Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Holiday Show with Motorhome & Campervan Show

[whatcharterboat]

Ok, How about we put all the pics / comments from the show here?

Here is a link to the list of exhibitors too.

http://www.caravanqld.com.au/media/5944820/category-%20master%20exhibitor%20list.pdf

[markymark]

Went and had a look this morning, the camping show truly is heaven on earth :drool:. Only problem is half the population of QLD seemed to be there and this is on a Thursday, the weekend is gonna be insane...

This is the carpark at 10:30am, the show is over yonder behind those buildings on the horizon. My advice don't get there within the first 2 hours of opening, as I heard some people limed up for 1.5 hours at the start. I left at 1:30pm and there was no line at all.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3593747471_8298c14893.jpg

big crowds
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3594564744_a3c2f52ed5.jpg

'ultimate' independant suspension
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3594556904_41f0763b98_b.jpg

a hybrid camper trailer/caravan, was pretty good
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3594561402_daf1cc69a2_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3593751383_6a32d8374e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3594563290_4a2266f505_b.jpg

[markymark]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3593758227_e93a6eeaf7_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/3594568522_38a0cdd0b1_b.jpg

action boat
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3593762107_ee876d369b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3593765715_7218e6be4f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3593767385_da8e21fef6_b.jpg

mmmm in ter cool er
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3594576918_043dffaeb9_b.jpg

last but not least a couple of rigs from some mob up at yandina :D
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3594583096_9a7cb85648_b.jpg

my fave of the show, there I was dreamin' about owning one one day and a young couple were ordering one on the spot, recession? what recession :Wow1: Awesome stuff!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3594578870_cf03fdd167_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

my fave of the show

Hey Mark, Thanks for the comments. That's really saying something with that list of exhibitors. Thanks for getting the ball rolling with the pics too. I can see I won't have time to even get a cup of coffee till a couple of hours before closing time on Tuesday. Just about to jump in the car and head down to Bris for the night to beat the morning traffic.

Did you notice the viewing platform in front of the little Scout in the pic? I said to the boss"Hey I'll come in on Saturday arvo and knock up a box to stand on so everyone can just look through the window". I was still working on it Tuesday lunchtime and used up all the scrap stainless I could scrounge. Talk about overkill. I'll just keep my mouth shut next time. Haha.

BTW What did you think of the MAN we had there?

John.

[markymark]

The MAN was massive, didn't really have too good a look at it to be honest as I was chatting to one of the guys there (Chris?) about Canters. But I was staring at the wheels and suspension and it was a little bit mesmerising.

Did I notice the platform? I stood on it! Was very good, had about 5 big blokes on it at once so don't know if the GVM was at or over limit but it handled it well :p.

And yes the scout was my fave at teh show by a mile for a lot of reasons. I like the thinking behind it. I like the materials used and the simplicity of the design, I think it is truly a case of form follows function...The KISS principle in the truest sense. I can't stand all the fancy superfluous crapola that every other motorhome and caravan maker seems to pack in to their designs. I just want something that is simple, practical and well designed, like the scout.

Only problem is I'll never be able to afford one, well not for a few years anyway, hmmm superannuation too far away! :coffeedrink:

[whatcharterboat]

I was chatting to one of the guys there (Chris?) about Canters.

Mark, Just spoke to Chris on the phone. He said to apologize to you profusely for not getting back to you. Said he went over to get the keys and was going to to open it up for you to go inside but got bailed up by people asking about the other truck and couldn't escape. So from him "sorry".

Those prices for the wheels would have been for Titans at the same price as they sell 'em for too. We don't usually put anything on top for those.

And there's plenty of cheaper options with the suspension too. That would have been for longer springs with the crossmembers all moved out to cater for the longer springs and probably dual Koni shock mounts etc., etc. , etc. Anyway, just come up one Saturday when it's not so hectic and you can get a better idea of exactly what will meet needs/budget/payload, etc. But ring first to make sure we're there.

Hey thanks again, Mark. See ya after the show. Be offline till then.
Regards John.

[markymark]

oh geez, tell him no worries at all, i felt real bad for taking off without saying thanks! Had a call from the missus to meet her back at the front gate as our 3 yr old boy was chucking the mother of all wobblies, she'd had enough and where was I etc etc.

