Eclipse Camper

Thanks Captain! Have considered the Quantum but think the Eclipse is a better size (and price) for us - only the 2 of us (early retirees - yah!!) and no need/ desire for fixed toilet & shower. Don't even particularly want a hot water service - happy to boil the kettle. We travel for about 3 months each year and find that the vast majority of campsites, esp National Parks, have great facilities and for the times we are remote we already have shower/ toilet sorted.
Also like the lighter weight and slightly smaller size of the E. Bit like Goldilocks really - Vista RV is too small, Q is too big, but E seems just right!! My only concern at this early stage is storage - we don't want to have a lot of stuff in the camper that needs shifting when we set up. Have emailed the manufacturers re dimensions (not capacity!) of storage spaces so hopefully their reply will sort a few things out for me.
I really appreciate your reply - great to hear from an actual owner. Have you taken the Q through any seriously offroad country as yet? If so, any comments re dust, water ingress, towing etc etc

Cheers
TG

Hi TG,

I have yet to do a significant distance on gravel roads, but reports on the AORC forum (owners only) shows they are very dust proof with the exception of the door handle on the Eclipse door. AORC are currently in the process of having a new seal made up and this will be given to all exisitng owners and fitted as standard to new ones.

This dust issue was identified by the owners and acted upon by AORC, gets back to that great aftersales service. There was also some problems with water ingress on the tool box handle of some early Q's, but again they rectified that asap.

One of my main reasons for upgrading was more creature comforts for SWMBO. I would (almost) be happy in a swag, but I gotta admit the luxury of the Q is certainly nice. I understand about the HWS, but the sheer convinance of turning a tap to do the dishes is bliss. While one could put another blanket over the doona, having a diesel heater just makes it so pleasant inside at night - same goes for a hot shower. But the real winner for the loo is when driving, those loos in the roadside stops and roadhouses can be downright unsanitary. Having your own that needs NO setup makes for a much more pleasant trip - I know my wife and daughter appreciate it.

Yes, one can easily make do without virtually all of those things, but it just makes things so much nicer you want to spend even more time away :) And don't underestimate the ease of a midnight loo stop after several drinks! Staying nice and warm inside and not having to find some shoes in the dark to go outside is true luxury.

I am suprised just how much storage space there is. Even with 4 of us, we have yet to fill all the inside space - we still have most of the underbed storage available for clothes etc... but I have filled all the outside space. I now take things like Webber, honda iu2, full annexe, 4 bikes, etc... but they all have a home and are easily accessable.

Anyway, I understand not all want things like HWS/heater/inside loo etc... and I too was like that before I had them. Now I don't think I could do woithout them :( Yes, I have gone soft... but I think you can see I am also very happy with my Q.

Cheers

Captain, you're right, you have gone soft - but why not??? Think travelling with kids (esp young girls) puts a whole different perspective on things. I have 2 boys - they happily piddled anywhere when young!
My missus is a farm girl so no airs & graces there and we've been trying to be as minimalistic as possible when camping without compromising comfort to a significant degree. We have a porta potti which can come inside for those 2 am, alcohol fuelled pitstops.
It sounds like AORC are pretty proactive in their customer support which is most reassuring. Thanks once again for your input - much appreciated!

Cheers
TG

Good thinking AJ! Will contact them once i receive a reply to my initial enquiry.

Cheers
TG

I would imagine that it being an "owner's forum", you would have to be an owner.

Shaker - there are people on there who are in the process of ordering vans and campers. This can be seen by the questions they ask in respect to options taken up by other owners.


A J

From what I have seen, once you place you purchase deposit you can then get access to the AORC forum. As it takes between 6-12 months before delivery, future owners tend to ask what are the best options as you only need to finalise a month before delivery. I have yet to see anyone on-line who hasn't actually placed an order.

Cheers

Captain

Captain - sounds reasonable - guess we'll have to find a cheap flight and get our backsides up to QLD for a looksee! Is the factory located somewhere near Brisbane or is it regional?

Cheers
TG

Its in Caloundra, about an hours drive north of Brisbane. But I flew into Sunshine Coast airport (with Jetstar) and it was only a ~15min drive south. Flight was also cheaper too!


Australian Off Road Campers
15 Caloundra Rd
CALOUNDRA QLD
4551

Cheers

Captain

Thanks for that!

Just confirming TG123 i also was granted access to the AORC user forum after placing a deposit for a QUANTUM, delivery August.

Best thing you can do,lots of good advise.

Cheers