Troopy vs Offroad Vans (4motion T5 vs Merc Sprinter 4x4)

Never owned either, but seen a few in "action".
In general terms, the vans are made to keep the local deliveries going in Europe when there is snow on the (bitumen) roads. Corrugations and "tracks" are a totally different question.
Buy a Troopy.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Hi James,
I hope you get some responses from people with more recent experiences with those vehicles. We have experience with the troopy but a much older model that what you'd choose now (leaf springs). Our first major long trip around Australia was in the late 1990s in a troopy which we converted for camping and towed an offroad custom built trailer to carry our scuba diving gear (5 tanks) and 2 windsurfers. We spent 2 years with this setup and did everywhere - occassionally we left the trailer and gear behind (eg. Cape York, Simpson) but mostly it came with us. We didn't have any major mechanical issue with the trooopy but without front coil spoils its a harsh ride now we can compare to our newer vehicles we've had since. Ours was the 75 series. All the sleeping and cooking gear was in the troopy and all the toys in the trailer. However, we ended up rarely sleeping in the troopy (too hot) and chose to sleep on the ground on thermarests didn't even have swags. After baby no 1 came along we switched the vehicle for an 80 series, put kayak racks on top, and MTB on bike rack on the back, ditched the trailer and have used swags for the past 20 years (sometimes take an Oztent). Now we have an Ultimate offroad camper trailer and carry our MTB's on the roof using suction clamps Seasucker type. Hope you find the right setup for your trip. Lots to think about!

If you are wanting to do the more remote and less traveled routes you need a proper 4WD like a Troopy etc
Your other options would be nicer vehicles to travel in and have more room but you would have to be prepared to forgo some areas

Looking forward to see what you come up with. Thought of the 4motion myself, but they are expensive once decked out and even more so if something goes wrong and needs major repair.

.
Hi James,

I have a similar interest, hopefully soon to be put to the test.

We have been travelling extensively and remotely in a 2002 Troopy for some years. Mostly at the concerns of our adult children that their superannuated parents were at physical risk in an ageing Troopy with no safety airbags and venturing on lone remote travels, we considered alternatives. Not wishing to drag a caravan or camper trailer we considered a motor-home based on the MB Sprinter, 4WD, medium wheelbase and high roof. Hopefully that will appease the kids!

A lot of time spent on the internet forums etc. revealed that there are people using this same vehicle on unsealed tracks successfully. There was even a proposal on one forum to mount a group trek across The Simpson but I don't think it has gone ahead. So we ordered a 419 VS30 Sprinter, medium wheelbase, V6 engine, 4WD, and impatiently waited 9 months for it to arrive. It is now here and being fitted out.

Now, we don't expect to do all the tracks as before. Certainly not The Simpson although it does have the clearance and power for it, neither the Anne Beadell with its corrugations and tight scrub clearance, but I expect it will cope with such tracks as the Great Central Road, Gary Highway and the like but maybe doubtful of some of the side-tracks. We certainly do not intend to constrain ourselves to the Winnebago Circuit around the coastline. We will be pushing to discover its limits but it will be some weeks yet before we can provide the answers you seek.

It may well be a 'courier van' but it is a well constructed vehicle with good weight-carrying specifications and the V6 engine delivers well. The 4WD version increases the clearance with excellent approach and reasonable departure angles. Peter may scorn it as an "European delivery van" but it was he who peddled a Morris Mini all over the place successfully for some years with astonishing disdain. Having owned a Mini I am most impressed Peter.

The vehicle drives like a dream with plenty of response and traction assistance etc and has a turning circle much better than the Troopy. So I am looking forward to putting to the test 'out there' and bragging on here. But if you hear no more from me on the subject then you may draw the obvious conclusion. lol

p.s. The biggest challenge at the moment is getting the damn thing into the garage. But I am determined and currently raising the doorway portal a few cm's. I will succeed!

What about an Iveco Daily? They're big and capable.

James.
Neither the VW or the MB can have significant wheel articulation. The Oka or Iveco and even some of the Isuzu, Hino or Canter with large wheels must have more capability. Is ground clearance and "ramp over" important to you??? VW /MB, hmmmm. If ride quality is the issue then perhaps a vw or mb is for you. Any of these will be far different from a gungho adventra as it is very different concept. I agree with Peter, the driving style will alter dramatically. If any problems were ever to be encountered, a VW or M B may not be the ones to own as they rely on electronics and associated systems all to work ALL THE TIME to go anywhere. An expensive scan gauge and ability to read it may be essential just to begin finding trouble. Just the opinion of a automotive trained person.

