BOBO Campers Terms and Conditions for the DISCOVERER X and DISCOVERER DJ valid from 01.11.11 - 31.10.12
The following is a summary of the rental conditions for the Discoverer X. All Discoverer X models are from 2007 and
later, all Disvoerer DJ models are from 2011
Depot Hours for pick-up & drop-off
Bobo Campers has branches in Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Office hours are Mon-Fri from 7h30 to
16h30. The offices are closed on 25 Dec, 1 Jan and Easter Sundays. Weekends and public holidays on request only, a surcharge of ZAR 350.00 is applicable
Transfer
Johannesburg Airport or hotel within 10Km from airport: ZAR 90.00 per person
Johannesburg hotel more than 10Km from airport: On request
Cape Town Airport or hotel within Cape Town city: ZAR 175.00per person
Windhoek Airport or hotel within Windhoek city: ZAR 155.00 per person
Children under 12 years free
Accidents
By law all accidents must be reported to Bobo Campers and the local Police within 24 hrs.
Failing to report accidents voids all insurance cover and the hirer becomes fully liable for all cost.
If the rental vehicle is involved in an accident or Vis Major incidents and is not drivable, a replacement vehicle, if available, may be collected from the closest branch.
If the hirer requires a replacement vehicle to be delivered, then these charges will be for the hirer's account. None of the excess reduction options cover this process.
The hirer is responsible for the full recovery (e.g. towing) of the damaged vehicle to the original rental depot.
Should there be no replacement vehicle available, no refund for lost rental days will be considered.
If the hirer is unable or unwilling to take a replacement vehicle, no refunds for early termination of the contract will apply.
No refund of rental days lost will be considered during the period in which a replacement vehicle is being organized.
Should the hirer continue with a replacement vehicle then a new rental contract and insurance conditions will apply.
Personal injury and personal belongings
Personal injury and personal belongings are not covered by our insurance. The client is therefore responsible to obtain his or her own travel insurance.
Explanation of gearing terms (for "do and don't" below)
2H = 2wheel high gearing. Normal rear-wheel drive. Use this with normal driving on tarred roads and dry sand roads. Never drive faster than 100 km/h. This mode is used 95% of the time.
4H = 4wheel high gearing. Normal 4-wheel drive. Use this on muddy and slippery sand roads. Never drive faster than 60km/h. This should be enough to travel on most difficult terrain.
4L = 4wheel low gearing. 4-wheel drive for very extreme roads. Slow speeds. Short gears. Use this to navigate difficult and poor terrain whereby you cannot travel more than 30km/h. It is very rarely necessary to engage into low gearing mode.
The following was written by a customer about some people driving with 4x4 vehicles and getting into trouble: "When we had a chat with a few local guys in Botswana they told us about their experience. Last year three4x4 cars arrived with overheated engines. They had been driving some few 100 kms with the car in 4x4 and low gearing. Many times they have to rescue people stuck in water or mud. People take risks they shouldn't . They do not check the depth of waterholes. They do not know where they are and are driving off the track. Entering waterholes with high speed might cause problems. Botswana has beautiful nature reserves like Chobe, Moremi, Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi etc. however those areas have different track conditions that differ with each season. For example Moremi and certain tracks in Chobe can be flooded during the rainy season. If people plan their holidays without awareness of these conditions they might get stuck easily. It is advisable to check the local conditions as they differ a lot. Most problems happen during the rainy season. Makgadikgadi for instance is then very muddy and difficult to drive."
Do
- Check tyre pressure every day - 3.0 Bar front, 3.5 Bar rear for the Discoverer X and 2.0 Bar front and 3.5 Bar rear for the Discoverer DJ. Screw back valve caps.
- Check radiator water every day - MAKE SURE YOU SCREW THE CAP BACK RIGHT, otherwise cooling fluid can escape resulting in engine failure.
- Always drive in 2H on normal tarred roads or dry sand roads.
