Bendigo Leisurefest Escape Machine Rv's fit diverse budget and holiday needs says industry

Family caravan holidays save dollars on home ground

As world economies face tough times Australians can choose to save dollars on home ground with their own Recreational Vehicle.

Bendigo Leisurefest from Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday Nov.23 will show the latest and best options. It is at Bendigo Racecourse, Heinz Street, Epsom Melway Ref 509 E3. GPS coordinates S36.72665 E144.31522 from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday 21 to Sunday 23.  

Admission is - Adults $9; pensioner concession & Senior’s Card holders $7. Kids under 15 Free. Car parking is free and there  is disabled access throughout the venue

Australians certainly don’t need to pay a fortune to become owners of escape machines like pop-tops and caravans, Tony Bellamy, President of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) said today.

- Mid-range, mid-sized production line built pop-tops and caravans sell for between $35,000 and $40,000 and remain the norm for buyers, he said.

- Fuel prices have come crashing down, so towing or driving a motorhome is more affordable than it has been than at any other time in the last 12 months. 

- The Australian dollar’s dramatic fall from grace means overseas travel costs have risen sharply, making stay-onshore holidays very attractive.

- Interest rates are tumbling, so loans to purchase a caravan are much more affordable.

- And there is the unmistakable asset advantage of investing in RV ownership.  A well-cared-for five-to-seven-year-old  RV will sell close to the original purchase price with an even a better return if traded in on a new model.

While a buy decision will swing on the two key elements of price and need dealers are flexible in the current economic climate.

Breakfast for two, Lake Hume foreshore, GoSee Australia pic

“Towable” Recreational Vehicle prices vary greatly from basic compact tent trailers which start around $10,000 to custom-built, large luxuriously appointed caravans with showers and toilets which can cost $100,000-plus", he said.

The mid-sized, pop-top or caravan will cost around $35,000, and if the model is self contained with shower and toilet the price can top the $40,000 mark, Tony Bellmay said.

In the motorized Recreational Vehcile sector campervans sell for around the $75,000 mark and motorhomes normally start at around $100,000.

Specialty-built large models based on a truck chassis that can include leather upholstery and every conceivable mod-con can run into many hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Tony Bellamy said many people become RV owners for the first time while they have a growing family. Tent trailers and camper trailers offer plenty of sleeping accommodation at entry price to suit their budget.

“Prices in those categories will range from $10,000 to around $20,000, depending on the size of the model and the built-in fixtures and features,” he said.

“Obviously price is an important consideration,” Tony Bellamy said.

14 Campervan comfort makes home any place at all, GoSeeAustralia pic

“But when buying a Recreational Vehicle you also need to consider how you intend to use it, where you are likely to go, and for ‘towable’ models the kind of tow vehicle that will be pulling your RV.”

He said that for families the number of sleeping berths can be crucial, then once that has been resolved, the next issue is the likely use.

“If you intend to ‘go bush’ then you will have to consider purchasing a model that has been built to handle off road conditions and most mainstream manufacturers now build those types of RVs,” he said.

He said that Australian-built RVs have been built for Australian conditions and standard models travel comfortably on the highways and byways and can handle normal gravel road conditions.

“It’s when there is rougher stuff that the off-road RV should be considered,” Tony Bellamy said.

“But even then owners need to use common-sense. Experienced RV owners when going ‘rock hopping’ use their RV as a base camp and tackle the really tough terrain solo.”

Bendigo Leisurefest show organiser Peter Wright told GoSee today that -

“We’ve had unprecedented demand for exhibitor space this year so we’ve worked hard to expand the caravan exhibition area significantly”. “The space will accommodate many new caravans that will be on display for the first time plus an increased number of products from popular brands.”

New caravan brands coming to this year’s Leisurefest include Vanguard, Designer, Spectra, Royal Flair and Jurgens. 

For the first time in Bendigo there’s a line up of fifth wheelers with Trailblazers, RV Bendigo and Australia RV Enterprises all exhibiting. And there will be a great range of motor homes with Winnebago, A’Van, Sunliner and Jayco all bringing along their latest products.

Accessavan, the caravan range developed specifically for people with limited mobility, will also show in Bendigo. 

Accessavan was hugely popular at the Caravan Show and Melbourne Leisurefest and show organisers expect it to attract a lot of interest.

Peter Wright says that the on and off-road camper and tent trailer display has also expanded in response to demand from consumers. 

“This RV industry market segment is going through the roof and visitors will see a complete range at this year’s event, including slide-on campers and roof toppers which are rapidly gaining in popularity,” he said.

“We have also added a new tourism section, offering visitors a host of touring information from institutions including Victorian Caravan Parks Association, Oz Parks, Big4 Lake Mulwala and Adelaide Shores Caravan Park just to name a few,” Peter added.

