it!

Visit:  www.posthasteaustralia.com.au  Phone 07 3801 3454

Narrabri Shire Information Centre: Visit the Website – then Visit the Region

Narrabri Shire, in the heart of North West NSW, has a wonderful list of events happening throughout the year.

The website has an Events Calendar list, complete with location of the event.  Then you click on the Towns link – this display links to the websites of each major town.  The next challenge – where to stay? – can be answered under the link to Caravan/ Camping.

Major attractions are the next item to research – and, yes, there is a link to Major Attractions.  The researcher is then drawn to the links for Maps, Distances & Times as well as Driving Tips.

It wouldn’t be difficult to spend a week visiting the towns of Narrabri, Quirindi, Gunnedah, Lightning Ridge, Walgett, Brewarrina and Bourke – and we're talking of visiting only their websites and planning your motorhome visit!

Visit:  www.countrydrives.com.au  Phone:  1800 659 931

Outback Festival:  Planning underway for September, 2011

The Outback Festival will be held in Winton from the 20th to 24th September, 2011. You probably don’t have a 2011 diary so you’ll need to make a note in your longer term planning system. 

The 2009 Festival was a great success and the population swelled from 900 to 3,500. The Showgrounds were made available to motorhomers and caravans.

A highlight of the 2009 Festival was Australia's Strongest Man, Derek Boyer, setting a new Guinness World Record at the Festival. As an awe-inspired crowd looked on, Derek pulled a road train combination, weighing 80 tonnes and measuring 64.5 metres long, for a distance of 2.157 metres in 3.22 seconds.

Reports on other events also make good reading.

Visit:  www.outbackfestival.org  Phone: 07 4657 1277

Latex Mattress Factory:  End of Financial Year Sale

30% off all floor stock Pure Latex Mattresses.

20% off all new Pure Latex Mattresses custom made to measure.

20% off all Latex Pillows.

Sale ends 30 June 2010.

Visit:  www.latexmattress.com.au  Phone:  07 3277 8672

Roadmaster Caravans:  Motorhome Repairs, Alterations and Spare Parts

Larry Weepers of Roadmaster Caravans is well known as a fifth wheeler builder with over thirty years experience in this activity.

Larry is now re-organising his business – he is going to cease the motorhome building and conversion, concentrating instead on motorhome repairs, alterations and spare parts.  A large showroom to display accessories and spare parts is under construction.

Larry is looking forward to this new challenge.  He’ll bring his 30 plus years experience to the motorhome repairs and alterations – he is able to view each job from a manufacturer’s perspective!

Roadmaster Caravans will continue to operate from the Lonsdale, South Australia premises.

Visit:  www.roadmastercaravans.com.au  Phone:  08 8384 6011

Trakka:  TRAKKADU DSG –for Blacktop and Bush

The latest Volkswagen TRAKKADU DSG, a compact and versatile campervan, can take you to work or into the bush.  The TRAKKADU has the latest innovative ideas and high quality TRAKKA inclusions such as streamlined elevating roof with great ventilation and integrated awning; efficient refrigeration; swivel front seats and a rear double seat with multiple positions for travelling, dining and sleeping; dining table for use inside or out; LED lighting throughout; sophisticated electronic controls; a functional kitchen with contemporary diesel stove and stainless steel sink; lots of easily accessible storage and boot space.

The Volkswagen TRAKKADU DSG has the features of a prestige passenger car.  Powering the TRAKKADU is the all new 2.0 litre 132kW bi-turbo diesel engine which is cleaner, quieter and incredibly efficient.  Advanced electronic technology is used in the Direct Shift Gearbox DSG transmission.  The 7 speed DSG dual clutch transmission provides smooth, uninterrupted power by pre-selecting the next gear before it is required.  For improved off-road ability and to enhance the safety on all terrains a permanent all-wheel drive system is also available.

Visit:  www.trakka.com.au    Phone:  1800 Trakka (1800 872 552)

Talvor Motorhomes:  Premier Partner Dealer Network Launched

Leading Australasian campervan and motorhome manufacturer, Talvor Motorhomes, announced the launch of its Premier Partner dealer network.  Talvor Premier Partners have access to a dedicated logo, exclusive vehicle designs and are trained to provide Talvor vehicles at an expert level.