- Please make sure that you LOCK the front hubs manually when selecting 4H or 4L.
- Come to a complete stop when selecting 4H or 4L - never while driving.
- Do not forget to select "FREE" on the front hubs when driving normally in 2H – Discoverer X.
- When the motorhome is towed or winched, FREE must be selected, and both gear selectors must be set to N (neutral).
- Ensure that the pop-up roof is retracted, securely fastened and no canvas is visible form the outside.
- When attempting to cross water, first walk through the water. If you cannot walk through the water or the current is too strong for you to remain upright, you cannot pass with the motorhome. If you cannot walk through, the motorhome will not drive through either. Test water level with a stick. Knee deep is maximum depth. The person testing the water level must remain at the other side of the crossing while the driver crosses the water alone without wearing a seat belt. Drive very slowly. Do not let the engine stop and ensure no water enters the air filter intake.
- Clean the front green bush net regularly (when fitted) to ensure unrestricted air flow to the radiator.
Don't
- Never test the roll ability of the camper. You will not be covered by any insurance when the camper rolls onto its side. You will be responsible for the full towing and repair costs should this happen. Death or serious injury can occur if this warning is not adhered to. Be responsible.
- Never test the departure and approach angles to the fullest. If your approach angle is too steep for the front of the camper, do not attempt to continue driving. Death or serious injury can occur if this warning is not adhered to. Be responsible.
- Never drive in 4H or 4L on tarred roads and make sure that both front hubs are set on "FREE" on tarred roads. This is applicable for the Discoverer X only.
- Never drive faster than 100km/h under any circumstances in 2H. Never more than 60km/h in 4H. In 4L your maximum speed must be no more than 30km/h.
- Never select 4L or 4H while driving. Come to a complete stop first.
- Never force the gear lever into a gear. Release the clutch and repeat the action. Gears always select easily. If not, repeat the entire gear shift sequence.
- Always make sure that no real sharp turns are attempted while driving in very thick, loose sand or mud. This can cause you to get stuck since the front wheels push more sand.
- When attempting to make a turn-around in thick loose sand or mud, make sure your vehicle's front wheels are nice and straight before you start moving forward or backwards and then start turning slowly to continue and finish your turning circle.
- Always avoid spinning your wheels because this can cause you to get stuck, especially in really thick sand or mud. Stop, Select Neutral and pull away very slowly in first gear.
- Never attempt to drive through narrow roads. Damage to the sides and rear view mirrors can occur. Also check for low tree branches that can damage the roof structure.
- No passengers are allowed in the rear living unit while driving.
- Never drive with your foot on the clutch. Clutch failure due to abuse (independent report will be compiled) will be for your account as well as the towing costs which can be very high (up to R15 per km). When stuck in mud, never slip the clutch to drive away.
- When driving in 4L mode, and going down a steep hill at a slow pace, you must never use the clutch. Let the engine compression take you slowly down the slope. This is the safest and only way to navigate without losing control of the vehicle. Always stay in a low gear. (1st or 2nd). Engine compression must be used to go downhill at 1-2 km/h.
- Do not wear seat belts when driving slowly through water and keep your windows open to escape the cabin in an emergency. Try keeping the exhaust above the water level.
Hirer responsibilities
The hirer is liable for the vehicle for the full period of the reservation and for the maintenance of the vehicle during the rental period.
You are expected to check the following every 1000 km: Water levels, oil levels, tyre pressure and battery water.
You are responsible for the following damages under all circumstances with no CDW waiver applicable:
Engine damages due to negligence or abuse (failed to respond to dashboard warning lights).
Clutch and/or drive shaft failures due to driver abuse or adverse road conditions.
Water damage due to water entering the engine.
Gearbox and/or drive shaft damage due to abuse or wrongful use or driving through pot holes.
Roll-over damages of any kind – whether speed, poor road conditions or steep tracks related.
Vis Major incidents like storm, hail, lightning strikes, strong winds and flood damages.
