standard campertrailers verses outback models

Have a look around and I think you will see that the outback models offer more than an underslung axle for a bit of body clearance. The chassis is heavier, the electric brakes bigger, the wheels and tyres far more substantial, they have shock absorbers (very important) and (I could be mistaken on this one) the frame structure in the walls is heavier. Whether or not these things add up to the extra dollars you pay may be argueable but the difference is definitely more than skin deep.
Happy camping,
Jan and Mike

clanscott

The outback models are definately constructed a bit more robustly than the on road models, frame, chassis and running gear and if you intend heading off road probably a smarter choice in the first place. Better than buying something not up to spec and trying to make it what it aint!
Just my two bobs worth.

Cheers

Jan & Mike
We recentley purchased a Jayco StarCraft 12 ft, Upgraded springs to non slip type
and reversed axel, to have 500mm ground clearance.
Added extra water tank, and hot water system.
Since we have travelled some 3,000 km on outback gravel tracks from Perth to Karratha, including some very wet , slippery and muddy roads with no real problems.Except two flat tyres
Easily kept up with chums with campers!
If you havent got a sola pannel and deep cycle battery, get one,
Great to charge batterys in your camera, mobile ,or laptop
Best of luck and have A GREAT TIME.

When you say outback model I presume you mean a particular version of a Jayco..... If yes, I'm not sure it matters what you buy. The tracks you mentioned are like roads these days, although they might get rough with corrugations etc. If that's all you're going to do with it, then clearance, articulation etc isn't really a problem - it just might shake to bits. They are nothing like an Aussie Swag, Kimberley or Ultimate, but they probably cost less too! If you're going to use it for a lot of miles over some really rugged terrain, I wouldn't buy a Jayco, but a lot of people do and some seem happy with them - I'm not a fan myself. Good luck - bottom line, get out there in the bush.

Hi Clanscott,
Have owned a Jayco Outback Eagle for 3 and a bit years now and find it a lot of fun. Especially good given the great space you have when set up with beds well and truly away from the "living" area. This is a real advantage if your stay anywhere is of some duration.
However, in regard to the "outback" capabilities, I must say they are somewhat limited to roughish roads only and should not be considered for extreme outback travel. My general usage with the Mereenie Loop road (NT) and some outback camping on the Murray River the only areas off the bitumen, has resulted in shock absorber brackets breakage (both), tap outlet cracking/leakage (twice) and some minor fittings damage from corrugation shaking.
The construction of the "outback" models is certainly better equipped for rough work than the standard series-and this is why you pay more-but even the Jayco people in Melbourne, when pressed, agree that the units are not suited to the "real" outback. (of course you are not alerted to this fact by any sales people).
Summary: If you are looking for a spacious, well appointed camper that is a little bit heavy duty and one that will mainly be used on the bitumen with some off road usage to get to out of the way camp sites, then the Jayco outback is the one.
IF you are more adventurous and require travel in the rough and tough regions this unit should not be your choice unless you make major alterations toward strength.
This is only my opinion and I hope it is of assistance. Goodluck with whatever you decide and any decision will be right because you are about to travel God's country.
Cheers.
Peter W.
"Life is not a Rehearsal."

Clanscott,

I've recently completed an 8k trip from Perth to Warburton and Alice via Mereenie Loop Road. Rest of it was on the bitumen due to the rain closing the roads.

On the way I came across four breakdowns. Three of them were camper trailers.

One had a broken axle out of Warburton. Flat desolate part of the country, they'd set up a tarp and were waiting for a replacement. Not sure what type of camper.

One was a broken spring hanger which led to a rollover of the camper and destruction of the A frame as it twisted. This family had borrowed the camper from a friend and broke it on the Mereenie Loop road out of Hermansburg. Another couple travelling with them had a heavier duty camper and it hadn't broken - at the time. The broken camper had white spoked 'off road' wheels which may have given them some false sense of security, as the spring hanger weld had just given way on the rough roads. Mereenie Loop road is 'not recommended for caravans'.

The other camper had hitch problems.

Clearance is not an issue for travelling these roads in general. Strength of your chassis and running gear is.

Tim

Thanks everyone for your input. You have certainly given us food for thought! As we have 3 young children we were looking for comfort as well as durability and flexibility. At this stage I don't think we will be doing any serious off road towing, but we thought it would be nice to have the option. It appears that the outback models are not as fool proof as we had been lead to believe. We are still considering the Swan, but will certianly do some modifications and take care to not to take it into situations which we do not consider it to be cabable of handling. It sounds like for serious off roading really requires Kimberly Kamper type trailer, not camper. We certainly want to avoid any disasters and appreciate the advice you have given. We are looking forward to travelling and perhaps meeting some of you during our journey.

Hi there, we have just returned from GRR, also Cape Leveque, Tanamai Track., Kalumubaru, Mithchell Plateau, towing a Cavalier Camper ( not off road model) and never had any problems at all, did see off road camper tailers with problems tho, We are of the opinion that its how you drive on these roads that is the secret, Let common sense prevail and drive according to the conditions.Hope you enjoy your new whatever you do purchase. Cheers.

The above posts do cover the general difference between trailers.
However, in particular regard to the Strezlecki, I had a friend tow a standard van with a 2wd car up that track late last year without any problem. They stuck to the main track used for supplying the gas fields. They had done an axle under conversion.
Take it careful around Innamincka, the gibber country is a concern with tyres. You might need a take it a little slower.
Not sure about the Tanami, but I understand it is almost a road these days too. In both cases wet weather is a different story.