Wednesday, Jun 17, 2009 at 06:59
AJ, I second most of Brian B's comments. I purchased a Goldstream Storm offroad wind up after looking at the ones he mentioned and research here and other forums. It definitely has the best reputation for toughness and quality IMHO.
Check out the cupboards of Jayco for example. I love it and have taken it on some pretty rough tracks and corrigated roads and it has been a dream.
We ordered 2 queen size beds and usually take 3 kids. The little one shares with us at one end and the 2 bigger ones share the other end. You can fit 1 or 2 where the table is but like most set ups it is a pain to manage at bed time and in the morning.
I had similar goals, ie off road, possible Cape Trip,
Gibb River road etc etc.
I have drawn a line at where I think I will take it.
Basicaly it is tough enough to take anywhere. BUT it is heavy and large. So for me that rules out tight and steep / slippery tracks.
GRR, Tanamai, Bungle Bungles, any dirt corregated road at the right speed, no problems. High country tracks are a no no and while I haven't been to the Cape I would imagine it would be out too.
I figure it will go 95%plus of where I need it too. The offroad ones have a stronger frame, are higher and are generally stronger. I am not sure if you are buying new or second hand, but my MUST have list would include
Independant
suspension
Off Road
Flies at each end as Brian Suggests
I also got the air bag
suspension which helps. ( and makes leveling at set up time a breeze).
We have spend some time lately in the Snowys area and in temps to zero. We were surprised how comfortable we were. Yes it gets cold but if you close all the blinds it is surprisingly warm inside, especially if you turn a gas burner on for 15 mins or so to take the bight off the cold.
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