Special Offers & Information

VMS Group (Vehicle Modification Specialists):  New Name, New Services

The name change to VMS Group (Vehicle Modification Specialists) from Geelong Coachworks has been accompanied by a major re-vamp and expansion of services.

The business has been re-organised into five areas, Bus & Truck, Disability, Commercial Vehicle Fitouts, Special Vehicles as well as Refrigeration and Air-conditioning.

Motorhomes continue to be a focus.  Services include conversion preparation and refurbishment – roof raising, re-panelling exteriors, body frame and rust repairs, installation of new windows, air conditioning, new upholstery and other services – and an Engineers Report to verify the professionalism. 

The VMS Group is based in Geelong, Victoria.

Visit:  www.vmsgroup.net.au  Phone:  03 5278 4705

Tullamore Irish Festival: Easter Weekend, 1st to 4th April, 2010

The home of true Irish fun, the Tullamore Irish Festival has a respectful appreciation of the Irish culture and features high class artists as well as celebrating the local Tullamore region's Irish heritage.

The Festival commences on Thursday 1st April with the official opening of the Visual Arts Exhibition in the evening.  A cocktail party celebrates the official opening.

The main day is Saturday. Commencing at 10am with street entertainment, dancers and buskers as the warm up acts for a street parade at 10.45am. At the Festival Village there are two stages with entertainment all day featuring Dwyer-Whelan Irish Dancers and international artists including Maria Forde, Jimmy Moore and Claddagh, Eileen McCann, Steve Passfield and Clare O'Meara.

There is entertainment for all the family with children's entertainment free. The little ones will enjoy jumping castles, Jingles the clown, games, competitions and hurdle races.  Those a bit older will be entertained with the Tullamore Irish Hurdles, the four way Irish Tug-O-War and a ride on the Irish Bike.  Everyone will enjoy the Tent Pegging display by the Trundle Light Horse Troop.

Visit:  www.tullamoreinc.com.au/irishfestival.php   

BIG4 Holiday Parks of Australia: Sponsorship of Channel 7’s 'What’s Up Downunder'

BIG4 Holiday Parks announced a two-year sponsorship deal with Channel 7’s latest travel programme, 'What’s Up Downunder'.

Airing this month, the show will be hosted by well-known musician and actor Frankie J Holden, wife, Michelle Pettigrove, country singer Tania Kernaghan and TV journalist Dean Allen-Craig. 'What’s Up Downunder' is the only TV travel program focusing on caravanning, camping, touring, self drive & fly drive holidays promoted through holiday parks.

Terry Goodall, BIG4 Holiday Parks’ Chief Executive Officer, said the show will showcase regional tourism in Australia.

'What's Up Down Under' will air for 30 weeks on the Seven Network, including all regional affiliates, from 27th March to 18th December 2010 on Saturday between 4-5pm.

Since the formation of BIG4 Holiday Parks more than 30 years ago, the group has over 180 unique Holiday Parks around Australia, with locations and facilities to suit everyone.

Visit:  www.big4.com.au  Phone:  1800 632 444

Sydney RV Centre:  Celebrating 5th Anniversary

Five years in business is cause for celebration; gaining 3,000 customers in those five years is cause for a long and deep bow to loud and extended applause!  Congratulations to Sydney RV Centre Director, Jeremy Pearce, and his dedicated team.

Success was achieved one step at a time – built on the solid foundations of good decisions and great customer service.

Originally based in Mona Vale, now the Company’s Service Centre, they opened their second site, a dedicated sales yard in Narrabeen in 2007. This coincided with being awarded the Winnebago franchise for Sydney. In 2009 a further expansion saw the opening of another sales yard at Penrith, near the Blue Mountains.

Sydney RV Centre stocks a full range of over 100 new and pre owned Winnebago models. The extensive range of customer services includes individually tailored finance, guaranteed buy back,  assistance with insurance, try-before-you-buy, storage, free airport shuttle and even a two night complimentary stay at a local 4 star camp site (after purchase ).   Trades are welcomed - RVs, cars, and caravans. A consignment service takes the hassle out of selling privately. 

Visit:  www.sydneyrvcentre.com.au  Phone:  02 9979 4449

Entally Estate:  Launceston is the Focus in March

CMCA Members heading to the CMCA Rally at Quercus Park will be warmly welcomed at Entally Estate, at Hadspen, some 15 minutes from Launceston. 