Talvor’s range is available exclusively in Australia through Premier Partners including New South Wales based Australian Motorhomes, Cruisin’ Tasmania, Perth’s Metro Talvor and Queensland RV.  Talvor’s New Zealand Premier Partners are market leader Freedom RV (Christchurch) and RnRV Ltd (Rest n Recreational Vehicles - Auckland).

Talvor manager, Andrew Fisher, said “Talvor is now the largest Australasian recreational vehicle manufacturer in its class.”

Founded by an Australian family with over 20 year’s industry experience, Talvor Motorhomes offers a full range of two berth, four berth and off road motorhomes and campervans custom designed for the Australian and New Zealand market. 

Andrew  said, “Talvor also exclusively supplies motorhomes and campervans to Apollo Motorhome Holidays, the world’s largest privately owned recreational vehicle operator.”

Visit:  www.talvor.com.au  Phone: 1800 825 867 Aust and 0800 825 867 NZ

Hippie Camper (subsidiary of Apollo Motorhome Holidays):  Road-Trip Giveaway Competition

Commencing 1st July, 2010 and running for six months, the Hippie Camper Road-Trip Giveaway Competition gives its clients the chance to win some great prizes every month.

Hippie Camper is asking clients to submit holiday photos, videos and blog posts.  The winning blog post each month will receive an Apple iPad, the best photo will win a Canon compact camera and the best video a Sony Handycam. There will also be a free transferable campervan holiday given away randomly each month.

The competition will run for six months and is available to Hippie Camper clients who hire from the company’s Australian campervan rental branches. Full competition details are available on the Hippie Camper website.

Hippie Camper is a subsidiary of Apollo Motorhome Holidays, the world’s largest privately owned recreational vehicle operator. The company offers quality backpacker campervan rentals from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.

Visit:  www.hippiecamper.com  Phone:  1800 777 779

Apollo Motorhome Holidays:  Opportunity to have One Way Fee Waived

*Book a Cheapa Hi-top or Cheapa 2 Berth ST and the one way fee will be waived!

Travel Validity:  Available for travel between 8th June 2010 and 30th November 2010
Booking Validity:  Available for bookings made between 8th June 2010 to 31st October 2010
Available from:  All Australian Branches except Broome
Available to:  All Australian Branches except Broome

*Book a Hippie Camper and the one way fee will be waived!

Travel Validity:  Available for travel between 8th June 2010 and 30th November 2010
Booking Validity:  Available for bookings made between 8th June 2010 to 31st October 2010
Available from:  All Australian Hippie Branches
Available to:  All Australian Hippie Branches

*Conditions apply – refer websites.

Visit:  www.hippiecamper.com    Visit:  www.cheapacampa.com  
Phone:  1800 777 779 

Award RV Superstore:  New Safety Jockey Wheel

The Safety 800 Trailer Tongue Weight Jockey Wheel received the Innovation of the Year award at the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) sponsored by the National Marine Manufacturing Association (NMMA) in the USA.

Award RV Superstore recognised that measuring trailer tongue weight was a gap in the trailer industry.  This factor can affect safety, fuel economy, wear and tear on the towing vehicle as well as the trailer. The Safety 800 was designed and built to provide valuable and immediate trailer tongue weight information.

If the tongue weight is too light the trailer can fishtail, swerve and become dangerous to tow as speeds increase.  If the tongue weight is too heavy, the weight can force the rear of the towing vehicle down, which forces the front of the vehicle up.

Visit:  www.awardrv.com.au  Phone:  03 9753 5511

Blue Suede Cruise:  Rock 'n' Roll 'South Pacific' Cruise departs 20th November 2010

Imagine a whole ship devoted to 50's/60's music lovers – all 2,400 passengers and 900 staff – and a total of 12 acts! 

Recently announced – two bonus entertainers will join the cruise.  The talented Mark Andrew will perform three of his best shows onboard the cruise - 'Greased' (the timeless musical), 'Austin Powers' and his awe inspiring 'Elvis Leaves His Mark' show. Funny man Kenny Bennett will have you crying with laughter.

If you want to be on this first cruise, hurry – 99% sold out.

The enthusiastic reaction to this original cruise has ensured this event will be held every two years.  The 2012 Blue Suede Cruise (number two) is shaping up well.  Watch this space – details will be announced as they are finalised.

Visit:  www.bluesuedecruise.com.au 

Watts2c Pty Ltd: *Solar Panel and Battery Sale

The Watts2c *End of Financial Year Sale means a saving of over $700 on two Kyocera KD 135SX Solar Panels.

