What 2 buy for 1 year on the road???

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 21:43
ThreadID: 140159 Views:10484 Replies:15 FollowUps:47
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G'day mates,

even though I cannot yet enter the country I am already thinking about my next trip to DownUnder.

I am planning to travel Australia for a year, and I will do so with my own car.
The way of travelling will change after many years.
I used to travel by car and roof tent.
Now I want to travel a little more comfortable and buy a used 4WD with trailer.

Now to my question.
The trailer will definitely be an offroad trailer.
There are many beautiful and interesting offers on the internet-platforms.

But what kind of used 4WD should I look for?

It should be a Toyota, but Hilux? LandCruiser? Prado?

My driving behaviour is about 40% bitumen and 60% gravel or offroad.
The whole trip will probably be about 50000 km.

The 4WD must be very robust and powerful to handle the trip with trailer.

And any repairs should be able to be done by virtually any bush mechanic.

Ideas?

Greeting
Heiner
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Reply By: qldcamper - Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:06

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:06
What type of trailer, caravan, camper?
If price isnt an issue then go for a landcruiser, what type is another can of worms.
I have a hilux and tow a 1000kg trailer unsealed roads and some off road and havent been stopped yet, but no sand dunes with the trailer.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:05

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:05
Yeah, LC is at the top of my wish list!
Trailer maybe something like a 2020 Market Direct Campers Explorer Forward Fold...
Definitely suitable for off-road use.
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Reply By: Peter_n_Margaret - Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:07

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:07
I suggest you forget the trailer and buy an ex hire Toyota Troop Carrier high top or pop top camper.
It will go places you won't take a trailer.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:08

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:08
Yeah, it's also an idea...
But I have problems with sleeping and need enough protected space around me to get up and walk around a bit in the night.
I thought about a big tent, but it's too much work...
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Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 13:28

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 13:28
Most Troopy campers allow sleeping downstairs on a single bed as well as (or instead of) upstairs in a double.
The big advantage (in addition to their ability to go any place) is that they also allow you to live inside if necessary to hide from lousy weather or plague insects.
Set up time is almost zero. Quicker than any trailer rig.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome
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Follow Up By: Steve in Kakadu - Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020 at 23:25

Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020 at 23:25
I have travelled this country long and wide, I am yet to find a place I could not tow a well built trailer. I know you don't like them Peter, but that doesn't make a trailer a worthless investment.

Just sayin.
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Follow Up By: Member - Cuppa - Saturday, Jun 27, 2020 at 19:46

Saturday, Jun 27, 2020 at 19:46
Steve in Kakadu, my experience differs. I do have a well built trailer, probably one of the best, if not THE best for off road. It is quite exceptional where we can take it, & it is fair to say that it has managed everywhere we have taken it to date. However there have certainly been limitations, mainly on very tight tracks. There have been a number of occasions when we have walked a track to check it out first & been glad that we did as we found a camp spot just large enough for a single vehicle to turn around but insufficient for us, even if we were to unhitch first. To be fair this number of occasions has not be high, but the experiences have seen us pass the end of other tracks because of the *possibility* we may be unable to turn around, which can be frustrating. For us towing still makes sense, but there have certainly been times when I have looked enviously at single vehicle campers. On the other hand we have also managed to get into a few spots which Peter would be unable to access with his OKA due to height, but I also look at that & similar with envy at times too. Every vehicle choice is a compromise. What I want is a Tardis like single vehicle - no bigger than a standard 4wd wagon on the outside but the size of a comfy expedition vehicle on the inside. Unless anyone has a wand they can magic one up for me, I'll stick with our Tvan for the time being & accept it has some small limitations.
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Reply By: ExplorOz Team - Michelle - Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:30

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:30
How many people?
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:09

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:09
Just me.
It's hard to find someone who wants to / can travel this great country for such a long time and who also fits to you ;)

Heiner
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:33

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:33
Hi Heiner.

As for a four wheel drive there are many great units available , it would have to come down to something you you are happy with.