According to Darryl Cullen of Entally Estate, the property is one of Tasmania's best kept secrets and well worth a visit while you are in the Launceston area. Entally House, built in 1819 by the eldest son of a former convict who became one of Australia’s wealthiest women, is a treasure of antiquities with the oldest conservatory in Australia, chapel, stables, farmyard and carriage house. It has been one of Tasmania's heritage treasures since 1947.

Tea, coffee and wine tasting available. Open to the public seven days a week.

This magnificent estate is on Meander Valley Road at Hadspen.

Visit:  www.entally.com.au  Phone:  03 6393 6201

Landbase Australia:  SMS Alert for Parcels

Jan at Landbase Australia understands the importance of getting regular deliveries and using technology to its best advantage – both learned from the experience gained travelling around the world on a yacht for seven years.  

Jan was an early advertiser on our CMCA website Marketplace – soon to commence her eighth year. We’ve watched Jan implement her business philosophy of “continuous improvement” - virtually a necessity in the mail forwarding business.

Jan’s latest innovation is an SMS Alert System for parcels.  Parcels are almost always important – something bought or a gift from family or friend.  You want to know immediately when a parcel arrives!  Jan’s team will send an SMS and you can advise delivery instructions.

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

Bus Sales Online:  Double Decker – Double Space

Space is often a challenge with motorhomes, especially if you are full time or spend much of the year in your motorhome.  Some motorhomers believe that if you spend a lot of time in your motorhome in one location, you need more space.

Bus Sales Online has answered the challenge of space maximisation – double decker buses!  Double the floor space with no extra length or width!  You don’t even need slide-outs!

Josie from Bus Sales Online has reported great interest in the double decker fleet.  She has been amazed at some of the innovative ideas that prospective purchasers have discussed with her.  The upper deck can be used as a private residence and the lower deck can incorporate office space and conference area.  Another idea has been to convert part of the downstairs as a workshop or 'toy' storage.

Josie said Bus Sales Online currently has a good line-up of single deck buses.

Visit:  www.bussalesonline.com.au  Phone:  02 9654 1648

John O'Brien Bush Festival: Narrandera, NSW, 18th to 21st March 2010

The count down to the start of the John O'Brien Bush Festival has begun – only days before the Australian festival of word and song, celebrating poetry, ballads, yarns and performance from the Australian bush.

The 2010 line up includes Noel Stallard, Maria Forde, Wiradjuri Echo, Gregory North, Ami Williamson, Tin Shed Rattlers, Geoffrey Graham, Wild Aussies and June Factor.

Narrandera is centrally located on the Murrumbidgee River in the Riverina, at the junction of the Sturt and Newell National Highways, 560km south-west of Sydney and 430km north of Melbourne.

Book  your tickets online or through the Narrandera Visitor Information Centre (number below).

Visit:  www.johnobrien.com.au   Phone:  02 6959 1766

Caravans Plus DIY Parts & Accessories: Annex Walls and Winegard Antenna Boosters

Annex walls greatly increase the benefits gained from having an awning – they give you an 'outdoor' room rather than a carport!  Recently imported are some pre-made Carefree annex walls that suit the Carefree fiesta as well the Dometic A&E rollout awnings.

The Winegard Wingman, a new product to Australia, increases the db gain on the high definition bands.  It is an add-on to the very popular Winegard antenna.  The product is selling very quickly but more stock is arriving shortly.

Visit:  www.caravansplus.com.au  Phone:  02 6284 2182

Lanotec:  Moisture Barrier and Lubricants Important in Motorhoming

Years ago I bought a 36 foot bus for conversion to a motorhome. The wheels must have had 20 coats of paint, applied over time as the previous layer of paint partly chipped off.  The wheels were sand-blasted to bare metal in preparation for painting the next day.  I was horrified next morning to discover a layer of rust over the wheels!  Of course, I should have coated them with a moisture barrier!

Lanotec is the largest producer of lanolin-based products in Australia.  Lanolin, a unique natural substance derived from the greasy coating on raw wool, is an all-natural, highly effective substance which acts as a moisture barrier and lubricant.

The range of products includes the General Purpose Liquid Lanolin.  It is used for general lubrication and corrosion protection – great for motorhome, electrical and sporting gear as well as rejuvenation of aluminium, vinyls, leather and plastics.  Another product is Type “A” Grease – it is water, salt and acid resistant.  Yet another product, Citra-Force, is a powerful, natural, biodegradable, citrus based cleaner and degreaser, the perfect partner for lanolin

More products and information on this interesting website.

