​Such a true statement. We absolutely love our Le Voyageur Motorhomes and the introduction of the Heritage Range in 2022 was a full success. In 2024 the Le Voyageur Eterna Range will replace the Classic and that comes with a few changes to the design and build of the motorhome. We are anticipating the arrival of new Eterna's for the upcoming season and can't wait to premier the first one in New Zealand.

​ALKO Chassis Update (ALKO STC Chassis): The new chassis will be completely flat, and the stringers will be lowered from 215mm to 122mm aligning them with the rest of the platform. This will result in a 90mm gain in the double floor storage, allow for more storage, and create a better driving comfort due to the lower center of gravity.

Exterior:

​Le Voyageur is also updating the rear side, introducing new skirt lines and fog lights, updating the front side and bonnet design, and removing the curved dome roof to align the design with the Heritage model.

Interior:

The LV Eterna showcases the same level of quality finish whilst the design has been updated to a clean and simple approach. It will be interesting to see which one people prefer.

​Technology is an ever-advancing minefield and seems to change and update quicker than anyone can keep up with. Last year the Fiat cab had a major update and Pilote has started to use a new Pioneer Head Unit. I personally fell in love with how easy and simple the system is however it looks like a slightly different version of the unit is being fitted to our brand-new campers. Watch this space!!!

​This year’s NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show in Hamilton was a lot of fun. None of us really knew what to expect considering current uncertainties in business and the economy. However, we were pleasantly surprised with Friday’s turnout and the general positive vibe from visitors.

The show started with a strong first day and numbers slowly declined towards the end of the event. The general consensus is that the event went well, and exhibitors had a great time, however we did see visitor levels and sales drop back down to pre-Covid levels.

​It will be very interesting to see how our much-loved RV industry develops in the near future and we can't wait to be part of it all!!!

​"Discover the latest Pilote motorhome, specially designed for modern adventurers. With its unique adventurous look, this compact vehicle on a Ford Transit chassis offers the perfect combination of style and performance. Ready to take on any terrain, it will allow you to set off on your adventure with confidence, giving you the comfort and freedom you need to explore new horizons. Whether you're a keen hiker or a wilderness explorer, the Pilote motorhome is your ideal companion for unforgettable adventures."

We are anticipating the arrival of the first Atlas Motorhome in 2024 and are excited to see a modern Pilote motorhome based on a Ford platform. I recently came across a German review of the 2023/2024 Pilote Atlas A696G and I am stoked to share some detailed information with you as we will be importing this exact model.

​I believe that the specifications will be very similar to the NZ model however please be aware that specifications may vary and are subject to change. Enjoy the read and please feel free to email me if you have any further questions!!!

"Upscale amenities at no additional cost"

The series is based on the Transit Trail, whose radiator grille with massive Ford lettering indicates the automatic limited-slip differential. Black aluminum rims and an awning in the same color are available as standard - like so many other things, from the solar system to the satellite system. This puts the targeted price into perspective, especially since the basic vehicle equipment with numerous extras, reversing camera and 170hp engine including automatic transmission is impressive.

​Length:  6.98m Long - 2.20m Wide - 2.88m High
GVM:      3550KG
Berths:  4

Above: The comfortable seating area has benches measuring 1.0m and 1.54m in length. The table is stable and is sufficiently large at 90 x 82 cm.

Headroom under the fold-down bed: 1.93m.

​You enter the living room via the electric step through a comparatively narrow door (50 cm). To the right of it is the large seating area with two longitudinal benches. They come in lengths of 1.0m and 1.54m and so four people can sit comfortably at the large, stable table without turning the driver's cab seats. The solid furniture construction in light colors with dark upholstery as a contrast, in addition to the good headroom - 2.08m, 1.93m under the fold-down bed - ensures an airy feeling of space in the Atlas. Large campers still have to be careful, as there are open shelves at the bottom of the fold-down bed right next to the body door; It's easy to hit your head when you close the door from the inside.

Above: The 1.90 m x 1.40 m fold-down bed can be electrically lowered to 81 cm. The mattress lies on slatted frames.

