Best Off Road Camper Van for Disco 3 for Australian conditions

[brigden67]

Hi Everyone

I've just joined the forum today as my husband and I have just purchased our first Disco 3, a 2005 HSE, albeit second hand I have a very happy husband.

I was wondering if anyone could advise as to the best camper van for a family of 4 - 2 boys aged 7 and 12.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as this is our very first 4x4 and I'm looking forward to having a car that can pull a trailer/van and experience camping outside of a caravan park.

Brigden67

[MR LR]

If you're talking camper trailers i have experience with a few, if you want fancy: Ultimate or Kimberly, but they are $$$$$, IMO the best are Redback, we've camped with a variety of people 2 of the group have Trak-shaks, good campers but they only run holden bearings, thats a deal breaker for me as i've seen them have trouble due to the mass of the exceptional camper trailer, only thing that lets it down. Redback seem the best to me, as a solid camper trailer with everything you need and nothing you don't sorta thing, As to van's i have no idea, we 'camp properly' haha

[chrisandebreg]

good luck, we've set up a camper trailer and still going. every trip we do the decision is made to modify to better suit our needs. so far it has been cut up and modified 7 time and just waiting for the steel to go through build 8. 9 is allready planned being independant suspension. only yourself and your family will know the best for yourself and price varies from uner $10000 to over 80000 depending on features fitted. good luck

[Redback]

Here ya go, one Redback Camper Trailer, this is 8yrs old and never had anything go wrong with it, the best trailer I've ever towed, doesn't bounce or sway, just sits behind the car.

The trailer is bullet proof, Ray Clarke knows how to build a trailer.

Behind the Disco 2
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Now behind the Disco 4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/High%20country%202011-12/DSC001322-1.jpg

Inside with the walkway at the front.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Set up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/bazzar/DSC08386.jpg

Baz.

[PhilipA]

I am biassed towards Hard floor campers as I have a 1997 Camp'o'matic and it is fantastic.
Everyone I have met who owns one raves about them.

However a hard floor camper really easily fits only 2 people and you would either have to have annex walls for the kids or their own small tent. Thye also do not have as much storage as a soft floor camper.

There are great benefits to a hard floor camper including quick setup compared to a soft floor, and the great benefit if it rains hard of having everything at least 15CM above ground. I have had water running through my annex 10CM deep with no problem at all and have spoken to soft floor owners who have had all of their belongings damaged. Another advantage is that they are pretty dust proof.
have a look at used ones on the Camper trailer site

welcome to campertrailers.org website home to Australian off road camper trailers since 2001 (http://www.campertrailers.org/)

Regards Philip A

[101RRS]

The original post for a Camper Van not a Camper Trailer.

If this is what they are after then something like a Jayco Eagle Outback would be a good compromise - yes there are better (more expensive) vans but as a reasonable all rounder to suit a family they would be suitable.

Garry

[goingbush]

As mentioned the Jayco Eagle Outback will be fine,
Very good for what you get for your $$$

We did 2 x 3 month trips round oz towing an 07 Jayco penguin outback, which is the same without the fold down ends, so long as you do some dust sealing & lower your tyre pressures to suit the conditions they do a good job.

[Redback]

The original post for a Camper Van not a Camper Trailer.

If this is what they are after then something like a Jayco Eagle Outback would be a good compromise - yes there are better (more expensive) vans but as a reasonable all rounder to suit a family they would be suitable.

Garry

Well if you want to get technical, a Jayco Outback is a pop top camper trailer, this is a camper Van:p
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Baz.

[crash]

I have a Jayco Hawk outback. Sleeps 4 adults comfortably.
Cons: heavier than most camper trailers
Dust sealing is a bit ordinary - particulary the door and fridge (louvered vents)
Track width is wider than the Disco 2

Pros: Easy to setup (15min job)
Fridge and stove included in price (depending on model may also get a griller or oven)
Stove has an electric burner as well as gas
Up off the ground
You have a hard roof over your head - handy for when it is raining and need to cook a feed.
Large gas bottle standard

We do not have an an enclosed annex as we do not anticipating staying in one place long enough to use it.