As for a camper, I can highly recommend the 100% Australian made Ultimate Camper. They are bulletproof, will go anywhere,100% dust and waterproof , very low tow weight of around 850 kg and a ball weight of 40 kg and very easy to tow with. You can get some early models at a reasonable price. The good thing about these great Aussie Camper is that when you sell it, you will get what you paid for, as they hold their resale value.

What ever you get, do not buy any of the cheap Chinese campers, not made for Australian conditions and if it survives your trip, you will lose a lot of money.

All the best with your hunting.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:15

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:15
They look like fun :)
But what is important to me: can I stand in it? (186cm)
And is there enough storage space for a year of travel?

Heiner
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Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:38

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:38
Plenty of stand-up room, and plenty of storage. Not much walk around space, but a little bit.
You'll be so comfortable you will sleep soundly and not need to wander around in the night !!

Cheers
Jim
"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." A fisherman.

"No road is long with good company." Traditional

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Follow Up By: Tony T3 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:25

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:25
You can't cook outside with an Ultimate, but you can with "Chinese" or other campers with o/s kitchens.
I have both campers, and they have good/not good points.
Has the perfect camper been built yet?
Safe travels when you get here.
TonyT
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Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:33

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:33
Actually Tony, we often cook outside, with a portable camp gas two burner. Just carry it in the spacious front area.
It's nice to have the option.

Cheers
Jim
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Follow Up By: Tony T3 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:55

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 19:55
Apologies Jim.
Precise use of language was never my strong point.
Cheers
TonyT
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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 08:46

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 08:46
Chinese campers are made to a spec designated by the company who plans to sell them here in Oz. I bought a second hand one , very cheap, and threw $3000 at upgrading suspension, batteries, plumbing , electrical and bits and pieces. It will go anywhere any ausiie made $40000+ camper will go and has the latest in quality fittings. All this for $20,000 and it looks brand new. Austrack TelegraphX..has an great reputation (but does need a few issues fixed like most vehicles/campers sold nowadays). Buy second hand and you,ll save heaps. Will certainly last you 50000klms and you wont loose much on the resale as it is already secondhand. You wont need to cook inside...if you do buy a caravan. Your off on an adventure and if planned properly inclement weather shouldn,t be an issue.

Tow vehicle...get a good second hand Pajero. Like driving a car and will go anywhere a landcruiser or patrol will go at half the cost.
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Follow Up By: Member - Christian E - Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 07:48

Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 07:48
Tvan have an outside kitchen and will go anywhere the tow vehicle will go.
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Reply By: Batt's - Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:40

Wednesday, Jun 17, 2020 at 22:40
Bush mechanic repairs to me that would be a pre computer 4wd.

Depends if you like utes or wagons sounds like you have named a few good vehicles already.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:17

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:17
Yeah, I also think it's great when I open the hood and not just see a black box :)

Heiner
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Reply By: Alan H11 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 02:34

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 02:34
LC 70 series is the best fit for what you've decided I think. I however agree that switching to a trailer will restrict you somewhat - you can always leave it somewhere, go exploring, and then come back for it, however it's going to be less convenient than having n trailer. In addition, the more space you have, the more you'll take.

We travelled around Australia for 9 months last year, covering 45,000 Km, and brought our own vehicle, modified for the trip including a bed inside. We have a Mitsubishi Montero 3.8L. It worked perfectly.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:40

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:40
Yes, I really like the LC70 workmate :)
And that together with an Ultimate Camper is a perfect duo.

Heiner
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Reply By: Mark C9 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 09:41

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 09:41
It really depends on what YOU want
I’ll assume you are travelling as a single or couple – no kids
Many other countries use the term trailer for what we call a caravan (van).
You mentioned a trailer so I’ll run with that
make sure that you get a good off road camper trailer and it will go ALMOST anywhere you want to visit
My preference these days is to travel to an area and set up camp, then radiate out in the 4wd and see the sights
You get the best of both worlds this way by doing your sight seeing and then returning to a camp that is already set up rather than driving all day and then having to set up camp
Get a good capable 4wd - Toyota landcruisers are very capable off road. The 100 and 200 series is very comfortable and go well off road. Troop carriers (troopy) give a rough ride but are very capable off road (I travelled for 2 years with a troopy and van and loved it
A trailer will prevent you from some places and will see you bogged more often but have a good recovery system and you will be fine
Enjoy the trip

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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:44

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:44
That's exactly how I think.
Have a base and then start from there for small tours.

