Caravan advice.

Between those two vans there is no appreciable difference in quality or performance or durability. Some like one, others like the other - its a personal choice as both are good vans.
However the Bushtracker in most cases comes in substantially heavier (apart from the light weight model which is on a par), so if you go for them make sure your vehicle is up to the job (i.e. Land cruiser minimum)

jojo,

I had a Trakmaster, I now have a Bushtracker.

Hi jojo
Check out Royal Flair too . We have the Van Royce off road 21' custom made.
features 6'' chassis rails, DO 35 hitch, simplicity suspension , 265/75/16 wheels, 3x 120 amp. battery bank ,tool box ,3 water tanks , solar panels, 12 volt fridge, twin spare wheels, etc.
We went to Trakmaster and found the salesperson not really helpful

Cheers
Grant

Have a look at the Lotus Trooper. A well appointed van from standard, with the option to add extras.

jojo
Without getting into the my brand is better than your brand, and especially as you desire to keep this van for some time, it is more important to have a floor plan and layout that you will find comfortable in the long term.

For example,
Can you access the toilet without having to climb over the bed, if an east west bed is fitted?
Can you both sit comfortably and watch or participate in whatever entertainment you desire (TV, cards, hobbies) (L lounge dinette or cafe style)
Are you comfortable with a combined shower/toilet with all its drawbacks or would you prefer a full ensuite.
You may also add to this list, and I would suggest that you have a written check list ready before you look at any vans.

It may be a case of finding a layout that suits and then asking your preferred manufacturer if he will build to suit.

Happy caravanning.

Have a look at the range of options available from Australian Off-Road in Caloundra, who will be at the Melbourne show - they have everything in their range from small pop-tops to their larger Aurora and Matrix full height caravans. Very good off-road units.
And then there is the Track Trailer Topaz, if you really want to be able to go anywhere!
Happy hunting

Don't be in too much of a hurry! Whatever you choose it will cost a lot! How 'off road' do you want to go? If you really want to drive the narrow bush tracks and rough creek crossings you will be limited to quite a small van. If you really want to just feel secure on corrugated dirt roads you will have more choices. Weight is an issue and affects your choice of tug. It is no use having three huge water tanks if your tug can't handle the weight or you can barely pack a toothbrush if you fill the tanks. Check Tare and AGM and work out the weight allowance carefully - a van for distance touring and outback camping needs a generous weight allowance. If you plan really long trips you have to be able to live in it comfortably in all weather without being driven mad by irritating design features like uncomfortable seating or no bench space if these things worry you. Enjoy your search. Lynne

We have been 'on the road' (or off it) for 9.5 years in our 19' Bushtracker. Been all over the Kimberley up to Mitchell Plateau and out to the north Kimberly coast McGowans Island etc.Gunbarrel Highway and the Little Sandy Desert and have just come down from an extended trip to the top of Cape York. Never misses a beat and no dust issues at all.

Magic bit of gear, no issues other than routine maintenance. Cannot comment on other vans as we have never owned one.

John and Jean. AKA Grumblebum and the Dragon

http://www.bushtrackerforum.com/viewforum.php?f=43

Try here to see secondhand vans which may provide value for money for lower entry price and then after some years you will better understand your individual needs in a van.

Alan

Jojo

A tent to a serious off road van is a big step. Here is a couple of links that are always worth reading if you are new to caravans.

I can’t comment on any of the vans that you are looking at or the others that have been mentioned here. I have though in recent years driven into a few bush camping areas two or three times and found about half a dozen members of the Kedron club staying there overnight. All had very large vans and all were being towed by big American pickups.

The last thing you want is a van that is capable of overpowering the car if something goes wrong.

http://caravanandmotorhomebooks.com/caravan-dynamics/
http://caravanbuyersguide.com.au/tow-vehicle-caravan-weight/

Hi jojo,
Have you looked at "rhino caravans" made in brisbane, have just recently seen one, only about twenty or so on road looks initially much superior to other top offroaders you might check out web site.
I have nothing to do with builders, I am house sitting on acreage south of Townsville and owners of property have just taken possession of there new one, same as another locals who has had his for some time and raves over it.
They do a lot of prospecting in the gold field areas of the north and with these vans stay out for extended periods

Grant

I think the first thing you should do is work out what off road means to you and then get a van to suit your off road travel.
It is a very different beast if you want to do the Victorian high country or the tanami track, also if you plan to tow on sandy beaches then a bush tracker is next to useless,
the reality is 95% of peoples off road travel with a caravan is on formed gravel roads and most van will handle these conditions if driven with due care

peter

Hi JoJo, If you look at the Bushtracker general forum there is a post on a Bushtracker recently involved in a serious accident. Owners were not hurt. The van is on it's way back to Bushtracker for repairs. The owners were impressed that internal fixtures were still intact and working. As a Bushtracker owner, we too were involved with more minor "accidents" and the company repaired the damage. We would never know it had been damaged at all. A very professional company with excellent after sales service.

Thank you very much for the advice. Great suggestions and please keep them coming.

You might also like to look over the Sunland Patriot. I believe they will be on display.
Graeme

A new van on the market, that I saw at our local Van Show is the Dirty Harry from Elite.

Dirty Harry et al

The model I liked was the one with the cafe table setup and ensuite. The video tells it all as far as driving on tracks etc.

Bit exxy, but 'bells and whistles' are not cheap in any van.

bill

jojo,

If you became a Member of Exploroz, instead of what is colloquially, and affectionately, known as a Lurker, people could send you Personal Messages with more "enhanced" details.

For the sake of the small cost of Membership, you are depriving yourself of a lot of information.