I've just bought (well just put a deposit on really) my very first motorhome.  I've got a few questions that extensive googling has failed to satisfy so I'm hoping that you good people on this forum will take a few minutes to help me.

First, it's an Avan on a Fiat Ducato (chassis? motor? - I'm still vague about the correct terminology) and it's done just on 100,000km.  What I'd really like to know is what should be looked at in terms of maintenance at this point.  I've got the service manuals but they're not very helpful.  I'd love to hear from someone knowledgable about stuff like this.

Second, I'm confused about road tolls.  I've been looking at the RTA website (NSW) but I can't work out whether I should be classified as a light or a heavy vehicle.  The vehicle is (I think) 3.03m high.  The website says that you are a heavyf vehicle if you are over 2.95m AND have more than 2 axles.  Well, I meet the height requirement but I'm pretty sure I don't have more than 2 axles so which is it?

Finally, does anyone know where I can get a copy of Camps5?  I've tried several bookshops and camping shops in western Sydney and the ACT without finding one - they're all out of stock.  Nobody seems to be able to tell me when they will get new stock.  I've also tried the internet without any luck.  So if you know of someone who wants to sell one second hand or you know of a place that happens to have one in stock, I'd really love to hear about it.

That's it for the moment - I'm sure there will be more.  Thank you for taking the time to read it.  I'm really sorry if these are dumb questions - I did admit to being brand new at this.  Any assistance and/or advice that you can offer me will be greatly appreciated.

Hi nomadic1 Welsome to the site. Apparantly a new edition of Camps 5 is to be released at the end of February so if you are not in any kind of a hurry its probably best to wait for the updated edition you will then be able to buy on line directly from their web site :) Sorry I can't offer any advice on your other queries but I'm sure someone will give some advice soon.

Welcome to the forum Nomadic1. Theres only one thing I can help you with... Camps 5 is unavailable at present because everybody is awaiting the next edition (Camps 6) which is due out in Feb. It will be worth the wait I'm sure! Theres plenty of experienced people here who can answer your other queries.

According to their website 'Camps 5' is SOLD OUT.
There maybe a few outlets that still have a little stock left.
The NEW CAMPS 6 will be released sometime in February, so it will be worth hanging on a little longer.
They propose a new edition every two years.
Cheers, ozjohn.

-- Edited by ozjohn on Friday 7th of January 2011 03:19:34 PM

HI, Welcome to the forum try your local R.A.A. (that's what it is in S.A.) for the camps 5 book they usually have them sorry I can't help you with the other questions we have an A.Van camper but I am sure others on the forum will be able to help. Good luck and happy travelling Helena.

Welcome nomadic1, according to Camps 5 web site the book may still be available at motoring associations or BCF go to their web site and scroll down you will find the info you require. http://www.campsaustraliawide.com/ Sent Philip an email yesterday and the Camps 6 is due out end of Feb, you can asl to be put on the email notify list so you can get one asap.

One of the members here has a AVan motorhome....hes cruis'n Oz at moment..he might be able to help.........Jonathan Dave

Don't forget to check out the Op. Shops.   I got Camps 4 for $2.00.  You can always update from the Internet.

Cheers,
Sheba.

Welcome to the group Nomadic 1 ..

Yes, it's an Avan on a Fiat Ducato base .. which includes chassis, eng etc ..
 
My vehicle is only about 14 mths old .. but has clocked up around 40,000 k's ..
Its a matter of really taking control of the vehicle and being prepared to physically getting in and around your vehicle and get to know it .. find someone else that also has some knowlege of motorhomes and see if they can help. There are no shortcuts ..  

If you only have (1) rear axle (have a look) then you are not classed as a heavy vehicle.. Your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is the probably just over the 4 tonne mark ..

Another major consideration .. remember, it's front wheel drive .. I'm more than happy
to drive mine, but it is quite different to driving a rear wheel drive vehicle and so is something that needs to be mastered ..

good luck and happy motoring !

Jon

try 4x4 shops like Arb, opposite lock those sort of places if you need camps 5 before Feb when the new one is released, Happy travells 

Thank you so much everybody for your quick replies. You have certainly cleared up the mystery of Camps5 - I'll wait for the new edition. I'm paying a visit to my motorhome later today (it's still in the workshop being fixed up and customised to my needs) so I'll take a look around for evidence of leaks etc. I have organised for a mechanic to go and take a look before I take delivery - I just hope that that suffices.