Our 20 year old son is now travelling around Oz in his van - he couldn't afford a 4WD one and sadly he is really limited. He has a Kia Pregio and its awesomely fitted out (because we helped him build the camper conversion) but he has really struggled with some of the access roads inside some national parks like Karijini, and had to skip the Gibb River Road which is a shame as he's very adventurous too. The 2WD van has restricted him for sure and its so busy with all the COVID travellers that he's most likely going to come home and work towards getting a 4WD van and going again in 22 or 23. He would've loved a Delica or a 4WD LiteAce (there's some lifted, modded ones around or we might do the mods with him). Don't discount the Delica.

Very interesting subject, and some good info here.
Every vehicle is a compromise in some way , hard core 4x4 not so good on the tarred highways and vise versa.
Remember years ago , when 2wd fords , Holden’s etc went nearly everywhere.
Certainly tracks like the Strez, Birdsville etc.
my dad and a mate took one of the first Toyota crowns (4 cyl. Imagine the power!) up around Ayers Rock , Finke etc in the early 70’s , don’t remember any stories of major problems!
Nowadays the main thinking is you can only travel those tracks in a 4x4 . And the roads are a whole lot better than they used to be.
Cheers all
Robbo

If you are going to do remote adventure camping...
TheTroopy is the best option by far...
I had a bit to do with Troopies in East Arnhemland, yes, they are agricultural when compared to its competitors in the camper van market..noit as refines..yadda yada yada..but has it over them in many ways.
-Simple to repair (V8 model is the acceptation)..with the diesel inline 6..it is virtually bullet proof..if you find it a bit lacking in the "go".. department..aftermarket turbo mods are available.
The one I had around East Arnhemland was one such type..ex mine vehicle..10yo..with an aftermarket turbo..(3 to 5k professionally done)..very mild boost...but the performance was smooth and reliable.
-The biggy...getting spares..simple as..any wreckers, motor parts suppliers or indigenous community would have parts...plus..you can do DIY panel beating if necessary..the panels on the older versions are thicker and can take a solid knock..termit mounds included.
- The rental companies..for decent off road campers...they all have used troopies in one form or another and if you are fortunate and in the right place at the right time..some of the online auctions have ex-hire troopy campers going.
- They have a decent basic ladder chassis..you can bolt any thing on the front or rear..within manufactures weight restrictions..and you don't have to start pulling half the vehicle apart to get the accessories on.
- The roof weight limit is pretty generous from memory..about 150kg (static)..
- I have found the 6 cylinder even though it is a snail when compared to its V8 brother..tracked better down the rough roads...especially through corrugations
- tyres and rims..you can fit the old one piece steelies with the cheese cutter tyres..they aren't the "bees knees" in the bling department..but the beauty is..I've had them down to 6psi for over 50km and the rims never got bent whilst travelling over the rough gibber and with a pretty heavy load on.
- they do suck the juice..13 to 15ltr per 100km..the engine is not as refined as the European makes..my work one had the old mechanical injector pump..sounded horrid when compared to the v8..but fixing it when compared to the v8....different world...crack the injectors...fix the issue, blow the lines and bleed it ..and it would fire up..no problem..no bloody electronics..no sensors.

Hi everyone. Some great discussion! Keep it coming.

I just (finally) came across a half decent sprinter 4x4 build which I thought I'd share. This sums up the sort of capability I'd have in mind for such a Sprinter build. Though I'd ideally compliment this build with a rear locker to assist the fairly average low range gearing.

Sprinter on 35s! Check it out:

better off looking at the bus 4x4 conversions from qld. With toyota coaster and Hiace van.

The agents here in WA PMG (malaga) can't get enough conversion kits or vehicles for the mine spec requirements - be a lengthy wait lead time.

But id go more with this conversion than using a europen van.

Also aware that due to ANCAP 5 star requirement for all emergency vehicles its likely a contract will be signed off by St Johns Ambulance (WA) for constant 4wd van ambulances the current V8 cruiser cab chassis doesn't meet the 5 star safety rating for country stations (marble bar derby etc)