VALUE ਍ഀ SEASON: WHERE TO FIND THE DEALS

From now until the end of spring it’s value ਍ഀ season for caravan, motorhome and campers which means many ਍ഀ holiday and caravan parks around the country are offering ਍ഀ great deals, special rates and much more.

To find your value season destination simply ਍ഀ choose a state and visit their website to request a caravan ਍ഀ and camping guide.

CARAVAN ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROL ਍ഀ SYSTEMS:
TIPS FROM ARROW CARAVANS

The most effective and efficient type of ਍ഀ brakes today for caravans and camper trailers are electric ਍ഀ brakes. There are many different types and makes of electric ਍ഀ brake systems, but they all operate the same way: power is fed ਍ഀ from the vehicle's stoplights into an electric brake ਍ഀ controller device attached under the dash of the vehicle, then ਍ഀ back to the caravan through the seven-point plug and socket. ਍ഀ Once a brake controller is adjusted correctly the driver will ਍ഀ be able to slow the car and caravan with the same force on the ਍ഀ brake pedal as needed to stop the car by itself.

Older caravans with over-ride hydraulic or ਍ഀ mechanical brakes can be successfully converted to an electric ਍ഀ system. So how do you find the best electric brake control ਍ഀ system for your caravan? We asked the experts at Arrow ਍ഀ Caravans for some suggestions:

਍ഀ
• Choose a controller with 'Motion ਍ഀ Sensing'. A pendulum sensor sends a variable ਍ഀ amount of power to the caravan brakes in proportion to the ਍ഀ stopping motion of the motor vehicle, which delivers more ਍ഀ responsive braking in all situations. ਍ഀ
• If you own a large caravan its best to ਍ഀ choose a controller with Manual Control option. This is a ਍ഀ helpful feature to minimise caravan sway or instability. ਍ഀ
• Number of axles: one size does not fit ਍ഀ all. Make sure the brake system is suitable for the number ਍ഀ of axles on your caravan. ਍ഀ
• Professionally install your electric ਍ഀ brake system. Connecting the controller into the wrong ਍ഀ section of the car's electrical circuit can cause expensive ਍ഀ damage to other electrical components.

For more information on the Electric ਍ഀ Control Brake Systems contact the team at Arrow Caravans. http://www.arrowcaravans.com.au/ ਍ഀ

Caravan safari: SA & VictoriAN Murray ਍ഀ and
Wine Trail (departs 10 November)

The third and final Caravan Safari for ਍ഀ 2006 is a 28 day wander along the Murray River, stopping to ਍ഀ enjoy the wines, food, history and natural wonders of Victoria ਍ഀ and South Australia as you go. Departing in spring, the warm ਍ഀ days and cool nights will make perfect travel companions. This ਍ഀ is sure to be the most popular safari - so don't miss your ਍ഀ last chance to experience the Australian Caravan Safari, visit ਍ഀ http://www.caravansafari.com.au/ or ਍ഀ call 1800 228 517 for a full itinerary. ਍ഀ

IT'S MINI SHOW ਍ഀ SEASON

Pre Christmas ਍ഀ Caravan & Camping Sale

Brisbane, QLD 27 - 29 October 2006

Get set for the summer holidays... Caravans, ਍ഀ Camper Trailers, Motorhomes & Campervans, Slide-ons, ਍ഀ Annexes & Awnings, Tents and Camping Equipment... This is ਍ഀ your chance to grab a bargain for the holiday period. The show ਍ഀ is located at the RNA Showgrounds, Fortitude Valley, with over ਍ഀ 65 exhibitors. Entry is free and opening hours are 10.00am to ਍ഀ 5.00pm daily. Most of the show is outdoors, so remember to ਍ഀ SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!

Website: http://www.caravanqld.com.au/index.php?home/item/1/0 ਍ഀ

Where to stay:

South ਍ഀ Coast Caravan, Camping & Holiday Expo

਍ഀ Batemans Bay, NSW 10 - 12 November ਍ഀ 2006 ਍ഀ The fifth South Coast Caravan, Camping ਍ഀ & Holiday Expo is to be held at McKay Park, Batemans ਍ഀ Bay from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November, 2006. This ਍ഀ year’s Expo wll be bigger and better again, with over ਍ഀ 140 exhibitors displaying a fabulous range of products ਍ഀ and services. With family entertainment and free ਍ഀ parking, the Expo offers the perfect opportunity to see ਍ഀ the very best the caravan and camping industry has to ਍ഀ offer. A great day out for the entire family, the ਍ഀ expo is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm daily. Admission is ਍ഀ $6.00 per adult and $4.00 for pensioners and senior card ਍ഀ holders. Children under 16 years of age and accompanied ਍ഀ by an adult are admitted free.

