7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption RV Business Services ​ Camping and RV Businesses Services NZ Lifestyle Camping Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 43

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Simple is good Tony Dennerley Yep, simple is good. Tony Dennerley Photo ©2023 Tony Dennerley Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 10

EVENTS — Festivals and Shows Previous Next ​ 38 EVENTS — Festivals and Shows EVENTS — Festivals and Shows These events offer an opportunity for people to overnight while they attend. Some are restricted to certified self contained vehicles, some restrict or ban pets. Check the event website for details. December ‘22 Sanctuary Sounds Music Festival 2–4 Dec : Takapau, Central Hawkes Bay sanctuary-sounds.co.nz January Revitalise 2–4 Jan : By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision for a better world. revitalize.nz Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan : Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. tauherenikau.co.nz/music/ Egmont Country Festival 6–8 Jan : New Plymouth, Taranaki A relaxed weekend with music. ckw.nz/egmont-country-festival Motueka Country Music Festival 7–8 Jan : Motueka, Tasman ckw.nz/motueka-country-music-festival Marton Country Music Festival 13–15 Jan : Marton, Horowhenua martonfestival.nz Katikati Avocado Food & Wine Festival 14 Jan , Sat: Katikati, Bay of Plenty Great food, the best of wines, lively entertainment and more. katikatiavofest.co.nz Kumeu Classic Car & Hotrod Festival 20–22 Ja b: Kumeu, Auckland Celebrate all things Classic Car/Hot Rod related kumeuhotrodfestival.co.nz Whanganui Vintage Weekend 20–23 Jan : Eclectic vintage themed events and attractions. whanganuivintageweekend.nz Wheels in Wanganui 22 Jan , Sunday: A family day out, raising funds for St Johns. FB: ckw.nz/wheelsinwanganui Festival 1 27–30 Jan : Karapiro, Waikato Music, art & community. Like the rhythm of a pulsing heart… ckw.nz/festival-1 Auckland Folk Festival 27–30 Jan : Kumeu, Auckland aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz Edendale Crank Up 28–29 Jan : Edendale, Southland One of NZ’s biggest annual vintage machinery event roars into action. edendalevmc.co.nz February Niagara Falls Bluegrass & Roots Festival 4–5 Feb : Catlins, Southland Musicians from throughout NZ converge on the Niagara Falls Café, for a weekend of toe-tapping goodness. niagarafallscafe.co.nz Burt Munro Challenge 8–12 Feb : Invercargill & Bluff Make an offering to the God of Speed. burtmunrochallenge.co.nz Waimakariri Country Music Festival 10–12 Feb : Rangiora, Canterbury countrymusic.org.nz Lions Club of Ashburton South Island Motorhome Show 11–12 Feb : Ashburton, Canterbury Buy, sell, or view vehicles; commercial and private sellers, camping equipment, food stands and fun!Social campers are welcome. southislandmotorhomeshow.co.nz Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival 17–18 Feb : East Taratahi, Wairarapa wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz Mandeville Fly In and Steam Festival 18–19 Feb : Mandeville, Southland Be transported to an age of open cockpit flight and steam-powered railway journeys. experiencemandeville.nz Wings over Wairarapa 2023 24–26 Feb : Masterton 70 aircraft including vintage, military, jets, helicopters, aerobatic displays, and much more! Fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike. wings.org.nz March Selwyn Sounds 4 Ma r, Saturday: Lincoln, Canterbury Brilliant music; fantastic food trucks selling delicious food from around the world. selwynsounds.co.nz North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival 5 Mar, Sunday: Waipara, North Canterbury Enjoy an eclectic range of food stalls, a diverse selection of North Canterbury wine, quality live music and family friendly entertainment. ncwineandfood.co.nz 121 Festival 2023 10–12 Ma r: Tauherenikau, Sth Wairarapa A 3 Day Dance Odyssey fuels your creative expression through art, music, and culture. 121festival.co.nz Hokitika Wildfoods Festival 2023 11 Mar , Saturday: Hokitika, West Coast A celebration of the West Coast's unique wild food and lifestyle, with premier entertainment. wildfoods.co.nz Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival 11 Mar , Saturday: Havelock, Marlborough Enjoy fresh mussels, King Salmon, and Pacific Oysters, with great kiwi music and entertainment. havelockmusselfestival.co.nz CAMP FEST 17–19 Mar: Bulls Domain, Rangitikei A weekend of camping, craft and trade stalls, workshops and entertainment. See the camping entry on p38. route54.org/campfest Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow 17–19 Mar : Auckland supershow.co.nz Repco Beach Hop 22–26 Mar : Whangamata, Bay of Plenty beachhop.co.nz George Begg Festival 30 Mar–2 Apr , Thursday: Invercargill The party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s for petrolheads, party people and families. georgebeggfestival.nz April Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr , Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition: sculpture from off the farm, about and of the land. All-day entertainment, country food, coffee, bar, free family fun, laid back music, lots of give-it-a-go things to do. Suitable for all ages (accompanied young people are free). See the camping entry . ruralart.nz ​ Previous Next Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision for a better world. Wairarapa Music in the Country 6–8 Jan: Near Featherston, Wairarapa Great live music, atmosphere and experience. Kimbolton Sculpture Festival 1 Apr, Saturday Kimbolton, Rangitikei An outdoor art and sculpture exhibition Revitalise 2–4 Jan: By Fiordland National Park Music, organics, healing, and sustainability — a revitalized vision for a better world. 1/24 ​ Advertisment ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