I think I'm right about that.

Whether the LC 70 or the series 100 or 200 depends on what I can get for my money when the time comes.

I hope that the government will reopen the borders for tourists at the end of September, then my plan to start in 03/2021 could come true :)
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Follow Up By: John Baas - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 01:55

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 01:55
G'day Heiner.

Oz border opening internationally 9/20... Good luck with that.

My guess is no intnl flights for tourists into Oz all of 2021. Most countries haven't even hit 'first wave'. Let alone subsequent storms...!.

Watch out for the Trump Tulsa wave coming near USA midwest very shortly; which will hit our USA visiting rellies plans with a cold splash thereafter.

Cheers (I think).

JB.

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Reply By: Candace S. - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 12:07

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 12:07
I wonder if you would consider a vehicle like this? Britz does sell them after 1-2 seasons in the fleet:

Britz Scout - 4WD Mercedes Sprinter

However, I don't know if they strip out the camping set-up when they sell them.

I hired one of those for nearly two months in 2018. Plenty of space inside, especially for one person. And it did well in the places I went that year. But if you have notions of tough tracks such as the CSR or Simpson Desert, that would probably be too much for it. I managed to get it stuck on a dune at Coongie Lake!

Also, it only has a 75L fuel capacity. So if you were thinking of getting out to more remote areas (the Anne Beadell Highway, etc.), you would need to carry "jerry cans" of extra fuel.

My other two trips (2008 and 2019), I hired a Troopcarrier-based campervan. Loved the 190 liters fuel capacity. The manual transmission, not so much. But I needed it last year, because I drove the entire Anne Beadell Highway and other remote roads.

As for repairs, last year my hire vehicle needed maintenance attention in Kalgoorlie and Coober Pedy. But Toyota dealers in those towns did not have the parts in stock.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:49

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 15:49
Really?
I don't think the car will work in rough terrain.
Maybe for the normal tracks and some gravelroads but I wouldn't dare to do the big red for example. Or even on the GRR I would have reservations.
And it's not a Toyota...

Heiner
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Follow Up By: Candace S. - Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 13:20

Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 13:20
"And it's not a Toyota..."

Hmm, well I lost eight days of travel time due to various mechanical issues with my hire troopy last year. They actually brought a replacement vehicle from Alice Springs to Coober Pedy. Then that turned out to have problems that required attention before I could finally get back on the road.
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Reply By: Alan H11 - Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 23:20

Thursday, Jun 18, 2020 at 23:20
Two more thoughts - although I've suggested the 70 series LC as the best option, and still hold this view for what you've said you want, thin about a couple of other options:

1) Series 80 LC - if you can find one in good shape, I prefer this; it's more comfortable than the 70 series, goes anywhere, and is a great vehicle. We had one (last of the line - 1997) for two years in Africa.

2) Nissan Patrol - "bulletproof", go anywhere, solid, less comfortable than the Series 80 LC but somewhat better than the 70 series in my view, in terms of comfort. I had one for two years, also in Africa.
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Reply By: Member - Bigfish - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 09:49

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 09:49
I think you,d better postpone your trip till 2021. Cannot see international tourist being allowed in before 2021. Even if you were allowed in by October it is the start of the build up with the wet season to follow...thus the top end would be a no go and definitely the best part of Australia is in the Northern regions. By the time you organise a car and camper it would be November and even the locals in the North find the humidity and heat oppressive. Different story if you just want to see Southern Australia. Even federal govt is saying they do not expect international flights before the end of 2020.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:49

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:49
G'day mate,
yep, thats what I'm preparing for: 03/2021 !!!
Look @ my attached picture :)

cheers
Heiner
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 23:00

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 23:00
.
Geez Mate, you missed out Big Red and the Simpson Desert!
And don't forget that Tasmania is part of Australia! lol
Never mind, seems you will experience The Wet up north!
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 07:52

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 07:52
Agree with Allan B, you missing out on some great country by not visiting the Simpson & Tassie.