There were people coming at Chris from every direction and he was stuck inside the scout, with more and more people pouring in, it was a stampede! Tell him I meant to say thanks for the chat! Will definitely come up to see you guys. :victory:

[haven]

Great photos! Keep them coming! The designs and quality
of the Australian manufacturers is amazing.

[markymark]

Great photos! Keep them coming! The designs and quality
of the Australian manufacturers is amazing.

Yeah, I really only took a few pics in one tiny area of the show. Sure John will take a heap. Got a bit overwhelmed by it all really :drool:. Been going to the camping show for years, and this one is the biggest.

Brisbane and surrounds is the main production hub in Australia for outdoor recreation manufacturers, so there is an amazing array of quality toys on offer. You guys would love it!

[Mickldo]

oh geez, tell him no worries at all, i felt real bad for taking off without saying thanks! Had a call from the missus to meet her back at the front gate as our 3 yr old boy was chucking the mother of all wobblies, she'd had enough and where was I etc etc.

There were people coming at Chris from every direction and he was stuck inside the scout, with more and more people pouring in, it was a stampede! Tell him I meant to say thanks for the chat! Will definitely come up to see you guys. :victory:

Hey Mark. The trip up to the ATW workshop is well worth it. I went down to visit John there one Saturday and I was really impressed. They showed me around and were very helpful with all of my questions.

I am off to the show tomorrow. The camera is on charge as we speak.:wings:

[whatcharterboat]

Yeah, I really only took a few pics in one tiny area of the show. Sure John will take a heap.

Yeah, pass the buck. Lol.

Actually Mickldo came around today and dragged me off for the last hour to take some pics. Was good to get his perspective on things too. Especially the alloy stuff. Man there is so much to see. Mick had been there all day and when we went back over the same ground together he said he just kept seeing new things that he had missed the first time round. No way you could see it all in a day. Not properly anyway. I'd need all week.

Got about 50 or so pics so far. But probably won't get a chance to post them all for a few more days. Shot this parked next to me in the carpark. Big chassis stretch. Bet it would've folded out like a Transformer too.

John

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3600441750_8f1f397ceb_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

just a sample

TVan. One of my favourite in this class, had the full range on display. Here's 2 of them I saw.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3599681747_bb8e7de39b_b.jpg

Full steel interiors, like a filing cabinet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3600492930_7242dc4957_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3600490952_cf5f716d28_b.jpg

Why so tough?? Well this is what some nuts do with them. Can you believe it?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3600493870_b022d85c21_b.jpg

[Mickldo]

I just got back from show. What a huge day. I walked around the show until they kicked John and myself out after 6pm. Then I had the big drive home. I usually go to the show each year but this is by far the biggest one I have been to.

I took a heap of photos too but they will have to wait to the morning. I am way too tired now. Straight to bed for me now.

[Superu]

our 3 yr old boy was chucking the mother of all wobblies

First, I love this expression. Right up there with "farting sparks" in my book! :ylsmoke:

Second, thanks for the excellent pics. Some beautiful stuff being made in AU.

[Sergeant_V]

What a great show! Thanks for sharing the pics. :costumed-smiley-007

[Mickldo]

I didn't get to the show until lunch time and went straight over to say g'day to John and the rest of the team at ATWarriors. I spent a bit of time chatting to them before going for a walk around the show. I then met up with John again later and we both walked around the show together until they kicked us out at closing time.

The impressive MAN at the ATW stand. :drool:

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/19434/2116539090103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2116539090103919311cAzAMo)

[Mickldo]

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/42739/2750507080103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2750507080103919311MNkgMg)

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/26555/2624675130103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2624675130103919311zfafyu)

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/44988/2378087150103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2378087150103919311aoSyeQ)

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/43749/2315698930103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2315698930103919311UeSMOM)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/43343/2432341240103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2432341240103919311WgkAUK)

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/30105/2349845680103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2349845680103919311VnzrQI)

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/42410/2011698320103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2011698320103919311lZsUTJ)

[Mickldo]

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/44255/2343807490103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2343807490103919311EwGSUa)

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/44551/2966385020103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2966385020103919311QPpYBr)

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/44293/2695488020103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2695488020103919311iunwRH)

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/5548/2997144040103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2997144040103919311OWpCil)

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/3713/2730320850103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2730320850103919311qNHfPe)

[Mickldo]

This one was a Freightliner truck with a Renegade camper. (IIRC I looked at a lot of different manufacturers)

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/43092/2125034760103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2125034760103919311wBdzeS)

[Mickldo]

My next camper will be my 100 series chopped down to a dual cab and with a slide on camper so please excuse the number of this style of camper I include.