Visit:  www.lanotec.com.au  Phone:  07 3373 3700

Power Protection Solutions:  New from Mastervolt

Mastervolt has introduced new AC Master Pure Sine Wave Inverters and ChargeMaster Battery Chargers.

As a result of the switch mode technology applied, the new inverters are extremely compact and light weight (<1.3kg).  Surge power is very high, sufficient to start up inductive loads with high peak powers.  All models have an efficiency of over 90%, with a “no-load” consumption as low as 0.16A in standby power save mode.  The 300w and 500w units are now available with larger models to follow. 

Mastervolts range of battery chargers for the RV market is strengthened with the introduction of their new generation of chargers - the  “ChargeMaster” range.

The range consists of 11 robust and reliable chargers, especially developed for battery systems onboard RVs. These compact chargers can charge three battery sets simultaneously with a charge efficiency of over 90%. The design allows quick and easy installation of the chargers via secure connections. On certain models, a large clear LCD display provides information on the charge current, charge voltage and charge phase for all three battery sets.

The ChargeMaster range consists of five 12V chargers and six 24V chargers.

Visit:  www.powersolutions.com.au  Phone:  07 3283 7800

Dentist In a Box:  Drug Interactions Can Prove Lethal

Dr Roger Byard (Pathologist, Univ. of Adelaide) is concerned about herbal medicines interacting with conventional drugs (both prescribed and over-the-counter) e.g. St. John's wort reducing the effect of warfarin (blood-thinner), garlic making paracetamol (active ingredient in Panadol and Herron pain-killer) more damaging to the liver.

These problems could be avoided if all medication was bought from the same location where your records are readily available.  This is obviously impractical when travelling 'away from home'.

Dr John Banky, Dentist In a Box, said managing tooth / dental problems with over-the-counter painkillers is not uncommon. Only a short-term fix is provided rather than a permanent solution. Without professional care the problem inevitably returns causing great inconvenience, more pain, suffering and sometimes infection.

Dr Banky recommends that people reduce their reliance on pain-killers.  Dentist In A Box provides temporary relief from common dental problems until you can attend a dentist.

Visit:  www.dentistinabox.com.au  Phone:  03 9528 5388

StormCovers Australia: Special Deals until End March 2010

When your motorhome is 'in-between trips' or when hail or major dust storms are approaching, you’d probably like your motorhome parked in a large shed.  If this large shed is not available or you don’t want to spend a fortune building one, a StormCovers Australia fabric cover will protect your asset.

This superior quality range of fabric covers, all treated with marine grade UV and mildew inhibitors as well water repellent finishes are manufactured by a marine covers specialist with over 35 years experience.

And the good news continues – a special offer on Made to Order Stormcovers ordered before end March 2010:

$100 off - all motorhome and fifth wheeler Stormcovers.

$50 off  - all car Stormcovers.

Visit:  www.stormcovers.com.au  Phone:  1300 734 759

Top of the Town Caravan Park:  Camp Oven Cooking Contest in March

Join one of Australia’s legendary bush cooks and fishermen, TV presenter Frank ‘Thommo’ Thompson, at the Camp Oven Cooking Contest at the Top of the Town Caravan Park from Sunday 14th March to Tuesday 16 March.

Tommo will host a Wine & Cheese tasting on the Sunday.

Top of the Town Caravan Park, located in Stanthorpe in Queensland, has drive-through sites, ensuite sites available, upgraded park facilities, new amenities, extra camp kitchen, BBQ areas, all surrounded by 12 hectares of tranquility.  The Function Centre includes a Bistro.  Close by are spectacular granite formations, wineries, orchards, festivals, the wilderness of a national park and great fresh water fishing.

Bookings are now being taken for the Camp Oven Cooking Contest - Park from Sunday 14th March to Tuesday 16 March.

Visit:  www.topoftown.com.au  Phone:  07 4681 4888

Award RV Superstore:  Wingman DTV upgrade to Winegard Sensar Antennas

"The number one antenna in the RV industry just got better," said Rod Francis, director of Australian RV Accessories. "The new Wingman is a simple and very affordable upgrade that will significantly improve over-the-air television reception for RVers now and after the switch to digital”.