4 Winter 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Waihi Falls ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Te Paerahi (Porangahau Beach) ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Pukekaihau Pā, Waipukurau ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Puketapu Hotel ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Tutaekuri River The stunning autumn colours of the trees bordering the Tutaekuri River, with the now-destroyed bridge at Puketapu in the distance ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Dartmoor Bridge Reserve A great little quiet freedom camping spot alongside the Tutaekuri River just west of Puketapu. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Dartmoor Bridge ©2023 Bette Cosgrove The Kaweka Ranges ©2023 Bette Cosgrove The Kaweka Ranges ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Glenfalls Campsite The Glenfalls DOC site on the banks of the Mohaka River ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Waitara Road A misty morning on the Waitara Road.©2023 Bette Cosgrove Stunning Pohokura Road ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Stunning Pohokura Road Pohokura Road follows the rim of an ancient volcano, taking you to Opouahi Scenic Reserve. ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Lake Tūtira ©2023 Bette Cosgrove Map Hawkes14-3_193839_W.webp Our thoughts are with all the locals who have suffered so greatly from the recent weather events which have devastated this area. Before the cyclone: Freedom Camping, Eastern Hawke’s Bay, Winter 2022 Bette Cosgrove We feel so privileged and fortunate to have made this journey a year ago, gathering such beautiful memories of the landscape as it was. Our thoughts are with all the locals who have suffered so greatly from the recent weather events which have devastated this area, and we wish them strength and patience as the clean up continues. The map shows the main areas we visited over a week, staying in freedom camping and DOC sites. Waihi Falls Waihi Falls is a hidden gem which was the first designated reserve in Hawke’s Bay in 1899. Self-contained vehicles can park overnight in the carpark above the falls where there’s a shelter and toilet. Te Paerahi A rainbow greeted us and we discovered a seal frolicking on the long, wild beach here. Te Paerahi (Porangahau Beach) — has a lovely council-owned ‘free camp’ area on the corner of Te Paerahi Street and Puketauhinu Place. Pukekaihau Pā, Waipukurau The historic Pukekaihau Pā site is on the hill overlooking Waipukurau. Walk up the hill from Hunter Memorial Park, in central Waipukurau. Te Hohou i Te Rongo is a 3.6m carved gateway welcoming visitors to the Pā. The stylised figures encompass the history of Pukekaihau pā, coming together in a hongi — the ultimate act of cultivating peace. Officially opened in February 2022, the Ngā Ara Tipuna project presents the history on the site of Pukekaihau Pā, which was a thriving Māori settlement from the 1600s until the 1830s. Puketapu Hotel The historic Puketapu Hotel was established in 1885. It was a community hub for locals during and after Cyclone Gabrielle. A year ago we enjoyed their award-winning cuisine and classic country atmosphere. Tutaekuri River The stunning autumn colours of the trees bordering the Tutaekuri River, with the now-destroyed bridge at Puketapu in the distance. This braided river flows east from the Kaweka Range to the Pacific Ocean south of Napier and Taradale. Dartmoor Bridge Reserve We found this great little quiet freedom camping spot alongside the Tutaekuri River just west of Puketapu. You must be self contained to stay here as there are no toilets or rubbish bins. The Kaweka Ranges Driving into the Kaweka Ranges in search of the hidden Mangatutu hot springs. After a 60km drive (an hour of it on unsealed gravel roads) we reached an impassable river ford on Makahu Road, which was still 7.5 km from the secluded hot springs destination. We turned around and enjoyed the return drive with snow capped peaks in the distance. Glenfalls Campsite Glenfalls DOC site on the banks of the Mohaka River is a basic campsite in a stunning location. We swam in the chilly river and witnessed an amazing moon-rise and starlit night. Waitara Road Heading east towards the coast we woke to a misty morning on the Waitara Road. Stunning Pohokura Road One of the most stunning drives we’ve ever experienced. Pohokura Road follows the rim of an ancient volcano, taking you to Opouahi Scenic Reserve. We walked around a high altitude lake through original bush surrounded by a 3km predator proof fence protecting a kiwi nursery. Kiwi chicks are raised here until they are large and strong enough to survive in the wild. Lake Tūtira Pohukura road comes out onto State Highway 2 near Lake Tūtira. Sadly the DOC camp area and the Hawkes Bay Regional Park campground here are now closed due to the recent cyclone damage. Up Up 4 Winter 2023 , p 19

