offroad caravans

Submitted: Monday, May 08, 2006 at 20:53
ThreadID: 33695 Views:2439 Replies:6 FollowUps:5
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We have had a camper trailer for 5 years but now want to upgrade to a off road caravan (18 foot) and we still want to do a lot of off road travelling, can any one advise on which is a reliable off road van? PRICE RANGE $20.000 TO $40.000.Not to concerned with too many mod cons.
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Reply By: Motherhen - Monday, May 08, 2006 at 21:33

Monday, May 08, 2006 at 21:33
Hi Eric - Depends what you call off-road. Many of the off-road models of various brands have a disclaimer which says suitable for occasional trips off bitumen, but not for corrugated, rough or stony roads. We chose a 3rd hand 18' Bushtracker - paid above your specified price range (my budget was nearer to your figures too so we had to dig deeper in to the travel $$s), and heavy to pull (as will any caravan with a strongly built chassis). I have met 2 different couples who were happy with their tiny off road Supremes. It is the little one with the door at the back; it is tiny - sideways bed without the length we need for my big man, table for two, stove and tiny fridge, no bathroom or the extras you probably don't really need. It is 6" narrower than most caravans, so can get down the narrow roads where your standard 4wd will fit. There is only room for 2. Also depends on whether you take short or long trips - not much storage room for a longer holiday. Other off roads Supremes seem have the disclaimer. Can't comment on price though, or on availability on 2nd hand market.
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Reply By: Member - Tony G (ACT) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 07:24

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 07:24
For that sort of money you would be hard pressed to find much better then the Coromal Seka range of vans.

Off road with good on road manners. Available in single or dual axel.
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Follow Up By: Member - Paul J (ACT) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 08:53

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 08:53
Morning Tony, how ya been?
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Follow Up By: Member - Tony G (ACT) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:04

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:04
Real good Paul, the count down has well atrully started. Leave Canberra on the 27th for 4 month trip, home in Oct for a couple of weels then away again till the 11th of Dec. What a bugger no cold winter.
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Follow Up By: Member - Paul J (ACT) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:07

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:07
Jeez thats tuff Tony, having no winter, make sure you have COLD beer with you, to remind you of our winter, ok.
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Follow Up By: Member - Tony G (ACT) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:15

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 09:15
The Engle in the back of the Nissan is the drinks fridge, so I guess I will be able to squeeze a beer or two in there, If not will have to toss a bottle of champers or shardy out.
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FollowupID: 427114

Reply By: Mikee5 - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 18:07

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 18:07
Eric,

Have a look at Royal Flair, not a big company but I was impressed enough to order one myself. I particularly liked the G&S Independent suspension. I am getting the wheel studs to match the Cruiser. Haven't got it yet but I don't think I will be dissapointed. Cost depends on what you fit to it eg solar power, HWS, external BBQ, shower etc.

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Cheers, Mike.
AnswerID: 171773

Reply By: Member - Eric R (WA) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 19:25

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 19:25
Hi Eric.
We purchased a new Royal Flair Discovery off road van 16.9 ft last May.We had 2 solar panels and 2 100amp batteries fitted,had 16'' wheels fitted to fit Lancruiser plus extra spare wheel.Love the additional boot which we keep our firewood in. We live in WA but went to Victoria to buy it(much cheaper) towed it up into the alpine regions then back to WA.
Last August went up the inland road to tour Pilbara region.Spent a fair bit of time on unmade roads,corrugations,sand and limestone tracks.Couldn't fault the vans handling.
Also had a compressor fridge fitted,far better for off road use.
Our purchase cost was just under $40,000.
Hope it helps making your decision.
Cheers Eric R
AnswerID: 171790

Follow Up By: Mikee5 - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 19:52

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 19:52
This one to Eric R.
We are based in Brisbane but are picking up our 17 ft Discovery van from Melbourne too. Your comments about your van have re-assured us about our decision to buy one of these. If you have any comments that could be incorporated into our van they would be appreciated as it is still being built. We are getting the full monty including generator, HWS, external shower, and split system aircond as well as the vitrigrigo compressor fridge. I am retiring in August - bring it on!!!

Mike.
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Reply By: Member - Eric R (WA) - Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 20:27

Tuesday, May 09, 2006 at 20:27
This one for MIKEE 5
Areyou getting yours from Ian Grants Caravans?He certainly gave the best price throught Aus.
The only other item I didn't mention was we had an extra water tank included with two water fillers and gauges.
One thing we did find when on the gravel was if the wind was coming across from the drivers side and there were passing vehicles the dust got into the fridge vents.
Have now made a press stud cover should it be required.
Cheers Eric R
AnswerID: 171800

Reply By: Motherhen - Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 17:46

Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 17:46
Just noticed this 16 footer for sale on the caravaner's forum - don't know anything about it or the make, or what state it is in, but you may be interested in following it up.

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AnswerID: 172160

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