Designed to increase performance up to 100% on DTV channels, consumers get more antenna range, enabling them to enjoy free local programming in both digital and high-definition (assuming their TV is digital ready or is fitted with converter box).  Winegard Sensar antennas currently provide excellent VHF reception (Ch. 2 - 13) and great UHF reception (Ch. 14 - 51).  With the Wingman DTV upgrade, RVers will enjoy excellent reception for both VHF and UHF frequencies.

The Wingman, model RV-WING, is compatible with all Winegard crank-up Sensar antennas and lists at just $79.95. The sleek, lightweight add-on attaches to the existing Sensar head with four simple snap-on screws. It installs in just minutes with no tools required.

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

Davsher Caravans & Campers: Super Sized Slide Ons

Slide On Campers don’t have to be "glorified, rigid-walled, small tents” on small utes!

The Davsher 'Hitch Hikers' slide on campers have gone bigger – you can super size your slide on camper to suit a small truck such as a ford transit, Isuzu, etc.

Davsher now specialise in larger slide on campers that are complete with toilet / shower, full kitchen and plenty of room for storage.

Visit:  www.davsher.com.au  Phone:  03 5231 2464

Janer Pty Ltd, representing Roadmaster: Video on Website

You don’t have to have an extremely light, run-around vehicle to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome.  A 10,000 pound capacity motorhome-mounted tow bar is available in the Roadmaster range.

There is now a 9:37 minute video on the website, detailing much of the range and demonstrating how to hook-up to, and disengage the towed vehicle from the motorhome.

Even if you are not in the market for one of these products at the moment, this video will enhance your general motorhoming knowledge and possibly give you the floor at 'Happy Hour'.

Visit:  www.janer.com.au  Phone:  0417 800 116

Projecta:  Intelli-Wave Inverter Range

Engineered and designed in Australia, the new Intelli-Wave inverters produce ultra clean power with peak performance of 200% capacity for three seconds and 140% for three minutes, allowing them to run demanding appliances such as fridges and power tools.

Designed in accordance with the Australian Standard AS4763 (Int): 2006 - Safety of Portable Inverters, the new Projecta inverters are fully isolated for safety and peace of mind. With safety paramount, the new inverters electrically isolate the DC and therefore battery posts, vehicle chassis, etc, from the 240V AC circuit.

The new Intelli-Wave inverters produce pure sine waves closely replicating the output mains power.  This power is ideal for sensitive electronic appliances and medical equipment where a perfect source of power is essential.  The advanced technology has a distinct advantage over modified sine wave inverters where an even power source is not possible.

Now you can watch television without static, listen to AM radio, play your favourite game on Xbox, Playstation or Wii and run a fluorescent, all of which may not operate using a modified sine wave inverter.

Visit:  www.projecta.com.au  Phone:  1800 113 443

Paradise Motor Homes: Free Time 'Lite' - Mercedes Benz 22ft

The Free Time range - Free Time - Mercedes Benz 25ft and the Free Time - Fiat Ducato 24 ft - has quickly become Paradise’s most popular motorhomes.

The latest addition to this range is the Free Time 'Lite' - Mercedes Benz 22ft.

The exciting new 22ft Free Time is a dream come true for those wanting an extremely compact motorhome but still crave the comforts of a genuine island bed, separate shower, separate toilet, spacious lounge and dining area as well as a class-leading kitchen.  Built on the Mercedes Benz 315CDI cab chassis, the 22ft Free Time is shorter than traditional Sprinter van conversions.  Economical, fleet of foot and a snap to park, this beaut little motorhome comes with all the comforts of home.  Optional 4x4 available.

Visit: www.paradisemhomes.com.au  Phone 07 5597 4400

Spirit of Tasmania:  Save 35%* on all cabin types

Travel in the comfort of a cabin on the Spirit of Tasmania, saving 35%* when you travel on a night sailing before 30 April 2010. Offer applies to deluxe cabins, twin cabins and four berth cabins. All cabins come with private bathroom facilities and your choice of inside or porthole view. Wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed, ready to start your holiday.

Hurry, offer ends 6 March, unless sold out prior.

*Conditions apply. Applicable to standard cabin fares for selected night sailings until 30 April 2010 (excluding 27 March - 9 April 2010). Vehicle fare based on an accompanied standard-sized vehicle, subject to availability and restrictions apply. Visit website for details.

