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/