Behind every rambling man...

10/11/2009 1:34:43 PM

Behind every rambling man is a woman who knows better!

Norman's regular column - as seen in the CMCA's monthly Wanderer magazine

Before I kick off, I just want to take a moment to mark the first anniversary of this column. It’s been twelve months since Wanderer began to publish my ramblings, although the fact you’re now reading this suggests you’ve either built up a tolerance, or you’re new.

In the October issue I announced I was going to dedicate this month’s instalment to my favourite motorhome gadgets. At least, that was the plan until, when researching the latest gizmos, I stumbled across something so ridiculous that I had to take a different tack.

(For anyone avidly awaiting my round-up on gadgets – I’m sorry to disappoint and promise I’ll come back to it.)

The subject of my astonishment was German caravan and motorcaravan manufacturer Sunlight, creator of the Das Manner Mobil concept vehicle – roughly translated as the Men’s Mobile. (Note: I found it at www.gizmag.com, but if you’re going to be in Germany in the near future, the German-language www.sunlight-caravaning.de website has a list of appearance dates.)

This monster is a male stereotype on wheels. Features include built-in spirits dispensers beneath a ceiling-mounted cinema projector, audio speakers that double as a dartboard, a poker lounge in place of a dining nook and a roof-mounted bird watching platform – a description which I’d wager does not refer to ornithology. The little details take the cake though, from the cowhide bar stools and bucket seats, through to the helpful selection of men’s magazines in the wall rack.

I felt a wave of déjà vu at this point. Last year, we launched – as an April Fool’s Day prank – the KEA Class-A Bachelor, a motorhome designed primarily for “single men aged 18 to 39.” The Bachelor was a V10-powered beast fitted out with every pimp-my-ride cliché we could think of, from plush red-carpeted walls with zebra trim and mirrored ceilings to a roof-mounted Jacuzzi. We even worked in an Austen Powers-inspired clapper for the lights.

It was fun at the time, but we didn’t think anyone would build it. Now that someone has, I would love to know if anyone has bought one.

I’m sure anyone who sells recreational vehicles for a living would agree that when a couple buys a motorhome, most of the purchasing decisions are made by the lady. Sure, the male plays his part, but in my experience it’s usually the missus who calls the shots.

Why then, has someone not designed a motorhome that specifically appeals to women? Or have I missed something, and such a thing already exists? It seems to me the Men’s Mobile designers either ignored that very important commandment of RV purchasing – Thou Shalt Bow To The Wishes Of Thy Boon Female Companion – or they’ve built it purely to spit in the face of that fact of life. Any rebellious husbands out there, looking to (expensively) prove a point?

So, I’d like to issue a challenge to Wanderer readers, to come up with a concept for a Ladies Leisure Seeker. The most inspiring and creative suggestions, as judged by our panel of experts (read: the women who keep the good ship KEA afloat), will be showcased in the March 2010 issue of this column, and I’ll come up with a prize for the best one. You’ll need to get your entries through to me by the end of November, by emailing norman@keacampers.com.

If you’ve any earlier suggestions or bribes, you’ll catch me at the South Coast Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo in Batemans Bay on 6 November. We won’t be exhibiting the KEA A-Class Bachelor, I’m sorry to say.

Safe travels,

Norman