Towing costs for all above damages to the drop-off depot.
Currency fluctuations
All credit card transactions are conducted in South African Rand (ZAR). Due to exchange rate fluctuations there could be some variance in the amount refunded compared to the amount initially charged. If a credit card is presented as payment, the credit card holder will be jointly and severally liable as a customer.
Drivers license
A valid non-endorsed international driver's license together with the national drivers license is required. Drivers must be 23 years or older.
Repairs
Repairs of up to R1200 may be undertaken without authorization and will be reimbursed upon presentation of receipts depending on the chosen CDW option. When over R1200 we need to be contacted for authorization.
Vehicle substitution
We reserve the right to substitute under special circumstances the desired vehicle with an equal or better vehicle without prior notice before the start of any rental period.
If a vehicle needs to be substituted because of an accident or mechanical problems, and the hirer refuses to accept a replacement vehicle as stipulated above, the hirer is seen to terminate the contract, and no reimbursements will apply.
Driving distances can be great and Bobo Campers must be given a realistic time to cover a distance before lost holiday time becomes a factor for a claim submission. Non-essential items like air conditioners can take longer (up to two days) to be repaired, depending on the country or area the customer is travelling in. As a general rule Bobo Campers has 24 hours to its disposal to solve a problem before lost-time compensation becomes applicable. In other countries like Namibia, Botswana or Zambia, more time is sometimes needed.
Change of requested vehicle
Bobo Campers reserves the right to substitute a comparable or superior vehicle should the requested vehicle not be available due to unforeseen circumstances. This shall not constitute a breach of contract and does not entitle the hirer to any refund.
Insurance options Discoverer X and DJ
The maximum risk on the Discoverer X for the customer is R52 000. For the Discoverer DJ this is R41000. This is included in the rental contract. If this option is taken, the hirer is liable for the first R52 000 damage to a vehicle or third party vehicle / property. The excess can be paid by cash or credit card (a manual imprint of the credit card will be taken and the amount will have to be authorized by the bank).
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) option Discoverer X:
We offer 2 insurance excess reduction options. To reduce the R52000 excess one of the following options can be chosen:
CDW midi is from 3 days onwards. This daily fee reduces the excess to R18000
CDW maxi is from 8 days onwards. This reduces the excess to Nil.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) option Discoverer DJ:
We offer 2 insurance excess reduction options. To reduce the R41000 excess one of the following options can be chosen:
CDW midi is from 3 days onwards. This daily fee reduces the excess to R18000
CDW maxi is from 8 days onwards. This reduces the excess to Nil.
- CDW Exclusions:
The hirer will be fully liable for any damage to the Bobo Campers vehicle or third party vehicle or property (CDW is cancelled and maximum damage is payable by the customer) if:
The terms of the rental contract are breached.
Damage to the vehicle is caused by careless or reckless driving.
Damages caused by flash floods, lightning strikes, hard winds, sand storms, tree damages and/or hail (Act of God - Vis Major).
Driving on any 4x4 man-made track that requires an entrance fee.
Damage to the vehicle caused by incorrect use of the clutch or handbrake.
Damages to the drive shafts due to pot holes or any other obstacle.
Incorrect use of differential loads and/or transfer cases e.g. driving in low range on normal roads or engaging low range while driving.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Driving on restricted roads / areas.
Water submersion or salt-water damages are caused. Always walk through the water first before crossing.
Any roll-over damages of any kind – no matter at what speed or how it happened.
Failure to switch off the engine when dashboard lights indicate a major problem e.g. oil light, radiator water temperature gauge.
- CDW terms for Mozambique
You are allowed to drive your 4x4 camper in Mozambique. However, this country is not fully geard for self-drive just yet. This does not mean that self-drive is not possible. For travelling in or through this beautiful country an extra CDW excess is applicable. The following conditions apply for travel in Mozambique: there is a separate excess of R7000 or any damage to the vehicle. In the event of the vehicle having to be towed, the customer will arrange to have the vehicle towed to the South African side of the Komatipoort border – no other border. The towing costs, as well as any other damages related to the towing of the vehicle, do not form part of this excess. These costs will be for the customer's account.