Macca.
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Follow Up By: gke - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 08:44

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 08:44
I f you are wanting to cross the Simpson Desert you will find it North and west of Birdsville and not where that map has put it.
Enjoy the preparations,
Graham.
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Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 11:12

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 11:12
That looks like an absolutely brilliant trip to me. You're going to criss-cross the Aussie landscape and see and experience an awful lot. Take your time when you can ...... it's easy to exhaust yourself.

And there'll be places to come back to next time.

Cheers
Jim
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Follow Up By: Macquarie - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 20:43

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 20:43
Hope for the best(03/2020), plan for the worst, ( minimum post July 2020)
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Follow Up By: Macquarie - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 20:43

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 20:43
This post has been read by the moderation team and has been moderated due to a breach of The Double-up Post Removed Rule .

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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 05:41

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 05:41
G'day mates,

Big Red is near Birdsville? So it's on my plan,
Don't take the plan too seriously, it's a CanDo :)
So also Simpson is on my bucketlist...

??? Wet in 08/09 up to the north??? Thought that this time is the best to visit Darwin,...???

09/20.. is what the government says today. Maybe it's he beginning of 2021.
Hopefully March at the latest.

cheers
Heiner
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 07:52

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 07:52
Yes Heiner, you are correct, August/September are not usually “wet” in the North.

Macca.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 08:59

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 08:59
.
Yep, the "Build-Up" to the "Wet" starts in November but from Heiner's map I cannot see him clear of Darwin before Jan or Feb. Rather than a Landcruiser, he would need a Formula One to achieve his plan.
Still, nothing beats ambition.


Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 10:58

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 10:58
It takes at least 5 years to acclimatise to Darwins/Top End humdity. After that you can only just tolerate it. Many are sick of it even after 20 years! From October to March is not a time for tourists. Unless in an air conditioned van, prepared to be rained in for weeks, have a cyclone shelter, be aware most tourist spots are shut and the humidity will see mould growing under your armpits!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 15:28

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 15:28
G'day mate,

I dont understand Allan!?!?

As you can see on my map...

July - Pilbara
August - Halls Creek GRR, ...
September - Darwin Kakadu, Litchfield,...
October - Palmer River, Cairns, maybe The Tip,...
November - Brisbane and Surroundings...

So, what do you mean with "I cannot see him clear of Darwin before Jan or Feb."???

Cheers
Heiner
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 16:20

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 16:20
.
Heiner, I just mean that I believe your plan is too ambitious. The distance will leave you little time to explore local interests. I would expect that you will not reach the Northern regions before the onset of the Tropical Wet season. You may be better to head directly from Perth up the coast to Broome then via The Kimberley to reach Darwin before The Wet.
From there you could reconfigure the rest of the trip to travel the lower latitudes in the hotter months and reach Sydney by your planned departure time.


Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 21:15

Sunday, Jun 21, 2020 at 21:15
I found the problem...

The first planning started in January.
After I decided to start in March I just renamed the first few months in the plan and left the rest as it was.
So the journey ends not in December but in March.
I have to renew the plan !!

Sorry mates...

cheers
Heiner
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Follow Up By: Candace S. - Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 13:33

Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 13:33
"09/20.. is what the government says today. Maybe it's he beginning of 2021.
Hopefully March at the latest."

You're definitely an optimist! :)

Personally, I wouldn't think of international travel before 2022. JMHO.
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Reply By: Tony T3 - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 11:22

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 11:22
Heiner...
You may have done this already, but if not have a look at the blogs/websites etc of travellers from Europe who have also bought vehicles and travelled in Australia for a few months or more.
I suspect very few would be towing anything.
Just a thought.
Cheers
TonyT
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Follow Up By: Alan H11 - Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 at 05:29

Tuesday, Jun 23, 2020 at 05:29
Not sure it'll help however ours is here https://discoverthedreaming.blogspot.com - we live in Colombia, and brought our own vehicle to Australia. We're not trailer-minded.
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Reply By: Member - Cuppa - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 21:25

