CARAVAN TOWING: TIPS FROM GETABOUT

Towing a caravan can sometimes seem an intimidating experience for beginners and even experienced caravanners can find themselves in compromising situations. Here are just a few tips to ensure you feel comfortable and confident for a safe and pleasurable towing experience.

• Plan and prepare before your trip. This gives you knowledge & skills to avoid problems.
• Consider the weight and amount of luggage and personal belongings. Do you really need it all?
• Practice makes perfect! Have a practice tow in your local area to build your confidence.
• Consider a towing school course to enhance and refresh your skills and safety. Tow-ed offers educational courses at a variety of venues. www.tow-ed.com.au
• Due to the greater braking distance, keep a large gap between your own and other vehicles. Leave at least a gap of 60m between two cars that are towing.
• Travel at a speed of 80km/h or under when towing. This will not only save fuel, but is a recommended speed to ensure your safety when towing heavy vehicles.
• Remember learner drivers are not permitted to tow a trailer, caravan or any other vehicle by law and provisional licensed drivers are not permitted to tow another vehicle, or a trailer with a mass of 250 kg or more.
• Share stories, concerns and tips on towing with others. It is a great way to enhance your knowledge and confidence.

COOL IT DOWN: AIR CONDITIONING HINTS
FROM AIRCOMMAND & WAECO PACIFIC

The thought of a hot Australian summer motivates many caravan and RV owners to air condition their vehicle. But there are many options to consider: roof top or split system, stationery or mobile system, we asked the experts at Aircommand & Waeco Pacific.

Roof Top Models - These units are virtually maintenance free except for return air filters, which should be kept clean for optimum performance. (Wash in warm soapy water.) Approximately six months after installation you should check the hold down bolts as they may require tightening. Do not be alarmed if, when the unit is in operation you see water running from the roof as this will be the condensate from the air conditioner. In humid conditions there will be more condensate than normal.

Split Systems - As with roof top models, ensure the return air filters are kept clean. Some models of split systems require holes cut in the floor for the condenser fan to draw air. Regular travel will not cause any problems to the condenser with dust/dirt/water entering the unit. It is important that these holes are not covered in any way, or the operation of the unit will be seriously affected and could in fact seize the motor. Should you be travelling for long periods off road where excessive dirt (bull dust) or water (creek crossings) can enter, it is recommended you contact the manufacturer for advice.

Some cool tips from Aircommand (www.aircommand.com.au):

Elvis Festival

The Central NSW town of Parkes, Australia comes alive every January to the sounds of hip-swiveling Elvis impersonators and fans alike. 2007 will not only mark the 15th anniversary of the unique festival, but will also be a celebration of Elvis’ 72nd Birthday… and is set to be another huge success. The action-packed weekend has plenty of activities for everyone, with participation highly encouraged! Prizes all weekend for best dressed Elvis, Little Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa-Maree. Look out for the feature concerts held on the Saturday

Website: http://www.parkeselvisfestival.com.au/

Where to stay:

Currajong Caravan Park
Newell Highway
Parkes NSW 2870
Telephone: 02 6862 3400

Parkes Highway Caravan Park
17 Forbes Road
Parkes NSW 2870
Telephone: 02 6862 1108

Parkes Overnight Caravans
48 Bushman Street
Parkes NSW 2870
Telephone: 02 6862 1707

Spicer Caravan Park
Victoria Street
Parkes NSW 2870
Telephone: 02 6862 6162

Opera in the Alps

Opera in the Alps has grown to become a major event in the north-east of Victoria, with followers coming from as far afield as Queensland, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide and even Western Australia.The event welcomes back Australia's leading lady, Marina Prior, host exciting tenor Roy Alexander Best together with ABC National breakfast announcer and conductor Guy Noble. Once again a particularly spectacular event is in store as 100 voices join with a 50 piece orchestra to perform a feast of classics including the ever-popular Nessun Dorma. As is the case at every OITA, patrons can relax and enjoy a picnic atmosphere prior to the concert, indulging in regional fine food and wines.'

Website: http://www.australianmusicevents.com.au/opera_alps.1.htm

Where to stay:

Lake Sambell Caravan Park
1 McConville Avenue
Beechworth VIC 3747
Telephone: 03 5728 1421

Silver Creek Caravan Park
Stanley Road
Beechworth VIC 3747
Telephone: 03 5728 1597

North Cedars Caravan Park
170 Bowser Road (enter via Parfitt Road)
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Telephone: 03 5721 5230

Wangaratta Caravan Park
79 Parfitt Road
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Telephone: 03 5721 3368

Painters Island Caravan Park
Pinkerton Crescent
Wangaratta VIC 3677
Telephone: 03 5721 3380

Goldfield Ashes

Cricket fever descends on Charters Towers each Australia Day weekend when the largest amateur cricket carnival in the southern hemisphere is staged on the pitches throughout the city. The teams come from all over – all over Queensland, from interstate and some players from overseas. They now drive and fly to the Towers.

Website: http://www.goldfield-ashes.com/

Where to stay:

Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin & Van Village
76 Dr George Ellis Drive
Richmond Hill, Charters Towers QLD 4820
Telephone: 07 4787 8722

Charters Towers Tourist Park
37 Mt Leyshon Street
Charters Towns QLD 4820
Telephone: 07 4784 7944

Dalrymple Tourist Park
Lynd Highway
Charters Towers QLD 4820
Telephone: 07 4787 1121

Mexican Tourist Park
Cnr of Church and Tower Streets
Charters Towers QLD 4820
Telephone: 07 4747 1161

Walkabout Palms Caravan Park
Bruce Highway
Wulguru QLD 4811
Telephone: 07 4778 2480

Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village
Bruce Highway
Cluden QLD 4811
Telephone: 07 4778 2412

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

You've been a good boy or girl all year and Santa is on his way to your chimney - but don't know what to ask? We’ve scoured the country for ten things that will gladden the heart of the fussiest caravan lover or outdoor camper...