5th Wheel Newsletter
Oct 2012. Issue 74
5th Wheel Group - Christmas Rally
29 November - 3 December 2012
Waihi Beach Community Centre Reserve
Thursday 29 November
• Grounds open from 12 noon - • Happy Hour 4.30pm
Friday 30 November
• From 9 am till 2 pm join Waihi Beach 10 and 11 year olds on their annual Bike Ride to Bowentown and Anzac
Bay. Picnic and swim in the sheltered harbour, otherwise a free day.
• Pot Luck Dinner - • Club will provide BBQ sausages, fruit salad and ice-cream.
• Wearable Arts Competition and Show
• Theme - Santa's Workshop • Materials: Using 'old' and 'recycled' bits and pieces, rubbish etc.• Make at home
and bring along – • Strut your creation down the catwalk to funky Christmas tunes
Saturday 1 December
• 2pm Santa - Please bring a present marked "male" or "female" • Approx value of $5 per person attending.
• Children's presents to be named
• 7pm Dinner at Waihi Beach RSA - Courtesy van available. • Entertainment
Sunday 2 December
• 10 am Raffles* and Morning Tea (*grocery items for raffles appreciated) • 4.30 pm Happy Hour
Monday 3 December
• 10 am Morning Tea- Departure by 12 pm
Costs
• $30 per person which includes dinner. Less for teenagers and children.
If not attending the dinner, the normal rally fees of $2.50 per person per night apply.
RSVP to Karen & Cedric Armstrong 07 544 1326 or email [email protected]
Proposed Richmond Park Rally is Cancelled
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Friday 30 November to Sunday 2
nd
December.
Due to lack of Rally Marshals to run the above rally, we have cancelled the above event.
We would like to thank Rose and Owen Jensen, Managers of Richmond Park
for their offer to use the park and buildings during the Rally.
th
To 5 Wheel Members, who live in the South Island, look forward to seeing some of you
on our next trip down South.
Cheers Graeme Ginn.
Posted by Graeme Ginn (Chairman of the Fifth Wheeler Special Group) 07 5492209 or 0210667400,
Email [email protected]
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MESSAGE FROM OUR TREASURER Greetings All
How to save money and continue to receive your monthly entertaining read At the AGM held in Rotorua at the beginning of the year, the annual subscription for 2013
was increased to $25, but with additional discounts.
If you receive your newsletter by email you will receive a $5 discount.
This discount was introduced to encourage members to get their newsletter by email. The costs of printing
and sending the newsletters have been increasing, with postage recently increasing to 70c per newsletter.
Our financial year commences on 1st January which means now is the time to renew.
All members who pay before 1st January will receive a $5 discount, thereby paying only $15
(if you receive the newsletter by email).
So if you pay prior to 1st January and receive you newsletter by email it will only cost you $15 for the year,
the same fee as 2012.
The Newsletter renewal form is further down this page, giving instructions for payment of your
subscription. Please note that deposits can only be sent to SBS bank, see account number
below!!
Regards Deborah Frederick
5th Wheel Treasurer
NZMCA 5th WHEEL SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
2013 NEWSLETTER FEE RENEWAL
DUE NOW
Annual Newsletter Renewal Fee $25
($20 for new members)
Less $5 if receiving newsletter by EMAIL
Reduced by further $5 to $15. if paid by the 31st December 2012
Please make cheque payable to NZMCA 5th Wheel Special Interest Group.
Or direct bank to the above account at SBS. Account no. 031355 0715341 00.
SBS (Southland Building Society) deposits can be accepted at all Westpac Branches
(if banking direct – please use surname and NZMCA# as part of the reference details)
Note: No receipt unless requested.
Name:
NZMCA #:
Email Address:
Postal Address:
If
You would prefer your member details (previously provided) to remain
confidential, please tick the box
Post or email to:
th
Treasurer, 5 Wheel Group
Deborah Frederick
30 Hamblyn Cres
Hamilton 3200
[email protected]
3
MEMBERS NOTICEBOARD
For Sale
2008 Sundance Rear Kitchen 5th Wheel
This unit has 2 push-outs & was lived in by us for approx 2 years.
This unit can be seen on Trade Me No 492527389. $65.000 or Near Offer.
1996 Hino Dyna 5.3ltr 5 speed. This tow unit has an AirRide hitch fitted to it. $20.000 or Near Offer.
This can also be seen on Trade Me No 489697049.
Regards - Harry Johnson #30907
For Sale
Set of 3 foldaway entry steps for 5th Wheel. Can be picked up in Tauranga.
