Spinifex Caravans

Hi No Name (how about setting up a forum name so we know who we are talking too?)

I thought Spinifex were a new player on the market (by someone who used to work with Kedron according to reports on forums). Consider also Kedron. Others that have not been around for so long include the Sunland range - i have never heard a bad report in the few years they have been on the market. Another of interest is that Caboulture Caravan Repairs (run by the Davidson's who started the heavy duty rough road caravan market with the original Phoenix) are moving back into manufacturing vans; so with past experience and the experience of running a repair business, it sounds very promising.

Do you mean you want an 'off the shelf' van rather than custom van built to your own design (as is done by most of the top of the market builders)? Bushtracker ONLY make to order. If you want to purchase now, not wait for one to be built, consider second hand. Worked for us.

Motherhen

we looked at the three main ones you have mentioned above...(including a factory tour of one)...we ended up ordering one of these..delivery end of year...

no afflliation etc..but the owner was more than happy to do off the shelf or customise where required

http://www.explorex.com.au/

I don't have a Spinifex van but have had some alterations to my Paramount done by them and found their service and attitude to customers to be very good. The vans that were I saw being built at the time I was there were very impressive and seemed to be of a very high standard. I think they are definately worth a look.

We did a lot of research on this exact matter. You need to look very very closly to see what the "Off Road" term in their respective warranty are. We have found some companies would not even warrant if the van was towed/damaged on corrigated roads. This is why they use terms such as "Dirt Road".
You wont get to many people making bad comments due to litigation.

I should start by saying that I have a Kedron, so you know where I am.

The toughest van is a Bushtracker but they will only change their designs so far. That is not all that far either. I respect their idea, "this is what we do, don't like it, go elsewhere".

Kedron and Spinifex are almost the same as each other. Spinifex has better brakes (disc) and slightly better windows but essense the same. They cost the same as well. A Kedron and Spinifex have a "more luxury" interior and they will "customize" to a customer to a greater extent.

Spinifex is fairly recent and only made something like 30 caravans, where Kedron is now upto about 1300 and I imagine Bushtracker about the same. I am not certain of Spinifex after sales service but have not heard bad things about it. I have met the owner and they seem motivated and very nice people. As you might imagine Kedron and Bushtracker after sales service is excellent.

Not certain of the lead time on a Spinifex but imagine it is about 12 months.

Sorry , "the Fang" is the name. I have used it before but for some reason it seems not to be appearing. Thanks for the replies. Yes I am aware of the Kedron link and I am looking for A CUSTOM VAN. Main requirement is width (7ft) and Bushtracker don't do one. I am having a very close look at Phoenix as well as they are beutifully finished but I'm not overly fond of the suspension set up.
Still like to hear from a Spin owner.

Fang

Hi

I was in at Spinifex for the first time last week - their caravans and whole operation looked extremely professional.

MH

We have a Davidson van (DRV) on order. Previous van was an '07 Phoenix. Have done the factory tours of Kedron, BT, Sunland and Spinifex. Chose DRV for the reasons MH stated above. The Davidsons definitely know how NOT to build an off road van as they've repaired them all at one time or another. BT also make a good product but DRV are fully custom.

The Alko rubber suspension is fitted to 99% of Phoenixes and they've been out there doing it the longest. Estimating the correct GTM and getting the rubber setting right is critical. Fitting it to the DRV because I know it won't leave me stranded. No cases of failures or breakages on the off road spec whereas other types of suspensions are often reported and of course it usually occurs in a remote spot. See more on the Alko here

Be aware the Alko's camber and toe is set when built and can't be adjusted. You might read reports the Alko can cause one tyre to wear but replacing a tyre early is still cheaper than a possible recovery with a stuffed suspension. I've also seen tyre wear on the Cruisemaster and BT's Simplicity. Spotted this BT in St George.

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John