Windsor Rapid Off Road
Submitted: Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:44
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stoodsam
Hi Everyone,
We are looking to purchase a 2001 Windsor Rapid off road poptop with independent
suspension (leaf springs). We have had an off road camper trailer for several years but have decided this is the next step. My question is what is the off road capability of the unit. Most of our travelling will be on the black top but we still would like to be able to get to our favourite spot along the
Mitchell River which involves about an hour on dirt road with a few corrugations. Much appreciated.
Regards, Ann
Reply By: LandieRick - Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 13:34
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 13:34
I have a 2004 16 ft "rough road" version of the Rapid with the independent
suspension. Took it down the
Gibb river road in 2005 and very happy with its ability to cope with corrugations for extended periods (like 400ks worth and the worst corrugations I have ever seen). The only rules are drop the tyre pressures (I dropped
mine to 25 from 50 psi) and drive to the conditions. No tyre problems and when I did the full van check on return no problems.
Same goes for the car - drop the tyre pressures on corrugations - and you'll have a much better ride and no need for the same speed.
cheers
Richard
AnswerID:
317315
Follow Up By: Member -Dodger - Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 15:51
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 15:51
I too have an off road van REGAL and have done the
Gibb River road and like Richard has said lowering tyre pressures on both van and vehicle is essential for both comfort and damage reduction. As he also said a reduction in speed is also essential.
My tyre pressures were also down to 25psi even though I was fully loaded at the start.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Member - Captain (WA) - Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 20:12
Saturday, Jul 26, 2008 at 20:12
Hi Ann,
I had a 2001 Rapid and used it off-road (see some of my rig pics) and found it fine. I changed over to a camper trailer after doing a fair bit of damage to the sides on one particular trip (included ripping the awning off, pierced side and a broken window from tracks that were too tight).
Going from your description of where you plan to use it, I am sure you will have no problems. While I like the off-road ability of my Camprite, I sure do miss the creature comforts of the Rapid.
Cheers
Captain
AnswerID:
317380
Reply By: andy mitchell - Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 at 08:26
Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 at 08:26
hi Ann
we have a 2004 16 foot windsor rapid with the same leaf sprung independent
suspension.
its a great little van that we tow with a td 80 series cruiser, we have travelled mostly on the black stuff but have done some gravel and sand tracks and the rapid handles beautify i have no complaints at all.
we have a few options that have been of great value with a larger fridge gas hot
water service out side shower and battery pack.
the only think that would be of concern is the bed, i am 6 foot tall and am just able to stretch out you wouldn't want to be any taller.
cheers
Andrew.
AnswerID:
317429
Reply By: Member - colin J (VIC) - Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 at 14:42
Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 at 14:42
Hi Ann,
The Windsor Rapids are a great van and you would not be dissappointed with the purchase.
However i would strongly suggest up grading the leaf springs as i've had a couple of failures but i do travel quite a bit on corrugated roads etc.. I have also upgraded the axel and brake sizes, check out my info re my van on my member details.
Regards from Big Col.
AnswerID:
317487
Follow Up By: stoodsam - Monday, Jul 28, 2008 at 10:13
Monday, Jul 28, 2008 at 10:13
Hi Col,
Yep we have decided that we are going to do it. All comments on the Rapid have been positive. Now we just have to get time to go and pick the van up. Can't wait. Thanks everyone for your comments.
Regards, Ann
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