​As part of the quality assurance process by our supplier Fiat, it has been determined that some 160 & 180hp Ducato vehicles equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission may experience a malfunction of the torque converter, leading to limp mode (reduced speed, deactivation of non-essential functions). To address this malfunction, Stellantis has initiated Service Action 6926.

This service action has been communicated by Stellantis to all Fiat Professional partners and is therefore well-known. Affected vehicles being 160hp & 180hp models only. An appointment can be directly arranged with a Fiat Professional partner so that the service action can be carried out on the vehicles accordingly. During these operations, a software update of the engine and transmission control unit will be performed, which will be completely free of charge.

Further information is available at any time from all connected Fiat dealers.

Please be aware that this notice is NOT an urgent recall and could possibly carried out with your next engine service.

The Service Action can only be carried out by an authorized Fiat workshop. You can find the location of your closest Fiat Workshop at www.fiat.co.nz/en/motorhomes.html.

For your information: Stellantis is the parent company of Fiat.

All to often we see customers turn up on annual water ingress inspection and when we check the tyre pressures we find them at 70PSI or above. This is the Fiat factory setting for most campers and it rides extremely hard.

For the axle loading in your camper we recommend a lower pressure for a more smooth and comfortable ride. This will be a little harder on Fuel and tyre wear but in our opinion the general ride is worth the compromise.

Below is the pressures we run on most models we sell:

• Pilote P600 to P740 - 58 PSI all around
• Pilote G600 to G740 - 58 PSI all around
• Pilote G781 - 60 PSI all around
• Le Voyageur Classic and Heritage 7.8m and 8m - 60 PSI all around
• Le Voyageur Classis and Heritage 8.5m and 8.7m - 60 PSI front and 48 PSI rear

Ian Stevens from the Pilote owners group has contacted us asking to spread the word on this event in late January. If you aren't a member of the group or wish to join the owners group please click on the below link for details.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/165367360749767

With the changes to the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 now in place and the issues around venting cassette requirements now resolved. Deluxe can confirm we are now processing customer self containments as a commercial partner of the NZMCA who are a certification authority.
Please note that the existing blue self NZS5465 containment warrants issued before 7th June 2024 are valid for freedom camping until they expire or the 7th June 2025 whichever comes first. So no immediate rush to replace your warrant if it meets the above timeframes.

Going forward you can choose from either a green government warrant card or an NZMCA yellow warrant card. There is no requirement for a sticker on the back of the vehicles as with NZS5465. The warrant card must be displayed in the front windscreen or passenger side window so that it can be seen from the outside at any time.

Green Warrant
The government issue green warrant card is the Freedom Camping standard requirement, if you currently freedom camp or plan to do so at any stage we suggest this warrant type. They last for a total of four years before renewal is required. On new purchases if you request this warrant type we complete the self containment paperwork and submit to the NZMCA. They will then process and request the $120 government levy fee from you directly. Once this is paid your vehicle will be entered on the register and your warrant posted out to you.


Yellow Warrant
The yellow warrant is an NZMCA issued warrant suitable for those that never intend on freedom camping. They last for a total of ten years before renewal is required. On new purchases if you request this warrant type we complete the self containment paperwork and submit to the NZMCA. There is no fee for this warrant type so once the paperwork is complete your warrant will be posted out to you.
For further information on the warrant types NZMCA is handling please click here to be directed to their site for more details.

This year both Gary and Brett attended the World Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf Germany. This is most certainly the largest motorhome show in the world with over 250,000 square meters of exhibition space. The Pilote Groupe display area alone is in its own separate hall and has dozens of Pilote and LeVoyageur motorhome models on display along with its own cafe and restaurant area.
The motorhome industry is ever changing, attending the show as guests of Pilote Groupe also gives us a chance to meet and catch-up face to face with our suppliers and discuss new and upcoming changes, models and technology.
This show is also a good chance to check out our competitors' models, installation equipment and other seriously impressive motorhomes we don't get to see in New Zealand. Please enjoy a small handful of photos from the show below.

This month we will look at the slightly larger Pilote Galaxy G781FC motorhome. The G781 is the perfect option for those who are after that little bit of extra length and space but don't want to push it too far and exceed the 8-meter benchmark.

Tip: The Pilote G781 is also available in a single bed layout ....