7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Setting up ay Campfest, Bulls, 2024. The 29 inspectors would need to re-certify about 260 vehicles per working day to update already-certified vehicles by the Jun ’25 deadline: IMPOSSIBLE Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system Bette Cosgrove A gaze into the green crystal ball of hope for a consistent, reliable freedom camping vehicle certification system, designed to protect our environment and keep it ‘clean and green’, reveals an extremely stormy and very cloudy future with a lot of unhappy campers, confused councils and extremely overworked , stressed vehicle inspectors. Potentially 99% of the camping vehicles currently fully certified self-contained with fixed cassette toilets will be non-compliant under the new regulations. Government and the PGDB The Minister for Tourism, Hon Matt Doocey has the power to extend the transition period (up to 2 yrs) for private vehicles certified prior to the law change. This could provide added time to review these problematic regulations. For the thousands of fleet-hire vehicles which must all be upgraded and re-certified by December ‘24, if their customers are to be eligible to freedom camp, there is no support, no extension and very little hope. The impossibility of getting the system working properly by the legislated deadlines has been signalled by the PGDB (Plumbers Board) responsible for implementing the new scheme. Given the lack of inspectors (only 29 nationwide, Feb ’24 ), there is little chance those whose self-containment expires in June this year will be able to get a new green warrant, and the law prevents them renewing their blue warrant: no more freedom camping for them. The Responsible Camping Group of the Ministry of Business, Industry and Enterprise (MBIE), is waiting for the Minister of Tourism to request that they revisit the problematic regulations. Does he know? Will he do it? If the regulations are to change, perhaps the Minister might be inclined to rescind the bizarre fixed-toilet requirement at the same time — this was a promise made by National MPs prior to the election. Being self-contained is the point (or is supposed to be). See p10. Certifiers and inspectors The major current certifier networks across Aotearoa have yet to take up the role of Certifying Authority or to train their nation-wide roster of inspectors. It will be months, well beyond June ‘24, before they can begin issuing the new green warrants. Councils: bylaws and enforcement Councils will continue to be confused and out of pocket as they are required to implement and enforce the new laws. BYLAWS: Some received funding to make bylaws. But of the 69 local authorities only 39 have published the required freedom camping bylaws and we’ve seen only half a dozen other councils starting the bylaw process. Councils who have welcoming and open policies for freedom camping but no bylaw, must now create one in order to continue to provide free camping for all. To provide space for non-self-contained campers (or those self-contained to the old standard), it must now be specifically designated in a bylaw, a lengthy, expensive process. ENFORCEMENT: Councils are now tasked with enforcing the new law, a cost to locals which may never be covered by revenue from fines. If councils choose not to enforce the new law, there will be no national consistency, a specific goal of the 2023 law changes. It’s inevitable we will continue to see clouded and confused council interpretations of the new laws. Already we’ve seen over-zealous districts trying to enforce fixed toilets ahead of time, and officers unlawfully insisting on inspecting inside vehicles. Ensuring their officers abide by the legal limits and responsibilities of enforcement is another (and urgent) task for councils. See Enforcement p12 . Is it possible? worth the cost? the hassle? There is a turbulent market ahead for fixed-toilet appliance sales. If everyone wanting self-containment must retro-fit a fixed toilet plus vent system how will they obtain these from RV suppliers? No/low stock or supply chain issues will mean tens of thousands of campers won’t get what they need, or find the tradespeople to retro-fit them, in time to meet the 2025 deadline. Both the retrofitting and the certification process is expensive and only useful for freedom camping. The blue warrants do the job for all other camping. Is it worth the effort and cost? What’s the vision for the future? Many eligible campers are likely to be unable to get the green warrants in time, and will be forced out of freedom camping, if the regulations don’t change and the new system is not delivered in the time the law sets out. This is an immensely sad loss for NZ travellers, and for the next generation, many of whom will be effectively barred from freedom camping. Only the well-off with large vehicles will be able to meet the increased cost and carry on enjoying freedom camping. The tourism industry will also be adversely affected. There will be fewer of NZ’s most lucrative tourists, those who enjoy a long slow journey around the country, who contribute more than wealthy hotel visitors who jet in and out on short stays. The cost of retrofitting will raise motorhome hire costs; much of the rental fleet may be barred from freedom camping at all. Paid campgrounds, already full at peak times, are likely to be overwhelmed by those without fixed toilets, both international and domestic. DOC sites and affordable regional sites may become overcrowded and over-used, and this could lead to a decline in the quality of the space or potentially lead to closures. The net result of these law changes is likely to be unhappy and fewer travellers and a tarnished national tourism reputation. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 2