This one is a Piggy Back Camper from Bundaberg.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/41070/2211189460103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2211189460103919311EoMuSt)

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/43505/2396003580103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2396003580103919311dBlZZK)

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/43238/2866040110103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2866040110103919311mPAovd)

[Mickldo]

I really liked this KEA Troopy too. I was trying to find it again to show John but we got carried away with other stalls. I like how the bed in the roof slides back to give sleeping for two upstairs and the table drops down in the back for another bed down below.

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/43599/2768993840103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2768993840103919311oqTcjM)

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/45487/2713439910103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2713439910103919311PkcBkh)

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/44745/2990620340103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2990620340103919311vxKrdX)

[Mickldo]

Some assorted slide on campers.

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/42488/2871988890103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2871988890103919311Ejywzz)

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/43374/2478305360103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2478305360103919311pFKRSR)

Travellander
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/42568/2838527350103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2838527350103919311xKIOWn)

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/36635/2322662260103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2322662260103919311ENwuKO)

Heaslip campers
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/42325/2712651740103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2712651740103919311CoOmqJ)

[Mickldo]

These all aluminium trailers by Pacific Aluminium Trailers were awesome. I love it when people think outside of the box. Lots of really good features.

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/28864/2669544310103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2669544310103919311jURmQO)

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/44399/2857919370103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2857919370103919311WgHRID)

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/44392/2684964310103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2684964310103919311lzZoAB)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/35874/2850496130103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2850496130103919311hsFdeD)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/42355/2658781460103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2658781460103919311KqPQzM)

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/43916/2758335510103919311S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2758335510103919311XQVZhZ)

[Mickldo]

That's all of the photos I have that aren't blurry or out of focus. I am sure that John has heaps more.

[whatcharterboat]

Thenks Guys,


Dave, is that your Lotusland accent? Lol.

[whatcharterboat]

Wel it wouldn't be fair to post the Tvan pics and not put up some of their worthy competition. Sorry I'll make sure the Tvan pics go back up.

Innovan had the trailer and the model on the right is mounted on a small Jap 4x4 cab chassis. Pretty good quality and very well thought, these things are.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3600446642_0175a3513d_b.jpg

And Kimberly Kampers had quite a range as well. BTW that stretched cruiser I took a pic of in the carpark, looked like it had a KK shoved in the back under the tinnie. (A "tinnie" is an alloy boat if you didn't know!!!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3599672979_46c4760ed8_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3599672057_928203ce87_b.jpg

KK should be very proud of these. Real "no comprimise" when it comes to the fitouts. Great composite work, Webasto heaters/hotwater etc, and really top class electrical systems and lighting. See the LED step light on the hard top.

I would have liked to post some inside pics but I was politely told up in this building that no pics were allowed to be taken without permission and as I was wearing an "exhibitors" tag I though it may have been a bit rude to even ask. I was getting some wierd looks every time I pulled out the camera. Talk about paranoid.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3599651457_3930f527cd_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

About 40 different camper trailer manufacturers at the show, so as you can imagine they were everywhere you looked.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3599654229_9016d8f5b0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3600461002_3526773ecc_b.jpg

Avan

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3599679655_03bdab2e17_b.jpg

Innovan Again

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3600458202_8b3368998f_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Of course Ultimate is another super tough unit.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3600453716_ebc7914422_b.jpg

And well this unit was almost a caravan but it was just so light. Perfect for my underpowerd little Subaru. Actually the swag in the foreground above is more my budget. Lol.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3599637467_c655d43cc6_b.jpg

Hey, more to come .