$150.00. Call Amanda Walters 027 5439 440 or email [email protected]
Wanted - Air Hitch Information
I am aware that some club members have purchased an air hitch for their rig. Any one willing to advise
me on make/ model/bolt-on/etc, where to purchase, and general cost, would be very much appreciated.
Model: Keystone Laredo
Regards Tony Edlin #20990 [email protected]
Recommendations for Maintenance on your 5th Wheel
Grant and Clinton from Wakerleys came to the Pyes Pa Maintenance Workshop and First Aid Rally.
Here are the notes I jotted down of their recommendations.
Cheers Amanda.
Suspension and Brakes
Issues with suspension and brakes – talk to CM Trailers in Ashburton
If you choose to change from electric brakes to disc brakes, the best brand is Trojan as parts for disc brakes
and pads are readily available from Repco and do not have to be sourced for the US.
Brake Service Centre in Tauranga can check your brakes before COFs
Rubber Roofs / Sealing / Cleaning
Use Acetone only to clean rubber roofs and prior to using Eternabond and Simpsons 7003 sealant.
Simpsons 7003 does not go yellow from UV where other products do.
Wash your roof with Wet and Forget annually. Nothing more needed.
Plastic Vents
Use clear primer before using Simpsons 7003 or the vent will leak within 12 months.
MUST be primed first.
Kem-O-Pro
Versatile Products stock this to polish our 5th Wheels.
As good as Mothers but not as expensive. 1 litre and 5 Litre options. MUST use a buffing machine.
Slide Out Maintenance
Use Dry Glide not CRC but best of all keep clean and dry.
Rubber Seals
Keep clean and dry. Just use soppy water. NO oil based products.
Gas Appliance Compliance Rulings
These are already in place but the authorities will be enforcing these soon to ensure we
ALL meet the necessary changes and meet the certification standards.
More information should be following in the Movanner over the coming months.
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Committee 2012
NOTICE BOARD
Graham Ginn (Chair)
O7 549 2209 Mob 027 284 4441
[email protected]
Graeme Scott (Vice President)
Mob 027 303 1907
[email protected]
Amanda Walters (Secretary)
Mob 027 5439 440
[email protected]
Deborah Frederick
(Treasurer/Membershp Officer)
07 846 4282 Mob 021 1108 444
[email protected]
CHEAP GAS BOTTLE REFILLS
IN THE SILVERDALE AREA.
Mata Gas Ltd 7B Titan Place
Silverdale, on the right as you
come up Silverdale Hill heading North.
9kg Bottle Fill $26.00
Either your own Bottle or a
Swapa Bottle in date.
Available Saturday 9 - 4pm.
Weekdays Phone (09) 973 7798
Thanks to Stuart MacIntire 8172
Ian Fox (Patron)
09 948 9622 Mob 021 610 161
[email protected]
Committee
Cedric Armstrong
07 544 1326 Mob 021 171 2809
[email protected]
Brian Blackbourn
07 573 8941 Mob 027 244 7049
[email protected] (underscore after Blackie)
Roy Hobson
Mob 027 276 3665
[email protected]
Fred Scott-Raynsford
09 818 8512 Mob 021 256 6727
[email protected]
Editor
Marianne Hobson
[email protected]
Winner of the month – Your
committee rewards a member each
month. The reward is in the form of a
lucky draw to receive a credit of next
year’s annual newsletter fee.
 The winner this month is Jane & Joe Oliver 12033
congratulations!
Disclaimer - the views expressed in this
newsletter, are not necessarily those of the
NZMCA, the 5th Wheel Special Interest
Group, or the Editor.
5
COVI SHOW SEPT 2012
Roy and I went to the Covi Show on Saturday, 15th September. Roy, to see what was new in the way of
Motor Home units and accessories, and me to be a restraining influence should he be overcome by temptation.
Amanda and Paul, looking like the quintessential campers, (you know striding around in those I can tramp up any
mountain right now, boots) informed us that there were approximately 500 vans at the Auckland Rally nearby.
We walked around past the huge white Hobson Coach Builders 5th Wheeler, with the little yellow smart car parked
in the rear garage. Phenomenal by name, and in presentation too, it had a paint job second to none.
At the other of the scale was the K Pod Week-ender, which was cute, and would suit a family of Hobbits to a tee,
no really, it was a lot in a little space. In between was a good array of caravans, 5th Wheelers and Motor Homes,
and all the camping goods and information to please all enthusiasts.
Lots of Grandparents were walking around clutching green monsters with ‘Fusion” printed on them.
Good gimmick!
