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With a myriad of labels used to describe vehicles for the independent traveller, such as Campervan, Camper, Motorhome, Motor Home, Winnebago, RV, Combi, Kombi, Class-A, Class-B and Class-C to name a few, choosing the right kind of vehicle can be confusing from the outset.

The common terms used in New Zealand are Camper or Campervan, Motorhome and Sleeper Van. Campers are vans that have been converted for independent travel and contain similar features to their larger cousin the Motorhome. A Fiat Ducato or Ford Transit style of van is popular for these conversions and the finished product is a modern, easy to drive vehicle.

Motorhomes on the other hand have a cabin built on a van or light truck chassis. Typically constructed from fibre glass, with alluminium skin over plywood occasionally used, the cabin is wider than the chassis base making Motorhomes more spacious. Driving is reasonable straight forward and the models available for rental only require a standard driver’s licence.

Motorhomes and Campervans are self-contained and support you with the comforts of home, albeit miniaturised. Self-contained vehicles have a sink, hob or cooker, fridge, toilet and shower. The level of self-containment varies but there is a New Zealand Standard (NZS 5465:2001) developed by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA), a body that represents private motorhome owners. The rental motorhome companies are starting to take their vehicle though the certification process and it is worthwhile enquiring about this as you research rental options. The essence of the self-containment standard states a vehicle must be designed to completely meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for at least three days, be equipped with water storage tanks for drinking and cooking and have waste water holding tanks.

A Sleeper Van is a Camper that does not meet the self-containment criteria. Beware that this definition is not industry wide and it is not uncommon for a Sleeper Van to be referred to as a Campervan, simply because the vehicle is a van rather than a car. Purpose built Sleeper Vans are frequently constructed from people movers, such as Toyota’s offering, and from station wagons. Because of the type of vehicle used in construction it is uncommon to able to stand. Sleeper Vans can have some elements of self-containment, such as a cooker and small refrigerator allowing lunch or a light meal to be made while out on the road. Sleeper vans, like campers, are easy to drive.

What makes for the best independent traveller vehicle comes down to personal preference and a balance between cost, comfort and the type of holiday you’re after.

Perhaps the best place to start is deciding where you want to overnight, as this impact on the type of vehicle that will be suitable and also affects the budget. There are four options for overnighting in New Zealand.

1) Native Parks – is a network of rural properties and businesses that welcome travellers. You can stay on these properties free of charge, meets the local people and see a bit of their lives. A great way to see NZ beyond the beautiful scenery and they are not crowded. There’s a real mix of people involved from large wineries to small artist plus action and adventure like diving, limestone caving and horse trekking. You do need a self-contained motorhome/campervan. Check out www.nativeparks.co.nz.

2) Campgrounds – there are a large number of campground that follow a traditional format. In recent years the number of campgrounds has been in decline, so they can get very busy in peak season (Christmas they are at capacity through to the end of February), so it is advisable to book ahead. The following sites might help www.topparks.co.nz or www.familyparks.co.nz.

3) DoC Campground (Department of Conservation) – typically have fewer facilities than other established campgrounds, so a self-contained motorhome / campervan would make life more comfortable. They are often in very scenic locations and cheaper than privately operated camping grounds. Same situation occurs after Christmas as with other campgrounds. See [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/003~Huts-Cabins-and-Campsites/Conservation-Campsites/index.asp]

4) Free / Wild / Freedom camping – just parking up wherever. Rarely permitted in much of NZ, though you can get away with it if you’re sensible. Rules on freedom camping vary from district to district. The Native Parks guidebook highlights what’s permitted in each district. In general terms do not overnight in “No Camping” areas or near established camping ground. It is advisable to be at least 10km from the urban boundary of any town or city. To freedom camp a self-contain motorhome/camper is a must.

If you prefer staying in camping grounds, but don’t want the hassle of a tent a Sleeper Van may be a good fit. Do bear in mind that an established camping ground costs between $30 – $40 NZD per night for a couple, so it is possible for a Sleeper Van to cost more than a self-contained vehicle with the use of some of the options above on the odd night. If you do want to get away from it all, or you’re looking for more comfort, a self-contained vehicle will be the way to go.

Past the obvious vehicle rental costs things to consider are whether extra charges for one-way rentals apply, what are the insurance options and whether road user charges for diesel vehicles are included.

