An Introduction to Motorhoming

Essential Information

 

Motorhome Types in Australia:

A-Class

This is a purpose built RV where the builder constructs the body on a chassis, manufactured by a truck or coach specialist, e.g. a Spartan, MAN, Ford, or Volvo chassis.

B-Class

A custom RV built on a truck chassis. The bed is either at the back of the RV or interchangeable as a dinette; e.g. no cabover. Light models might be on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit chassis, but heavier models with island beds are seen on Isuzu NPR 300, Ford Traders, and similar.

C-Class

Known as cabover in Australia, or coachbuilt in the UK. An RV body built on a conventional truck cab and chassis, with a bed or storage area built over the cab. Examples are Isuzu NPR, Mazda T4000 models, and Mitsubishi Canter. There are smaller cabover models built on the back of utes, such as Nissan Patrols and Holden Rodeos.

Campervans

Various pop-tops and high roof conversions are created from standard panel vans such as HiAce, VW, Iveco, and Mercedes Benz Sprinters. Campervans are a smaller RV and have the advantage of being versatile; easy to stop and set up, with a basic layout.

Slide-on

Demountable/detachable RV body with wind-up or hydraulically operated legs, installed on utes, trucks, or flat-trays. There is no walk-through to the cabin, however, this particular set-up is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your vehicle.

Small Bus Conversions

Many consider a 20-22 passenger bus converted to an RV, such as Coasters, Mazdas, and Civilians, to be the most popular RV type in Australia. These range in length from 20-23ft, have a very comfortable suspension, and (except for the long wheel base 23ft models) can be driven on a regular car licence. The width is 6.5ft; and the coaches have much more underfloor storage in the bins than the buses. Some small buses are 20-24ft, but their width is 8ft, which is considerably wider than the Coaster or Mazda version. Big rigs are 36-40ft and generally tow a car trailer, but there are also many in-between sizes from 28-35ft.

5th Wheeler

The body extends over the top of a tow vehicle, which might be a Ford ute or a prime mover, and attaches to a turntable called a wheel (the fifth wheel). When detached, the tow vehicle can be used separately. Users say they have a limited amount of swaying when travelling, and that due to the towing position and king pin coupling, they are extremely stable when being passed by semi-trailers. You are also able to tow a much larger trailer on a standard car licence due to the goose neck that sits on the back of your vehicle. The licence required is governed by the size of the vehicle you are driving not the size of the trailer that you are towing.

Others

The abovementioned vehicles are some of the more popular RV options in Australia. However, there are also expedition style campers designed for extended travel that are capable of going into very remote locations. They are 4x4, self-contained and very rugged. There are also many other conversions on the road, such as six wheel drive airport fire tenders, biscuit vans, those old Ansett buses from the 50s, milk vans and ambulances amongst them.

 


Motorhoming Definitions:

Black Water

 Waste held in toilet tanks known as black water tanks. Should be disposed of at Dump Points.

Cassette toilet

 A common type of toilet (usually Thetford) built into the motorhome. The waste is held in a removable 20 litre tank which is accessed through a small door in the side of the motorhome. The tank is carried, like a suitcase, to a toilet or dump point.

CP

 Caravan Park.

Deep Cycle Battery

 A battery built to withstand frequent charging and discharging. Can be charged by solar power, the motorhome alternator, a generator or a battery charger connected to 240v power.

Dump Point

 A special disposal spot for emptying toilets from motorhomes, caravans and boats. Becoming more common every year.

Grey Water

 Waste water from sinks & showers, preferably held in a grey water tank.

LPG

 Liquified Petroleum Gas - bottled gas. In a motorhome, LPG bottles are typically connected to stoves, fridges and water heaters.

LWB

 An abbreviation for long wheel base models of some panel vans and small buses like Coasters.

Mains power
(Shore power to boaties)

 240v electricity supplied to a motorhome through a 15 amp lead connected to a power point.

Mains pressure

 Water that comes from a tap connected to a city water supply.

Marine toilet

 Toilet with a (large) fixed waste holding tank, as used on boats.

Pump Out Toilets

 A common type of toilet fitted to very large Motorhomes and converted Buses. These have an in-built tank for flushing water and hold approximately 300 to 500 litres of treated black water. This is "pumped" into the sewerage system at dump points. Treatment is equivalent to tertiary treated effluent.

Porta-Potti

 Another common type of toilet (usually Thetford or Fiamma) which is free-standing. The waste is held in a removable tank which you carry to a toilet or dump point after detaching it from the top unit.

RV

 Recreational Vehicle. Becoming a more common term in Australia, in the US it refers to all vehicles used for camping: caravans (known as trailers), motorhomes, campervans and even camping-trailers. In the UK it generally refers only to the big American motorhomes.

Three-way Fridge

 A fridge that operates on 240v power, 12v power while travelling or on LPG (when 240v power is not available).

Two-way fridge

 A fridge that operates on 240v power and LPG only, or on 240v & 12v.

12v or 24v fridges

 Powered by solar panels and also by 240v power from mains or generators.

Fully self contained vehicle

 A motorhome or campervan that, in addition to in-built eating, sleeping, food storage and preparation facilities, also contains a toilet, shower and holding tanks for both grey water and black water, clean water storage, deep cycle batteries and a hot water service. Some vehicles also have solar panels and/or wind generators, generators, washing machines, electric dryers, dishwashers, spas, etc.