Aussie Swag Camper Trailer
Submitted: Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 at 08:43
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Rustyboy
We are newcomers to your site. My question is probably obvious to most of you but here goes...we are considering purchasing a second hand Aussie Swag Outback and was wondering of the shortfalls of the on-road model. How does it compare with the off-road equivilent?
We understand the differences in
suspension etc but would like to hear from someone who has has theirs on reasonably rough roads with no adverse effects.
It will be towed behind a Prado.
Reply By: Member - Peter (York) - Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 at 16:56
Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 at 16:56
I dont have the Aussie camper but have had one built to my specs , I would recommend if you plan to or think you are going to go off road , go the extra mile and buy a trailor that will take the rough , by the time you load it up the suspention is going to take some abuse , it can be a long way to get things fixed in the bush .This is not my car anymore
Peter
York 4x4
AnswerID:
40786
Reply By: Phil P - Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 at 18:15
Sunday, Dec 21, 2003 at 18:15
Even if you don't plan on doing any serious off road touring. I would still lean towards an off road version, just for the peace of mind. A lot of the tracks that are ok to travel with a 2W Drive still have heaps of corrugations and if you are travelling for a few hours on a corrogated track, you've got to wonder how
well an on-road model will stand up to it.
Phil P
AnswerID:
40794
Reply By: ianmc - Monday, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:42
Monday, Dec 22, 2003 at 12:42
My observations over a bfew years of so called off-road trailers shows that heavy weight construction, apart from slowing you down when loaded, is not always the answer. Failures in these off-roaders seems to be in hubs/bearings/ axles & springs.
Skinny little Commodore hubs with chinese made bearings & a huge 6stud hub & very heavy 4wd tyre & rim dont make sense.
Ford stubs & bearings are stronger & 14/15" car wheels with HD tyres will carry most stuff supported by a STRONG perimeter frame chassis so long as U dont have a one tonne truck like body on it before U load it up.
Slipper type springs, especially those made in China, tend to break in the middle at the centre bolt & are too short & stiff & give a harsh ride with limited travel.
A QUALITY spring with rear shackles gives a much better ride & is more likely to last the distance.
Are your U bolts up to the job, ie just mild steel cheapies?
Have seen some terribly heavy off roaders with skinny axles under them plus the above mentioned shortcomings.
AnswerID:
40846
Reply By: rolande- Tuesday, Dec 23, 2003 at 00:10
Tuesday, Dec 23, 2003 at 00:10
Rustyboy,
More important than trailer is how you drive, let tyres down when not on bitumen and "drive to the conditions". The best trailers will have problems if you insist on driving at 100km/h down a corrugated road. Slow down and enjoy the scenery, (and save the Prado and trailer from damage as
well). Have heard advise previously that leaf springs better then fancy independants, at least if they break can perform a quick fix on side of road to keep you going. Also, normal ball coupling no good for anything other than bitumen/dirt roads, if real off roading, get a treg-type hitch.
Hope this helps
Rolande
AnswerID:
40919