Kimberley Caravan

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 18:08

ChrisAL

Last year I sold my Kimberley Kamper - to a stronger man!
I am now looking for an "easier" solution - something with good under canvas / awning, and that is easy and quick to set up.

I have a 2007 3.0ltr Prado diesel. So limited to 2.5 t. towing capacity.

I have seen the Quantum. It is pretty stark to look at (particularly inside), but the kitchen looks pretty good and I like that it's outside. I also like the internal shower / toilet and that the van tracks pretty much only as wide as the car. I have seen the extended canvas set-up - it looks way easier than the Kimberley Kamper to set-up.

BUT - it's expensive. North of $70k.

Also, I don't yet have a feel for how it will perform off-road, particularly in the Vic High Country and local deserts.

I have seen the Topaz - not overly keen on it. And I am not inspired by the Kimberley Karavan's awning set-up.

Q1 - Has anyone seen anything else that covers my bases.
Q2 - Does anyone have a comment on its off-road capabilities.
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AnswerID: 400860   Submitted: Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 19:48

Motherhen replied:

Hi Chris AL

For $70,000 you could get a pre-loved all roads caravan with no setting up to do! Even one of those little old tiny Supreme pop tops with rear door (but no bathroom) would go most places the KK would.

I can't comment on any of the other 'hybrid campers'.

Motherhen
Red desert dreaming

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AnswerID: 400883   Submitted: Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 22:48

Scott C (Coolum - QLD) replied:

Hi ChrisAL

Have a look at the Gunyah by ozzie off road, I dont know anything about them but came across the web site when I was looking for vans with external kitchens.

www.ozzieoffroad.com.au



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FollowupID: 670156   Submitted: Sunday, Jan 24, 2010 at 23:24

Member - John (Vic) posted:

These guys build a simmilar product, no idea of the price.

Aussie Campers

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AnswerID: 400893   Submitted: Monday, Jan 25, 2010 at 01:23

Member - Bruce T (SA) replied:

Sold our Kimberley last October. Went for a VistaRV. No canvas, has an outside ktchen, and co-designed by the designer of the Tvan. We have already done 12,000 kms in it and are very pleased with it.
We also looked at the Quantum and Topaz and had similar thoughts to you.
Google VistaRV or Crossover vans. There are a couple of good sites to get you started with your research. Priced at about $55,000 now. That seems a lot for such a small camper/van, but it will go anywhere and be dust proof.
Prado In the Flinders 2011
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FollowupID: 670479   Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 26, 2010 at 22:29

Gronk posted:

We have a KK and have looked at these campers as well.....

Good points....no canvas....low tare weight...go anywhere

Bad points.....no hotplate inside ( just to do a cuppa maybe ? )...no option to fit an innerspring ( can't fold up to make way for the table )...no flyscreen for the door ( or is there now ?? )....and of course , price !!

How have you found these above points ??
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AnswerID: 400895   Submitted: Monday, Jan 25, 2010 at 04:03

wafarmer replied:

Hi

I have one of these http://pacificaluminiumtrailers.com.au/?ally

Quite happy with the concept

wafarmer
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AnswerID: 400896   Submitted: Monday, Jan 25, 2010 at 04:04

wafarmer replied:

Hi

I have one of these http://pacificaluminiumtrailers.com.au/?ally

Quite happy with the concept

Sorry the Vision

wafarmer
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AnswerID: 401235   Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 26, 2010 at 23:26

Who was that again? (Vic) replied:

Chris, you make comment that you aren't inspired by the Kimberley Karavan awning set up. I wonder what awning you are talking about as there are other options. We tend to carry a bag awning made by Fiamma as one of our options with a pretty rigid frame.

I think a lot of places around the High Country, the grip you can get from the tyres of the Prado will restrict what you can pull, and that doesn't account for any stated towing capacity. That means nothing on steep tracks.

We have towed the Karavan in some places but I debate with myself whether we would pull up certain tracks. There are some that are too steep to get traction. I know also that a guy with a 200 struggled with his torque converter in low/low, so I doubt a Prado would do better.
Cheers,
Who?
John
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AnswerID: 401494   Submitted: Thursday, Jan 28, 2010 at 17:16

Member - Gouger (Vic) replied:

Have a look at www.vistarv.com.au. A standout option that exceeds easily the Topaz ( height and build quality? and KK ( too much stuff to go wrong).- on road for circa $55,000. Your vehicle will easily handle tow ball weight and GVM. I have one and can't be happier. The build quality is extremely high.

Gouger
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