​The drop down bed over the lounge is a handy additional sleeping space and would suit young families.

Above: Discover the well-equipped kitchen of the A696G Pilote camping car, designed to satisfy all food lovers on the go. With its spacious 133 litre refrigerator, you can easily store your fresh food and favorite beverages. The multiple intelligent storage options provide a practical solution to organise your cooking utensils and supplies, making it easy to prepare delicious meals with ease.

​Behind the kitchen is the bathroom, which has a step leading up to it. This means that the headroom in the sanitary area is limited to 1.91 m (shower 1.92 m). The reason for the floor platform is, among other things, the waste water tank, which is installed underneath in a frost-proof manner and whose wide-mouth opening can be reached through a floor flap in the bathroom. The equipment is complete and easy to use. Light and air can reach the sanitary area via two roof hoods. The bathroom can be separated from the living room with a door. There is no separation from the rear bed.

​The rear bed is reached via a step in the narrow, 66 centimeter wide entrance. The transverse double bed is impressive with a length of 2.10m, but the mattress stored on slatted frames is only 1.31m wide - that's more like campervan level . The large rear window provides unusual views. The roller curtain hanging in front of it can also be used as a privacy screen instead of the folding blind. This is particularly practical when the outside temperature is warm, as a draft can still blow through the vehicle when the window is open.

With a width of 85cm and a height of 1.11m, it is suitable for two standard bicycles. Two garage doors are standard and two car-wide lashing rails with sliding eyelets are used to secure loads. On the right side of the garage there is also an outdoor shower with cold and hot water, which is also included in the basic price.

Specifications:

Permanent East-West Bed with Drop Down Double, 4 Berth, Separate Shower and Toilet, 2 Gas Hobbs with Oven, Automatic Fridge/Freezer, Truma Combi 4KW Heating and Hot Water, 130l Fresh and 90l Grey Water Tanks, Space for 2x 9KG Gas Bottles, 6.98m Long - 2.20m Wide - 2.88m High, 3.95m Wheelbase, 3550KG GVM, 170HP Turbo Diesel Engine, Cruise Control, 2x 100w Solar Panels, Outdoor Shower, Frost Proof Waste Water Tank, Awning, Reversing Camera, Multimedia Screen, Crash Sensitive Truma Regulator, Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Black Aluminum Rims

​22nd December 2023 - 3rd January 2024
Christmas Holidays - Deluxe RV Group Office Closed

22nd December 2023 - 08th January 2024
Christmas Holidays - Deluxe RV Group Workshop Closed

Ingredients (serves two):

• 500g Fresh Asparagus
• 200g Good quality Feta or Goats Cheese
• 2 Lemons
• 8 Slices of Excellent quality Prosciutto
• Salt and Multi coloured Peppercorns
• Red Pepper or Chilli Flakes
• Marlborough Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions: For the

Instructions:

For the asparagus:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C
• Take 1 asparagus and bend it so it snaps.
• Where it snapped will mark the place where the asparagus should be trimmed.
• Trim the entire bunch of the asparagus at the same spot where the asparagus snapped, this way they are all the same size
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the asparagus on the baking sheet.
• Drizzle enough olive oil to coat the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.
• Squeeze half of a lemon on to the asparagus and toss it all together.
• Arrange the prosciutto on top of the Asparagus so the oils from will infuse the asparagus whilst cooking.
• Bake the asparagus and prosciutto for 15-18 minutes until the asparagus are roasted and the tips are crispy and the prosciutto is crispy.

For the whipped feta:

​• In a food processor, add the feta and crumble it into large chunks.
• Squeeze the other half of the lemon and add 2 tablespoons of water or the brine of the feta cheese, also add zest of half a lemon.
• Pulse the feta mixture a few times to help brake the large chunks into tiny crumbles.
• Scrape the sides of the food processor to help incorporate the entire mixture.
• With the food processor running steady, add 1 more tablespoon of water and watch the feta come together and get creamy. If it is not getting creamy add more water/brine, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Once the feta is whipped and creamy, serve it on to a plate.
• Once plated, season with freshly cracked pepper, add the juice of 1 entire lemon and add a pinch of red pepper or chili flakes (add more if you can handle the heat).
• Drizzle excellent quality Marlborough Extra Virgin olive oil on top of the feta.

