7 Ways to improve the Safety of your Caravan journeys in ’07, tips from Hayman Reese:

1. Know your caravan's weight: All too often caravans weigh much more than what people think. Knowing your ball weight and the caravan's total weight is critical. Regularly check this as changes in weight can have big effects on stability and may cause sway.
   
   
2. Know your vehicle's towing capacity. Vehicle manufacturers specify the maximum towing ability of their models. Check your vehicle's owners manual or contact your dealer for the latest information on these limits, they are subject to change or have provisions for carrying loads in the boot.
   
   
3. Know your tow bar's capacity: The tow bar must have a capacity that exceeds the loaded weight of the trailer you are intending to tow and be the correct design for your vehicle. Regularly inspect the operation of the towbar, or have this inspected when you regularly service your vehicle.
   
   
4. Check your transmission cooler: Towing increases the workload on a vehicle’s engine. This can cause the engine transmission to become hotter than under normal driving conditions. You should therefore refer to the vehicles handbook or your dealer for instructions covering the fitment of additional cooling equipment if necessary.
   
   
5. Install a weight distribution hitch: Towing your caravan can apply a heavy additional weight to your vehicle – this is referred to as the ‘ball weight’. As a result your vehicle may experience a reduction in steering and braking control. To counter this Hayman Reece recommends installing a weight distribution hitch to ensure a return to even distribution of weight across all wheels of the tow vehicle and trailer.
   
   
6. Recheck your load before you get too far: After traveling 15 minutes or so, pull over where safe to see if everything is still in a secure position.
   
   
7. Tyre pressure on rough roads: If you happen to encounter corrugated roads, consider letting some air out of the tyres on your caravan or camper trailer, approximately 10psi. This will help your tyres to absorb the rough road conditions. Return the air to your tyres as soon as possible, low tyre pressure can cause damage to tyres on bitumen.
   

For more information and assistance visit:www.haymanreece.com.au

7 Ways to improve your towing in ’07, tips from Jeep:

1. Before heading out on a trip, make sure that you practice turning, stopping and reversing your caravan in order to become familiar with regular manoeuvres whilst towing.
   
   
2. Brake lights, number plates, indicators and registration must be visible on the caravan at all times as they are required for motoring safety.
   
   
3. For all caravans or trailers of 750kg gross trailer mass (GTM) or more, brakes must be fitted.
   
   
4. Safety chains are compulsory in all states and territories so you need to ensure that you have fitted a safety chain before towing a caravan or trailer. Chains should be as short as possible, only leaving enough slack for tight turns.
   
   
5. To avoid sway, apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently.
   
   
6. To allow for a longer stopping distance, leave at least 60 metres between you and the vehicle in front.
   
   
7. In addition to maximum trailer mass and tongue load, always make sure that you do not exceed the total allowable weight of your vehicle when towing - this includes the driver, passengers and cargo.
   
   Note: For specific towing recommendations for your vehicle refer to your vehicle operating manual or if in doubt contact your vehicle manufacturer.

For more information and assistance visit:www.jeep.com.au

7 Ways to make camping more enjoyable in ’07, tips from TentWorld:

1. Arrive early. On your first night. it is always best to arrive early in the afternoon so that you can assemble the camp calmly and correctly. Lack of familiarity with equipment causes a happy time to become a tense time. Assemble and test all your equipment at home before you go on your holiday. Early arrival also allows you to inspect the site and to take best advantage of your location.
   
   
2. Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Be cautious about camping under gum trees as they have a habit of shedding limbs without warning and create potentially dangerous situations. Don’t camp in creek beds and very exposed locations when there is a potential for storms.
   
   
3. Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent and surrounding bush to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a torch or battery-powered light instead.
   
   
4. Do not leave fires unattended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread either laterally or vertically. Ensure the fire is completely burnt out and do not cover over with dirt or sand. Old covered fires retain heat for a number of days. This can burn feet walking over them when they are hidden by sand.
   
   
5. Dispose of your rubbish properly. Remember to recycle - use the proper recycling bins if available. If there are no bins, take your rubbish home with you. Leave the campsite in a better condition than you found it. Do not burn and bury your rubbish. It only creates a future problem.
   
   
6. Be cautious when using gas appliances. Be familiar with their safe usage before going on your holiday. Read the instructions that come with the appliance and the gas cylinder. Never use a naked flame to search for leaks. Use soapy water to check for gas leaks at all the connection points. Carry spare jets and mantles.
   
   
7. Learn First Aid. Carry a first aid kit. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.

For more information and assistance visit:www.tentworld.com.au

7 ways to help you choose the right Campervan for your holiday adventure, tips from Britz Campervans:

1. How many people are traveling? – it’s really important to ensure you hire the right sized campervan to accommodate all your friends and family.
   
   
2. What’s your budget? – chose a campervan that suits your budget.
   
   
3. What facilities to you require? A Campervan is your ‘home on wheels’, and includes features such as gas stove, fridge and microwave and in most models, toilet and shower. Decide what facilities you need and chose the campervan that meets your needs.
   
