Hema News & Events March 2022

 THE BRISBANE 4X4 OUTDOORS SHOW

The National 4X4 Outdoors Show is back for another year on 18–20 March 2022, in what promises to be one of the biggest years yet. This year will see Hema Maps and Camper Australia presenting at the three-day show, plus announcing the winners of Camper Trailer of the Year 2021 (CTOTY).

Featuring 45,000 square metres of outdoor display space, including two big stages, an action and entertainment arena, a brand-new camping and outdoors stage, and an interactive campsite experience, the Brisbane National 4x4 Outdoors Show is sure to satisfy the needs of Australian camping and 4WD enthusiasts.

There will be loads of bargains up for grabs, plenty of prizes on offer, and presentations on the Outback Stage by exclusive special guests including Pat Callinan (Mr 4X4), Graham and Shauno (4WD 24-7), Jase and Simon (All 4 Adventure) and many more.

Following the success of last year’s near sell-out event, ticket sales will continue exclusively online, and are sold for dedicated entry times on each of the three days of the event. To buy tickets, visit the site and use the code CTOTY to save 15 per cent off your ticket.

THE NT IS OPEN!

According to Australian Walking Holidays, the Northern Territory is open for business! After some time of COVID-19 restrictions, travellers can now plan a top end holiday. As of 1 February 2022, negative rapid antigen tests will no longer be needed to cross the border. Tourists ready to see Australia’s magical north will also not need to quarantine. They simply need to be vaccinated and fill out a border entry form. Australian Walking Tours offers a range of holidays suited to varying needs and abilities. Vacancies are still available for Kakadu adventures, the May 2022 Jatbula trek and the Classic Larapinta in Comfort. 

CCIA WINS NSW TOURISM GOLD

The NSW Tourism Awards have smiled on the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW (New South Wales). The organisation was recognised with a gold award for its 2021 Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow event. The awards are designed to encourage tourism organisations to strive to exceed industry expectations. They acknowledge and celebrate tourism excellence and reward businesses that demonstrate significant achievement during the year.  The award criteria and categories are determined by the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC). NSW category winners have the opportunity to progress to the national level and compete in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.  

ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM UNVEILED

Thor Industries have partnered with ZF Friedrichshafen AG to develop eTrailer System (electric drive system) for towable RVs to help maintain range of electric vehicles when towing. The development is designed to maintain, and possibly extend, the nominal range of an electric vehicle when towing a trailer.

Electric vehicles experience a significant reduction in range when towing any load, including a trailer. Unlike an ordinary trailer, a trailer equipped with the eTrailer System would be capable of utilizing its own power through the system. By driving at the same speed of the tow vehicle, the electric tow vehicle can pull the trailer with minimal loss of range. 

The technology also has the potential to boost fuel efficiency of conventional tow vehicles with internal combustion engines or hybrid drivetrains. By reducing the load when pulled, conventional tow vehicles would burn less fuel and would also benefit from extended range.

Thor Industries, an American manufacturer of recreational vehicles, and ZF, a German car parts maker, demonstrated the capabilities of this technology by using an electric Audi etron Sportback to tow an eTrailer System-equipped travel trailer prototype from Germany to Italy, over the Alps. The eTrailer System enabled the tow vehicle to pull the trailer a distance of 386km on a single charge and with power still remaining in the eTrailer System, as well as in the electric tow vehicle. Audi’s stated range for the tow vehicle is 393km. 

The concept vehicle was first displayed at the Tampa RV Supershow from January 2022.

JAYCO UNVEILS 2022 RANGE

Jayco Australia has unveiled its 2022 range. Featuring new décor and design, as well as enhanced offroad capabilities and improvements to kitchen, cabinetry, and ensuite, the range is set to build on Jayco’s already comprehensive stable.

Amongst the new features is a new MPPT solar system, which will be included on the 2022 Jayco Silverline, All Terrain and Journey Caravans, as well as an upgraded 200W solar panel. Meanwhile, a new addition to the Outback models will be an Anderson plug, enabling an additional portable solar panel to be connected.

Offering stylish and modern interior and exterior design, the MY22 range celebrates a new look with the addition of new interior furnishing options, new rim designs, as well as sleek black doors and protective black window shades. Some models will also feature new kitchen furnishings like interlocking cabinetry, adding greater strength and durability.

Jayco have also redesigned the ensuite for the Silverline and Journey Caravans to include additional cabinetry for improved storage solutions. 

The pop-top range is also set to see some changes, with Starcraft 12.38-1 and 12.38-2 Pop Tops joining the range, and including all the features that come standard in the Journey models. Additionally, all Jayco Starcraft Caravans will now feature Jayco’s iconic fibreglass exterior, providing further durability and strength, as well as greater insulation for improved heating and cooling. 

Jayco’s All Terrain Pop Tops will now be available in a bunk/ensuite model (the 17.58-3), which is perfect for families or small groups wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, but with all the comfort of the great indoors! 

For more information, head to jayco.com.au. 

VICTORIAN CARAVAN INDUSTRY BUSINESS AWARDS

The Victorian Caravan Industry has celebrated another year of excellence in trade with the Victorian Caravan Industry Hall of Fame & Business Awards Gala Event. The theme of the prestigious night was Strictly Caravanning. Caravan Industry Victoria CEO Rob Lucas expressed his gratitude to the event’s partners. “This event would not operate to the highest standard we have set without our amazing partners, we are very grateful for their support and thank each one of them,” he said.

The event was held at the Centre Ivanhoe and the 370 attendees enjoyed the entertainment of professional ballroom dancers, a band and the company of previous Hall of Fame winners. Two members were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their contribution to the caravan industry. Ray Foley and Wayne O’Brien have achieved significant success in their own businesses and have assisted the growth and development of the caravan industry.

David Mann was named as the winner of the Caravan Industry Victoria Col Parrot Media Award, formerly known as the Caravan Industry Victoria Media Award. 

Rob Lucas congratulated the winners of all the categories, stating that the achievements are particularly commendable given the climate of the past 18 months.

“The awards evening demonstrated again the outstanding calibre of the our members businesses and their people, the way in which they pulled together in such challenging circumstances in the past 18 months is a testament to how they worked together as a team,” said Rob.