Plating it all together:

​• Once the asparagus is cooked and the feta is whipped and seasoned, serve the asparagus on top of the bed of seasoned whipped feta.
• Arrange the prosciutto bundles around the feta. Serve immediately.

​Gary and Janette recently left the Le Voyageur behind and ventured overseas to New Caledonia. The trip was a mixture of relaxing and exploring a couple of different spots. If you are interested in knowing how the trip went, make sure to catch up with Gary next time you come past and have a yarn.

Most modern European motorhomes are fitted with an automatic 3-way fridge/freezer. They are designed to be set on "automatic" and therefore automatically switch to the most suitable source of power as required. We do not recommend switching manually between power sources.

Gas: The fridge is designed to run on gas whenever you are stationary and not connected to a main power source.

Main Power: When connected to power at home or at a powered site, the fridge is designed to run on electricity.

12V (Habitation Battery): Whilst driving the fridge will automatically switch to 12V. This essentially means it runs on power provided by your habitation/leisure battery. As your leisure battery is charging through the alternator when driving, your fridge will not run down the system.
​
Ferry Travel: When travelling on the ferry, we strongly recommend to simply turn the fridge off. Due to safety concerns, you will be asked to turn your gas off and therefore the fridge will not be able to use gas as a power source.

When turned off the fridge/freezer will act as an icebox and maintain a cold temperature. We do not recommend to manually switch the system to 12V as you are likely to drain your energy system and create issues as a direct result.

Check out the video above for a simple reminder on how to use your Enerdrive inverter.

Tip: Only turn your inverter on when needed. Once you are finished using it turn it off again to avoid running your battery system down.

​It also pays to think about your timing and when possible, use the inverter during sun hours to ensure your solar system has a larger input and will be able to recharge your leisure battery.

Last newsletter I shared some thoughts on "How to Wake Up Your RV" after the vehicle has been hibernating throughout winter. This month, I am sharing Matt's thoughts on "Preparing For the New RV Season".

Enjoy the read!!!

"The days are getting longer, and daffodils have well and truly started to bloom which can only mean that spring is finally here. If your motorhome or caravan has been in storage or had limited use during the winter months, we thought it would be a timely reminder that now is a great time to get ready for your first trip of the new RV season.

General motorhome maintenance is key alongside our strong recommendation to service your RV annually by experienced technicians. Not only does this uphold any warranties but also ensures that your vehicle is in the best possible shape ready to explore. Below are 5 quick tip’s to help with the process.

Clean Inside and Out

Keeping your motorhome clean on the inside and out can reduce the build-up of dirt that can cause damage and deterioration to your vehicle. This will help to prolong the life of the motorhome and if/when you decide to upgrade to a newer model you’ll be able to get a much better price.

We recommend cleaning the roof as well including the solar panels to help with their efficiency.

Seasonal Maintenance

Every season of RV travel requires specific maintenance procedures to extend your camper’s longevity and keep it running without a hitch throughout the duration of your travels.

This includes:

• Inspecting the habitation area for anything that may require your attention
• Running all appliances
• Checking any alarms
• Checking the frost protection valve
• Check battery condition
• Check tyres
• Inspect exterior seals and windows
• Air out the vehicle

Check all Paperwork and Compliances

An annual insurance review and ensuring you have the appropriate policy in place is a must. Checking RUC’s and registration along with self-containment, Electrical (EWOF) compliance and of course your WOF or COF is also essential.

Restocking Supplies

When you are on the road, almost anything can happen so you need to be prepared.

Packing emergency supplies including a first-aid kit, and emergency medication like antihistamines is paramount.

Toilet paper, cleaning and toilet chemicals, extra water and non-perishable food are also essential items to pack in preparation for the new RV season.

Having a Plan of Must Do’s

We are certainly blessed in this fantastic country with plenty of places to visit and things to do so having a plan of must do’s each season is a great way to ensure everyone is having a fun time. Let's make the most of it and let the adventures begin!!!"​