Country show embraces green tech

With energy prices going through the roof, energy efficiency is a big theme at the second annual Border RV & Camping Expo at Wodonga on the Victoria/NSW border, which kicks off next week.

Leading the charge is a massive choice of solar power options, with a good proportion of the 200 or so RVs and caravans expected on display at the Expo rigged for solar power.

For true self-sufficiency, Kimberley Kampers combines a massive solar array with LED lighting, lithium batteries, diesel hot water and a methanol fuel cell.

Thermal cookers are another great energy saver for campers and caravanners, cutting energy usage by up to 80 per cent because they keep on cooking long after they are taken off the heat.

Thermal Cookware says its Shuttle Chef can save as much as $3.80 in LPG costs when cooking corned beef the thermal way instead of simmering for hours on a gas cooker.

One of the Expo’s simplest energy savers is Transcool, a neat little evaporative cooler which runs economically on 12 volts and uses little enough power to run all night if need be.

And when it’s time to tuck the RV away until your next outing, a solar powered gate from Vic Side Roll Doors will always be ready and charged without the need for mains wiring.

LED lighting retailers will also be out in force at the Expo, with loads of accessory lights and replacement units available for sale.

Energy-efficient RVs and accessories will be just a small part of a big display that will take over Wodonga’s racecourse from 17 to 19 August.

Admission is $10 adults, $8 concession and free for kids under 15 (accompanied by and adult) – with free parking and free kids’ activities on the weekend.

Opening hours are 9.30 am to 5pm on the Friday and Saturday, and 9.30 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

See the
Border RV Expo website for further details.