The sale price for two KD 135SX panels is $1,540 GST inclusive (normally $2,230).  As a bonus, when you purchase the two Kyocera solar panels, you’ll receive 5% off any MorningStar regulator.  This offer includes free delivery anywhere in Australia.

MorningStar regulators are renowned for their reliability and battery charging performance.

The *Sale also offers big savings on batteries.  FullRiver 260Ah deep cycle batteries normally $804.00, now $699, save $105.00 and FullRiver 200Ah deep cycle batteries normally $705.00, now $539 save $166.00.  Delivery costs apply to batteries.

The Watts2c *End of Financial Year Sale has the following conditions: *While stocks last.  Offer expires midnight, 30 June 2010.

Visit:  www.watts2c.com.au   Phone: 1800 678 161

Byron Bay Brewery:  Gold Medal Award

One gold, two silver and one bronze medal was the achievement of Byron Bay Brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards.

The boutique brewery was awarded the gold medal for its Byron Bay Blonde in the Class 02 - Lager Draught category for Low Carb / Dry beers.  Byron Bay Blonde was in the same category as Hahn Super Dry and Pure Blonde Premium Lager.

Brewery owner Barry Schadel said, “It is such an achievement for a micro-brewery to go up against major brewers in an international event and win a gold medal.  The AIB awards are the second biggest beer awards in the world.”

The Brewery’s Billy Goat Dark Lager took out a silver medal in the Dark Lager category, where no gold medal was awarded.  In the British Style Pale Ale category, its Broken Head Bitter was awarded a silver medal.  The flagship beer, Byron Bay Premium Ale, won a bronze medal.

Byron Bay Brewery is more than just a brewery with features including a stunning restaurant, beer gardens, entertainment/ function room and brewery tours available on appointment.

Visit:  www.byronbaybrewery.com.au  Phone:  02 6685 5833

Kiama Coast Holiday Parks: Last Minute June Long Weekend Specials

Want to catch up with family during the June Long Weekend? 

Kendalls on the Beach, one of the Kiama Coast Holiday Parks, has a great offer.  Book family members and friends an absolute beachfront luxury self contained cabin - a Beachside Spa Cabin for $599.  Perhaps a beautifully located garden spa cabins - only 50m from beach - Garden Spa Cabin (2 bedroom) for $539.

Arrive Friday from 3pm and enjoy a late checkout on Monday by 4pm, included with all June Long Weekend Specials.

Other special offers are available throughout June and July – pay for three nights and stay five!  This special includes weekends but excludes long weekends but no Sunday arrivals.  Offer available until 31st July.

Visit:  www.kiamacoast.com.au/kendalls_beach  Ph:  02 4232 1790

Spirit of Tasmania:  25th Anniversary – 25 Great Offers

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of Tasmania, their Tasmanian and Victorian tourism partners have put forward 25 great offers – you can save up to 80% on accommodation, restaurants and well-known attractions!

All offers are available until 6 August 2010, unless stated otherwise.

To claim any of these offers please mention 'Spirit's 25 Great Winter Deals' at the time of booking and present your Spirit of Tasmania boarding pass (for travel between 1 June and 6 August 2010) when redeeming the offer.

Visit:  www.spiritoftasmania.com.au   Phone 13 20 10

Tyrecheckers™ Tyre Pressure Indicators: Tyre Pressure Alert Caps

The Heavy Vehicle Alert Caps fit all tyres with standard valve stems operating on a tyre pressure between 60-170psi. Pressure Alert Caps simply replace the dustcaps on tyre valves. The Alert Caps provide a visual monitor of tyre pressure by flashing red when the tyre pressure drops 8psi below the set pressure.

The first time you put the Alert Cap onto the valve stem it takes a sample of the tyre pressure and saves it to a reference chamber. If the tyre pressure drops 8psi from the original pressure the LED light will start flashing every 1.5 seconds until the tyre pressure returns to original pressure setting.

Research indicates that consistent correct tyre inflation will:

• Decrease tyre wear by 17% (Michelin 2008)

• Increase fuel savings by up to 10% (NRMA Fuel    Savings 2008)

• Improve vehicle handling and safety

Tyrecheckers Tyre Pressure Alert Caps cost $60.00 for a 4 pack and $30.00 for a 2 pack.

Visit:  www.tyrecheckers.com.au  Phone 03 9386 9872