As always visitors will find all the accessories they will need for their next caravanning or outdoor holiday including specialised products such as GPS units, safety cameras, satellite TV discs and more.

For serious off-road tourers, ARB and TJM will be at Leisurefest along with the Bendigo 4x4 club members who will all be available to give heaps of tips and advice. And as always, there will be free daily seminars from industry experts.

“Leisurefest is a must-see for every outdoor enthusiast because it presents a opportunity for visitors to see all the latest caravanning and outdoor products in the one place. Plus everything’s available at great prices,” Peter Wright said.

“It is a great day out for the whole family with free kids’ entertainment all weekend, lots of food and beverages and free parking.”

The RV & Camping Leisurefest is held annually at Bendigo Racecourse and it’s on this year from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November from 10 am to 5 pm daily. www.leisurefest.com.au 

Innovative campers built for Australia

Rob and Judy Heaslip and their son Greg run a successful business designing and building rugged, innovative campers.

Heaslip Campers options include a go-anywhere camper trailer, a slide-on traytop camper that suits both standard and dual-cab traytop vehicles and a traytop or trailer kitchen camper known as the "Gourmet Getaway. 

This fully-equipped kitchen fits to traytops and trailers for camping. 

The Heaslip Traytop Camper won Best Camping Product in the 4x4 Industry Awards in 1998 and Best Slide On - Camper Trailer in the Caravan & Motorhome Awards in 2004; and the Dual Cab Traytop was finalist in 2000 for the 4x4 Industry Award. 

Heaslip options include a Boat Rack which is adjustable and removable. Living area can be doubled with annex options and sleeping can be queen size with wardrobe and storage areas.

Avan designs include patented panel pop-top

The Avan Slideout range of Pop-Top caravans offers versatility and comfort with Avan’s patented Panel Construction. The rear double bedroom has superior insulation and security when compared to canvas-based designs. The Avan Slideout is compact and lightweight.

A'mazing A'van RV's is Victoria's only Avan dealer, based in Seaford, Melbourne and it will  show the latest design at Bendigo Leisurefest. 

A'mazing A'van RV's was opened in May 2006 by experienced RV retailers Andrew Page and Roxanne Melloway. The showroom and outdoor display area, has a full Avan RV display which includes the complete range of Avan campers, Eurostar caravans, Gran Turis caravans, hard-top caravans, pop-top caravans, slide-out caravans and motorhomes.

Kimberley Kamper must be the heart of  an adventure

The first design principle for Kimberley Kampers is that the camper must be able to travel anywhere the tow vehicle can go safely.

Kimberley Kamper Camper Trailers is a purpose built dedicated 4WD Camping trailer capable of handling the extreme off-road conditions of Australia. 

Kimberley Kamper Campers Trailers need to be quality, reliable, energy sustainable, quick to put up and down and a comfortable home at the heart of the owners adventure.

Kimberley Kampers environmentally friendly camping solutions (including energy solutions):
Batteries with Absorbed Glass Matt technology: 99 per cenrt recyclable
Ultra low power LED lights integrated into our products.
Low power pumps (Kimberley supply both a low power and high power pump).
Vacuum toilets (zero chemicals).
Water efficient showers with low turn-down flow rates.
Remote mounted compressor refrigerators (reduces power loss).
Eutectic refrigerators (in the Kamper range).
Energy design allows for easy connection of solar panels.
Diesel powered ceramic cook-tops reduce energy use.
Diesel heaters (both air and hot water).
Low power space heaters (in conjunction with the diesel heater).
Tropical roofs (in the Kamper range) reduce temperatures by 20 per cent+.
Quality insulation throughout the Karavan reduces energy loss.

Ian Grant's Caravans builds on established family principles

Since 1988 Ian Grant has stocked what he considers to be the best value dollar for dollar caravans he can get. 

So his range of Royal Flair, Bushranger Campers and the Grant Tourer designs are the mirror of the Traralgon family business which includes his wife Minnie, sons Ian and Scott, daughter Lorraine and granddaughter Sarah. 

Three generations of Grant knowhow plus great expertise in service and repairs means Bendigo Leisurefest goers can talk to Ian Grant's team about anything from  a bargain-basement purchase to a luxury custom built Caravan. 

Insurance, finance and accessories are all part of the service too. 

“We like to think of our business as unique with old fashioned family principles to the fore,” says Ian; “and we don’t intend to change that concept.”

Matting concept keeps camping clean and grass green

EnduroMat Mate groundsheet covering or annex flooring is an Australian Innovation which will be at Bendigo Leisurefest. 

The matting is designed to be: Lightweight, non-slip, mildew resistant, low maintenance easy to store and UV protected.
Maintenance of the mat is minimal a quick hose down and shake and the matting is ready for storage. 

The concept keeps 75 percent of dirt outside of recreational vehicle or tent as well as keeping the grass alive - which an issue in the world of camping today.

