Buying a Caravan Feedback

G'day!
We have recently upgraded from a Jayco Outback Penguin camper to a 5 YO 'full height' 17' tandem Windsor Outback Escape in VG condition. To date we are very happy with it and are planning an extensive outback trip next year (did 25,000+ touring LY in the Panguin). Does anyone have any experience with the Windsor Outback Escape? Anything we should particularly look out for or be wary of? We are 12v equipped with 2 X large capacity batteries, plus gene/aircon/satTV. The only (slight) inconvenience will be that our Patrol has 16" wheels, but the Winsor is 15". Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Wandering Wobberlies
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) - Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 at 23:44

Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 at 23:44
Sorry but this is to ask you all about the Penguin outback. We have looked at them for a while and wonder how they perform. Have you done much outback dirt with it? How is the storage and any other likes or dislikes would be appreciated. Chris.
AnswerID: 258915

Follow Up By: Wandering Wobberly - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 11:49

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 11:49
Hi Chris & Lindsay. We loved our Penguin (and in fact have not sold it yet but it will be for sale - interested?), and have only upgraded as we will now be travelling with 2 dogs and needed a bit more living space. We have done quite a bit of all types of roads & tracks including the Birdsville and Oodnadatta, the Gibb River Road, and numbers of dirt roads out to National Parks right around the country. It has 16" (Patrol/Cruiser) wheels to match our Patrol, along with a TREG hitch. Went around Oz with it last year without any problems at all - literally none, as I had worked out all the 'new van' problems. I had also equipped it to our requirements with lots of upgrades re carrying capacity (3 jerrycans / 2 tyres with upgraded support members) as well as full solar with long life gel batteries, and Wineguard TV antenna, as well as satTV plugs. Storage space for us was fine with lots of under-bed area beneath the double bed, plus normal kitchen and under seat cupboard space, plus a small hanging wardrobe for non-foldables. The water level gauge was very handy, as was the double-skin water tank guard. We had a Porta-Potti hatch put in when it was built, but ended up using that space for footwear storage and washbags - just a lot handier. The front boot was also very good for all the other normal bits which we carried (hoses/chairs/table etc.). Let me know if you need anything further. Regards.
0
FollowupID: 520392

Reply By: Russel & Mary - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 07:18

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 07:18
Dear WW, if you are worried the compatability of swapping wheels around if you have to, why not get the 15" wheels fitted with an aspect ratio tyre that matches the outside diameter of your 16" tyres? Rus.
AnswerID: 258922

Follow Up By: Wandering Wobberly - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 11:21

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 11:21
Thanks for the feedback Russel & Mary, it was not an area I had contemplated, and I will definitely follow it up, as I intended to put on 'new shoes' before we left anyway. Regards.
0
FollowupID: 520390

Follow Up By: awill4x4 - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 18:32

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 18:32
Depends what the tow vehicle is Russel, if it's a 4.8 litre Patrol the 15" wheels won't clear the brake calipers as they have larger diameter discs.
Regards Andrew.
0
FollowupID: 520423

Follow Up By: Russel & Mary - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 20:22

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 20:22
Good point. Rus.
0
FollowupID: 520442

Follow Up By: Wandering Wobberly - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 21:06

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 21:06
Thanks Rus & Andrew. Mine is the 4.5 litre which is probably similar to the 4.8 so may not be suitable. Shall make enquiries.
Regards.
0
FollowupID: 520451

Reply By: Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 17:44

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 17:44
Where are you located in this great big wonderful country and what would you want for it? We were hoping to find one that had only been towed round the corner but I'm curious. Thanks for your feedback. Chris.
AnswerID: 258964

Follow Up By: Wandering Wobberly - Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 18:02

Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 at 18:02
We're in East Gippsland near Bairnsdale. The unit cost us over $30k including upgrades (there are numbers more than what I've listed). Would like to get something around $20K but will consider offers. If interested I can email clear photos. Remember, this unit is very clean and BETTER than new! Am in the process of upgrading my ExplorOz status from 'Visitor' to 'Member' so will be better able to communicate 1:1 then.
Regards
0
FollowupID: 520418

Reply By: Members - Chris/Lindsay (VIC) - Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 19:30

Monday, Aug 27, 2007 at 19:30
Thanks for all the info. We are not ready to buy right now but I hope you get a fair price for it. All the best with your new van and all your future trips. Chris.
AnswerID: 259105

Follow Up By: Wandering Wobberly - Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:51

Thursday, Aug 30, 2007 at 16:51
Thanks Chris. I'll be advertising it on ExplorOz in due course (when I get around to it)! Regards
0
FollowupID: 521068

Sponsored Links

Popular Products (9)