Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2019 i Caravan and Outdoor Life

They saying goes“one man’s loss is another man’s gain”, and in a way this seems a very apt description of the current situation in the caravan industry. While we can’t say that we’ve“lost”Jurgens completely, their absence from industry shows, loss of franchised dealerships, lack of marketing, and overall massive decrease in production (and stints of complete factory shutdowns), have certainly encouraged others to try and gain some share in the market. While a few years ago Jurgens still had a monopoly in South Africa, with a few other brands producing just a handful of units a year, we now have more choice in manufacturers and designs than ever. "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is…

Sand-free As much as we love the outdoors, it can get dirty, dusty and sandy. The C-Gear Multimat solves this by allowing sand and dirt to fall straight through, keeping your patio area nice and tidy, especially for bare feet. It’s durable, reversible, and comes with a drawstring carry bag. From R3 500 For more information, contact C-Gear on 084 581 5787, email sales@cgear.co.za, or visit www.cgear.co.za. Green for go If you’re adding to or improving your vehicle’s dual battery system, you may want to consider installing a battery indicator, like this one from Victron Energy. It relays your battery’s state of charge (SOC) via three LED lights, and is compatible with Victron’s Blue Smart IP65 and Blue Power IP65 chargers. Contact for price For more information, contact Victron Energy…

Caravan & Outdoor Life have been giving you sneak peeks and hints about various new caravans and motorhomes heading for the South African market – and this month we can finally reveal a lot more. And when I say a lot, I really mean it. At the end of February, more than a dozen new products were revealed at the Caravan Camp & Destination Show. The biggest new selection of caravans comes from Conqueror, who revealed four units of their Urban Escape Vehicle range. These off-road units all have slide-out bedrooms, and range from two to four-sleepers. Another big reveal in the off-road market was Echo 4x4’s new model: the Kunene. This luxurious-but-tough offroader is now the biggest in Echo’s range and definitely turned heads at the show, where it…

Arguably one of the most talked-about new caravans to be launched this year is the Okapi by Nayela. This is the first caravan to be built by Nayela, who are actually a manufacturer of multi-purpose trailvans for horses, quadbikes, motorcycles, etc. The Okapi is an innovative design from top to bottom, front to back. The first aspects you’ll notice on this new caravan is the aerodynamic nose, the double axle, the lift-up roof, and the high departure angle at the back. These interesting designs are continued on the luxurious interior, where the front area consists of a half-circle of seating, an island bed on a slide-out in the middle, and a bathroom at the back. The Okapi is constructed from a fibreglass mono-hull body (meaning it’s one piece that comes…

No, it’s not Gary Kasparov or Magnus Carlson leaving their chess careers behind to come into the caravan market… but Checkmate Caravans are committed to bring international quality to South Africa. Checkmate Caravans are built by Camp Elite Trading, a Gauteng-based business founded in 2017, and they currently have three models: the single-axle Knight and Pawn, and double-axle Queen. The biggest caravan in the range, the Queen, is just below 8 metres long, but thanks to a strong but light chassis specially designed and built by Roadque, the caravan has a tare of 1 750 kg. Stepping inside the Queen there is a bathroom to your right, at the back of the caravan. The bathroom has a separate shower cubicle, toilet, cupboards and big mirror. Across from the entrance door…

Freeline Trail Campers are a brand new entrant into the caravan market. In fact, they are so new on the market that their first production caravan, called the Maverick, was not even completed when it was displayed at the Caravan Camp & Destination Show. Despite there being a lot of work that still needs to be done before we’ll see the finished product, the concept of the Maverick did draw some attention. Francois Kotze from Freeline Campers tells Caravan & Outdoor Life: “We began designing around May 2018, and in June started building the pattern. “What we have here is still just a prototype. “We are going for a gravelroader, not a full off-road caravan… you can actually call it an all-terrain caravan. “This is a two-sleeper, but there will…

Invader Off-Road Campers have launched a cheeky little addition to their range. Joining the manufacturer’s Duo and Quattro trailers is the Invader Cheeky. The pop-top trailer comes in three variants: a lite version with a GVM of 750 kg (and thus towable by campers with a B license), a standard version and a deluxe edition. The standard and deluxe models have a GVM of 1 200 kg. The base model Cheeky lite is unbraked, and with a tare of 480 kg leaves you with 270 kg payload. This little get-up-and-go trailer is pretty bare bones, and while it comes with fridge sliders (no fridge), battery and charger, kitchen box, trailer and awning tent and spare wheels, it does not have the upgrades and additional accessories of the standard and deluxe…

