Large or medium van

Mr / Mrs Hooter,

What are your finances like? You can still get large "off-road" vans that will take a hammering on dirt roads and get you into a lot of spots that would destroy normal vans - but they are not cheap.

Phoenix Phase 3 , Bushtracker and Trackmaster all have big models and are all as tough as nails.

It would be good if you could modify one so that you could install a triple bunk to save space.

Motherhen on this site has a large Bushtracker and she will probably read this site. Also you could go to the Bushtracker owners site athttp://www.bushtrackerownersgroup.asn.au

I do not think you would be sane at the end of a year with three kids in a small van.

Cheers,

Willie

Hi Hooter

We don't travel with children - waited until we could leave 'em all behind before taking holidays (otherwise it would have been torture with our mob). However we meet others travelling with little ones and having a ball - in anything from canvas fold out campers to big caravans or motor homes.Young children usually love camping, and if they get used to sharing space, will enjoy what ever you choose. If you get a small caravan, they could sleep on camp beds in the annex. More of an issue would be enough space to store clothes, toys, school work (and space to do it), bikes and whatever luggage you need for your brood. A camper trailer can have plenty of living space, but not so much for storage when travelling.

We have an 18' Bushtracker, and can get into most places we want to - although turning circle can be an issue now we have an F250. Previously we towed with a Patrol, and turning where the track just stopped involved a multi-point turn which was achievable. In some areas you aren't permitted to take a caravan no matter what size (eg Purnululu), so alternative camping such as tent is needed. Camper trailers are allowed into Purnululu - just one of their funny little rules.

Really i think you need to 'try before you buy' or you could be living a nightmare. Hire (or buy cheaply and then re-sell) different types of campers/vans and go bush for a week with the brood. Bear in mind that you will be packing clothes for all seasons for a 12 month tour.

Motherhen

I would go bigger about 21-22ft have seen a Jayco outback with expanda front double bed and 3 bunks at the back inside the van.He paid $42000 brand new with warranty. It was a great set up and they followed us up the gulf track with no probs at all. We have a small van (Supreme getaway)that has gone near every where any van will go but it is small with a child. just my thoughts go bigger and carry a chain saw. Cheers Tony

The question is

What are you going to tow it with as it may limit your choice by the weight of the van.
Dont believe the salesman when he says " Dont worry just dont fill the water tanks"
Wrong !!!!!!!
You are legally limited by the manufacturers recommended towing limit.
EG a 3.0 Patrol auto is limited to 2.5 tonne ATM as is a Prado and a Pajero and most Utes except a Navara.
For a big van over that weight you really need a 4.2 Pootrol or a Croozer later than 95????
Something to think about when you are looking as I made an error and had to upgrade the tow vehicle.
A $23,000 mistake.
Cheers

Do u own one by any chance.
I also sometimes spell Cruiser the humerous way but you dont critisise that.

Lots of others call vehicles by different names

EG Kiwis Grenade, does that upset you as well

Spelling on here leaves a lot to be desired at times.

EG Sight for site
Duel for Dual
Effect for affect or vice versa.

So far a little banter or humour has not been prohibited yet and as I have owned both vehicles I am not biased either way.

Trolling however has been.

I do use the spell checker and its a pity more didnt.

Hi Hooter,
We are travelling with a 5+7 yr old, been on the road 22 months now, in a camper trailer. Actually has more room than most caravans. Main tent 8 ft x 8 ft, Annexe 12ft x 8ft, kids room 7 ftx 5 ft. Main tent is 5 mins to set up from pull up to bed. whole thing 19 mins. We have heaps of room and can go where ever we like not restricted by towing. This life style is not for everyone, just most people shy away from trailers cause there is no room in them. This is not always the case. Not sure how off road you want to go but we have seen some amazing stuff by being able to do this. Just food for thought.

Kidsandall
Josh

Hi Hooter
you don't need a large van or even a medium sized van. We know because we did it. in July 2005 we packed up 4 kids (aged 5 to 10) into a dual cab Hilux and a 1979 Jayco Swan and spent 7 months on the road.

it was the best thing we ever did. the kids loved it. we loved it. so do it. even if you dont have much money that should not stop you. you dont need a big F250 and massive Bushtracker. small simple and cheep is the way to go.

as far as going off road with our camper - it will go most places. otherwise you take a tent as we did on Fraser Island or do it in day trips. othe families on the road had big buses (cant get off the beaten track much) and others had tent type camper trailers. our camper traveled into Gregory National Park (on a no trailers road) and on the southern track into Litchfield NP - not an easy road and through water.

there are lots of free camping spots around the country. look at the book "Camping in Australia" or "Camps Australia".

we did schooling but i dont recomend it as it is hard work. what the kids learn on the road is more than they will learn at school.

so do it. go for it. it will be great.

Ronald and Jacky