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption The Rubbish and the hash tags #kiwicampers #sortingoutyourshit #cleanedupbyfreedomcamper #leavenotrace The clean up with its hash tag #kiwicampers #leavenotrace #cleanedupbyfreedomcamper Collect the trash, take a photo, add the hash tag and post it. Make a difference: Let's CHANGE the narrative Bette Cosgrove Let’s spread message that responsible Freedom Campers are a help. We actually like to clean up after us and others ! Just pick up litter and put it in your vans, like I do, to dispose of appropriately. Because — we have bins and bags onboard and likely some form of toileting. Let’s create a positive social media campaign. Let’s share our voices and spread the story of those who happily freedom camp, and don’t trash but clean the place! Stop the story that blames us for the public mess! HOW TO JOIN IN Collect the trash and take a photo. Post in your social media group, and your own page — an image of what you cleaned up. Say where and when. Add the hashtags: #kiwicampers #cleanedupbyfreedomcamper #sortingoutyourshit #leavenotrace BY: Bette Cosgrove PHOTOS: ©2022 Bette Cosgrove Please join me or follow my instagram @vangranz Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 13

3 Autumn 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Tear drop camping on a NI bike trip Andrew Morton Camping on a NI bike trip: the tear drop, tarp, comfy chairs, a table and a BBQ. (And, of course, the bike.) Andrew Morton Up Up 3 Autumn 2023 , p 39