Motorhome-World first produced the Discoverer 4 almost two decades ago, and until today it remains their most popular layout. And the latest update to the motorhome, it’s fourth incarnation, is sure to cement this units’ reputation for another 18 years. Seeing the Discoverer 4 version 4, the first thought that it can compete with any of Europe’s top motorhomes. The quality is exceptional, the design is modern and stylish, and the overall finish is simply stunning. Rounded cupboards with chrome inlay pieces, elegant ambiance lighting, top-quality fittings and appliances, redesigned furniture, and modern details such as the flex curved LED light strip at the entrance gives the interior of the updated Discoverer 4 a look and feeling that is unparalleled in the South African market. The bathroom has also received…

Just four months after revealing their first unit in October 2018, Stealth Caravans have expanded their Evolution XR6 range with a second model. The first EVO XR6 was a 3-berth caravan; the new variant is a bit bigger, and has sleeping space for up to four people. The additional sleeping space is made possible thanks to the increase in length of the EVO XR6 from 5 330 mm to 5 940 mm, which (in turn) means a bigger dinette at the back, which can convert into sleeping space for two people. The 3-berth EVO XR6-533 and 4-berth EVO XR6-594 are almost identical in all other aspects and dimensions, except that the larger unit weighs 100 kg more and now has a tare of 1 200 kg, leaving a payload of…

The one thing that struck me immediately on my arrival at Kleine Bela, was the sheer size of some of the trees, particularly the huge Wurgvy (Ficus craterostoma) which is said to be one of the largest and oldest trees of its kind in Limpopo. Kleine Bela has 44 stands in the main camping area and 6 permanent stands for long-stay campers and caravans. Each stand has access to electricity and water and there is a large communal braai and fire pit that is available to all. Campers can get together at the outdoor undercover bar to enjoy a drink or three on warm summer nights. The numerous shared (though individual) ablutions at Kleine Bela are neatly tiled with hot showers, ample towel racks, clothing hooks and seating, all spotlessly…

The BRUDER EXP-4 The Bruder EXP-6 rose to prominence in the international market in 2016 but it has yet to find its niche in this very price competitive arena. The EXP-4 is the smaller teardrop trailer brother of the EXP-6. The EXP-4 is built on a robust sealed chassis with 17 inch alloy wheels coupled with a custom air suspension system. It is a single axle unit with ventilated discs for added stopping power. The Bruder suspension is built to handle the toughest conditions and the height adjustable suspension is great for aligning the trailer to the tow vehicle. The durable epoxy composite matrials used in the construction of the EXP-4 offers great insulation and strength. There is a large 1.8 metre elevation over the main bed and Bruder is…

CONQUEROR MONTANA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS! A new Conqueror Off-Road Campers dealer recently opened in the Montana Value Centre in Pretoria. Caravan & Outdoor Life recently visited the new dealership that's stocked with the full range of quality Conqueror off-road trailers and caravans. Not only can you purchase new Conqueror products here, but their large workshop, service and fitment centre will take care all your caravan and trailer service and accessory fitment needs, as well as the manufacturing of caravan and trailer specific products. Also on site is a 4x4 Mega World, Wildman Hunting & Outdoor franchise, a shooting range for those wanting to brush up on their target practice, and a coffee shop. Contact Rudi on 082 879 2740, Barend on 076 042 7784 or their offices on 012…

Conqueror were one of the most anticipated new caravan launches of the Caravan Camp & Destination Show, and they did not disappoint. The off-road caravan manufacturer unveiled FOUR units in their new Urban Escape Vehicle (UEV) range – one two-sleeper and three four-berth caravans. The UEVs are built for going off-road with independent D-arms with coil springs and double shock absorbers. All have slide-out bedrooms, pop-top roofs, and outside kitchens. The two bigger variants also have interior kitchens. These units are prototypes, and we can expect a few changes and modifications before the final versions are released. UEV-13 The smallest in the new range is the 2-berth UEV-13 pop-top. Entrance to the unit is from the back, and inside you’ll find a bed to your right, and a whole wall…