One stand was full of women’s dresses, a diversion for any bored females. The stall operator told me to fill in a
form and post it in the box, which I did. By the middle of the next week, Janine Malatios informed me I had won the
outfit. Amelia Rose is the label, made in NZ, lovely turquoise blue crinkle cotton, so I am all ready to move on into
Summer, with my state-of-the art fashion outfit, though Roy did suggest he thought it needed ironing.
We were told at the Combined Rally in September that a staggering number of 80 new units were sold at the show.
This shows us that the industry is still chugging along nicely. The show is becoming the place to go for new entrants
into the hobby, and for the rest of us, a place to catch up with friends.
Marianne 28773
Combined Rally at Kaipaki Settlers Hall – 21-23rd of September 2012
Roy and I spent the night of Thursday 20th Sept, parked at the Te Aroha Golf Club. It was quiet and peaceful.
Next day we went into the baths, where we had booked a private spa bath. We loved the hot wooden tub, which was
brimming with warm water, until Roy climbed in, and displaced a huge amount of water as he sat down.
We enjoyed the bubbly water, for our 30 minute time, then visited the café just 2 mins further up the path, so
replacing all the weight we had just steamed off.
We arrived at the Kaipaki Hall on Friday afternoon, and were duly parked in the field opposite the Hall and across
the road. Eventually there were over a 100 vans arrived for the festivities, which included 8 or so 5th Wheelers.
On the Friday night we were entertained with a concert. Saturday saw a vigorous Mini Olympic Games, whilst
Saturday night was dressing as our favourite book character, and then dancing, which was great.
After the good-byes on Sunday morning, a group of the 5th Wheelers camped at Horahora Domain, right by the water
– lovely. The blossom and newly leafed willow trees were beautiful, showing us that spring is truly here.
Picked up a couple of tips at the rally – one, when you’re rally marshal, check the dates on the grocery items
donated, as people don’t always realise their items can be long out-of-date.
The other was choosing ‘Wally of the Rally’, which was funny, and could be adopted for our rallies.
One of the turns in the Friday concert was a couple of burly hairy blokes dressed for dancing as ballerinas in pink
tutus. The larger, lumpier one, bless him, had wanted to get something out of his van earlier on, so nipped across the
road in full tutu to get to where he was parked. Imagine the shock of a motorist who drove past at that moment,
seeing a bewigged vision in pink satin and net, caught blinking like a possum in the head lights. We all laughed at
that, but it was the silver tongued,’ tell a joke a minute’ compere for the week-end, whose name escapes me, who
actually won the award, amidst great hilarity.
Thanks to the Free Wheelers for organising the weekend, and we need to start thinking about what to do when it is
our turn to put the rally on for 2013.
Marianne 28773
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MORE MAINTENANCE
MATTERS……………………………………………….
Are your DAY-NIGHT RV SHADES falling apart?
The information to repair the Day-Night RV Shades is now posted on our web site –
www.5thwheelgroup.co.nz posted under Uselinks/Helpful Hints
Instructions on restringing, and the relevant diagrams should be able to help repair the
broken blinds.
The info was downloaded from Venetian Blind Repair Shop, Vancouver web site.
The information has been supplied to our 5th Wheel Group by Pete Jenkins 28541
Riding the Old Coach Road: Ohakune to Hiropito
One of the great joys of motorhoming is finding treasures. The Old Coach Road from Ohakune to
Hiropito falls into this category.
The Road was the vital link between the uncompleted sections of the Main Trunk line. Between the
1880s and 1908 it served to transport passengers and goods initially between Ohakune and Raurimu
and finally the section between Hiropito and Ohakune when the Taonui and Hapuawhenua viaducts
were being constructed. With the completion of the line in 1908 the road became redundant.
The Old Coach Road is part of the national cycleway network and has a remarkable feature. It’s
original surface were cobblestones. The heavy rainfall demanded an all weather surface. So in the
late 1880’s, like the Romans and European road builders of old, cobblestones were used to provide a
robust surface for horses and coaches.
Through the efforts of the Department of Conservation and the Ohakune community the old road
was “rediscovered” and has been opened up so that the present day generation can appreciate a
unique feature of NZ’s history and marvel the work of our early railway pioneers and enjoy the virgin
bush and birdlife.
The Ohakune Club (# 1178) is the natural stopover for undertaking this ride. A welcoming POP
providing water, dump station as well as a weekend restaurant. A great place for a rally as easily
handles big rigs.
The local bike shop was very helpful. “An easy ride of 15 kms suitable for beginners. A 79 and 5 year
old have ridden it.” This reassured Sandra who had ridden the Otago Rail Trail and was confident on
off-road formed surfaces. The shop advised the most popular section with walkers and casual bikers
was from the Ohakune end (Marshall Road Carpark) to the Hapuawhenua Viaduct return (7 kms).
