1990 Coromal pop-top - light-weight chassis?

[Graeme]

I looked at a 14'6" version of these on-road vans today with the idea that the suspension could be replaced with a decent independent kit to make it more suitable for some semi-offroad use but concluded that the chassis seems too light-weight to be worth modifying. The van was generally in very good condition and the price right for me but of no use if the chassis wont survive. It already had independent suspension but only suitable for highway use.

Can anyone comment on the chassis of these vans?

[harlie]

this has been mentioned before - there's more to onroad V offroad than the suspension

[Graeme]

Yes, I realize that but it wouldn't be going off-road as such, only needing to survive some backroads.
I've decided to buy it and if it gets any use, I'll upgrade the both chassis and suspension and be able to fit larger tyres too. If it falls apart prematurely then it wont have been a big investment anyway and will have established the use for a proper one.

[Redback]

It's not so much the chassis and suspension but the interior and frame of the body that suffers when offroad in an onroad van/camper trailer, unlike Jayco, Goldstream, Cloman and Coramal, not only beef up the chassis and suspension, but also the van/camper itself, making it more robust.

This is why Jaycos don't last as long, WELL THE NEWER ONES ANYWAY, because the only difference between the onroad and Outback Jayco(you notice I don't say offroad Jayco) is the suspension and offroad hitch.

Baz.

[TerryO]

The Outback Jayco Campers actually have a reasonable amount different from the normal on road campers other then just suspension.


Both the 'A' frame and the main chassis rails are quite a bit larger then the normal on road campers as well as having heavier suspension, brakes plus wheel and tyres.

I know a number of people who have Jayco Outback campers and who have taken them to some pretty rough spots without to many issues providing they are careful and are not in a hurry nor itry to go in to tight spots.

But they nor any of the other similar soft off road campers are anywhere near as good as the truely serious off road campers, but tell me this how many people actually do seriously rough off road camping?

cheers,
Terry