Decision time - AOR Eclipse v Track Trailer Topaz

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 16, 2014 at 21:18
ThreadID: 109525 Views:5351 Replies:4 FollowUps:7
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After extensive research we have narrowed down our investigation for next year's changeover to a new tow option to a choice between Australian Offroad's Eclipse and the Track Trailer Topaz.

After making the decision to move away from canvas after many kilometres of very happy TVanning, we've eliminated numerous contenders but are really struggling to split the final two - both of which appear to be outstanding products from strong companies, and well suited to our travel preferences.

Thanks to some very satisfied owners on both sides of the debate who have already taken the time to give us valuable feedback on this or other forums and in person (you know who you are!), and also thanks to the very professional the teams at both Track Trailer and AOR who have been helpful in responding to our inspection visits and inquiries.

Have other owners on this forum faced the same dilemma deciding between the same two options? If so, what pushed you in favour of one or the other, are you happy with your decision, do you have any regrets?

We are towing with a 3 litre diesel Hilux.
Wildmax
2018 Hilux and Black Wolf 210 tent - for the outback tracks less travelled
Formerly an AOR Eclipse and a TVan

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Reply By: Shaker - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2014 at 23:04

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2014 at 23:04
If it has got to the stage of splitting hairs, why not buy the one that you like best?

I have a TVAN & an AOR Quantum, I think the Track chassis & suspension is better, but I don't think either come up to the quality standard of the Vista RV products, which I have previously owned, but unfortunately don't yet make anything to compete with Eclipse or Topaz.


AnswerID: 539195

Follow Up By: Member - Wildmax - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 08:11

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 08:11
Thanks Shaker, and very sound advice in a line-ball decision.
True comment about the Vista build quality too.
Wildmax
2018 Hilux and Black Wolf 210 tent - for the outback tracks less travelled
Formerly an AOR Eclipse and a TVan

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Reply By: Member - Brenton H (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 09:07

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 09:07
Just another view.
Both are great looking and well made vans.....BUT neither allow easy access in and out of bed. For this old coot who needs to get up 3-4 times a night climbing over or next to your sleeping partner is a recipe for divorce.
That's the main reason we still camp in an Oztent with 2m stretchers and Alpaca dounas. Sold the camper van 30 years ago and my wife promises divorce if I ever get another.
AnswerID: 539200

Follow Up By: Rick (S.A.) - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 09:40

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 09:40
Oh dear,
What a bugger it is to get old...and I have similar issues!
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 11:11

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 11:11
Eclipse has longitudinal bed, so no climbing over required.



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Follow Up By: Gronk - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 11:28

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 11:28
So does the Topaz !!

I have a Lifestyle AT10 and at approx 1300Kg's it has a good weight advantage over the bigger "vans"...
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Follow Up By: Member - Brenton H (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 13:29

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 13:29
Shaker..Still have to clamber your way out along the length of the bed disturbing the wife and then get back in...not so easy as haveing space at the side, swing legs out and stand up.
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 14:23

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2014 at 14:23
Judging by the OPs question, he has already considered all these issues & has narrowed it down to two campers, I'm sure if he wanted a tent, he wouldn't have the time & effort to get this far.
Enjoy your tent!

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Follow Up By: Gronk - Friday, Sep 19, 2014 at 11:34

Friday, Sep 19, 2014 at 11:34
I'm not young any more and getting out of my longitudinal bed doesn't seem to worry my missus ??

I slide out the bottom, and if I didn't turn on a small night light, I'd say she wouldn't wake up at all..

But it sounds like Brenton has 2 separate stretchers, so he doesn't really sleep with his missus anyway !!
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Reply By: NichBails - Friday, Sep 19, 2014 at 14:07

Friday, Sep 19, 2014 at 14:07
Just been through this and came to the same conclusion. We have placed an order for the Topaz for a Dec delivery. We thought that the topaz internal kitchen was the best we've seen, superior suspension and huge storage in the front boxes. PortaPotti accessible from inside or outside. Also cheaper price when options added. Eclipse has better water and solar power capacity and very nice but we went for the Topaz in the end - really liked the new interior.
Good luck
Australia we love

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AnswerID: 539285

Reply By: peterdre - Saturday, Sep 20, 2014 at 15:51

Saturday, Sep 20, 2014 at 15:51
We looked at both of these and then bought a North Coast Camper 15XLT.
The internal shower made the difference.
Pedro
AnswerID: 539310

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