Website: http://southcoast.supershow.com.au/

Where to stay:

Bendigo RV & Camping ਍ഀ Leisurefest
਍ഀ
Bendigo, VIC 24 - 26 November 2006

For three days in November Bendigo ਍ഀ Racecourse is jam packed with over 200 new caravans, ਍ഀ motorhomes, camper trailers, off-road vehicles, campervans, ਍ഀ pop tops, tent trailers, fifth wheelers, slide ons, 4 x 4s and ਍ഀ much more at the RV and Camping Leisurefest. You’ll find the ਍ഀ very latest industry products from more manufacturers and ਍ഀ exhibitors than ever and you’ll get the chance to preview the ਍ഀ latest new-season releases. Whatever you need for touring, ਍ഀ Leisurefest has the lot!

The Leisurefest is in November from ਍ഀ 10.00am to 5.00pm daily with an entry fee of $8 per adult, $6 ਍ഀ for Pensioner/Senior Card holders and kids under 15 Free. The ਍ഀ Bendigo RV & Camping Leisurefest is a great day out for ਍ഀ the whole family.

Website: http://www.leisurefest.com.au/b_about.htm ਍ഀ

Where to stay:

Gold Nugget Tourist Park

The Gold Nugget Tourist Park, Bendigo's Premier Tourist ਍ഀ Park, is situated on the north side of Bendigo in Epsom, only ਍ഀ a short stroll from the famous Bendigo Pottery. You'll feel ਍ഀ safe and secure at Gold Nugget, a quiet place of shady trees, ਍ഀ paved lanes, lush green van sites, clean facilities and ਍ഀ spacious units set amongst native gardens. The parks offers ਍ഀ all the facilities you'd expect in a 4 ½ star rated park. Camp ਍ഀ Kitchen, fully equipped laundry, babies bathroom, spotless ਍ഀ amenities and plenty of under cover BBQ's.

293 Midland Highway
Epsom
Phone: 03 5448 ਍ഀ 4747
Fax: 03 5448 4030
Website: http://www.goldnugget.com.au/

਍ഀ

SPRING Festivals

Wangaratta Festival of ਍ഀ Jazz

The TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is one ਍ഀ of Australia's premier jazz festivals and takes place amongst ਍ഀ the fine wine and food districts of sunny Wangaratta. High ਍ഀ profiled Australian performers and international guests ਍ഀ perform all styles of jazz and blues. The atmosphere is ਍ഀ relaxed and casual and you can stroll from one venue to ਍ഀ another.

Website: http://www.wangaratta-jazz.org.au/
਍ഀ
Where to ਍ഀ stay:

਍ഀ Adelaide International Horse ਍ഀ Trials

This ultimate equestrian event transforms ਍ഀ Adelaide's beautiful eastern parklands into a demanding Three ਍ഀ Day Event course. This is the only top ranked 4 star event in ਍ഀ the Southern Hemisphere, and the entire equestrian world ਍ഀ focuses its attention on Adelaide. This event features ਍ഀ dressage, show jumping, and cross country with three days of ਍ഀ extreme equestrian sport right in the heart of Adelaide. Ideal ਍ഀ for families and children, bring a picnic or enjoy the gourmet ਍ഀ catering and get up close and personal to Australia’s top ਍ഀ equestrian competitors including several past Olympic gold ਍ഀ medallists.

Website: http://www.adelaidehorsetrials.com.au/
਍ഀ
Where to ਍ഀ stay:

Adelaide Caravan Park

Adelaide Caravan Park has first class facilities ਍ഀ with a 1st class swimming pool where you can relax and unwind ਍ഀ while the kids have the time of their lives.

The BBQ area is under cover and the use of these facilities ਍ഀ is free. It is an excellent place to socialise and swap ਍ഀ stories with other travellers and park ਍ഀ occupants.
.
Phone: (08) 8363 1566
Fax: (08) 8362 ਍ഀ 1989
Address: Richmond Street
Hackney, South Australia ਍ഀ
Web: www.adelaidecaravanpark.com.au/adelaide.html ਍ഀ

Adelaide Shores Caravan ਍ഀ Resort

Adelaide Shores is 135 hectares of parklands on Adelaide's ਍ഀ coast between the Adelaide Airport and the sand dunes of West ਍ഀ Beach.