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 21:25
There is no perfect set up.
There is no doubt that an Ultimate camper has all the advantages already mentioned ... great build quality, tough, good off road & retain their value when you come to sell. All those things apply to the TVAN as well! We chose the TVAN because they can be set up a lot more quickly & with less canvas to deal with. Where this makes the biggest difference is in wet weather. If need be the TVAN can just be opened to sleep in with no canvas at all, & putting up the canvas section (which affords a surprisingly large space to stand in) can be done in less than 4 minutes. The price to pay for the flexibility is no indoor kitchen. But in foul weather we would look enviously at the Ultimate’s indoor cooking ability, but far less so their setting up/packing away. Long ago we learned to always carry the makings of a cold meal for the odd occasion when weather, flies or mozzies made cooking outside unbearable. We have been travelling in our TVAN for 3 years.

To be honest I agree with the suggestion not to tow anything for the greatest flexibility. When towing any camper trailer overall length will be somewhere between 9 & 10 metres. This is enough to put you off driving down ‘that interesting looking track’ in case you have no room to turn around, A single vehicle never has that concern. If travelling alone I would choose a Troopy with a bed inside, but for two towing is our compromise, at least for now.
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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:51

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:51
G'day mate,

TVAN looks great but it's definitely too expensive for me.

cheers
Heiner
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:53

Friday, Jun 19, 2020 at 22:53
.
G'day Cuppa,

I agree with all you say but would add something......

Our Troopy contains a double-size bed internally with very comfortable 150mm foam mattress.
No body mods. No lifted or pop-up roof. It is possible to sit up in bed although that may be a problem if you are over 6ft tall. Beneath the bed are drawers and storage.
All clothing is in flexible overhead storage at each side. Limited but adequate.
Reading lights and fans overhead. All mod cons installed. But no TV !!!

Table and gas stove quickly sets up outside for cooking. Close to the drawers and water taps. Water is in three tanks also under bed. No chance of being damaged by rocks or stakes. No pump needed.

If the need be, we can even climb from the seats into bed without opening a door!
Opening out from over the back doors is a generous sized canvas awning should the weather be inclement due to sun or rain. LED lighting is installed at the body back and under the awning.

It affords all the comfort of a camper-trailer without the towing. But yes, if you're in company, you do need to pull your jeans on while lying on your back on the bed! If you can't manage that then you shouldn't be out there! lol
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: John Baas - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 02:12

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 02:12
G'day Allan.

Sounds good and all when I read it quickly, but what are the contingencies when one is caught a bit short and needs to get out tout suite...?.

Just conjecturing...

JB.

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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 07:55

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 07:55
Hi Allan B,

I know it is off subject, but any chance of some pictures of your set up?

Macca.
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Follow Up By: Member - Cuppa - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 08:19

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 08:19
Allan B, in response to your last paragraph-

“ But yes, if you're in company, you do need to pull your jeans on while lying on your back on the bed! If you can't manage that then you shouldn't be out there! lol”

‘Tis a serious issue for me with neck & back issues! Having to get dressed in a sitting position was the primary reason we gave up on the otherwise great Shippshape rooftop tent we had. Glad you added the ‘lol’ as our 3rd anniversary of being ‘out there’ comes around in about a week’s time. ?? But I have looked at single vehicle set ups with some envy from time to time. A friend in Kununurra has the nicest ‘79 series custom camper.

Heiner, TVAN’s are a comparable price to the Ultimate campers. You can buy an older one in good condition for $20k upwards & sell it after your trip for much the same as you paid for it. A beaten up Chinese cheapie used off road would virtually be a ‘write off’ . Older Tvans are just as capable as the new ones, probably more so because they don’t have all the extra weight (but still the same basic design). We have a 2010 Mk2. Paid $31k for it about 5 years ago & would still expect to get $28k for it today. They are not a perfect design (nothing is) but whilst there are many alternatives on the market, nothing, with the exception of the Ultimate comes close in ability, capability, & durability. The choice between the two is really a personal preference as to which you value most - ease of setting up/packing up or indoor cooking. Yes both mean a higher initial cost over cheaper more cumbersome camper trailers, but at the end of your trip, that cost reduces to virtually zero $’s.
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 09:04

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 09:04
.
Cuppa and John,

Yes, it does require some flexibility. And, as said, "There is no perfect setup."
With time I will need to move to a more sedate rig I guess.