Jos Joubert from Abba has been building camper units for decades, and his units today are some of the best on the market. The piggyback units have been tweaked and changed over the years to provide outdoor lovers with a comfortable and practical camping experience. Jos used his campers extensively when he personally goes camping, so you know that what he has designed comes from practical experience. Recently, Abba Campers has expanded the business and now also customise campervans. One of the latest builds Jos did was displayed at the Caravan Camp & Destination Show, and as with all his project, the work was exceptional. The Ford Tourneo campervan conversion is a sophisticated two-sleeper with a neat kitchen/dinette installed on the driver side of the van. With the back seats…

Causing a splash in the market with three new products is Crown Caravans, a division of Motor King & Marine, a family business that has been trading in boats and outboard motors from over 44 years. Expanding their outdoor lifestyle offering, MKM created Crown Caravans and a range starting with two off-road trailers, and one on-road fibreglass caravan. The off-road trailers are the two-berth Crown Trax and four-berth Crown Venture. Both trailers have slide-out bedrooms and full outside kitchens. The entrance to the Crown Trax is on the driver side of the unit. Inside is a double bed and a small standing area with storage space. The outside kitchen is on the passenger side, and consists of a slide-out fridge/freezer in the front; next to this is a fold-down hatch…

Fred Oosthuizen from Custom Campers has been giving us sneak peeks of his new super-luxury caravan for months, so it was impressive to see it in all its glory for the first time. Interested viewers literally lined up on a red carpet to take a look inside the impressive 7,3-metre long on-road caravan, named Gray. But it’s not just the interior that drew crowds, it’s the Gray’s unique nose design that first catches the eye. Unlike the majority of caravans in South Africa, the front of the caravan has a slight concave design design, smoothly leading the eye up from the tow hitch to the roof. Moving around the passenger side, between the nose and double wheels in the centre, is a hip-high hatch behind which is an outside kitchen…

Whether you are travelling alone or as a couple, with friends or family, Lifestyle Centre has a motorhome to suit any adventurous group of up to six people. Lifestyle Centre is a division of the Tourism Holdings Rental SA group (alongside Maui, Britz, Kea and Travelstar) and they have the largest selection of motorhomes in Southern Africa. The motorhomes for Lifestyle Centre (and for the rental fleet of Maui) are manufactured by Travelstar, and range from the two-sleeper Navi to the six-sleeper Odyssey. For those wanting to get off the tar, the Travelstar Vega 4x4 will take you on the roads less travelled. Under the leadership of Dealer Principal Zaheer Laher and Lifestyle Specialists Riguard de Beer and Shammy Ramdayal, the company caters for customers who want to invest in…

If you’re interested in having an Okto as your new home on wheels, make sure you place your order as soon as possible, because these units are in high demand. In less than a year since launching, Okto have released a second model in their range, and there’s already a waiting list for these locally-produced caravans. Caravan & Outdoor Life have already given readers a sneak peek at their latest model, the 3-berth Cabana, and now we can share some more details. The Cabana is smaller in length, width and height than the original Villa caravan, which is a four-sleeper. The Cabana also features a few design changes, such as the microwave which has been moved to the outside kitchen. Woody Loftus from Loftus Caravan City, one of just two…

Vagabond teardrop caravans have been around for a while, but they have recently come under new ownership of Midlands Caravan Manufacturing. And with the new ownership, the little caravans have received a new look. Vagabond caravans – available as the standard Roamer model or upgraded Drifter – are built from fibreglass and insulated with polyurethane foam, and have a classic teardrop shape. While both models have a tare of 500 kg and GVM of 750 kg (towable with a B license), the Drifter’s axle has been upgraded from a 900 kg rating to 1 400kg, and has five leaf spring instead of three as the Roamer. An optional extra for the Drifter is to have a braked axle, that increases the GVM to 1 000 kg or 1 400 kg.…

These are not your average outdoor foot gear – FALKE socks are designed with advanced features such as ergonomic left and right construction for the ultimate fit, anti-tick and mosquito treatment, reinforced heel and toe for durability, honeycomb mesh construction for effective ventilation, Drynamix fibre to keep feet cool and dry, supportive cushioning, and more… Our prize pack consist of a pair of Advanced Hiking 4, AH1, AH2, All Terrain and Walkie socks valued at over R700.…

