Advice on outback camping please.

Submitted: Monday, Sep 17, 2012 at 09:31
ThreadID: 98064 Views:6122 Replies:13 FollowUps:12
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Hello all. I am not new to 4wd driving or camping, but have not done any for quite a while. I have been cocooned behind a desk for too long and will soon be breaking free if all goes well. Therefore, I am here to seek your advice.

My plans are to travel and camp on and along all of the well known iconic treks/tracks/destinations and then some of the lesser travelled ones. This should take a couple of years if I take my time. I want to enjoy each day, not rush through it. With that in mind, I will purchase a suitable 4wd and have it set up to be as capable as ever. I have a reasonable knowledge in this area and will be going for either a GU Patrol with a dual cab conversion or a Land Rover Defender 130 dual cab. I know the Defenders have problems that many do not like, but in their favour, they have a payload that is useable and good. It does not take much to have a Patrol or Cruiser over GVM. In addition, the Defender is frugal on fuel so with long-range tanks, the fuel range should not leave me wanting.

Where I need advice is what do I do for a comfortable and convenient camper? I have looked at Slide-on Campers and there is one or two that I could live with. In addition, I have looked at the crossover type vans, like the Conqueror UEV 490 and the VistaRV. My wife is past tents and canvas so camper trailers or other ideas that involve a lot of canvas is out of the picture. So I guess the big question is do I carry my camper and all other gear or do I tow it?

I am aware that in some places, a trailer or small van may have manoeuvrability or traction issues but with a sensible and experienced nut behind the wheel of a well-equipped vehicle, these are not so much of a problem. However, I have noted that some places either ban vans or strongly discourage them. The Simpson being one of them. I accept that some people may tow vans that are not really suited to rough outback conditions and thus have problems but for a well suited and setup rig, I do not see much concern. Having the van wheel track the same as the tow vehicle is a good idea as well as not being too heavy.

Is there a list somewhere that shows where towing a van is not allowed, etc?

Therefore, what are your thoughts on towing a comfortable small properly made rough track van as opposed to carrying a suitable Slide-on, which makes the vehicle heavier, and thus have different tractive dynamics. There is a big difference between carrying a load of say 600kg and towing a load of 1200kg. The towing scenario only adds around 120kg to the vehicle.

Sorry about the long post, but I needed to explain so that I can get more in depth answers.

Thanks. Tyler.

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