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

Cut Loose RV: New Aero Nose Cones

The new Generation II aerodynamic nose cones on the Cut Loose fifth wheelers have been developed especially for the popular dual cab utilities such as the Isuzu D-max and Nissan Navara. Streamlined in shape with a lower drag coefficient, the nose cones will result in better fuel economy. The special design also combines excellent turning ability while keeping a close coupling between the 5th wheeler and the utility vehicle.

The new stylish nose cones compliment the contemporary interior colours and panache.

Test drives and factory tours available.

Visit:  www.cutlooserv.com.au  Phone:  07 5520 7575

Map Centre Parramatta: Discounts for CMCA Members

Two good deals for CMCA Members:

Hema GPS Navigator – new version now available.  RRP of $990, special CMCA Member price of $950.

UBD Sydney Street Directory - new edition now available.  RRP of $40.00, special CMCA Member price of $35.00.

Visit:  www.mymapshop.com.au  Phone:  02 9890 2080

Nomadic Solutions:  Lifestyletable at Tassie Rally

Albert Stolp of Nomadic Solutions said his Lifestyletable™ - a low profile, folding table which is attached to the side of a motorhome – will be on display at the Tassie Rally in March on the RC Caravans stand.

Ron Carter of RC Caravans who will be displaying the tables at the Rally will be offering DIY advice on the fitting of the tables. Ron will also be offering the services of RC Caravans to fit the Lifestyletables at his premises after the Rally. You can book an appointment with Ron during the Rally (the RC Caravan premises is approximately 30 kilometres from the Rally site).

Visit:  www.nomadicsolutions.com.au 

Phone: 03 6442 2248

Glind Water Heaters and Pumps:  Moved to New Premises

Tim Nearhos reports that Glind Water Heaters and Pumps has recently moved to new premises, resulting in new phone and fax numbers.  However, there has been no change or interruption to the online ordering system.

Glind supplies full shower kits and heater exchange kits for motorhomers with existing showers.  The heater exchange kit is fitted into your shower hot water line – you leave the motorhome engine running (normal operating temperature) and enjoy an instant, long, hot shower.  A separate line in the heater exchanger excludes radiator coolant from your shower line.

The new address for Glind is 93 Boronia Drive on Bribie Island.  New phone number below.

Visit:  www.glind.com.au   Phone:  07 3408 6226

Glind Water Heaters and Pumps:  Moved to New Premises

Tim Nearhos reports that Glind Water Heaters and Pumps has recently moved to new premises, resulting in new phone and fax numbers.  However, there has been no change or interruption to the online ordering system.

Glind supplies full shower kits and heater exchange kits for motorhomers with existing showers.  The heater exchange kit is fitted into your shower hot water line – you leave the motorhome engine running (normal operating temperature) and enjoy an instant, long, hot shower.  A separate line in the heater exchanger excludes radiator coolant from your shower line.

The new address for Glind is 93 Boronia Drive on Bribie Island.  New phone number below.

Visit:  www.glind.com.au   Phone:  07 3408 6226

Kampacons: Conversion, Repairs and Maintenance Specials

Located just south of Sydney, Kampacons is offering a special deal for all conversions booked in February – each conversion will be fitted with a complimentary gps navigator and sunshield cabin set (from Top Gear to Go).

As well as full conversions, Kampacons has been very busy completing conversions started by DIY converters and commercial converters who are not able to complete the job. 

Paul Brogan. Kampacons, said most people with non-completed conversions arrive at his factory in a somewhat distressed state, concerned that it will be extremely difficult to continue the job without the initial plan.  Their other concern is cost!  Paul does a no-charge review of the partly converted motorhomes and sets the owners’ minds at rest by outlining a 'completion plan' – and at a reasonable cost.  The same applies to repairs and maintenance of recently completed conversions.

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

Australian Blues Music Festival: One week to Go - 11th to 14th February

The 2010 Australian Blues Music Festival is just around the corner, one week to go!  It all happens in Goulburn.

This year is shaping up as one of the best ever with ticketed shows from The Backsliders, Dallas Frasca, Jan Preston, The Bellhops and Paul Greene as well as free performances from artists such The Detonators, Glenn Cardier, The Blues Preachers, Chase The Sun, Kim Churchill and Anni Piper to name just a  few.  In fact the festival will feature no less than 37 artists across the four days. 

The festival will be held from the 11th – 14th February and kicks off on the Thursday with The Australian Blues Music Awards – The Chains – being announced at The Workers Club.  In addition, local art supply company, Arthead, has $1,000 cash on offer for the winner of a Buskers Competition.