[whatcharterboat]

The missing Tvan pics.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3613566428_368101944b_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3613567368_bfe2ce7368_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3612750441_f6ee00d89c_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3612751395_89917247bb_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Who spends $500Aud on a flashlight? No matter how good it is. Have to be for Law enforcement only, surely.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3613564654_ed6a3954c5_b.jpg

[mhiscox]

What a great thread, and such drool-inducing pictures. Thanks for going to the effort.

[whatcharterboat]

Hey, no worries Mike. Still have more. Only putting a few up each night. See Ya.
John.

[whatcharterboat]

… but com’on John, I thought this was a "tinnie"...


Ahhhh, no. Dave, the other tinnie's here are gold and have "xxxx" on them. Oh, and you can actually drink them.

Well not me. Haven't had one since '87. I'm a poor excuse for an Aussie, heh?

[whatcharterboat]

Well as Mickldo said >> he was looking at campers for the back of his 4by. These were some of the ones that I saw.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3613558560_ea3452462a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3600497540_04933263e1_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3599686239_85c13d9d4a_b.jpg

This Trayon could be adapted just as easily to a trailer as it could to the tray of a ute.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/3600495700_ac83b0e91c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3599684547_5ff47fd34e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3600488950_57c7a5cc75_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3599653297_327a98cd17_b.jpg

Hmm Mick, couldn't interest you in one of these , heh?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3600442724_e03f28ab5d_b.jpg

[Corey]

Some really brilliant stuff here.
I like those tray types above.

[whatcharterboat]

I suppose this would almost be a caravan but these guys normally make 10 to 20 metre power and sailing cats and just do these as a sideline. Pretty good time filler if you ask me. Fully molded composite construction, so well insulated with no seams and lightweight. Perfect little unit for fishing on Fraser without any corrosion issues and easy to drag in the soft sand. Also a true "hose out" when you finished your trip.

The awning was clever too in the way it was extended forward from the roof.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3613565536_fa0be79c79_b.jpg

[indiedog]

I got to the show for one and a half days and still didn't get to see everything! Huuuuuuge. And the ONLY place I didn't get to was the area where AT Warriors was. I looked out for you but obviously not hard enough.

There was such a diversity of layouts and ideas there. I was trying to take in as much as possible and get info from suppliers. I could happily have gone back again for another day but the family had other ideas!

WCB for that "boat" that looks like a camper, is that composite material something you could make a normal box trailer out of? Is it that tough?

[whatcharterboat]

And what fishing trip to Fraser wouldn’t be complete without a “pig”.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3613563814_28a19031c3_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3599640137_5b0021299f_b.jpg
Cooking on a pig “pigs” is a bit of a tradition around here. Perfect on the beach or in the bush. We used to spend a month on Fraser every year when the Tailor ran. Our old pig used to get additions / extensions before every trip. Ours was a group thing that started as an old beer keg. Actually sat over the fire. Last time we used it, it had a heat exchanger coil and hot water tank, a veggie oven, 2 fish ovens, a rack big enough for 6 large kettles and a 4’ Barbie plate.

Another friend made his pig out of 3 truck brake drums. Similar to the one in this pic. Really held the heat.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/3600459270_52b0c3c3c8_b.jpg

There was miles of outdoor cooking equipment. Last year, our stall was right across from these guys. They did a roaring trade then too but Anaconda were restocking their stall with semi trailer load of gear EVERY day at the show. I imagine BCF were doing the the same.

[whatcharterboat]

Absolutely what every Expedition truck should have. She was “vac”ing everything in sight. Perfect application for truck travel. Not just for preserving food either. She had some blankets sucked down to the size of a small brick, a phone that had just been charged up and was ready for that trip out in the kayak (BTW I don’t take my phone anywhere personally), nuts and bolts and spare parts to keep them together and from rusting, and she also had the containers you see at the left of the table. She told me bread would keep for 2 weeks. Actually she sounded just like an infomercial.

I was pretty well entertained just watching the marshmallows swell up when she “vac” ed them in the tub (she’s holding). Haha. Small things amuse small minds.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3613559542_a760355921_b.jpg

Here’s a one week old slice of avocado. And similarly there was a piece of steak too.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3613560436_85509ae77a_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

There was a few caravan / houseboat hybrids there. While some were about as appealing as poke in the eye with a blunt stick …………….

