Driving forward – Explore induction alleviates pre-trip jitters

BOB AND DI MURPHY ADMIT THAT WHEN THEY DECIDED TO CELEBRATE THEIR 44TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY BY TAKING A THREE-DAY ADVENTURE TO THE GOLD COAST IN AN EXPLORE BY GEMLIFE MOTORHOME, THERE WAS SOME TREPIDATION UNTIL THEY FOUND THEMSELVES AT A PRE-TRIP INDUCTION WITH EXPLORE COORDINATOR ANDREW DOVER.

“It was daunting at first because the motorhome is quite a big unit to drive. I drove one many years ago, but it was nowhere near the size of the GemLife motorhome, nor did it have the advanced technology that makes everything such a dream to use,” said Bob.

Bob and Di, of GemLife Palmwoods, went to the induction together because they believe two minds are better than one when it comes to remembering key points. Andrew walked them through and around the motorhome, explaining each feature in detail and answering questions.

“Andrew was amazing and so patient. He showed us where everything was located, and how to connect to power, and set up and monitor everything from the control box, such as setting up the fridge and extending the bed, as well as how to pack it all up when we were ready to go again. He also went into detail about things we thought might be a bit difficult like getting rid of the grey water and emptying the toilet when we returned after our trip. Surprisingly, it was all very easy to do,” said Bob.

The enthusiastic travellers felt a sense of relief after Andrew had explained the finer points of getting behind the wheel and driving the motorhome.

“The instructions he gave us made it so much easier. He explained it was very much like driving a car, but you had to make allowance for the size and height of the van, recommending we pace ourselves, take our time, and take care going under bridges. Once all the controls were explained to us, it made us more aware and all the relevant points and procedures easier to remember.”

As the driver, Bob said he thought he would find the reversing a little tricky, but once he got used to using the mirrors and cameras on the motorhome, it was hassle free.

Bob and Di were also confident they always had back-up if in doubt about anything while out on the road, because there was not only a training video but also a handy list of dos and don’ts in the motorhome.

However, they said Andrew’s induction session was the key to their weekend away being such a success, and they would do it all again in a heartbeat! They are already planning their next trip away.