RV Ramblings #5

DOG LOVING PARKS

It's pleasing to see that BIG4 has become pet-friendly. We have three young children and a border collie. We are travelling around Australia again in the later part of the year and we will certainly hope to be able to stay at the BIG4 parks along our way.

To date we have found it hard to find places that accept dogs, no matter how well behaved. Hopefully we can join the BIG4 club membership, pending the outcome of the number of sites that go dog friendly – Lisa.

* At last count there were 19 dog-friendly parks, listed on the BIG4 website. Check out this link for the latest count and where they are – Ed.

SMALL DOG BETTER THAN KIDS

Dogs are normally well behaved at dog-friendly parks so therefore not a problem. However they can be kicked out if they misbehave, or do not pick up their doggy droppings.

I would much rather travel with a dog than with children, as dogs are more under control.

I am a traveller with a small well behaved dog and get irritated when caravan parks discriminate against them. Dogs can always be assessed on arrival, and can be turned away if too big and noisy.

Dog friendly parks are friendlier, and I shall continue to travel and use the pet friendly parks – Heather Turner.

SPECIAL REGO

The Desert Edge Catch and Relax camper is a fantastic idea. In South Australia you will need to register this boat and motor combination for approximately $63.50 and have a HIN fitted for approx $75.00 - John Bell.

MORE GRUNT

The Catch and Relax looks like a great package, but I would have preferred a bigger outboard and more details on the camper. A great package for my wife and I to get away at a low cost - John Moran.

* John, check out the Desert Edge website for full details on this rig.

LIGHTER KEDRON

About time they got fair dinkum about the weight factor. This sort of 3500kg off road van, you need a tank to tow it - Richard Rutherford.

PERFECT PRICE

A Kedron van for under $70,000. Can't go past that- Anon.

HAPPY CUSTOMER

We have a Deluxe on road Customline trailer. We've been around Australia in it for six months last year, and it had excellent build quality and was water proof in the strongest of storms. It was also cooler than most other campers in the heat.

We rarely used the guy ropes due to the strength of the pole set up even with our 16ft annexe! Well done to anyone who has done their research and bought one - Mark Pemberton-Webb.

ANOTHER HAPPY CUSTOMER

I have owned a Customline camping trailer for several years, and it has taken us on many an offroad adventure.... Bungle Bungles, Gibb River Road, Savannah Way, Lawn Hill, Plenty highway and more.

The only trouble has been wheel bearings but its simplicity to erect and live in make it very handy, particularly at the price we paid.

Unfortunately we did not get the stone guard option and the trailer has suffered with stone chips, so needs repainting. But hey, it has done about 20,000km of dirt tracks.

The comment on the tyres is pertinent. We wanted 16inch rims and needed to purchase some second hand rims and tyres but have not looked back since - Ron Leven.

FAIR GO TO BACKPACKERS

I think that the attitude shown toward young people in campervans is overly aggressive.

You have to remember that they're often on very tight budgets and if the tourist hotspots become too expensive, then the money coming in will start to dwindle just as it did when Scotland in the UK had an overly harsh crackdown on young campervanners.

Perhaps local sites could be a little more mindful of younger people's budgets and offer special rates. That would at least show a more forward thinking attitude to this so-called problem - Simon Jones.

MID-ENGINE BEAUTY

Brilliant! Any chance of a full brochure and pricing - Wayne Jarvie

* Sorry Wayne, best to contact World Class RV direct. All the details should be on its website.

DREAM EASY

I hired a Kea Dreamtime recently, and must admit the 'jigsaw puzzle' rear bed set-up was the only real issue we had, in what was otherwise a very comfortable and well-equipped motorhome. Glad to hear that it's been addressed! – Cheryl Hatter.

DESERVED WINNER

Having recently spent a week with the kids at the Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort, it's no surprise it's won so many awards. What a great park; the service, condition, facilities... everything’s five star.

Our young kids spent most of the time at the Splash Park and giant pillow, and we had to virtuallyy drag them away when we had to go home. Every caravan park operator should have a tour of this park to see just how things can be done with a bit of time and money... it really sets the bar high for the humble caravan park! – Gerard Fingle.

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