All I Want for Christmas is...

13/12/2009 5:47:45 PM

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

Can it really be December again already? I don’t know if it’s been the same for you, but this year has passed me in a blink.

As gift giving is traditional at this time of year, I thought I’d give you some ideas on what to get the RV traveller who has everything. Helpfully, it’ll also double as a list you can pass on to loved ones, if you happen to be that traveller.

Walk around the stalls at any caravan and camping show and you’ll see many ingenious devices that address problems big and small, or just make life on the road that little bit easier. This month, I’m dedicating my column to half a dozen gadgets and manufacturers that stand out in my mind.

I should note before you tuck in, that none of the following companies are aware that I’m drawing attention to their business or products, nor are they affiliated in any way with KEA Campers. I’m simply sharing my admiration for their work and achievements.

PREVENTING WILDLIFE COLLISIONS – I’m not sure if the good people at Shuroo were the first to come up with the concept, but they’ve certainly created a great product. In short, the Shuroo is a small vehicle-mounted device that air passes through while you’re driving, creating a high-pitched frequency that warns wildlife from straying into your path. They started selling these in 1986 and for my money, it’s still the best way to avoid animal collisions. www.shuroo.com.

TOWAGE – The HitchMate Cargo Carrier is an alternative to a trailer or roof rack, which fixes to the back of your vehicle by way of the towbar. It will add extra length to your motorhome, but it’s worth it for the extra storage for anything from cargo boxes through to motorbikes or scooters. It’s a clever, versatile and Australian made alternative to more cumbersome carrying options. Check out www.hitchmate.com.au for stockists and installers.

INNOVATIVE MOUNTING POINTS – As far as clever devices go, the Tallon Systems range really does it for me. Basically, they’ve designed a mounting system for a range of brackets and other devices, from champagne glass holders through to clothesline riggings, all attaching to a single flush-mounted port. Originally designed for marine applications, the system works equally well for RVs – which there are too many of to go through here. It’s a NZ company, but there are plenty of Australian stockists; visit www.tallonsystems.com to see what’s available and where to get it.

AUTO LEVELLING – I really like what the folks at Peninsula Motorhomes have created with their range of auto levelling and stabilising devices, including their trademarked Stabi-lite system. Each can be applied to different vehicle types, sizes and configurations, and I’m a big fan of the universal remote which allows you to stabilise your parked vehicle from an appraisable distance. www.peninsulamotorhomes.com.au has detail on the product range as well as an online order service.

COOKING – there are loads of on-the-road cooking devices on the market, but one of my favourite products is Tefal’s compact Ingenio Cocoon. It lives up to its namesake by encapsulating three different pans and lids in true Russian Doll fashion, which is great for stowage – and the Tefal products themselves are great for food preparation and storage. To find out more about the Cocoon and where to find it, visit www.tefal.com.au.

HEATING AND COOLING – while installed air and water heating systems are RV standards, the Webasto crew have a range of additional devices that can extend capacity and engine life. I personally like their alternate power cells to ensure you’re not reliant on external electricity sources whenever you stop, especially if you don’t have the benefit of roof-mounted solar panels. www.webasto.com.au.

I have no doubt this very short list will prompt ideas of your own, and may even get a bit of debate rolling. If you do have any examples of great products and services that make your life on the road easier, I’d love to hear about them; email me at normanroe@keacampers.com.

One final gift idea is the new KEA rental gift voucher – which will allow you to give the experience of life on the road as a Christmas present. Call us on 1800 252 555 or email me if you’d like to know more.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and new year, and we’ll see you again in 2010.

Merry Christmas and safe travels,

Norman