Planning a new trip

Tony

Yes, you have gone competely mad. You are talking about spending one whole year, thousands of hours, tens of thousands of kilometres sitting in a car with your mother, or even worse mother in law (you didn't say). Putting up with her telling you how to raise your children, dictating where you go and what you do (nothing wrong with caravan parks, especially with young children and a dog), the dog would severely restrict where you go (like national parks etc) but if money is no object you could always get it kennelled), imagine having to listen to grandma music in the car the whole way, and what's with the BMW? If you have to go with her, get something that is going to get you places you want to get to. Imagine having to source a BMW mechanic in outback or remote Australia? Sure they are quick and powerful, but not an off road vehicle. I'd go a TD Landcruiser any day over the BMW.

Yes, you are crazy considering it. Get her to take you for an all expenses paid trip flying and hire a car for a few weeks, staying in a luxure resort or something. Because I feel you would just be frustrated and restricted in the scenario you just gave.

Good luck, you'll need it.

D-Jack

Hi Tony, mad ? we'll see after the trip.
One thing to check before looking at the tow vehicle, is to have a look at the type of van you would be looking at in regard to the weight re- the towing weight and tow ball weight. Once you have a idea about the van you might find that your choice of car might be limited.
With the dogs make sure that their heart worm medication is up to date and check with the vet in regard to tick medication as well.
We travelled with our dog and was advised by the vet to get a working dog muzzle to stop him picking up baits. The working dog muzzle is a open mesh type like the ones you see on greyhounds. It important to have that type so the dog can pant because they don't sweat and need to pant to cool themselves down. Also be carefull of them sticking their noses into places that might have a snake lurking, also get a list of the vets in the area you are travelling just in case.
Will

Forget the BMW, get a Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol, then if something breaks or you do a tyre, someone will have fixed them before and tyres are everywhere.

I don't have a lot of experience with caravans but borrowed a Bush Tracker a while ago - go anywhere, take any punishment but they are heavy as. Still, they would be top of my list but there may be others that are OK, and I would like to know of fairly rugged caravans without going the whole Bush Tracker way.

Make sure that your caravan wheels/tyres are the same as your tow vehicle.

For 5 people, you will need plenty of caravan so you all do not go stark raving mad - not to mention sleeping accomadation when you may not want to put the awning up.

Spending so much time together in such close compnay really stresses relationships, especially if things go wrong so be prepared.

Animlas are also a problem with National Parks and they will restrict you a lot as to where you can camp for free, espcially if you can be self sufficent with solar panels, batteries, gas, water, etc.

For that number of people and animals, consider one caravan, 1 tow vehicle (Nissan or Toyota) and a third vehcile, maybe the BMW for your Fairy godmother.

Then passengers can take turns in different vehicles so it takes longer for everyone to go stark raving mad.

Stevesub

You want the best caravan and 4WD and you mention BMW?????? Am i the alone in my comfusion???

May I suggest the following from the Winnebago website;

http://www.winnebago.com.au/range_bundaleer_main.htm

"You have the top down, the wind is blowing through your hair and you’re going nowhere in particular. Just enjoying the ride. While we haven’t come up with the convertible motorhome, we can promise you the same feeling of freedom on the road in the Bundaleer.

Two slide-out rooms make this motorhome one of the most spacious on the market. With just a turn of the key the slide out room slides out and doubles the space in the living area and bedroom.

Style and convenience come together beautifully throughout the motorhomes interior. Take, for example the beautiful cabinetry. You’ll choose from three attractive finishes, each with brass finished hardware and raised panel doors.

Bundaleer – Aboriginal for “amongst the hills”. So why not do as the name suggests, go and explore Australia’s many undulating plains."

Tow the BMW behind (preferably Fairy God Mother in it.) You did say money was no object and it will have to be to afford it.
Look forward to your post next year with the trip highlights.

Good luck

Forget the bmw as said above get a criuser or nissan.
Lose the three dogs because most national parks dont like them.

All the best
Eric