Steve replied:

Ray :
Have had an Aussie Traveller on a Landcruiser for last 4 years, they are the ants pants! Its got a room on the side which the others don't have and it is absolutely waterproof and has been well tested!! For a long trip suggest you get a good quality foam mattress and raise it every few days so as perspiration etc does not accumulate under and cause the cover to get mildew!!

Have a look in Trading Post sometimes you see them there- they don't last ! I bought mine new and was a little sceptical but am certainly happy with my buy ! Worried about the weight ? Why not put an extra Rhino Rack under it - This is what is used on mine

Steve

Jim replied:

Hi Ray. We have used a Shippshape for over 10 years on a SWB GQ 4.2 petrol Patrol, a 3.9L petrol Disco and currently a LWB 2.8TD GQ Patrol. Generally we have 5 weeks away each year, mostly to Central or Northern Aust to get away from the Southern Winter. It has been very successfull with its ease of setting up and packing up camp while touring, and of course you have no restrictions on where you travel (apart from underground carparks). Not quite so great if you want to stay put for a few days as you have to pack up the camper whenever you want to drive anywhere. All the above vehicles had no trouble with the weight of the Shippshape and us (over 200kg in total) as it is distributed over 3 roofbars with quite wide feet. All up height (packed up for travel) is approx 300mm above the roof of the vehicle - except on the Disco where I had to raise the roofbars to clear the step in the roofline. It does have an effect on the aerodynamics (such as they are with a 4WD), increasing my highway fuel consumption by (est) 15%. Minimal effect at slower speeds. We have had to re-waterproof it as it started to weep slightly during heavy rain after about 7 years of use. We also had all the flywire replaced at about the same time as the original was becoming brittle. I believe the Shippshape is the 'best of breed' as it has all vertical walls in the sleeping area, and the use of the end walls on the 'downstairs' area is optional and rarely used when touring outback. Makes for better ventilation and easier setup/packup. The Shippshape is no longer in production but repairs are available from a place in Sydney. They may even still make to order. I believe I have the contact details at home if required. They do occasionally come up 2nd hand, but prices are usually high and they don't hang aound long. Hope this helps. 12 months around Aus! Lucky bugger. Regards, Jim.