Cancellation fees
3 months before departure date: 10% of total costs
2 months before departure date: 25% of total costs
1 month before departure date: 50% of total costs
1 week or no-show: 100% of total costs
Seasonal rentals for the Discoverer X and DJ
We have two different seasons:
1 July to 31 November- the high season
1 December to 30 June- the low season
Parking / speeding traffic offences
Bobo Campers reserves the right to charge the hirer for any speeding or parking fines, associated administration costs and / or accidents including third party vehicle / property damage not reported on the return of the vehicle.
Permitted areas of travel for the Discoverer X and DJ
Vehicles may be taken into South Africa's neighbouring states but are not allowed into Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania or Malawi. Driving on 4x4 Tracks that require an entrance fee or club membership are also not allowed.
All insurance cover is void if vehicles enter these prohibited areas and will result in a breach of contract. The 4x4 is used for driving terrain that is usually inaccessible with a normal two-wheel drive vehicle. Dangerous and irresponsible manoeuvres to test the abilities of the camper to the limit are not allowed under any circumstances as they are dangerous.
Towing costs up until inside the border of South Africa is for the costs of the customer.
Bobo Campers reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to restrict vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions, political situations or any other reason.
Any driving on sand dunes and the Van Zyl's Pass in Namibia is not allowed. Remember that you should never test the abilities of the Discoverer X and DJ to the fullest, and that you will be liable for the full insurance excess if accidents, mechanical damage or roll-overs happen here. Please ensure that the departure, approach and roll angles are observed as in the info manual of the Discoverer X and DJ. These must never be exceeded under any circumstance. Always check water depth by walking into the water that you wish to cross. Knee-depth is maximum.
Discoverer X (4x4) – sleeps 2 adults (from 2007 and up)
Based on the large Nissan Patrol pick-up chassis, this roomy and practical camper sleeps two adults, and will ensure that your holiday is as comfortable as it can be. This is the first real off-road motorhome available. Features include:
Radio/CD
Hot/cold running water
Two-plate gas stove
50 Lt. Compressor Chest fridge/freezer
Air conditioning in the cabin
High/low range gearbox
175 Lt Long-range fuel tanks
4x4 drive train
Pop-up roof for lower centre of gravity
Two spare wheels
Built-in safe
Chemical toilet
4.2 Lt. diesel engine with high/low gear shift in a 5-speed gearbox. Turbo or non-turbo versions.
Discoverer DJ (4x4) – sleeps 2 adults (from 2011 and up)
Based on the Suzuki Jimny chassis, this very capable and practical off-road camper sleeps two adults, and will ensure that your holiday is as comfortable as it can be. This is the first camper available with a real Maggiolina roof-top tent. Features include:
Radio/CD
40 Lt Cold water in pressurised tank
Single-plate gas stove
32 Lt. Compressor Chest fridge/freezer
Air conditioning in the cabin
High/low range gearbox
40 Lt fuel tank with 20lt jerry can for extra fuel
4x4 drive train
2-Sleeper roof-top tent
Tyre compressor
1.3 Lt. petrol engine with high/low gear shift in a 5-speed gearbox. Very economical fuel consumption.
All our 4x4 vehicles come complete with cutlery, stainless steel crockery, bedding, towels, kitchen utensils, camping table, camping chairs and road maps. Be assured of a complete inventory.
Illustrations and text in any of the Bobo Campers brochures and on its websites are only a representation of the vehicle depicted. Variances in the vehicle(s) offered for rental could occur due to modifications and / or upgrades to the vehicle design. We reserve the right to make improvements and/or changes to layouts, conditions as depicted above and other specifications without prior notice.