   
4. Where would you like to go? Fancy a trip to the Outback, or is the Great Ocean Road more your scene? Campervans come in a range of 2WD & 4WD vehicles to suit your destination.
   
   
5. When are you traveling? Where you can, plan ahead and book your trip early to avoid disappointment - particularly during peak travel periods.
   
   
6. Are you keen to help the environment? Chose a campervan company that’s earth friendly. Britz is the first and only campervan company to participate in the BP Australia Global choice programme.
   
   
7. Don’t get caught out! If you’re travelling with young children make sure you choose a campervan or motorhome with a loo on board!
   

For more information and assistance visit:www.britz.com.au

Travelling the Leichhardt Highway

Extending 2,035km from Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne through inland Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland finishing on the delightful Capricorn Coast at Yeppoon, the Leichhardt Highway, accepted as the fastest touring route from Melbourne to the Tropics and return, avoids the more hectic pace of travel associated with the coastal routes.

This is a journey rich in discovery for the modern day traveller connecting rolling pastures where cattle and sheep graze to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Spectacular gorges, peaceful lagoons, inland waterways ideal for casting a line, world acclaimed botanic gardens, historical treasures and unspoilt natural treats are around almost every corner. Friendly locals in quaint country towns welcome you ready with advice of where best to fish, explore, and relax.

Along the way you’ll find some of the best settings in rural Australia to snare a fish, park the van as well as accommodation options for every budget from free camping to first-class. There are scores of new attractions while others are continually being improved and additions made so each time you follow Leichhardt’s path you’ll enjoy a distinct and pleasurable journey collecting countless experiences and memories.

Website: http://www.leichhardthighway.com

EVENTS: BIG AUTUMN CATCHES

Easter in the Country
Anyone looking for something to do over Easter should make tracks to Roma where the diversity of its Easter in the Country Festival stands out for entertainment, value and convenience. Country Music, Planes, Trains and Automobiles will be a major feature of Easter in the Country. The Easter in the Country program offers a huge range of entertainment options in one location. It provides a great opportunity for city visitors to experience a slice of country life.
Website: http://www.romatourism.asn.au/events.htm

Where to stay when visiting this event:

Australian International Airshow
2007 marks the 60th anniversary of the breaking of the sound barrier. The Australian International Airshow will salute those with the right stuff in a very special way. It will pay tribute to the breaking of other barriers, scientific, industrial, commercial and social, that aviation has heralded – from the first flight to the part women have played in soaring through the glass ceiling.
Website: http://www.airshow.net.au/airshow2007/

Where to stay when visiting this event:

Aireys Inlet Holiday Park

Our picturesque family holiday park offers myriad accommodation choices for visitors, from those who are budget conscious to those who wish to indulge in the luxury of a spa cabin.

Caravanners will love our powered sites with annex pads and the option of a private ensuite.

19-25 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet Victoria 3231
Phone: 03 5289 6230
Email: info@aicp.com.au
Website: www.aicp.com.au

BIG4 Beacon Resort

Located in Queenscliff, the historic heart of the Bellarine Peninsula and at the gateway to the Great Ocean Road, BIG4 Beacon Resort is within easy reach for all your holiday needs.

A multitude of accommodation options, along with spacious camping and caravan sites, provide affordable options to suit all tastes. You'll feel truly looked after by a friendly and professional Guest Relations Team that realise how precious your holiday time is.

Unlimited possibilities exist for everyone to indulge in their favourite past-times. Resort style leisure facilities include a 12.5mt heated indoor pool with toddler wading pool, floodlit tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball, volleyball, recreation hall, year round kids activity program and movie room.

78 Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff VIC 3225
Phone: 03 5258 1133
Website: www.beaconresort.com.au

Hunter Semillon and Seafood Festival
Hunter Semillon and Seafood will be held for the fifth year within the picturesque grounds of Tyrrell's Winery Pokolbin on Saturday 14 April with a program of events around the valley on Sunday 15 April. The Saturday will be a unique Hunter Valley Vineyard Association (HVVA) event where over 40 of the region's wineries come together at one venue on one day supported by local hospitality, tourism, leisure and produce leaders to reinforce and promote the renowned affinity of Hunter produced Semillon and fresh Australian Seafood. Sunday will see a program of events at various sites around the region showcasing Hunter Semillon & the regions diversity.
Website: http://www.huntersemillonandseafood.com.au/

Where to stay when visiting this event:

SHOW TIME

Victorian Caravan, Camping & Touring Super Show
The Victorian Show is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Over seven days, visitors will have the unique opportunity to view hundreds of the very latest industry products at the one venue while also learning all about caravanning, motorhoming and camping in Australia. To top it all off, visitors can also attend informative seminars hosted by industry experts and celebrities. And beginners can go to free daily towing safety sessions hosted by Hayman Reese.
Website: http://www.caravanshow.com.au/

Where to stay when visiting this event:

Melbourne Big 4 Holiday Park

This unique 5 star holiday accommodation facility and caravan park presents an appealing alternative for visitors to Melbourne, Victoria. Where else can you stay within 9 kms of the main city centre and experience a little bit of country in the city! The winning combination of superior and varied holiday accommodation, friendly service and excellent amenities is well established.