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3612740039_75e83ff0e3_b.jpg

others were simply breathtaking. Don’t know what this has to do with “ Expedition Campers and General Modifications” but it was definitely a statement in ingenuity and workmanship. I found out later that it was built by my boss's cousin. Must run in the family.

The sides wind in and out and the roof and sides drop down for road transport. The trailer was just as clever too. When you got the boat up the ramp, the trailer lifted the cat up and retracted the hulls in . It’s in the low position as you see it. Very sleek hulls. IMO Too fine for outside but perfect for fuel efficiency on inland / inshore waterways.

As Mickldo pointed out too, it would be a good candidate for an electric propulsion system.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3599629041_22676b4a40_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3600440040_19e36b3ce0_b.jpg
Again this one is more in my budget. Haha.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3599670031_7e9c458e06_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

And while we’re on the subject, here’s a Foldaway. Made especially for those guys who carry a “roof topper” but want the ease of putting the boat in the water after they’ve dropped off the camper trailer or caravan.

BTW there was plenty of “tinnie” rooftop loaders too. Some were OK but others were way to complicated. I saw one that looked like a roller caster over the front of this guys bullbar. True.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3600454720_aef4c57c8e_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

til next time John

Mate, all those poor young Aussies working up there near you at Whistler having to drink that Moosehead. What's the world coming to?

[whatcharterboat]

Dave, Aussies in Lotusland on Moosehead.

:beer: > :coffeedrink: > :wings: > :friday:= :confused:

[whatcharterboat]

Oztents are so cool . Literally erect in seconds and make the perfect annex for the side of your truck. I've even see some that slide it a sailtrack so they seal along side the truck. Really tough construction too. Plenty in the range on display.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3600479736_3224675d68_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

So much to see.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3599670973_963a2deb4e_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Ever see something so simple and thought "Doh. Why didn't I think of that?"
Fuel / water transfer made easy and safe. He's holding a safety valve to control the flowrate.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3599649703_262fe81c39_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Lots of toy haulers. Jayco had the 'Basecamp" which is a giant version of this . I kow it's not an expo style truck but I though it would be great for getting away for a weekend with some dirt bikes. IIRC it had a shower and toilet and kitchen up front but no permanent beds.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3600462830_7abe5ed716_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Designer wineglass coolers anyone?? Dave??

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3599641017_ddcc610f24_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

I mentioned Webasto in the Truck show thread. Well we caught up with them again. Good timing as we are doing another RTW at the moment so it's always important to discuss current options. We are hoping for a diesel oven in their range soon.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3600457260_066b50819b_b.jpg

Neat cutaway of that fantastic furnace.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3599645981_65e142e8e4_b.jpg

And here is the new methanol fuel cell that was only a prototype at last years show. Makes 1600 Watt hrs/day. Great supplement power source.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3600455400_950af58561_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Caught up with the ARB guys again too. I know it looks like it was quiet but I took these pics after closing time. It was like a sardine can in there in the middle of the day. I spent ages looking at the diff locker cutawy. Haha. "Small things" again.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3600452144_4e9fd44000_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3599642611_6a6d461d7a_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3600448408_b5a0d3f2ec_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

This guy had some really neat gear. Well everything you would need to fix a tyre anyway.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3600449396_b99f36d632_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

I've always said that Trailblaizer are the absolute best in the portable fridge business, but I don't know what they were trying to achieve here. Lol.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3599630801_bc17413ba0_b.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Hey . No one commented on our micro data projector. It was the only one I saw at the show. So you don't have a big screen bouncing around on the walls when your hitting the corrugations. Shines up about the same size as a 80" screen I suppose. It can be cordless and shine on the outside of the truck at night too. Hey , keeps the kids quiet.

This was the pic of it that Mickldo posted.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/26555/2624675130103919311S600x600Q85.jpg

BTW that's the last of the show pics.
Hope you liked them.
Keen to do a big FG vs NPS thread next. See what happens.
Have a bit more spare time after work now. Just finished the last of my study / assignments. Yippee.

[1leglance]

Hey . No one commented on our micro data projector. It was the only one I saw at the show. So you don't have a big screen bouncing around on the walls when your hitting the corrugations. Shines up about the same size as a 80" screen I suppose. It can be cordless and shine on the outside of the truck at night too. Hey , keeps the kids quiet.

