TRAVELLANDER

Hi Serendipity, My wife and I are also looking at the travelander. We had a look at them at the Camping show in Perth a couple of weeks ago.I did read how you changed the the "Gas compartment" is it possible to fit a 9kg bottle in there couldnt see in the one at the show. And what would be the changes you would do if you were looking at buying another one.

thanks

Adrian

Hi Adrian

I have found I can go about 4 weeks plus with just the 4.5 kg bottle.Well it might be closer to 3 or 4 camps on one bottle. It is I just like to have a spare bottle for the odd time I might run out whilst on camp - you know at night half way through cooking.

There is no way you could fit a 9kg bottle in that little door or even with a bigger door there is not enough room inside for a 9kg. I feel better having the two bottles.

This year we where on the road for 4 weeks prospecting throughout WA only stopping in town to buy more groceries, fuel and quick shower but never bothered to fill the gas bottles - we only used the one bottle. When we can we will cook on the open fire but I do like the convenience of the hot water system.

Changes - I have included twin solar panels on the roof with a solar controller inside. The panels are detachable as I open the camper. If I am in a caravan park on 240v power I will leave them under the open roof knowing they are safe.

I bought a white / yellow strip light from explore oz for over the kitchen - great for leaving the yellow light on at night so I can find another beer but without bugs.

Not much else. You have to be aware of your gross weight. All that comfort comes at a price of weight so I upgraded my suspension on the landcruiser.

I met a fellow up at Mt Augustus in WA who had just come up the Canning Stock Route with same camper and same V8 landcruiser. No problems - him and his wife had been on the road for 6 months living out of the travelander. He had not upgraded his suspension but was running airbag suspension lifts.

Cheers

Serendipity

You can fit 2 x 4.5kg bottles in with a relatively simple modification.
Check Thread ID 76198

Hi Hoorru
My husband and I have looked long and hard at the Travellander, I was always disappointed in the level of finish which seemed shoddy, and then found out about the Chinese production........well sort of turned us off. We have bought a 79 series ute and are preparing it to take a slide on eg. upgrade of suspension and airbags, by ARB and am now looking at an engineering firm in Hervey Bay that makes slide-ons.
Di

Hi Serendipity,
Thanks for the info it was very interesting along with the other responses to other people. We are looking at the camper and not the slide on which is one of the things I liked the versatility to be able to swap and change. Might one day to be able to catch up for a beer.(in lake clifton)

Thanks
Adrian

Hi Adrian

You are very close - and there is a great little winery down that way that does a good lunch on weekends.

We too have looked at the trailer mount version and may one day in the future invest in the trailer to give us more versatility.

Cheers

Serendipity

Hi Seredipity,
I know the one near the Thrombolites.If youwould like pick a day and we will meet you there and have a chat and lunch.(sounds great to me)

Thenks

Adrian

Hi Adrian

Sounds good - need to check for next weekend.

Serendipity

I, on days off both sat and sunday

Adrian

I'm off both sat and sunday

Adrian

Hi Adrian

Sunday for lunch it is - 11th at 12.00

See you there.

David

Okay see you there
Adrian.

G'day Geoff

I have the Travelander on my shortlist for a trayback camper but I had no idea about them being made offshore. If this is correct (their website just says Australian OWNED) then they have just been struck off my list.

Dave,
I have the one made by OUTBACK CAMPERS in Carrum Vic on my short list so they are worth a look. Have been to the factory & had a great tour plus I also bought a camper trailer from them 20yrs ago & they were a great company to deal with. Still has the same owner.

Cheers
Stu

Hi Stu

Travelander are basically a small family owned company in Queensland. There is only about a dozen employees from what I understand.

Yes some components are sourced from overseas but which camping manufacturer is not doing this to remain competitive.

They have their factory over in Queensland where they put the campers together and sew up the canvas there. I did note the stainless steel bars in the canvas are made in china with a little stamp - good quality though.

Send them an email and ask - they have been the friendliest company to deal with.

Cheers

David

G'day David,

Thanks for the info on Travelander.

I don't want get off topic but I have been in manufacturing for my whole career & I have a real issue with offshore manufacturing. I am seeing plant closures every week & people being made redundant. Sure I realise that some work practices have caused manufacturers to look elswhere but I have a genuine concern for our future so I will not purchase a product made overseas IF I can purchase something local even if it costs me more.

So for this reason I am more inclined to deal with a company that has as much local content as possible.

Another reason I like the Outback Camper is that it has a hard roof but the Travelander does not so I think my decision is swaying towards this unit.

Of course certain features of all the available campers on the market will suit different peoples needs.

Cheers
Stu

Hi David, Stu & others,

It is up to the individual to determine the amount of off-shore content they are willing to accept in a product. What is of paramount importance is that the product meets or exceeds the expectations of the purchaser.

Now there are significant differences between slide-on campers available on the market and mentioned in this post. There is the base material (fibreglass or aluminium), the fully loaded weight, features, sealing against dust, warranty and track record.

One thing I find annoying is that slide-on manufacturers are not required to state the unloaded/loaded weight of their product. ie. No compliance plate. Some of the campers I have looked at will significantly exceed most vehicles GVM when loaded, yet the salesman will gladly recommend and sell the product.

Each camper will have its own advantages and disadvantages. The Trayon has the advantage of fully Australian made, aluminium construction (lighter and more crack resistant than fibreglass), inside kitchen, and proven track record. However many people like to cook outdoors so this can be a disadvantage, and other campers have more 'bells & whistles' that are attractive.

The bottom line is that you need to do your homework when selecting a camper. Talk with the various manufacturers, do your sums with loaded weight, features, and overall costs, and make an informed choice that you are happy with.

Cheers,
Geoff

Well said Geoff,
It goes without saying that Aussie content is only one of the criteria that is important to me in my purchase decision.
Like you say averyone has different needs & will base their decision on many factors.

Cheers
Stu