First post -wind up camper Q

Thanks for that - after reading replies here and having a bit of discussion we agree that we will just stick with the off road types... just need to work out which one!

Thanks again.

Thanks Oldbaz - I have started a bit of a list of things we might take, and figure we will then have to leave half of it out! We will of course do a few smaller trips to get used to it all and work out what we really need. The great thing about kids is that they really don't need all the "stuff" we tend to give them... a few sticks, rocks and imagination go a long way :)
AJ

2nd Hand Trailers for Sale

Hi Tony - thank you for that link. I'll check it out soon. Thanks also for the advice on the suspension.
AJ

The price range we are looking at is up to $18k. To be honest, we don't need anything that looks too pretty (we have typical rough and tough bush kids!), as long as it is structurally sound and does all it should it will be fine for us.

Hi Barry - I guess we figured that a wind up would be easier to get in to less accessible areas. Would that be right? We'd like to take it to places like Fraser Is along with Cape York. We figured that the wind up would be a reasonable compromise between a trailer and a van.
AJ

You are probably be right about getting a wind up in less accessible areas, others on the forum would be better equipped than me to answer you on that & I reckon a wind up would be less hassle than a camper trailer, particularly if you were not staying at the one spot for very long. Cheers

Hi Bill
Thanks for that info. I guess the reason we are leaning more towards a wind up is that we thought for one-night stays or setting up in rain, the wind up would be easier with no need to make up bedding, etc, and the kitchen being inside.
AJ

AJ,

That is why I suggested a hard top Camper. Be assured, the top simply flips back and you can access the bed, etc. without the need to make anything.

On most styles the kitchen cooker and sink are accessable via a slide out drawer in the side.
The only time you need to errect the awning is to provide sun & rain protection if desired.

Or, depending on funds, you could look at something like the Ultimate Camper Trailer, which has the kitchen, etc. inside.

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.

Thanks Brian and Boobook2.

We will have to go 2nd hand, which for us I think will be better in a way... at least I wont stress out the first time one of the kids puts a dent in something!

As for climate, we will do the majority of our travelling in Spring-Autumn, so I'm not too worried about the cold.

Thanks for the tips on what are must-haves. We have now decided we will definitely go off road to give us more options on where we can go, and understand we will still have to check treks out before deciding whether we could manage it in a wind up or not.

Again - thanks for your advice :P