Visit: www.australianbluesfestival.com.au  Phone 1800 353 646

Ultima:  Eco Friendly Composite Fifth Wheeler

Billed as the World’s First 'Eco Friendly Composite Fifth Wheeler', the Ultima Fifth Wheeler by Everygreen Recreational Vehicles, arrives in Australia in early February.  As a matter of interest, Ray Connor, Kilford Pty Ltd, the Australian Distributor of Ultima, is just back after spending two months working on the concept vehicle in the US.  As a reward for his contribution, Australia gets the initial Ultima Fifth Wheeler!

The website has plenty of videos to assist with understanding the terms 'environmentally friendly' and 'composite' as well as information on the build, benefits and energy efficient nature of the Ultima.

One of the video explains the elimination of wood substrate in the floors, walls and roof, the electrically operated awning (a great idea!), external speakers and an external bracket to allow one of your indoor TVs to double up as an external TV, a low profile to enable a two step entry, composite materials producing a strong and lightweight result (enabling the Ultima to be towed by light weight, light–on-fuel utes).

Even if you don’t think you want a fifth wheeler, visit this website for your general RV education!

Visit:  www.ultimarv.com  Phone:  07 5580 4571

Bainbridge Technologies Pty Ltd:  Low Voltage Cut Out

Bainbridge Technologies has released a brand new product in battery protection, the Bainbridge Low Voltage Cut Out (LVC).  The Low Voltage Cut Out is a battery protector for motorhomes, designed to protect batteries from being discharged below their desirable operating level.

The Bainbridge Low Voltage Cut Out comes in 12volt at present and is rated from 0-40Amp DC. 

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

Wilderness Wanders:  Tourism Awards - Join the Celebration

Wilderness Wanders were awarded a Silver Medal in the prestigious 2009 South Australian Tourism Awards. 

Wilderness Wanders want to 'share the moment' with you – as part of their celebrations they offer you a free disc of quality images taken on your 4WD or walking adventure and a free set of postcards for your family and friends.

It is always a great time to visit the Eyre Peninsula - Wilderness Wanders will point out the many award winning things to see and do.

You will be charmed by Wander, Amanda and Phil’s orphaned joey, while they prepare a delicious spread of local gourmet food and wine for you.

Visit: www.wildernesswanders.com.au  Phone: 08 8684 5001

Saturn Antennas: New Website – New Features

There are numerous new features on this new website including a product comparison with competitive TV antennas, newsletters, FAQ's and show dates where you can see Saturn Antennas.

One item in a newsletter caught my eye - a Saturn Antenna with a phone aerial inside as an optional extra.

The answers in the FAQ's obviously answer the obvious questions you will want to ask during your antenna research.

Visit:  www.saturnantennas.com.au  Phone 1800 443 471

Outback Festival: Read about 2009, Plan for 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. 

However, now is a good time to visit the Outback Festival website and read the reports of the 2009 Festival.  The population swelled from 900 to 3,500 with the Showgrounds being opened to motorhomers and caravans.

Read about 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 64.520 metres in length, 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

Nanango Caravan & Motorhome Park: Caretaker or Leasee Wanted

This might be a great opportunity for a motorhomer!

The Nanango Caravan & Motorhome Park, located 170 kilometres northwest of Brisbane on the D'Aguilar Highway, is seeking a caretaker or leasee.  Robin Woods, the owner, says you’ll need to be a handy person, have some basic computer skills and enjoy meeting people.  Robin said the position will not make you obscenely wealthy but is not overly strenuous and is a fantastic lifestyle.

Visit:  http://nanangocaravanandmotorhomepark.lifestylesforyou.com/Caretaker-Wanted-or-will-Lease.html   Phone:  07 4163 2322

Todae: 130W Sharp Solar Panel

The Sharp 130W Solar Panel (ND-130T1J) offers industry-leading performance, durability and reliability. With a sturdy frame, a high quality finish and requiring simple installation, the Sharp 130W Solar Panel uses breakthrough technology perfected by Sharp's 45 years of research and development.

Included in a long list of great features are the use of 155mm square multi-crystal silicon solar cells with 13.1% module conversion efficiency, photovoltaic module with bypass diode minimising the power drop caused by shade, multi-contact (MCIII) plug connectors and a 25 year warranty on 80% of the rated output.

The good news continues – the RRP is $869 but Todae’s price is $699 – saving $170.

