Weekly Wrap

TWICE LUCKY FOR CAMPER WINNER

A Mrs Morgan from Sawtell, just south of Coffs Harbour in NSW, is the lucky winner of a Desert Edge Breeze Deluxe camper trailer valued at $9800. Very lucky, as it turns out.

The Queensland-built off-road camper was the main prize in a charity raffle drawn at the Lismore 4WD Caravan, Camping and Marine Show in July. But Mrs Morgan (her full name has been withheld for privacy reasons) almost didn’t receive her prize, after organisers struggled to get in contact with her after she had changed her phone number.

Fortunately, her mother spotted the ad in the local paper advising of the winning ticket number, initial and surname, and then contacted her daughter about the good news.

The give-away camper, which its galvanised aluminium frame, independent rubber suspension, electronic braking, lockable storage box and fold away kitchen, helped raise almost $95,000 in support of the Northern Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.

GRAB A SPRING DEAL ON NEW -- AND VERY USED -- CAMPERS

With the spring weather here and summer holidays firmly in mind, many RV manufacturers and dealers are sharpening their pencils in the lead up to the busy, pre-Christmas sales period.

To coincide with the opening of its new $7million manufacturing facility in Sydney’s North Rocks, Cub Campers is currently running a week long 'New Factory Grand Opening Sale' where buyers can take advantage of special prices on the Cub range of new campers as well as on demonstrators and used campers in stock.

Cub will be hosting a sausage sizzle at the factory across the September 17-18 week-end, and as well as checking out the new facilities and range, prospective buyers will be able to see a living example of Cub's long production history with the display of a classic 35-year old Cub camper, recently traded by a customer on a new Cub Camper.

"While it is clearly used, the 1976 Cub still has a totally serviceable canvas tent, chassis, frame and components and is on display in our showroom for buyers to inspect," said Cub Campers’ chief Roger Fagan.

Meanwhile, another leading RV builder, Jayco, is running its ‘Almost Summer Sale’ from September 15-24. Jayco says that savings are available across its entire range of caravans, campervans, motorhomes and camper trailers, including the latest entry-level Swift camper. Check out the Jayco website for your nearest dealer.

CUTTING EDGE AMERICAN VAN BOUND FOR OZ

Cashed-up Aussie caravan buyers looking for the ultimate home on wheels will have to wait a few more months before setting eyes on the first Australian-delivered Earthbound RV caravan.

The first Aussie Earthbound was originally scheduled to arrive in August and be on display at the Melbourne Leisurefest in early-October, but the hi-tech, American-built, luxury model has been delayed as the factory implements some last-minute changes to 2012 models.

"Earthbound has just released a new (2012) model that makes the van even more exclusive," said Josh Ryland of Australian importer Cell Caravans.

"They’re only going to make 200 a year, so it’s a very limited edition, and you can choose what colours you want and stuff like that...  (there will be) 100 for North America, 50 for (Australia) and 50 for China."

"I went over to the US a couple of months ago and they had the demo out, but they’ve changed a few things, so they’ll be even better than what I’ve seen."

The futuristic-looking Earthbound is constructed from the latest composite materials, and incorporates up-market design and state-of-the-art appliances.

No word on pricing yet, although our bet is well into six figures when it goes on sale Down Under later this year.

BEACH CAMPING IN STYLE

Even the heady world of automotive design is cashing in on the RV boom, judging by one of the latest concepts unveiled at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Combining the versatility of a conventional minivan with the space age looks of a futuristic campervan, the Citroen Tubrick concept accommodates up to nine passengers across three rows of seats.

With seats that can fold down as a bed or swing around for a bite to eat, it’s perfect for overnight stops, and "as much fun as a trip to the beach", according to the French car maker.

Inside,  the "lounge-style cocoon" features ambient lighting, felt seats and a leather floor, as well as a giant semi-circular TV screen and high-definition surround sound.

Citroen has taken inspiraton for the Tubrik from its very own 1939 TUB, one of the world’s first single box vans that was commonly converted to a campervan at the time.

But we reckon with its gaudy interior, flat back seats and thumping stereo, it’s a 21st century take on the Sandman,  Holden's shaggin', camping wagon of the 1970s.

IS IT A CARAVAN OR BOAT? IT’S BOTH!

An amphibious caravan designed to travel on road as well as water is set to go on sale next year for around $20,000.

On display at Dusselforf Caravan Salon earlier this month, the German-designed Sealander at 380kg is light enough to be towed behind a Mitsubishi Lancer yet has a double skin hull that will allow it to float in shallow lakes.

The waterproof chassis is constructed using a carbon-fibre-like material and the cramped, pastel green and white interior resembles something from an Ikea catalogue. Features are few, and include a sink, cool-box,  cooker and a camping toilet, and the roof can come off on sunny days.

On the water it's propelled by an electric outboard motor, and there’s a fold-out ladder to help you climb in and out of the water for swimming.

At just 160cm wide and 185cm high, the ‘cara-boat’ "extends the possibilities of camping and leisure", according to the boat’s creator, German industrial designer Daniel Straub.

"Whoever travels with our floating caravan can spend free time on both land and on water. You can settle for the night at the campsite and during the day sunbathe, cruise on the lake or even go fishing for dinner."

The mini floating van is expected to go on sale in Europe early next year, with a pricetag around 15,000 euros ($20,000).

MAJOR FUNDING FOR RV TOURISM CAMPAIGN IN NSW

The NSW Government and Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW (CCIA) have joined forces in a $300,000 campaign to promote camping and caravan holidays in NSW.

The money will be used to provide separate media campaigns in February 2012 for families travelling during the school holidays and couples looking to experience a camping and caravanning holiday.

According to NSW Tourism Minister, George Souris, caravanning and camping in NSW grew by 13 per cent in the year to March 2011, with 10.3 million nights spent camping in the state during the same period.

Souris said 33 per cent of all nights spent in caravan and camping grounds are spent in NSW, and RV tourism is a considerable economic contributor to the state with campers adding around $1.5 billion to the economy for the year ending March 2011.

BIG4 LAUNCHES CAMP AND CARE NIGHT

The popular BIG4 Holiday Parks' 'camp under the stars' community event is on again, but this year it's aiming to raise money for charity.

The annual event, held at participating BIG4 parks around the country, was originally designed to encourage families and friends to try camping for the first time and to explore a new holiday destination close to home.

But due to the event's success over the last six years, BIG4 has decided to turn it into a big fundraiser. Scheduled for November 11, the event will require participants to contribute $20 to a local cause to secure a 'free' camp site at a participating BIG4 park.

To celebrate the occasion, many Parks will be hosting additional activities over the weekend including pancake breakfasts, face painting, in-park concerts and BBQs.

Check out the event website for more information.