I have taken mine around a fair amount of Australia, only place we really struggled with it was on Fraser Island - but speaking to a few regulars everyone was having trouble because it was sooooo dry that year. Only dramas I have had was a stray rock taking out a water line connection, and trouble with one of the electric brakes failing.
I would not take it across the Simpson or up to the top of Cape york, but then again these are two places where I would not tow anything.
Worse thing about my trailer is I do not use it enough.
One thing I hear alot when people are talking about camper trailers is how the kitchen is designed to slide out and you can have a cuppa along the road - I have only ever seen this once or twice in my travels. The other thing is you are left out in the open to cook unless you have purchased the additonal annexe to cover that area.
Look around as there are always good used bargains to be had.

[101RRS]

Well if you want to get technical, a Jayco Outback is a pop top camper trailer, this is a camper Van:p
http://imgc.classistatic.com/cps/blnc/120420/068r1/4458amn_20.jpeg

Baz.

No - that is a Camper (nothing extra):D

[PhilipA]

One thing I hear alot when people are talking about camper trailers is how the kitchen is designed to slide out and you can have a cuppa along the road - I have only ever seen this once or twice in my travels. The other thing is you are left out in the open to cook unless you have purchased the additonal annexe to cover that area.
Look around as there are always good used bargains to be had.

And that is another great thing about a Camp'o'matic.

The annex can remain attached to the tent when folded, so if you don't want the annex you just leave it across the top. I tie it to some loops on the tent part. It also only has 3 poles so only 5 ropes and pegs. The annex also has a front wall which fits at an angle over the stove /kitchen so gives protection in all but the worst conditions. On one trip to the Kimberley, I think we only used the annex about twice in 3 months ,as the weather was so good.
We often stop for a cuppa and lunch when on the road as it is so easy to slide out the kitchen under a tree.
47550

47551

47552

First should be lunch at Goondiwindi
second shows camp at Carnarvon Gorge , no annex so takes 30 whole seconds to set up.
Third with annex up at Undarra Lava Tubes

Regards Philip A

[goingbush]

Well if you want to get technical, a Jayco Outback is a pop top camper trailer, this is a camper Van:p


Baz.

Well Actually the Jayco Outback bird series Eagle / Penguin / Swan act are NOT "pop top" camper trailers they are WIND UP Camper Trailers , others will argue and call then Wind Up Caravans, but they defenitly are not pot tops. The VW Van you showed is a 'Pop Top Camper'

[vogue]

Head over to myswag.org for all the help and info you could ever need.

[TerryO]

Hi Brigden,

you have one of the most important pieces of equipment for going camping and that is a very capable vehicle that can also tow just about anything anywhere within reason.

Here is our pop top camper van that has proven to be pretty good off road, slightly bigger than most some woud say, but goes nearly everywhere many other reasonably serious off road soft and hard floor campers will go and with a whole different level of comfort. ...;)

My only advice is don't rush out and buy what others think you need, consider what your real requirements and desires are then look at every option and don't rule anything out without due consideration.

Each to their own and good luck with your final decision.


cheers,
Terry

[PhilipA]

Gee I wonder what size you would call a caravan?

That is a rough road pop top CARAVAN capable of withstanding hundreds of Ks of corrugations but too heavy to take on sandy tracks, too high for forest tracks or any track with jump ups.

I would like to see you pull that across any creek on the OTT or go on dry sand on Stockton beach or get into Bendethra. ( possible maybe with a lot of hassle)

My definition of an offroad camper trailer excludes anything that weighs more than say 1000Kgs, that can be towed just about anywhere a 4WD can go by itself, having similar approach and departure angles as a 4WD and only as wide as the 4WD.

Even with a camper trailer you still cannot start on say a mountain track unless you know it goes somewhere, as it would be very difficult to turn around if you find a gate locked on the side of a spur.

I recall speaking to a guy at Millstream about his Trackmaster. Beautiful thing . Except he told me he couldn't take it on any forest tracks as it was far too high and would swipe trees everywhere.

Even on the track into Lorella springs, which admittedly is very rough, two big name off road vans had suffered damage while we were there . One had its microwave fall out on the floor.