The website has lots of other interesting material. For instance, many people who purchase this panel also purchase a Solar Panel RV Single Flat Mounting Rack for $29.95 and a MC Solar Panel Lead - 10m for $44.95.

Visit:  www.todae.com.au  Phone:  1300 138 483

Eastcoast RV's Pty Ltd:  New Website Launched

A new website was launched earlier this week by Eastcoast RV's Pty Ltd.  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.

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

Campersat: Australian Government Subsidies on Satellite Phones

Satellite phones have been around for some time but the costs were restrictive for the casual traveller. The Australian Government is offering subsidies on satellite phones so you can now pick one up from as little as $134.25. All satellite phones allow communication to the standard telephone network from Australia to anywhere in the world via the reliable network provider, Inmarsat.

Campersat has a limited number of refurbished satellite phones available. The US price for these particular phones is around $4,000.00 new. With a maximum government subsidy and the Campersat subsidised connection cost, your buy price would be from $134.25 plus $120.00 first year connection - including $180.00 worth of free calls!

For those requiring satellite email, Campersat can now offer travellers SATMAIL, an economical portable option for accessing email and the internet worldwide!

Visit:  www.campersat.com.au 

Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park:  Special Deals in February

The new manager of Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park, Lorraine Hughes, is offering a special deal in February as part of the “Under New Management” welcome.

In February, all sites are $15 per night for two people – and that includes a complimentary fish farm tour.  Note:  no other discount applicable with this deal.

Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park is located in the beautiful Port Stephens area, on the Pacific Highway, ten minutes north of Raymond Terrace.  Large drive-through sites will bring a smile to your face!

After your complimentary fish farm tour, a short drive will get you to the local vineyards, the Myall Lakes and the beautiful beaches of Port Stephens. 

Visit:  www.touristparkportstephens.com  Phone:  02 4987 0171

Isuzu:  Market Leadership Extends to 21 Consecutive Years

Following a strong 2009 performance in the midst of extremely demanding economic conditions, Isuzu Trucks has extended its reign atop the Australian truck market to 21 consecutive years.

According to official ERG Truck Tracker Industry figures*, Isuzu Trucks finished 2009 with a total of 7,480 units, eclipsing its nearest competitor by 3,221 units.  Despite a 24.3 per cent decline in the total Australian truck market largely due to the effects of the Global Financial Crisis, Isuzu Trucks extended its hold on top spot, increasing its December Year to Date (YTD) market share from 28.7 to 30.8 per cent.

Isuzu N Series models continued to dominate the light market with an impressive 40.7 per cent market share for a total of 3,544 units; this placed Isuzu 1,647 trucks ahead of its nearest competitor.

*Figures exclude van sales.

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

Freshield Australia Pty Ltd:  New Range of Vacuum Food Containers

Greenzone Containers, the new range of vacuum food containers from Freshield Australia, are circular containers with domed lids made from food grade polycarbonate plastic. They feature a non-slip inner base so a plate doesn’t move around and are available in 170, 210, 250 and 280 mm diameter sizes. 

They are great for plated meals and as a replacement for cheese boards, fruit bowls and biscuit tins.

The Freshield Food Vacuum machine allows you to store fresh food for longer periods in the fridge by vacuuming and sealing the food.

The full range of containers is on the web site.

Visit:  www.freshield.com.au  Phone:  1300 855 731

Spirit of Tasmania: Seriously Low $49 *Day Tickets! NOW ALL SOLD OUT

Heading to Tassie for the Rally?  For a limited time, you can purchase a Day Ticket from just $49 per person each way for travel between 25 January and 19 March 2010*. Day Tickets give you the freedom to move around the ship without a seat allocation. By the time you explore the ocean views, stroll along the deck, taste the salty sea breeze, have a drink at Horizons Bar, indulge in the a la carte menu at Seasons Restaurant or grab a snack at Lattetude Café Bar, you’ve arrived in Tassie.

Feel like a mid-afternoon nap?  Upgrade your day ticket to a cabin for an extra $60 per cabin.

Offer ends 23 January 2010 unless sold out prior.  PLEASE NOTE - ALL TICKETS ARE NOW SOLD OUT. *Conditions apply. Limited availability. Valid on Monday, Thursday and Friday day sailings between 25/01/10 and 19/03/10.  No changes permitted. 100% cancellation fee applies.  $5 fee per person each way applies to non-internet bookings.

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