The easiest measure of comfort is size, though it is not the full story. There are many other considerations for comfort and again it comes down to personal preference. Do you need to make up the bed each night? Is there space to have some time out from your travelling companion(s)? Is there an awing to provide shade? How about appliances like microwave and air conditioning (NB power hungry appliances only work when the vehicle is connected to mains power)? These can be found in smaller vehicles so size shouldn’t be the only criteria when it comes to measuring comfort. If you are tall do ask about the ceiling height.

So there are a number of things to consider when determining what will be the right vehicle for your holiday. As with any purchase it is worth seeking out a company that backs up their vehicle with service and professionalism. These won’t be hard to find, but if you are looking for a starting point there are a few suggestions on the Native Parks website.

Source by Adrian Tonks

Improve Motorhome and RV Security with SolarTrac2 the wireless solar security system. The main brain, the solar panel and 12 volt battery are all built into one small roof module. It installs in just minutes without any permanent modifications to the roof or interior. Once fully charged by the sun, the built-in battery will keep the system functional for two weeks.

This RV security system supports up to 16 wireless devices made specifically for this solar security system (wireless key chain remote, wireless wall keypad remote, wireless window sensor, wireless motion sensor). The kit includes 1 window or motion sensor and one key chain remote, additional sensors and controls are purchased separately.

The roof module contains a loud speaker which will sound when the alarm is triggered. On top of that, it can also send an alert to your email address and to your cellphone. With the solar security system you’ll also receive a 1 year membership for online monitoring. The system is completely functional without the membership but email and text alerts as well as GPS tracking will not be available.

With the membership you’ll be able to login to your DrivTrac account at any time and check for alerts you may have missed, the current vehicle location and more. If you’ve received an alert that the motorhome or RV is moving down the road you can contact the authorities and give them the exact location of the vehicle as well as the direction of travel.

The roof module is slim and sleek so that most will overlook it completely, but it has it’s own security built-in; just in case. The SolarTrac2 is designed to detect when it’s being removed from the roof, so if the alarm is in armed mode and the roof module detects that it’s being removed from the roof it will send alerts via text and email (with valid membership).

This solar security system and wireless sensors can communicate up to 200ft apart. The wireless window and motion sensors are powered by 9v batteries that should be changed once every 3 – 6 months. The battery in window sensors on windows that are seldom opened can be changed every 6 months and motion sensors in high traffic rooms should have their battery changed every 3 months.

Recap

Kit includes one roof module, one wireless window or motion sensor, the key chain remote and a one year membership. No permanent modifications made to interior or exterior. Sensors and wall keypad must be located within 200 feet of the roof module. With active membership the roof module will sound the alarm, send text and email alerts to you, allow real time vehicle tracking on the web. Without an active membership the roof module will only sound the alarm.

Source by JJ Martin

Motorhomes have become one of the first options for travellers who are looking for flexible transport and accommodation options when making their travel arrangements. Their popularity is due in part to their cost effectiveness as well as the ability for visitors to travel around the country at their own pace and in their own space.

As with car hire there are many different options and features you can select when choosing a motorhome hire. Here are some things to keep in mind.

First and foremost, of course, is how many people your motorhome needs to sleep, or berth. You can get as few as two berths which is suitable for a couple, up to as many as 6 berth for a family or a group wishing to travel together. Next choice is whether you want bathroom facilities onboard or if you are happy to stop at public conveniences or use those of the camping grounds you stay at. Obviously having a toilet and shower onboard does make things much easier for a family if you don’t need to find public facilities along your route or during the night, however you do have to consider the option of additional care required with onboard waste.

Something you may not have considered is whether to choose a manual or automatic transmission. If all your drivers can drive manual [stick shift] vehicles then the choice is easier however if one of your drivers is only licensed to drive an automatic vehicle you need to make sure you book this type to ensure that all drivers can safely operate the vehicle.

The other features you might like to consider are the little things that might make a big impact on your trip, particularly if you travelling as a family with smaller children. Ensuring the motorhome can fit a baby seat is a must, additionally having good heating and cooling throughout, additional seating could also come in handy as will having a TV with a DVD player to keep the kids entertained along the way. Your motorhome hire may also have are filtered water and a fresh water tank, electric step to make it easier to get in and out and, linen and bedding included.

As you can see there are lots of features your motorhome hire can have so make sure you write a list of the most important ones for you and your travelling companions to ensure your holiday is memorable for the right reasons.

Source by David Jon Smith