Click on the link to check out technical specifications and further pictures...

https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/Detail.html?id=3061191&dealerid=1177&pageNumber=1&sort=1&pageSize=12

Please note that RSE Limited is currently in liquidation and are therefore unable to trade and continue as our preferred service agent in Auckland.

We are however happy to announce that Total RV in Silverdale are now our preferred service agent for the Auckland area. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Daniel and Luke from Total RV are looking forward to hearing from you!!!

Click on the link below for further information...

https://totalrv.co.nz/

This month’s motorhome review is our much-loved Fiat Ducato Pilote Pacific P740. The model is arguably, alongside the G740, the most popular Pilote motorhome we import to New Zealand.

It seems to be the perfect compromise in many aspects and the modern layout and design has proven to be most practical and popular with our customers.

"P740FC EXPRESSION

​Discover this low profile motorhome, a perfect harmony of comfort and practicality. Inside, enjoy a cleverly arranged space and modern equipment for unforgettable journeys. Embark on boundless adventures aboard, the ideal partner for your escapades."

​Each area is pleasant and separate. Its stylish details and quality fittings make this a perfect travel companion for short getaways or longer trips. With a 4 legal seats and optional berths in the lounge, it can carry up to 4 passengers.

​The large garage is low and can be loaded from both sides making it easy to bring your bikes or camping gear on the road.

​Click on the link, check out further details and get in touch if you have any questions. Matt and I are always happy to have a yarn...

With a young family, fine dining is a guilty pleasure I don't get to indulge in very often anymore. However, when Poppy and I returned to Blenheim 4 years ago we made a point of visiting most restaurants we haven't visited yet in the region and this months "Local Hotspot" Arbour was one of those places which stuck with us.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, Arbour is a great secluded restaurant to celebrate that special occasion or simply treat yourself to a nice meal showcasing seasonal produce of the region. For us travelling has always been connected to food and wine and good fine dining experiences somehow manage to connect you to a region on a different level.

"Located in Marlborough, New Zealand, Arbour is a sole chef experience with kind, welcoming service. When you dine at Arbour you simply relax and enjoy what Bradley is cooking. His ever-changing set menu showcases local producers, hunters, growers and fishers. You can choose your own beverages or let Liz venture into the cellar for you.

"We love that Arbour is surrounded by passionate people producing exceptional wine and food. We have access to world class ingredients for our diners’ right on our doorstep.” Bradley Hornby.

Business partners, Bradley Hornby and Liz Buttimore have each spent two decades in five-star hotels, resorts and award winning restaurants. They live here in Marlborough with their partners Michelle and Benji."

https://www.arbour.co.nz/about

News about the change in legislation regarding self-containment is currently a hot topic in the industry and many people are confused about it. Most RV owners are NZMCA members and would have seen some updates throughout recent times, others may not be aware of any changes to the system at all.

I understand that all vehicles self-contained before the 07th June 2024 are not impacted by the change until the vehicle has to be recertified.

Vehicles needing a self-containment certificate from the 07th June 2024 are impacted and we are currently unable to certify those for freedom camping purposes under the current legislation. The governing authorities have not completed the process yet. The industry is expecting a firm update towards the end of the year and are hopeful for a final solution soon.

However we are still able to certify all vehicles we sell under specific NZMCA regulations in the meantime. The current NZMCA self-containment certification allows you to camp on all NZMCA properties.

Any members affected by the above will only receive a blue window card. The blue sticker will not be sent out.

We as a team are confident that the issue is currently being resolved and we are looking forward to the new system once its in place.

If you have purchased a vehicle through the Deluxe RV Group and have any questions related to the topic please feel free to give us a call.

The NZMCA defines self-containment as the below.

"What is Certified Self-Containment?

Certified self-containment is maintaining and certifying your motor caravan or caravan in accordance with the New Zealand Standard for Self-Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans, NZS 5465:2001

The NZMCA encourages all motor caravan or caravan owners (including 5th Wheelers, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, RVs & buses), to certify their vehicles in accordance with NZS 5465, helping protect the environment and public health from indiscriminate waste disposal.

A certified self-contained vehicle meets the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days, without requiring any external services or discharging waste.

Wastewater is then safely disposed of in approved dump stations, which can be found in most camping-grounds and public areas.

Please avoid the use of non-biodegradable chemicals as they will adversely affect the operation of sewerage networks including biological systems."

https://www.nzmca.org.nz/certified-self-containment-csc