House On Wheels Wins Twice In A Row
The Age
Saturday January 9, 1993
FOR the second year in a row, a luxury Swagman motorhome, built on the Mercedes-Benz 912 cab chassis by Swagman of Brisbane, received the annual prize for best factory conversion over 7.5metres at the annual national rally (1992) of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Inc.
In the previous year, the award was presented for a 9.5-metre Swagman with on-board car-carrying facilities.
The 1992 winner, owned by Swagman builders Harry and Nona Sawtell, features a huge cabin with flat floor right through to the dashboard, cabin doors with easy access, wide track suspension and the economical high turbo-charged diesel which makes the base vehicle an excellent match for the luxury Swagman range.
The production of these motorhomes is done at Yatala, Queensland, using the Mercedes-Benz 912 and 709 models. One model in production includes a full fibreglass sandwich conversion of 6.7metres on the 709 chassis. This provides full bathroom and kitchen facilities and a convertible club-lounge double bed. The motorhome can be de-rated to 4.495tonnes to enable it to be driven by people holding an ordinary car licence.
Camper A NEW name in the outback camper field is the Kia Kamper built by Camper World and retailed by Southern Importers of Perth.
The Kia is based on the Korean-built Kia Ceres, a one-and-a-quarter- tonne cab chassis powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine and a four- wheel drive with dual-range transmission. The Kia is new to Australia, though it is believed Kia passenger vehicles might be available soon.
The Kamper comes with a refrigerator, stove, sink, table, upper and lower sleeping accommodation, a pop-top roof and vinyl floor coverings.
It is fitted for both 12-volt DC and 240-volt AC power, has insect screens on door and windows, curtains and fold-down steps. The Perkins-derived diesel engine produces 52kW of power and 142Nm of torque through a four-speed gearbox.
With four-wheel drive and added traction from the wide 205 Kumho tyres, the Kamper looks to be an attractive proposition for outback and off-road travellers.
There are limits to comfort and accommodation when travelling off- road in a 4WD. And there are limits on where it is practical to tow a caravan.
The Kamper is expected to cost around $34,990. For details contact Southern Importers in WA on (09)3214622.
© 1993 The Age