This was the pic of it that Mickldo posted.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/26555/2624675130103919311S600x600Q85.jpg



Ok tell me more about this idea...
You mean instead of having a large flat screen for viewing movies or such this is a projector that will throw the image on any flat surface?
And this is why it can be used to project onto the outside of the rig?
How much and can we get them in the USA?
What kind of input?
12vdc or will I need an inverter?

[haven]

For more information about these projectors, google for "pico projector" (units
little larger than a big cell phone) or "pocket projector" (units about 5 inches square).
Some have built-in battery that runs the machine for a couple of hours, others run
off AC through a power brick that converts to DC. The projectors connect to a computer
or media player using a VGA port. Some have USB ports for connecting cameras or
flash drives.

Here's a web page that describes several pico projectors seen at CES in January.

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/noah-robischon/editors-desk/10-tiny-mighty-pico-projectors-photo-gallery

John is right, the projector is much lighter, smaller and less vulnerable to damage
than a standard LCD screen. Drawbacks include image is not as bright or as detailed
as an LCD, and for these reasons the projector is not a good alternative for computer use.

[Corey]

http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/noah-robischon/editors-desk/10-tiny-mighty-pico-projectors-photo-gallery

I did not even know these small ones existed.
Pretty cool.

PS, I am liking the Dell one.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Projectors/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=224-0939
Video there too.

[whatcharterboat]

Hi Corey, Chip is spot on as usual, but this thing is Australian made and is tiny. About the size of a deck of cards. Comes with a mini tripod and runs for about 40 minutes on its own lithium-ion battery. Also has a 12volt brick so it's easy to hardwire a 12v power lead to it and we sourced a video Tx and Rx so it can be completely cordless outside. Also it had USB, VGA and RCA inputs.

80" screen is about as big as you can go and still maintain clarity. There was others that we looked at but the lumen output was too low and they weren't in such a small package. As it is now, you have to darken the cabin pretty well to use it and this truck has a small "dropdown" LCD screen as well for normal daytime use. If the lumen output was any less, you would probably only be able to shine up a 40" screen at best.

We've been offering data projection for years on our eco-tour buses. Some of the operators target university groups who need a platform to do field research in the outback. So maybe a group of a dozen with all the gear needed for a 2 week stay. Then after dinner they might flash the projector up on a screen on the side of the bus for a debrief of the days work. This little unit was a bit different though.

BTW it uses the opposite widow's rolla blind as the screen. You'd think it was made for it. Perfect size.

[whatcharterboat]

1leglance, I know you made comment about the access gear I spotted at the truck show, so I kept my eye out again at this show but I just didn't get around to see everything. Sorry. Two years ago there was a guy at the show who had these mini camper trailer/ caravan type units. Actually he used to build these just near our shed in Yandina.

Anyway, instead of worrying about wheelchair access up into the van, the floor of the aisle way simply dropped down to the ground. Really cool design. So as you can imagine there was no need for a poptop and it was very aerodynamic and low roof height. I thought it would have been perfect for wheelie's. What's your thoughts?

Regards John.

[RedRocker]

This has to be the most depressing thread I've ever seen on off road
campers. I mean WTH? We've got thousands of stick and staple RV's
over here and you guys have more cool campers than I can count.
Life just ain't fair I tell ya, it'd be worth a trip down under just to
catch that show.:Wow1: I hate you guys!! Not really. :drool:

[charlieaarons]

This has to be the most depressing thread I've ever seen on off road
campers. I mean WTH? We've got thousands of stick and staple RV's
over here and you guys have more cool campers than I can count.
Life just ain't fair I tell ya, it'd be worth a trip down under just to
catch that show.:Wow1: I hate you guys!! Not really. :drool:

Americans are getting what they ask for and deserve to a large extent. I've always been a believe in "you get what you pay for" and many of the readers of this forum yearn for quality bad-road capable campers. But Australia, with 1/15th the population of the US and the same size as the lower 48 has a much higher proportion of long lonely dirt roads not attired with paved campgrounds and interstate highways. And many Australians want to explore their nation/continent.
Just lurk around the RV.Net forums a bit. Some of the denizens are very intelligent but many can be characterized as "ignorant xenophobic rednecks" who think if something costs a nickle more, let alone $1000s more, it's not worth it and they will viciously dump on it, especially if they can't afford it. I believe they represent the majority/cross-section of the US RV using population; not the users of the Expo forum.
So they get cheaply built RVs with the cheapest possible parts.
I'm sure the Brisbane show was the "cream of the crop" but its' size and venue vs. the recent Prescott exp. RV show-lette indicates Australians have a higher expectation of their RVs.

