Researching

G'day Richardt,
Your question - 'what sort of rig would suit us best', is like asking how long is a piece of string. There are so many variables to consider in setting yourself up with a rig to do the big trip around Oz and it really comes down to doing a lot of research. I would suggest checking out the trek notes on this site and really work out a rough plan on where you think you might be going. Once you have worked out 'degrees of difficulty', you can then put your thoughts into what sort of vehicle would suit you best. My recommendation would be to forget about a caravan and go for an off-road camper trailer - better value for money and will get to spots that a caravan wont.

Diesel 1

Richardt,

Due to the boad nature of your question you'll get a wide range of responses. My suggestion is to work out a general itinerary and match your rig the challenge. Will we be able to do this, go there etc.? Once you've narrowed it down I think this site could be of much more assistance.

My wife and myself did a similar trip some years ago (still in our 20's) spending a year on the road. We had a diesel Troopy and a 16x7 caravan (avoid an 8ft wide van). We took basic camping gear with the idea this would enable us access to areas unsuitable for vans. However this never happened. We either got the van there (nine tyres for the trip, van & 4B), or were reluctant to leave our "home", from a security point of view. The van was bigger than I originally wanted but in hindsight, the extra comfort and room it provided for such a long time on the road was a God send. I don't think the cook would have gone the duration otherwise. I recall sitting out nearly two solid weeks of near gale force wind and icy rain at Albany at the bottom of WA - try that in a canvass camper trailer. Good luck on planning your adventure.

Miker.

Hi Richard,
There could be many varied replies to your question but i learn't a few things on my big trip last year.My camper is very comfortable and spacious when set up but for overnight stops was too much setting up.Even on diesel when towing the economy drops so weight and wind drag are a consideration.
One camper that addresses most of these problems is the Goldstream Crown RV.
It is very spacious for two people,sets up in minutes by winding down four legs and winding up the roof.Is lower than roof height of the car so little wind drag and has all the luxuries for long term travel including hws and external shower.It has the heavy chassis and springs for rough roads.
Would recommend a look.
Cheers Mark

Richardt,,

I would suggest a small to medium sized 2 wheel drive diesel camper vehicle to start with.

I would estimate that 95% of Australia's outback is accessible by a 2wd vehicle and it only the extreme areas such as the High Country, Desert areas and selected wet areas of Northern Australia where a 4x4 is required. These latter places are crossed by tracks which would require a high clearance vehicle. You can also still access the outer fringes of these areas with a 2wd vehicle.

We spent 5 years on the road towing a 27ft Caravan with a 4x4. The caravan was too heavy and too awkward to get in to certain camp spots and even caravan parks but it was comfortable. Towing a van or trailer is a pain if you are on the road for a length of time.

Cheers,

Thanks people for your time and trouble in answering my 'broad' question. Lots to think about, but I'm getting impatient to start. Will do some short trips and a course before heading too far off the blacktop.
Cheers and thans
Richard