1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A gathering on an Ohope orchard A group of us met up in Ohope, Bay of Plenty. in August 2022. ©2022 Angela Bryan Poptop campers meet up ©2022 Adam Beaumont ​ How to organise a group weekend Mary Reid We all look forward to the catch ups, the fun, laughter and good times; doing as much or as little as we choose at the venues. I give a venue address and date, at the right price, along with a list of possible activities that members can explore, including just relaxing and lazing and refreshing ourselves. We regularly have around 20–25 people at our camps in a range of motorhomes, caravans, buses and yes tents too, along with up to 6 dogs. We have a wide range of people of all ages and senses of humour. Happy hour (and beyond) can often mean a good belly laugh or three as people get the mood going and the stories flowing. BY: Mary Reid, All Points Camping Club in Waikato/ Bay of Plenty Keep on making memories, having fun, meeting new people and exploring: #campingTheKiwiWay Photo: An All Points Camping gathering on an Ohope orchard (Bay of Plenty). August 2022 Photo: Poptop get together ©2022 Adam Beaumont Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 26

SUMMER 2022 ISSUE 2 BUY PDF INDEX Summer, Issue 2, Camping the Kiwi Way Previous Next Miriam Richardson (Editor) Buy a copy, subscribe for a year's worth of copies, read it on paper, read it here or read the pdf. The choice is yours. Only $12 a copy delivered, $36 for 4 issues. BUY We bring you travel stories, tips, wonderful places to visit, insight into political changes, some solid information, a crossword: light reading, serious reading and some fun browsing. Enjoy Previous This issue is kindly sponsored by the All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping. Next left-turn-ruapehu_w_th left-turn-train left-turn-pedestrian_w Left-turn-Maungatautari-view_w Ad ISSN 2815-827X (Online) | ISSN:2815-8261 (Print) ISSUE 2 editor@campingthekiwiway.org

8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Musterers Hutt ©2024 Linda Butler Musteres Hut The history stored within is well worth a browse. ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler Museum The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. ©2024 Linda Butler Museum The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. ©2024 Linda Butler Museum The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. ©2024 Linda Butler Museum The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. ©2024 Linda Butler Mt Somers domain ©2024 Linda Butler Mt Somers domain playground at ©2024 Linda Butler Mt Somers Domain ©2024 Linda Butler I wont forget the look on a members face when her chair collapsed on her. ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler Mt Somers campground kitchen ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler ©2024 Linda Butler an awesome bunch of happy campers A weekend at Mt Somers Linda Butler Canterbury All Points campers enjoyed a great weekend at Mt Somers in March. It was full of sunshine, friendly locals and surprising entertainment. We will never forget that hedge which we are sure we deciphered. But I won’t tell the answer on here… Nor will I forget the look on a members face when her chair collapsed on her. It’s all part of camping. Our group included a 15 month old toddler to great grandparents with their photos. The domain had the cleanest facilities that I personally have come across in a while. A few of our members were thrilled to watch a local rugby game in play, reviving what rugby was all about, the atmosphere, the shouting, the energy. The Museum was opened for us. I enjoyed watching the team reminiscing over objects from their childhood. The history stored within is well worth a browse. We had a few energetic walkers that either explored the Blackburn Mine or went to see what the Sharplin Falls were about. They returned to camp with big smiles. The general store was a short walk. We browsed the gardens and lovely cared-for homes on our way there for a barista coffee. Yum. OK, the odd person sneaked back for ice cream and or pies… The friendly publican nearly cooked us with his log fire, lol, but better than a cold room. Oh, and I think Trev left some of the roadside blackberries for others. Check out our upcoming All Points Camping events on the website or facebook events page. “What an awesome bunch of happy campers. Fabulous weekend, weather was great, company great. Some of us enjoyed our stay so much we stopped an extra night or two. This is another “go back to” location.” Images ©2024 Linda Butler Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 31