Charlie

[RedRocker]

Americans are getting what they ask for and deserve to a large extent. I've always been a believe in "you get what you pay for" and many of the readers of this forum yearn for quality bad-road capable campers. But Australia, with 1/15th the population of the US and the same size as the lower 48 has a much higher proportion of long lonely dirt roads not attired with paved campgrounds and interstate highways. And many Australians want to explore their nation/continent.
Just lurk around the RV.Net forums a bit. Some of the denizens are very intelligent but many can be characterized as "ignorant xenophobic rednecks" who think if something costs a nickle more, let alone $1000s more, it's not worth it and they will viciously dump on it, especially if they can't afford it. I believe they represent the majority/cross-section of the US RV using population; not the users of the Expo forum.
So they get cheaply built RVs with the cheapest possible parts.
I'm sure the Brisbane show was the "cream of the crop" but its' size and venue vs. the recent Prescott exp. RV show-lette indicates Australians have a higher expectation of their RVs.

Charlie

Good points, I had a Bigfoot truck camper and was surprised at some of the
cheap hardware in it.

[indiedog]

Americans are getting what they ask for and deserve to a large extent. I've always been a believe in "you get what you pay for" and many of the readers of this forum yearn for quality bad-road capable campers. But Australia, with 1/15th the population of the US and the same size as the lower 48 has a much higher proportion of long lonely dirt roads not attired with paved campgrounds and interstate highways. And many Australians want to explore their nation/continent.
Just lurk around the RV.Net forums a bit. Some of the denizens are very intelligent but many can be characterized as "ignorant xenophobic rednecks" who think if something costs a nickle more, let alone $1000s more, it's not worth it and they will viciously dump on it, especially if they can't afford it. I believe they represent the majority/cross-section of the US RV using population; not the users of the Expo forum.
So they get cheaply built RVs with the cheapest possible parts.
I'm sure the Brisbane show was the "cream of the crop" but its' size and venue vs. the recent Prescott exp. RV show-lette indicates Australians have a higher expectation of their RVs.

Charlie

Regarding the comments on the Australian contingent, you are correct! (I can't comment on the US counterparts) Australians are indeed very discerning when it comes to their campers. AND they can afford to be. When we have such a range of choices available and the population is less, the manufacturers MUST offer a quality product. I'm finalizing my design at the moment before getting it into production. I've been amazed at how competitive the end pricing is and what you have to do to make a viable product. And you can't put crap gear on it either, that will quickly be found out. So the thing that oftens makes the point of difference is innovation. That can only be a good thing for the general public here.

I've said it before on this site, I'm surprised there aren't more US clones of what we do here running around over there. KK obviously have a good rep' but there are a heap of other makers who do just as good a rig.

[Mickldo]

The photos we posted of the show were the cream of the crop. We also have a majority of our market catering for the RVers with cheap, poor quality designs. This is where good quality manufacturers like All Terrain Warriors and the others we took photos of are starting to make inroads. I see the market changing from the on-road with comfort vs off-road and roughing it to a new breed of consumers who want top quality products that will survive off road and still be comfortable.

[whatcharterboat]

Hey, It's back again. That was quick . 9th till 15 of Jun. Hopefully as there is a few Expo members from this area on Expo now, we'll be able to continue this thread with some more great posts.

Regards John.


I see the market changing from the on-road with comfort vs off-road and roughing it to a new breed of consumers who want top quality products that will survive off road and still be comfortable.

Haha. Mick. The term is "glamping" . lol

[Iain_U1250]

I know I'll be there again - I was there last year and as a result bought my Unimog - I'm fast getting to the stage of needing to get some gear to fit out my truck and have a lot of decisions to make. It should be a very interesting show.