Monday, Mar 01, 2004 at 21:56
We got our Ultimate in February 1999 (number 56). It was 6 months old and 1st owner had been around oz during that 6 months then said "bin there, dun that", so sold it. We got it with just about all the accessories available at that time all thrown in for the same price as a "base" model with no accessories.
My only regret (which you won't have to worry about) is that
mine has the single, triangular shaped boot lid......I've wrenched my side muscles a few times trying to man-handle full 20 litre gerry cans in and out of the boot because of that. I now don't even try to get them in/out, preferring instead to syphon water out when needed and fill them whilst they are in situ.
Ours didn't have an electric water pump at first (had a "tip-toe" type), but I changed that myself. I've also added small wheels (about 100mm) to the bottom of each leg on
the steps, just to prevent them digging in if jockeying the camper is needed and I forget to put
the steps up whilst doing it.
We are a family of 5 (3 boys, aged 8,6 & 3). The older 2 sleep quite okay in the tent under the opened-up lid and the 3 y/o shares the king sized bed with us. He will move down there too, once we get him a stretcher and sleeping bag.
We
cook & eat outside whenever weather permits, so do not use kitchen much, except for tea making and some food preparation.
I would admit that it is sometimes cramped when the weather turns fowl and at times like that we'd prefer the kids to all POQ.
Overall we're very happy. Our's has been to
Cape York in 2002 (going again 9/04), the Top Road,
Birdsville Track,
Border Track,
Gawler Ranges etc. We're still working on doing the Simpson crossing; probably not a good idea on our own; 2 or more vehicles needed.
We tow with a 2000 GU 4.2T/D with front air locker and heaps of other "stuff".
Good luck with your new toy....you're bound to be "happy campers"....
Cheers,
Roachie
AnswerID:
48802
Follow Up By: Peter - Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 10:39
Tuesday, Mar 02, 2004 at 10:39
Like Roachie we bought our Ultimate second hand (no 6) and are very happy with it. There is only the two of us and so no tents for kids etc. We find the internal kitchen good on wet and cold evenings and great for early morning tea but most cooking is done on the
camp fire. The Ultimate serice ethic is just exceptional and certainly helps to maintain values. The camper engineering and design are one of a kind. Ours is now 8 years old and you wouldn't tell it from a new one apart from the boot. We don't mind the older style boot lid - it keeps everything in place.
We have taken ours on Victorian High Country trips and the
Innamincka Birdsville, Plenty, Ghan track, dalhousie,
Oodnadatta trip. We plan to go to
lawn Hill this year and like Roachie plan a Simpson trip at some stage. We did it in a tent last year but if any Ultimate owners would like to team up we'd be interested.
We tow with a 2002 GU 3.0TDI (+Dtronic) and you wouldn't know it was following.
Make the most of the Ultimate and be prepared for other campers to come and
check it out.
Cheers Peter
FollowupID:
310659