The Caravan Resort and Holiday Village provide half of ਍ഀ Adelaide's coastal zone accommodation and the Reserve is the ਍ഀ home of many sports clubs including golf, softball, tennis, ਍ഀ baseball and sailing etc.

You can swim, surf, fish, walk and watch the sunset over ਍ഀ the gulf waters. There are two 18 hole public golf courses and ਍ഀ tennis courts adjacent. Nearby is a mini golf park, boat ਍ഀ launching facilities and a skate park.

1 Military Road, West Beach
PH: 08 8355 7320
FX: 08 ਍ഀ 8235 1492
Website: http://www.adelaideshores.com.au/

Marion Holiday Park

"Marvellous Marion" located in a countrified setting only ਍ഀ 12 kms south of Adelaide's CBD. Nestled amongst 200 year old ਍ഀ red river gum trees, Sturt Creek and wetlands. Also close to ਍ഀ McLaren Vale wineries and great beaches.

We are a small, intimate, personal caravan park ensuring a ਍ഀ cosy and comfortable place where our friendly staff will ਍ഀ ensure all caravanners and campers have an enjoyable ਍ഀ stay.

Post: 323 Sturt Road, Bedford Park
Phone: 08 ਍ഀ 8276 6695
Email: info@marionholidaypark.com.au
Web: http://www.marionholidaypark.com.au/

਍ഀ Red November

Red November is a month long celebration of ਍ഀ the red products of the Stanthorpe district; enjoy cherries, ਍ഀ red wines and berries on the Southern Downs! The centrepiece ਍ഀ of this event is the Remembrance Field at 113 Mount Stirling ਍ഀ Road, Glen Aplin, where a field of Flanders poppies blooms ਍ഀ throughout November to represent the way the fallow wheat ਍ഀ fields of France appeared before World War One. Incorporating ਍ഀ open gardens, this is a popular event and the gardens are ਍ഀ spectacular.

Website: http://www.granitebelt.com.au/red-november.htm ਍ഀ
਍ഀ
Where to stay: ਍ഀ

BIG4 Kahler's Oasis Caravan Park ਍ഀ

Kahler’s Oasis is located on the New England Hwy South ਍ഀ Warwick.
We have a large spacious park with plenty of room ਍ഀ to move which allows you to relax and unwind.
With our ਍ഀ comprehensive range of accommodation which ranges from camping ਍ഀ and caravan sites through to cabins and deluxe Holiday Units, ਍ഀ even the most discerning guest will be completely ਍ഀ satisfied.

Address: New England Highway, Warwick
Tel: (07)4661 2874 ਍ഀ Fax: (07)4661 1473
Email: admin@kahlersoasis.com.au
Website: ਍ഀ http://www.kahlersoasis.com.au/

COOL ਍ഀ RUNNINGS:
TIPS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRIDGE FROM ਍ഀ CAMEC

In general terms there are two types of fridges available ਍ഀ for use in caravans and motorhomes, compressor driven fridges ਍ഀ and absorption style fridges.

A compressor fridge is a 12v/240v version of ਍ഀ your fridge at home, the compressor changes the refrigerant ਍ഀ from a liquid to gas which cools the evaporator plate.

The main advantages of compressor fridges are:

਍ഀ
• very efficient on 12v and 240v ਍ഀ
• excellent cooling performance, even in ਍ഀ extreme outdoor temperatures ਍ഀ
• tilt resistant to 30 degrees ਍ഀ
• ideal for solar set ups ਍ഀ
• requires minimal ventilation ਍ഀ
• better variable ਍ഀ temperature control, even up to deep freeze ਍ഀ
  

The absorption style work by heating ammonia ਍ഀ into liquid which is then mixed with hydrogen to evaporate the ਍ഀ liquid ammonia and draw the heat from the fridge interior. ਍ഀ

The main advantages of absorption ਍ഀ fridges are:

਍ഀ
• silent operation ਍ഀ
• convenience of three energy sources ਍ഀ
• allows longer stays without the need for ਍ഀ expensive solar alternative. ਍ഀ
• requires substantial ventilation, which ਍ഀ may require additional fans to assist

For more information on the 'coolest' fridge ਍ഀ for your caravan or motorhome contact the team at Camec . http://www.camec.com.au/ ਍ഀ