The matting is edged and eyeleted for securing to the ground.  The fabric allows the smaller particles of dirt to fall through leaving larger particles of dirt on the surface of the mat, which can then be swept away. 

Campers who build for campers trigger for versatile Challenge

Challenge Camper Trailers is a Edwardstown, South Australia, family business run by campers who build for campers. 

Gareth and Sandy Handshin put their considerable camping experience into designing and manufacturing a camper trailer which included all their holiday needs.

So many of their fellow campers were impressed they made a  business of building affordable campers for Australia.
The Challenge Camper Trailers feature quality, heavy duty, lightweight and practical features which make a camping holiday easy.

They took the challenge and now produce -Off and on-road camper trailers. Tents supplied on steel bed base to suit existing trailers. Awnings, annexes, walls to customer specifications.  

Standard trailers. Boat trailers. Transport trailers. Upgrades and repairs to existing trailers (South Australia only). Trayback campers. Traytop tents. Sheep-feeders.

Red Rock Campers offers broad-base experience to Leisurefest goers

Red Rock Campers owner David McCormick built his first trailer with his father 15 years ago.

He and  his wife Roslyn and their two boys Cameron, 10, and Jason, 3, are keen recreational campers. 

Roslyn has extensive experience in the camping wholesale side so she and David provide good advice for Bendio Leisurefest goers on all aspects of recreational camping needs.
 
In recent years Red Rock Campers moved into specialized trailer building, and work with the Salvation Army Emergency Services to produce bushfire relief trailers designed to feed and assist at emergencies or disasters. 

Red Rock also works with other emergency service providers including the SES. 

Red Rock Campers is a wholly Australian family owned business.

Best Manufacturer award recognises The Complete Campsite

Grant and Jodie Joyce of The Complete Campsite are continually improving and evolving their campers based on their own personal camping experiences. 

Their campers are also continually tried and tested in their hire fleet. 

This year the Caravan and Camping Industry Assocation recognised their dedication and awarded them as Best Manufacturer - caravans, camper trailers and tents.

The Complete Campsite are members of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association and have award recognition of their products and services.
These include:
2008 Winner - Best Manufacturer - Caravans, Camper Trailers and Tents.
2008 Finalist - Best Dealer/ Retailer/ Wholesaler - Regional NSW.
2006 Certificate of Recognition - Business of the Year - Regional NSW.
 
RV's, gear and outdoor accessories -

Bendigo Leisurefest will show the latest release caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, 4-wheel drives, off-road vehicles, campervans, tent trailers, fifth wheelers and other recreational and touring vehicles. 

There is a huge range of touring accessories from leading suppliers. 

Tents, camping accessories, annexes, equipment and clothing for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Trailers, towing equipment, parts, aids and accessories for all touring needs. 

Serious 4 x 4 parts and accessories. 

RV telecommunications products, alternative power, and off road equipment and services from leading industry suppliers. 

Drive tourism destination information, products and services. 

Fishing gear.

Activities and events include -

Free seminars every day presented by industry experts. GoSee will be among the speakers at 1pm on Saturday November 22, and Sunday, November 23.

Free towing simulator display and towing safety tips daily. 

Free kids entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. 

Food, drink and rest areas at the venue. 

Here are some GoSee Features which look at using the Cobb and Dream-Pot for great meals while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle -

GoSee finds with patience, technique and understanding Cobb cooks like great love

Portable fuel-saver Dream-Pot delivers easy-cook nutritious food when it is wanted, where it is wanted

Hayman Reese builds better safety towbar for Mazda BT50

WDH and SLS debate rages but it is a myth that WDH is not required when towing

As some carmakers fall short on full and frank towing information we add a GoSee TravelSmart Club Towing Weight Guide

Before you tow have you done everything you could to protect you, yours and other road users?

Hayman Reese bundles towing kit to keep caravanning safety on track

Coromal Compac and tandem Excel as they put easy towing freedom into caravan outdoor lifestyle

For more information
contact: Garth Morrison
Editor Go See Australia and Go See New Zealand Directory
Email: garth@contact.com.au

5 GoSeeAustralia's Lisa loves camping in a motorhome	11 A ultra-lite Jayco Flite stops at the new Jayco HQ
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary bush camping	A now for breakfast.
Diana Worner with her motor home	Forward double bed out and pop-top up on the Rapid
Geist Aktiv AK 495 showed breakthrough design in extreme winds	Millicent SA couple Pauline and Robert Ferguson
Plenty of room. Garth, Alan, Carol, Ross, Bill and Jo enjoy	Powlett River campers Kerry, Rob and Ty
The Captiva and the Windsor Rapid team well	The Possums, Sharron and Darryl, with their Winnebago
Camper with an amazing view Lake, Hume, GoSeeAustralia pic	Park Lane Traralgon guests