5 Spring 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption 10-tips-PassingTruck.png Their main type of accident is jack-knifing 10 Tips for safe caravan towing Collyn Rivers Here are 10 tips for safe towing: caravans and their tow vehicles have much the same accident rates as other forms of motor transport, their main type of accident, jack-knifing, however, is different. Overtake whilst towing with great care. Pic: AL-KO, rvBooks.co.au Tip One: limit speed Never tow above 100 km/h (especially if overtaking). Driving too fast is by far the major cause of caravan-related accidents. Tip Two: do not exceed maximum legal weight Never load a tow vehicle or trailer above the maximum weight limits stipulated by the manufacturers. Doing so is illegal, dangerous and will invalidate your insurance. Knowing the weight of your tow vehicle and trailer is as important as carrying your passport overseas. Tip Three: correct weight ratio Ideally, a laden trailer’s weight should exceed a laden tow vehicle’s weight (ideally only 80%). If you follow this recommendation, in RV Book’s opinion, you will have no need for a Weight Distributing Hitch. The use of such a hitch is advisable if the caravan‘s laden weight exceeds the tow vehicle’s laden weight, but that vehicle’s ‘cornering power’ is then inherently reduced. Tip Four: adequate tow ball mass It is essential to have your trailer’s front end heavier than its rear. For camper trailers, not less than 5% of the trailer’s laden weight should be on the tow ball. For Australian caravans the percentage should be 8% to 10% (the longer and heavier the caravan, the higher the percentage needed). UK/EU-made caravans are by and large much lighter — they need 6–7%. This mass must remain reasonably constant. It should not vary as water tank content varies. Towing stability is since proven to relate to tow ball mass. The lower the trailer’s percentage of its weight on the tow ball, the lower the stability. Furthermore, the lower that tow ball mass, the lower the so-called critical speed. The critical speed is that above which a strongly snaking caravan cannot be driver corrected. Any heavy trailer longer than about 5 metres with less than 7% tow ball mass is (in RV Books’ opinion) an accident waiting an opportunity to happen. Its critical speed may be as low as 50–70 km/h. Find out more about critical speed here: ckw.nz /why-roll-sway Tip Five: Correct weight distribution Heavy items in a trailer should be stowed low down and close to the axle(s). Store only lighter items higher up and away from the axle(s). Never store heavy items at the front or rear of the trailer. Tip Six: limiting height Keep everything as low as feasible across your entire rig consistent with adequate ground clearance. The lowest part of a rig is usually the tow vehicle’s differential housing/s or exhaust. Tip Seven: tow vehicle choice Choose a tow vehicle that has: • A maximum towing capacity greater than the laden weight of your trailer. • An adequate maximum tow ball allowance for your trailer. • Has the longest possible wheelbase (i.e. distance between its front and rear axle/s). • Has the shortest possible distance from rear axle to tow ball. Find out more about choosing the right tow vehicle here: ckw.nz/choose-tow-vehicle . Tip Eight: trailer choice Choose a trailer that: • is as light as possible • is as short as possible • has the longest possible distance between the tow ball and its centre of mass. Extended A-frames help, but at the expense of increased turning circles. Tip Nine: Tyres Use ‘Light Truck’ tyres to assist trailer and tow vehicle handling. Their stiffer sidewalls enable them to carry their maximum weight at all times, and they are better able to resist yaw and snaking. They are a little noisier and have a slightly harder ride compared to normal tyres, but safety is more important. Never increase the tow vehicle’s front tyre pressure for towing. Always increase the tow vehicle’s rear tyre pressure by 50‑70 kPa (7–10 psi) whilst towing. In borderline cases simply using these pressures eliminates the need for a Weight Distributing Hitch. Tip Ten: Read our book Why Caravans Roll Over—and how to prevent it Our book — Why Caravans Roll Over—and how to prevent it — explains just how and why caravans roll over. It has many pages that advise how you can reduce the risk. An invaluable feature is a Question & Answer section that enables you to assess your own rig’s likely stability. It shows how to remedy the failings. Reproduced with permission. ckw.nz/10-towing-tipsrvbooks.com.au Up Up 5 Spring 2023 , p 9

6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption ​ Labour weekend at Mangawhai Cheine Matheson Four poptoppers in attendance at the Labour weekend gathering. All very different set-ups, a great group of people and lots of stories and ideas floating around. Much like myself, everyone had their own special touches on their poptops that made them their own. Only 2 of us brought garden ornaments and started competing. Unfortunately the Flamingos took out my Chickens — I was too under-prepared for someone just as competitive as myself! (It’s the next get together that I’m looking forward to — already I have purchased more, haha!) Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 6