However, if one wished to fully appreciate the Road was best to ride from Hiropito to Ohakune.
The shop could organise a shuttle to Hiropito ($15pp) to take us to the start.
“Just turn up with your bikes” You can also rent bikes.
The Road is well marked and signs indicate when one is on the original coach road.
You cross the “new” railway line on occasions and get excellent views of the new and old viaducts.
7
There are numerous information boards along the route describing the railway’s construction, Maori and
European history and fauna.
From a point of interest perspective the Road can be divided into 4 sections.
Hiropito to the Taonui Viaduct (3.1 kms) is an easy ride on a well formed gravel surface. There is a
short detour to view the viaduct which is of a classic “meccano” style structure. It stands as a stark
monument to our early railway engineers.
From Taonui to Hapuawhenua ((5.6 kms) one descends down to cross the Taonui stream and pass
under the new Taonui viaduct. The road climbs gradually for about 500m on a formed track. One
may chose to walk this part of the trail as a moderate level of skill and fitness is required to cycle the
twisting incline.
You then enter the most challenging part of the ride. Part of the original road is under active
reconstruction with improved drainage and root clearance underway. Recent rain had created
muddy conditions and the cobblestone surface was greasy. A modicum of skill and concentration
was required to pick a route. At times it was easier to walk through some of the more difficult
sections.
On the plus side this section is also where the native fauna has thrived and large tracts of virgin
forest can be viewed. Signs indicate the workers campsites and recount the enterprising workers
who illicitly brewed native beer to sell to passing coach travellers.
The Hapuawhenua viaduct when built was the longest curved viaduct in the southern hemisphere.
The name “Hapauwhenua” refers the pools in the stream beneath the viaduct that were traditionally
used by Maori women to bathe after childbirth. There is a 45m drop down to the stream. The
viaduct was used by AJ Hacker to establish his first bungee jump venture. The surface of the viaduct
has been restored and one can walk/ride across and take in the view and admire the curve. It is
interesting to compare the lattice of steel of the old with the slender concrete structure of the new
viaduct.
From Hapuawhenua to the Marshall Road carpark (3.5kms) there is a gradual climb join the original
road. A short detour allows one to ride a tunnel made redundant when the line was shortened.
It is then downhill to the Marshall Rd carpark. This was the busiest part of the Road with families
and individuals riding and walking up to the Viaduct. The cobblestone surface has been fully restored
and one gets a true appreciation of the original road surface.
The Coach Road has its historical end at the Ohakune Station though many who ride or walk the
section to the Hapuawhenua viaduct leave from the carpark. The section from the Marshall Road
carpark to the Ohakune station (2.8 kms) is on a formed road. Once one meets the seal the original
coach road runs parallel to the modern road.
With stops and scenic detours the ride took us 3 hours. The station has a welcoming café with great
coffee and food.
Parts of the ride are challenging but not beyond the capabilities of your average 5th wheel cyclist.
It has a grade 1/2 (easy) on the MTB category of difficulty. Sandra rode more than 95% of the route and
there is no shame in walking the steeper sections. A special benefit is that you don’t have to travel to
Europe to experience riding or walking a cobblestone highway!
We’d also like to meet the 79 yr old grandmother!
Sandra & Tony Gavin
31279
Thanks Tony, would love to give this a go!! - Ed
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The computer swallowed Grandma,
Yes, honestly it’s true,
She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’
And disappeared from view.
It devoured her completely,
The thought just makes me squirm,
She must have caught a virus,
Or been eaten by a worm.
I’ve searched through the recycle bin,
And files of every kind,
I’ve even used the internet,
But nothing did I find.
In desperation I asked Mr Google,
My search to refine,
The reply from him was negative,
Not a thing was found on-line.
So if inside your in-box,
My Grandma you should see,
Please copy, scan and paste her,
And send her back to me!
A tribute to all ‘older’ people who have
learned to use a computer.
We do not stop playing because we grow
old,
We grow old because we stop playing!!
Tony Gavin 31279
Valuable Piece of information
Let's say it's 6.15pm and you're going home, after an unusually hard day at work. You're really tired, upset and
frustrated.
Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to drag out into your arm and up into your jaw
You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home. Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able
to make it that far. You have been trained in CPR, but the guy that taught the course did not tell you how to perform
it on yourself.
HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, the person whose heart is beating
improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.
However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be
taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside
the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let-up until help arrives, or
until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating.
The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a
hospital. Tell as many other people as possible about this. It could save their lives!!
A cardiologist says If everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that we'll save at least one life.
Tony Gavin 31279
The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live!!
From - The Joke Factory