PENSIONER PARKS Joe Robbertse Within the next 18 months we intend to hit the road on a semi-permanent basis for at least two years. I like to be prepared but find it difficult to extract useful information on the internet. The intention is to explore the country with a view of settling permanently in a place that appeals to us. I cannot find parks that really cater for pensioners to stay for two or three months at a time, not at reasonable rates anyway... R7 000 per month does not fit the bill. I have read that some folks have been nomads for several years. I don’t think I could do this. We are all getting older and this adventure has to happen sooner rather than later. Can anyone point…

Congratulations to Ewiks on their 10th birthday! This clever local manufacturer of caravan movers has been making life easier for caravanners for over a decade. The man behind the useful device is mechanical engineer Erik Warburg, who today operates the company with his son, Kyle Warburg. Ewiks movers are proudly South African, and are one of the most affordable and recognizable units on the market. If you’ve encountered an Ewiks before, you’ll instantly recognize the bright yellow remote and the sound that it makes as it easily moves your caravan into position. Erik developed the Ewiks mover a decade ago, after a friend challenged him to develop something to move his Exclusive. After a few prototypes, the movers were ready and the Exclusive was able to be maneuvered easily. He…

It was with much fanfare that Echo 4x4 launched the latest addition to their range, aptly named the Kunene (for a video of the unveiling, go to our Facebook page). Echo 4x4 owner Willie Grobler says the Kunene was designed to be the ideal off-road caravan for every adventure, providing a practical camping experience without compromising comfort. The Kunene is the biggest caravan in Echo’s stable, measuring 6 015mm (L) x 2 000mm (W) and 2 225mm (H). This allows for a spacious interior, with an extra-length bed on a fold-down over the nose (the front tent comes with extra headroom and large ventilated windows), as well as an “island” bed at the rear (access only from one side and the foot of the bed). In the space between the…

It’s always impressive when Bush Lapa displays their range of off-road caravans, whether at their showroom or at an industry show. The manufacturers - from Paarl in the Western Cape, but with dealers all over the country - were showing caravans from their biggest model, Ratel, to the smallest Geitjie on the floor. Bush Lapa's newest product at the Caravan Camp & Destination show was an updated Geitjie, and they showed off their special Arctic range. Right at the front of their exhibition, a Ratel – known as the “godfather” of the Bush Lapa range –towered gleaming white in its Arctic glory. The Arctic range features purely cosmetic changes with its white exterior and black decals, and grey canvas throughout instead of the standard khaki. All the Bush Lapa caravans…

Surely still some of the most luxurious, modern and upmarket caravans on the South African market, the Destination range never ceases to impress. At the Caravan Camp & Destination Show, the three models that were displayed drew crowds of interested campers (and many envious onlookers). The single-axle Destination Magic looked especially impressive with it’s big Dorema tent also set up, while the double axle Wonder and new Journey looked no less splendid. All the caravans have slide-out exterior kitchens that include a Dometic washbasin and Snappy Chef induction plate, as well as drawers. In a separate hatch to these kitchen units, the caravans also have an outside microwave oven. Stepping inside the three models have different layouts, but in all the exceptional quality is clear to see. The Wonder and…

After almost three years and countless changes, we finally got our first real-life look at an actual caravan produced by Swaziland-based manufacturer Hoefer. To say this caravan is something different is a bit of an understatement – from design to layout to construction… it’s unlike what we’re used to in South Africa. Looking at discussions on our Facebook page, comments on Hoefer’s caravan ranged from “this one is my favourite” to “these guys are crazy”. Unfortunately, it has to be noted that the Azzero was not nearly finished! Interior doors, dividers, cupboards, lighting… nothing was complete. As exhibited at the Caravan Camp & Destination Show, the Azzero Premium is a 7.5 metre long caravan. It’s big, but with a chassis built from “structural aircraft aluminium” and the body from “custom…

