Active Campers slide-on feedback
Submitted: Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 12:08
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Aussie.Nomad
We're seriuously looking at getting an 'Active Campers' slide-on and would appreciate
feedback from anyone who has experience with them.
The simplicity of these units appeals, seemingly plenty of storage space, no big awnings to muck around with, just basic camping facilities with a bed off the ground.
Is a
suspension upgrade necessary?
How do they stand up to being bounced around on rough roads?
Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 12:45
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 12:45
I haven't seen an "Active Camper" but living out of the back of a traytop is great.
You haven't mentioned what vehicle you have. From what I've seen, every vehicle needs a spring upgrade if you want to maintain clearance. But some vehicles, particularly twin cabs can have issues with weight distribution.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Aussie.Nomad - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 13:13
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 13:13
Phil,
Looking ahead towards the end of the year when we'll sell the 80 series and buy a camper and vehicle to suit. Probably an Exra-cab traytop, maybe a dual cab, more research to be done.
What breed is your slide-on?
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 16:39
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 16:39
Mine is a custom made aluminium box by a small company in
Adelaide. Full side doors and flat roof. I've fitted it out to suit our needs. We have storage for as much water and diesel for any trip and large drawers for food, clothing, etc etc. Largely kept it simple. We have no setup time! Pull into
camp, grab a chair and reach into the fridge. And I didn't want a large thing on the back that would stop me doing the hard tracks.
I've tossed up about adding a rooftop tent, but for the desert trips we like to roll out a double swag, and for other trips, its nice to leave a tent to mark your spot.
I'm not a fan of dual cabs with slide-ons. You end up with too much weight behind the rear axle, which can bend the chassis. Extra cabs and single cabs are OK, and I guess I'm a fan of the 79series because of the strong chassis and rear leaf springs hold the weight up
well. 180litre tanks and factory TD motor are good.
Cheers
phil
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Reply By: Best Off Road - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 13:07
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 13:07
Never used one but some people camped near us once had one.
Genuinely open and ready to go in less than a minute. Very impressive.
Jim.
AnswerID:
320235
Reply By: Towie - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 17:07
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 17:07
Check out Kanga Campers in Wadonga NSW and contact Scott...
We had them build one via our design and it is magnificent..
You can have it as simple or complicated as you wish.
I agree dual cabs no good for tray tops, 79 series perfect and the Patrol ute alittle gutless on power but very comfy and capable.
Depends how crazy you intend to get.
Took ours around Fraser Island and through Cape Yorks worst Tracks, they can get top heavy on side angles no probs up and down so be careful.
Otherwise geat idea and no towing - heaps of storage we had a 2 burner cooker - 40 ltr Engel - 50 ltrs water plumbed to kitchen - full size queen mattress...
You will love it but keep the weight down as much as you can and definately need to get a
suspension up grade which you should get regardless.....
Cheers and have fun out there.... Towie
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Reply By: Member - Murray R (VIC) - Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 22:10
Monday, Aug 11, 2008 at 22:10
As phil & towie have said they are great units. I made
mine full kitchen and frig on passenger side,srorage drivers side, roof top tent plus oz tent in middle. you can go anywhere with them on the back and real quick to set up when you get there. In regards to
suspension upgrade, depends on vehical as most units go 1/2 ton when fully packed so most likely.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Peter D M - Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 06:46
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 06:46
hi aussie nomad,
i dont have one, but, i have been looking at them for the past 3 years and have been to the factory at
red rock and spoken to 5-6 people that own them.
my observations are very sturdy, owners have taken them to the cape and simpson, dust proof,
well laid out, great bed and as i have dual cabs best i have seen.
the reason i haven't bought one yet is my travels are still to very rough off road areas and i still need some extra room. eg fuel water.
i would definitely upgrade rear
suspension all jap utes need it anyway.
regards peter
ps. i'm just back from the
madigan line in the north
simpson desert and with 240lt fuel plus 100lt water and driving cross country in 2nd gear low range for days on end not conditions for any form of camper.
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Follow Up By: Towie - Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 09:40
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 09:40
Yes we are all correct for our own requirements the problem lies in that we all have slightly different setups - ideas - requirements and budgets...
Start with the vehicle mods first as they very important, then the camper according to budget.
Wont matter what you decide you will have a great time..
Make sure its dust proof
Good locks & handles
Quality fridge slide
Keep it light....
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Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 20:14
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008 at 20:14
Peter.
I enjoy people telling of their
Madigan Line experiences. How did it all go? A new thread and a bit of a report would be great. I know a group that will be out there next week.
cheers
phil
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