Seven Happy Hour titbits for the week-end

Birthday presents

Queensland’s Zone RV has had a lot to celebrate in 2020. The full composite, off-road caravan specialist moved into a new purpose-built factory in January, before launching its cut-price Base model in April (and selling out all 48 2020-build slots), and delivering the 500th Zone RV this month.

The Sunshine Coast-based manufacturer is also marking its 5th anniversary by offering five bonus extras on a range of 2021-build Zone RV models, if ordered by December 4.

The freebies include a rear pole carrier, kitchen porch awning, anti-flap kit, portable solar panel, and lounge bed insert. Further details at Zone RV.

How’s the serenity!

Queensland’s Australian Off Road has long been a leader in off-grid toilet technology, introducing a few years ago a big capacity chemical-free, marine-type macerator toilet for its hybrid campers, complete with dedicated flushing black water holding tanks, that didn't have to be emptied for up to two weeks.

Now the off-road RV specialist  has introduced a new silent flush, soft close macerator toilet option that according to AOR, comes with four different flush types to help conserve water, among other things.

The flash new dunny is standard fitment on AOR’s up-spec Sinergi and Aurora caravans, or available as a $1200 option on other AOR models.

It can also be retrofitted for $2706, which includes the recycle tank, all parts and labour. Contact an AOR service centre for more details.

Jayco Sydney changes hands

One of Australia’s biggest RV dealerships is under new management, with industry veteran Braddon Slater recently purchasing Jayco’s prime NSW dealership located in the western Sydney suburb of St.Marys.

A former Asia Pacific boss of RV accessories giant Dometic, Slater has been a major player in the Australian RV industry for three decades and has been recognized for his efforts with industry awards including the Charlie Tebbs Award in Victoria and the Richard Davis Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. 

“I’d heard about the opportunity to manage Jayco Sydney so I quickly put my hand up because it was something I’ve always wanted to,” Slater said.

The new owner plans to boost the customer experience at the flagship dealership, including adding an ‘adventure lifestyle’ range of accessories and products.

Road safety campaign kicks off

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s has officially kicked off its new government-backed Caravan and RV Road Safety initiative.

Developed in partnership with state caravan associations, professional service providers and other bodies such as the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Queensland Trucking Association, the aim is to educate RV travellers on road safety issues like pre-trip planning to manage fatigue, appropriate use of rest stops including truck rest areas, vehicle preparation, sharing the road with trucks, UHF communication and towing.

Check out the National Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide and the Sharing the Road Co-Exist website for more information.

Another tough 'Cruiser camper

NSW’s Earthcruiser has released exterior photos of its near-completed tough new LandCruiser 70 Series off-road campervan.

Best known for its pricey 4x4 truck-based expedition vehicles, in recent years Earthcruiser has dabbled in smaller hardcore camper products like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen-based G-Pro Escape motorhome and Express XPS slide-on ute camper.

With a GVM up to 4350kg and expected $240,000 starting price, the new three-berth Earthcruiser Extreme XTR is based on the old-school Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series single-cab ute, complete with gutsy 151Kw/430Nm 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel and five-speed manual transmission. Follow its progress here.

New Caraboat floats away

The NSW manufacturer of the unique Caraboat has released a third model in its stylish half caravan/half trailerboat range.

Unlike other versions of the floating Caraboat caravan, the latest features a single rather than twin outboard engine set-up. According to the website blurb, the single engine out back "provides slightly more useable deck space and storage". Otherwise, the new Caraboat 790 is "nearly identical, with the same internal layout and included features".

No word on pricing, but it's likely well into six figures for the first 7.9m long, lithium battery equipped production model (below).

GWM ute breaks cover

Great Wall Motors Australia have revealed more details of their new Chinese-built dual-cab 4x4 diesel ute, now available down under.

Priced from $33,990-$40,990 drive-away, the new three-model GWM ute range undercuts rivals by up to $10,000, and is powered by GWM’s own 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The 2021 GWM 4x4 Ute line-up also boasts extensive standard safety, multimedia and convenience features, along with a seven-year warranty with five years of roadside assist.

Also standard is a rear differential lock, four-wheel disc brakes, an electric parking brake with Auto Hold, 18-inch alloy wheels, independent double-wishbone front suspension and a live leaf-spring rear axle.

As it stands, the new Chinese ute’s towing capacity is just 2250kg, but GWM Australia says it’s in the final phase stages of durability testing to increase that to a still-sub-par 3000kg, with a 300kg downball weight. No payload figure has been announced.

Click here for more details.