Dometic making caravanning a breeze

As an abundant and freely available resource, the air around us is utilised in many ways for our benefit, from compressed air-run tools and machinery for making products to wind assisted turbines that generate electricity.

Clever wind-blown technology is also now addressing common problems experienced by RV travellers, like the mess caused by dust entering a caravan when driving off-road, and the time and effort required to expand the sheltered living space around an RV at a campsite.

Set-and-forget dust buster

There’s nothing more dispiriting at the end of a day’s Outback travel than to find the interior of your caravan coated in a layer of red dust.

The stalwarts say, ‘get over it!’ but now you don’t have to, thanks to Dometic’s clever roof-mounted, Dust Reduction System (DRS), which has been recognised as a Gold winner in Australia’s Good Design Awards.

After years of scupper vents, illegal tape and temporary covers over mandatory gas vents, plus various dodgy and rarely successful devices to stop dust entering caravans in typical Australian off-road travelling conditions, the Dometic DRS can be installed in the roof of most caravans and campers where the roof panel is between 30mm and 65mm thick.

Requiring no power, with no moving parts and weighing just 5kg, the unit operates by airflow alone when the RV is moving, filtering out pollens and dust particles below 10 micrometres, while pressurising the interior.

Dometic DRS was developed in Australia using advanced computer modelling and was then performance-tested on a locally-built Lotus off-road caravan in typical Outback conditions to determine its optimum placement.

The DRS doesn’t affect the caravan’s aerodynamics or fuel consumption, as its low profile design ensures it extends no higher than most modern air conditioners, while it protrudes only about 20-25mm into the cabin, preserving headroom.

It comes with a cleanable PM10 dust filter element that can easily be replaced from inside the caravan in a matter of seconds. It should just require a periodic shake-out on an off-road trip and probable replacement at an annual major servicing.

The Dust Reduction System begins working automatically once the vehicle is in motion, pressurising the caravan or camper by drawing the cleanest available air passing over the vehicle and using it to push out the airborne dust from other spaces, thus limiting the chance of additional dust entering.

So, when you get to your destination, you can start enjoying yourself right away without needing to spend all your time cleaning your caravan.

The unit’s design also keeps the weather and elements outside. It will stop rain from entering the caravan, where the water is directed to outlets, but if there is prolonged and heavy rain, water will become trapped in the filter holder where it will evaporate without entering the caravan.

If required in highly windy conditions, there is a plate that can be used to block the airflow through the main filter.

Even when driving behind another vehicle on a dusty road during testing, a significant reduction of dust entering and remaining in the vehicle was recorded, compared to when the DRS was not in use.

All this is good news for asthmatics and the many people with a dust allergy. Reducing airborne particles when you sleep has also been proven to be much better for everyone’s health. It even provides some ventilation when stationary.

Costing $699 RRP, the Dometic DRS is easily installed at the same time as your new caravan is being built and can be retrofitted by a professional or experienced amateur to many older caravans.

Either way, the Dometic DRS is an affordable and simple way to prevent dust from spoiling your caravan’s nice fresh interior, and allow more time for you to enjoy the great outdoors on your next holiday adventure.

For more information, visit the Dometic Australia website.

Inflation raises camping comfort

Attaching an enclosed, tent-like awning alongside a caravan or motorhome has long been a popular option to provide additional undercover sitting or sleeping space for family and friends, deliver additional privacy and weather protection or just keep valuables out of sight of potential thieves.

However, many people struggle with the weighty canvas and fiddly pole set-up of a traditional awning, meaning they often remain in the garage for all but extended stays.

But now there’s an easier way to connect an outdoor ‘living room’, with new inflatable, wall-to-wall awnings from Dometic. The new awnings (Dometic refers to them as awnings to differentiate from the more traditional annexes) feature a more user-friendly integrated airpole frame rather than conventional poles, to make them more appealing for quick week-end getaways.

Available in four different models, the Dometic Rally Air Pro inflatable awnings use patented AirFrame technology with a time-saving single point inflation system, to make setting up the annexe alongside your RV a breeze, literally.

The stylish inflatable awnings are available in five different heights (from 235-250cm to 295-310cm) and two different widths (260cm and 330cm), in either conventional (static) or self-standing (drive-away) versions to suit different types of RVs and camping preferences.

Setting up the Rally Air Pro awnings simply involves sliding the built-in keder into your RV’s cassette awning or sail track, before quickly inflating the patented airframe with the included, high-capacity hand pump. For an even faster set-up, you can purchase the optional 12 V compressor pump that simply plugs into the 12v socket in your car. Additionally, the walls in between the air poles can be removed to create an open awning.

Velcro fastening, fold-out rear bumper pads help create a tight seal to side of the RV, while heavy duty straps with buckles (in lieu of fiddly guy ropes), are tensioned and pegged out to keep the structure upright and secure in wilder weather.

Tested in tough Australian conditions, the lightweight but durable Weathershield Pro tent material is a ‘four seasons’ double coated polyester fabric designed to withstand harsh UV rays and heavy rain, while remaining breathable like more traditional canvas.

The robust AirFrame technology is able to flex in the wind, and with no metal or fibreglass poles there’s very little that can snap or scratch your RV.

Space wise, the specially designed, two-level sloping roof enhances headroom, while also helping deflect wind and shed water during big downpours.

There’s a good amount of floorspace (up to 250cm x 360cm on the larger version), and high-quality flyscreens on the door and window openings combine with removable wall panels for increased ventilation while helping to keep the bugs out.

Pack up is just as easy, with three adjustable valves allowing the awning to deflate in a matter of seconds. Weighing between 25kg-35kg, the inflatable awnings should be relatively easy to pack up and store in most RVs.

The freestanding ‘driveaway’ versions will appeal to motorhome owners who want to leave the campsite for a day trip without having to pack up the annexe. Upon return, an adjustable awning tunnel with attached webbing straps allows quick reconnection with the motorhome, or a drive-away kit is also available.

Costing from $2199-$2999 RRP, the inflatable awnings come with everything you need including a draught skirt, two rear upright poles, peg pack, 2.2 litre hand pump and a carry bag, with options including custom-fit non-breathable matting for ground protection.

For more information visit the Dometic Australia website.