Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 10:46
Hi Goona.
Several brands make this type, including Jayco, Goldstream and Coromal.
We owned a Jayco Dove for 12 years - wind-up style - next size up to the finch.
We then bought a Coromal Magnum 420 Rally XC - same basic design.
Both off-road. Towed them over many rough roads (west
eromanga; fraser etc).
Our jayco needed something fixed after every trip - sometimes during the trip.
Staples and glue just didn't cut it, on outback tracks.
I have seen one of the newer ones, and perhaps Jayco have
been forced by competition to lift their game. (Only saw the outside).
From my experience, the Coromal are still a stronger build than Jayco.
(A bit like David Vs Goliath - the smaller guy has to pay attention to detail
if they are to win / stay in the market. The giants already have the market).
A close friend has an on-road Goldstream many years, and is very happy with it.
Even after 20 years camping with the wind-up style, I still believe they combine the best of all worlds. They tow like a flat trailer - low wind resistance (=better fuel economy). They have a low centre of gravity (won't tip). They are unlikely to scrape over-hanging trees or
cliff faces on rough tracks, as a van will.
Inside, after the beds are pulled out, they have the floor area of a large caravan, and all the conveniences. Our Coromal was $17,000 second hand, in mint condition. In addition to the standard fridge; stove; grill; lounge, CD etc, ours has gas hot water, 12V marine water pump and shower (external), & sleeps 6.
The main deficiency is you must wind them up to use them. ( A Van or Pop-top, you just open the door.) For outback use, the benefits outweigh this one feature.
If you watch the trading post and papers, you will find them advertised.
With a
young family, they are a great way to see the outdoors in safety and comfort. Best of luck with your research.................Keith
AnswerID:
153807
Follow Up By: Goona - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 11:39
Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 11:39
Keith,
Thanks for the indepth report. I will be looking into the Coromal. I didn't know they had pop tops but was aware they had full size vans for off road use as my mate has one and he swares by it.
Once again thanks
Goona
FollowupID:
407719
Follow Up By: howie - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 19:50
Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 19:50
had a on-road jayco swan for a while and agree with keiths observations. take a rivet gun,2 x 2 wood, nails and a big hammer along.
managed to pummel
the steps into submission with stones and somehow bent one of the rails the bed slides out on.
still, it was a good van and served its purpose
well.
ps. in winter a thin layer of ice used to form on the underside of the plasticky cover over the bed, then proceed to melt as the sun rose, greeting us every morning with chinese torture.
fixed it by putting a piece of foam over the cover in winter.
FollowupID:
407798