Off Road Pop Top Caravan

Thinking of height and fuel consumption, towing lower height van.

Those who have towed both types have found no difference in fuel consumption.

Lower height is usually only needed for those who can't fit a full height in their garage. Ours stays outside all the time anyway, just like it would if touring full time.

So that means Kimberley Karavans have miss calculated and miss advised people about the aerodynamics of low profile vans wind drag is a myth.http://info.kimberleykaravans.com/blog/bid/200815/How-to-save-on-fuel-costs-when-towing-offroad-caravans

Pop-tops are heavier than a full height for the same layout. When you cut the top of a van you loose the strength provided by the top holding the sides in place. To regain the strength you need a very heavy beam around the top. Also the lid you put on top is much heavier than the original top as there is no sides holding the top from twisting.

As far as Kimberley's claim for reduced wind resistance, do you trust the ramblings of marketing people.

The main thing I see with pop-top off road vans is off road vans should be built on a single axle for manoeuvrability and as small as possible to get through and under trees.

Kimberley is also a cross-over - more a camper than a caravan.

I have been looking a bit at the Conqueror, and am seriously impressed. No dealer in WA it would appear? Out of interest, can I ask what a new 490 is roughly worth?

Thanks

Alan

Gidday Alan
Not sure of current pricing which can be influenced greatly by the options that you want
Can only suggest you contact Conqueror direct for pricing
Well worth the money regardless IMHO

Agree with John's post above - we have an AOR Eclipse and are very pleased with it.
Also, AOR are just about to launch a new smaller unit at the Brisbane show, and will be taking it out towards Birdsville on a trial run in the next few weeks.
It really looks the goods - more compact and lighter than their current range, but still with a lot of good value inclusions, and a step up in comfort and fittings from a camper trailer.
The model is not named as yet, but you may get some info from their website, or by emailing their Caloundra (Sunshine Coast) factory.
Cheers

Take no notice of any written or otherwise guarantee from these people or others in the van industry unless they are the top end type which only makes off road vans. Be careful even then as the caravan industry loves saying "All done to industry standards" which basically means whatever they can get away with under that pretty skin.
We have an off road pop top from one you mention and were constantly told by the agent when things went wrong (serious tyre scrubbing, steel 16" wheels so badly made they couldn't be balanced, pelmets dropping off, curtains with holes in, compliance/info plate falling off) that we had abused it by going off road....and never an answer from them (manufacturer) to our emails.
In the end I took action through consumer affairs WA and then the small claims court.
Got new shocks, 1 new tyre and they paid up for alignment and shock absorber testing, new wheels and balancing etc. New curtains came screwed up in a plastic rubbish bag which shows exactly what they thought of customers daring to complain.
And still the agents general manager said "I wouldn't have paid".
I've had threats from their solicitors but have ignored them and still show what I think of the agents with a customised wheel cover. :-))
All documented and copies of everything kept plus pics of wheels etc.
AlanH.

We have had a Goldstream Explorer 14' off-road van for nearly 4 years now. Can't fault the thing! We've been on some extremely rough roads and the worst thing that has ever happened is the ensuite door managed to open up once. We carry glass bottles and drinking glasses in the van and never had a breakage. The Cruisemaster Independant suspension is superb. I was prepared to pay for a name brand off-roader but when I did my homework the Goldstream was built exactly the same as the particular brand we were considering and it was around $10k cheaper. I did a lot of homework and chose what suited me. I suggest you do the same because everyone has different needs. Good luck and happy trails.

I bought a new Crossover & due to changing circumstances, now have an AORC Quantum. I would have to say that the build of the Vista RV Crossover is head & shoulders above the Quantum!

Actually Megan that's the very reason we bought a (another) Goldstream..... our first one was a wind up camper and was excellent in fit and finish.
What we could never understand was the shocking dealer attitude towards customers who'd bought 3 new RVs off them, plus the makers attitude to a two time purchaser.
All because the wheels were such bad cheaply made crap that caused all the problems.
Cheap enough fix and wouldn't have caused all the nasty feelings if our complaints had been attended to in a decent manner.
We're not the only ones to have been badly treated by this and other dealers in WA, we meet many during our travels who have had no support at all from them once they parted with their money.
Glad your GS is good and enjoy your travels as we do now ours is fixed.
Cheers.
Alan.