"Contingencies"?....... Willpower John, pure willpower! lol

Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 09:20

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 09:20
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Macca,
Strangely, I have never taken photos of my Troopy setup. Must get around to it soon.
When I do, I will put them in my Profile blog and alert you by MM.
Cheers
Allan

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Reply By: Rangiephil - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 10:48

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 10:48
I have looked at all the replies and feel that since you cannot afford a Tvan then your total budget may be modest.
I personally don't think you should look at very old vehicles for the trip, as even with magic Toyotas , things go wrong.( that is why every town has a Toyota repairer.)

IMHO something like a 2010-2011 or so Mitsubishi Challenger would be ideal towing a second hand say Campomatic camper trailer which are generally available for under $15K. They are tough and light. One of the major disadvantages of the Chinese camper trailers is that they are incredibly heavy in general.

The only place you could/should not tow a trailer is the Simpson Desert and Canning Stock Route and you could tent it for a few days, although you then have to go a long way to pick up the trailer. I have been half way across the Simpson many years ago, and felt I had a good appreciation of it, perhaps without total bragging rights.

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Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 14:51

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 14:51
Rangie,

A clever jibe at Toyotas :-) Your name bespeaks your, ah, ummm, "leanings". Lol

Agree 100% re trailers on the Simpson. I was with a group in 2008, crossing west to east on the French line. Middle vehicle was a Prado towing a Tvan. The Prado needed 12 recoveries and suffered some damage (cracked inner guards) and a pretty well cooked clutch. As you can imagine the track got pretty cut up too. The Tvan was fine.

Yes, you're allowed to take them, but whether you should or not, or even if it's wise, are different questions.
FrankP

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Follow Up By: Member - Jim S1 - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 17:54

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 17:54
Seems to me that Toyotas are still popular, and generally very reliable. Not why I'm posting though.

I was wondering if the Prado and Tvan had their tyres right down ?

Cheers
Jim
"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." A fisherman.

"No road is long with good company." Traditional

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Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 19:40

Saturday, Jun 20, 2020 at 19:40
Yes, Jim, they did have then down, but I don't know about "right down". On that trip I was a newbie in a Prado. Not one second attempt on any dune, including Big Red. My pressures were around 18, IIRC.

Tvan driver and the third vehicle driver were both highly experienced outback travellers, but being a newbie I didn't query them, just did what they advised, basically. But on that crossing the sand was hot and dry. IIRC temps were up in the mid to high thirties.

TBH, I think there is generally more awareness of the importance of tyre pressures now than there was then. Just guessing on that. I'm sure many experienced folk back then knew the secret, it just hadn't got out.

Some still deny it or are ignorant.

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Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 08:40

Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 08:40
Single bloke travelling solo...Troop carrier , well set up is perfect. $40,000 for a good set up unit...You dont need the v8 model either. Normal aspirated 6 cyclinder will be cheaper, reliable and not too bad on fuel. . Will allow you to go anywhere with a fair bit of room.
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Reply By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 10:38

Monday, Jun 22, 2020 at 10:38
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Heiner, one other thing..... your map shows you going up the Canning Stock Route, from Kunawarritji to Billiluna. You would not be wise to travel this track while towing a camper trailer. It is most difficult even with a solo vehicle.
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Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - Heiner B (INT) - Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020 at 22:01

Wednesday, Jun 24, 2020 at 22:01
Yeah, right.
that was still a wish of mine since I only made half of the csr in 2015.
I would of course drive it without a trailer.

cheers
Heiner
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Reply By: Member - Jim S1 - Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 07:56

Thursday, Jun 25, 2020 at 07:56
Just noticed these Heiner. I know you don't think this set-up is suitable, but have a look anyway.

https://www.bonetticampers.com/

Cheers
Jim
"Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits." A fisherman.

"No road is long with good company." Traditional

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