265 Elizabeth Street, Coburg 3058, Victoria
Phone: 03 9354 3533
Email: holidaypark@big4melb.com
Website: www.melbournebig4holidaypark.com.au

Apollo Gardens Caravan Park

Set in a patch of bush and grasslands in Metro Melbourne, Apollo Gardens Caravan Park offers a high standard of self contained accommodation tailored to suit your needs.

Whether you're towing your own caravan or looking for cabin accommodation Apollo Gardens Tourist Park offers a range of self contained - serviced apartments, motel style units,
Holiday Cabins and Deluxe drive thru ensuite sites - priced with your budget in mind.

284 - 290 Hume Highway, Craigieburn Victoria 3064
Phone: 03 9305 5656
Email: stay@apollogardens.com.au
website: www.apollogardens.com.au

BIG4 Melbourne Ashley Gardens

This unique 5 star holiday accommodation facility and caravan park presents an appealing alternative for visitors to Melbourne, Victoria. Where else can you stay within 9 kms of the main city centre and experience a little bit of country in the city! The winning combination of superior and varied holiday accommodation, friendly service and excellent amenities is well established.

Big4 Melbourne Ashley Gardens is Big4 Caravan Park and holiday accommodation close to the heart of Melbourne.

129 Ashley St, Braybrook Victoria 3019
Phone: 1800 061 444
Email: holiday@big4ashleygardens.com.au
Website: www.big4ashleygardens.com.au


Twin Bridge Tourist Park

Ideally located in Dandenong, Victoria we are the closest tourist park this side of our beautiful capital city, Melbourne.

Whatever your interest, you'll find Twin Bridge Tourist Park is your ideal destination. Shopping, sightseeing, swimming, surfing, sailing, safe beaches, or simply taking in the sights of Melbourne. Day or night, and in all seasons.

370 Frankston Road Dandenong Victoria 3175
Phone: 03 9706 5492
Email: info@twinbridgetouristpark.com.au
Website: www.twinbridgetouristpark.com.au

Visit the following trade business at the show or visit:

Springvale Caravan Centre

Situated on approximately four acres of land in the south east suburbs of Melbourne on Springvale Road, with plenty of internal parking for your car and van if need be.

It is easy to find us: Melways Ref Map 88 J7.
723- 731 Springvale Rd Keysborough VIC, 3173
Phone: 03 9798 3954
Email: caravans@bigpond.net.au
Website: http://www.springvalecaravan.com.au

Perth Caravan & Camping Show
Getting everything for your next holiday has never been so easy. From discovering that next destination, updating your travelling accessories or purchasing your brand new travel home (whether that be a caravan, camper trailer, tent or motorhome) the Perth Caravan and Camping Show has it all.
Website: http://www.caravanandcampingshow.com.au/

Where to stay when visiting this event:

Perth International Tourist Park

Spoil yourself at Big 4 Perth International Tourist Park, Western Australia's finest tourist caravan park. The Caravan Park is set in beautiful landscaped grounds with plenty of lovely shady trees. We have a range of accommodation choices to suit your family and budget.

Address: 186 Hale Road Forrestfield Western Australia 6058
Phone: 08 9453 6677
Email: bookings@perthinternational.com.au
Website: www.perthinternational.com.au

Karrinyup Waters Resort

Karrinyup Waters Resort is a modern tourist facility conveniently located in Perth's northern suburbs, only 10 minutes by car from the city centre and just 5 minutes to picturesque, sandy beaches.

Choose from modern deluxe, superior or standard self-contained cabins; or if you are caravanning, a range of shady caravan and camping sites

Address: 467 North Beach Road Gwelup Perth WA 6018
Freecall: 1800 633 665
Email: kwresort@iinet.net.au
Website: www.kwr.net.au

South Australia Caravan & Camping Show
For the first time in 2007, the SA Caravan and Camping Show will be held in conjunction with the new Australian Outdoor Adventure Show. More than 40,000 South Australians are expected to attend the State’s largest outdoor leisure and extreme adventure shows on 21-25 February 2007. Held at the Adelaide Showgrounds, the SA Caravan and Camping Show isthe first on the national circuit with many new models and brands on show for the first time in Australia, and will be open 10am to 6pm each day of the show. So, whether you thrive on adrenaline or simply enjoy taking your time, the SA Caravan and Camping Show and the Australian Outdoor Adventure Show has everything for those seeking to ‘find their spirit of adventure’.
Website: http://www.caravanandcampingsa.com.au/

Where to stay when visiting this event:

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.

Address: Richmond Street Hackney, South Australia .
Phone: (08) 8363 1566
Website: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
Phone: 08 8355 7320
Website: http://www.adelaideshores.com.au/