Whether it’s in the caravan park, in the bush, on the road or at a show, a Mobi Lodge draws crowds. This was again the case for Marius Ras and his exceptional product at the Caravan Camp & Destination Show earlier this year. Sticking to their tried and tested caravan, Mobi Lodge had excited buyers lining up to put in their orders. Marius tells Caravan & Outdoor Life that they are happy that Mobi Lodge sales are stable, and are proud to report that they recently sold our 500th caravan. Also on show was Mobi Lodge’s little brother, the Mobi X. And this was the first time that Caravan & Outdoor Life saw the two-sleeper offroader with its tent. The custom-designed tent for the Mobi X has been in development…

Campers getting a demonstration of some of the features of Maxmo Adventure Campers’ high-tech Tourer were left literally speechless. Leon Ras showed off some of the development work being done on the biggest motorhome in his Maxmo range, and arranged private demonstrations for interested parties to be awed by the technology. Based on a special spec Fiat Ducato 6.4m with dual sliding doors, the interior of the motorhome is going to be unlike anything we’ve seen in South Africa. Some of the features are still in development and the patents under review, so unfortunately we can’t show the pictures just yet, but what we can reveal is that the interior will at the push of a button change from a kitchen to a bathroom to a bedroom. And the cherry…

I’m trying to decide whether my editor is more like Kramer from Seinfeld or some sort of Afrikaans superhero when he bursts into my office with a mad glint in his eye and says: “Do you feel like going on a trip?” The answer to the question is always met with a resounding yes from me. The trip would take me to the Moravia, Piketberg and Porterville areas to review two riverside campsites, the first being Kleine Paradys, and the second being 22 Waterfalls just outside the town of Porterville. KLEINE PARADYS Don’t ever assume that the “pharmacy” will be open when visiting small towns in South Africa on a Sunday. I had to remain Castle Lightless for this very reason on the first night of my stay. After taking…

Umoya Resort is a great place for a camping getaway. The neat stands are all covered in small stones, lined with inlaid bricks and surrounded by grass, making them ideal for trailers, caravans, motorhomes and tents. In the section of the resort where I stayed, each camping stand has its own private ablutions with shower, hand basin and toilet with hot and cold running water. Each stand also has its own braai with height-adjustable grid, perfect for those nights spent chatting around the fire. And for those who can’t miss the big game, the stands have DStv points – just bring along your card, cable and decoder. Umoya is a family affair and has cold and heated swimming pools, 24 stands with private ablutions, 28 stands that shared ablutions, 8…

CHECK YOUR SIDE HATCHES FOR ROT I noticed that the side hatch door on my caravan was no longer closing properly and so decided to investigate. The hatch door is trimmed in four pieces of aluminium and butt joined at the corners. When I unscrewed these I was horrified – with little to none sealant water had been absorbed and soaked into what appears to be plywood. I urge all readers to take preventative steps – undo your hatch covers, disassemble and if no repairs are necessary reseal using as much sealant as you can to prevent water penetrating this weak spot. Alistair Morrison WHERE IS THE ROADSTER? We saw the Conqueror Roadster at a recent show and wow, what a beautiful caravan. It is modern, well finished, better equipped…

Whether by SUV, caravan, boat, motorcycle or any other leisure vehicle, most South Africans love a good road trip and spending time in the great outdoors. And just like your car, leisure vehicles have many electrical accessories that require a reliable power source to operate. Choosing the right battery can be daunting at first but with an understanding of each, you’ll be well on your way. The first distinction to make is between starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. Starting batteries, like those in a car, deliver short bursts of power to start engines, whereas deep cycle batteries, often used in leisure vehicles, provide less instant energy but greater long-term power delivery. Unlike starting batteries, deep cycle batteries are designed to be cycled or discharged and recharged multiple times over,…

Fried chickpea flower fritters This super easy recipe makes about 15 fritters. It’s perfect for a lekker camping breakfast… and it’s vegan! Serve with fresh lemons to squeeze over. Ingredients • 2 onions, chopped • 7 big courgettes in small cubes • a few sun-dried tomatoes, chopped • 240ml chickpea flower (16 tablespoons) • 120ml soy milk • 120ml water. Method 1. Fry onions until glassy, stir in sun-dried tomatoes. 2. Add courgettes and fry a few minutes until they get some colour. Remove from pan and leave to cool. 3. Mix the chickpea flower, water and milk. 4. Add the onion and courgettes.You'll have a chunky mixed 'batter'. 5. Heat a pan, add a good gulp of olive oil, and scoop in a big spoon of 'batter' (as many…