I wish the original poster would make some comment , so that we can narrow down their requirements , and give some actual helpful advice.

Regards Philip A

[joeT]

I second a jayco off road pop top. I have a dove model, very similiar to the hawk already spoken about.
They say " happy wife. Happy life "
I've got a pretty happy life.
I'm from Vic and just love the high country. So where I go so does my jayco.
I've pulled it all, over picture point ( past bluff hut etc ), Dargo region,
Fraser island and shortly to the Kimberley's.
You do get what u pay for and I think for the $$ it's well spent.
The dust issue can easy be fix with ply board inside the door and some fine breathable cloth on the fridge vent. I've towed mine through some rivers easy half meter deep with out a problem ( not that I would make a habit of it ).
I have modiefied a little to help though. Same Tyres all the way round (33 ") plus stud pattern, off road hitch ( hylander) and better bearings.
You should be able to pick a few year old second hand between $10g to $20 all depending on model etc.
Joe

[goingbush]

Gee I wonder what size you would call a caravan?

That is a rough road pop top CARAVAN capable of withstanding hundreds of Ks of corrugations but too heavy to take on sandy tracks, too high for forest tracks or any track with jump ups.

I would like to see you pull that across any creek on the OTT or go on dry sand on Stockton beach or get into Bendethra. ( possible maybe with a lot of hassle)

..
Regards Philip A

I think you would call this a Caravan

GALL BOYS AUSTRALIAN 4X4 ADVENTURE - FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND - 4X4 OFFROAD 4WD - YouTube





My definition of an offroad camper trailer excludes anything that weighs more than say 1000Kgs, that can be towed just about anywhere a 4WD can go by itself, having similar approach and departure angles as a 4WD and only as wide as the 4WD.

Even with a camper trailer you still cannot start on say a mountain track unless you know it goes somewhere, as it would be very difficult to turn around if you find a gate locked on the side of a spur.


Try going on a steep mountain 4wd track with an empty 6x4 trailer, you won't have a hope, let alone with a 1000kg off road camper trailer.
look at this video from my landy cam of a local track, I tried towing a Empty 6x4 trailer to bring back some rubbish that some A-hole had dumped & I did not have a hope, has to disconnect the trailer and push it off the side and collect it on the way down.

BlackVue DR400G 1st Bush track test LandRover Defender Td5 (LandyCam) - YouTube

So the argument is sort of moot, The idea is you tow your caravan or camper to a good campsite, unhook it then go 4x4ing, then come back at the end of the day. Buggerd If my wife would want to go around Australia in a Tent, As Joe said, Happy Wife, Happy life .

[joeT]

No. I think you call that a house mortgage. But yeh I'd have one as soon as I won lotto..

[PhilipA]

Yeah right!
Lets all try that.
Regard sPhilip A

[TerryO]

Gee I wonder what size you would call a caravan?

My comment about it being a camper was tongue in cheek, yes it is a rough road van. Having said that we do take it off road where others we have camped with take their off road campers and it has proven to be up to the tasks we have given it, so far.


That is a rough road pop top CARAVAN capable of withstanding hundreds of Ks of corrugations but too heavy to take on sandy tracks, too high for forest tracks or any track with jump ups.

You are correct yes it is for the most challenging places.

I would like to see you pull that across any creek on the OTT or go on dry sand on Stockton beach or get into Bendethra. ( possible maybe with a lot of hassle)

I didn't say it could be taken everywhere off road, I was saying it could go most places people take their campers. The reality is very few people go to the truly challenging places.


My definition of an offroad camper trailer excludes anything that weighs more than say 1000Kgs, that can be towed just about anywhere a 4WD can go by itself, having similar approach and departure angles as a 4WD and only as wide as the 4WD.

As I said each to their own, your thoughts on what is a camper trailer and what its maximum weight should be is not the same as everyone elses. Most everyone has their own idea on what is off road.

Even with a camper trailer you still cannot start on say a mountain track unless you know it goes somewhere, as it would be very difficult to turn around if you find a gate locked on the side of a spur.

Your correct again, in general I only take the van where I know others have recently been. If I didn't know I could make it through then I would do exactly the same as with any camper trailer and that is unhook it and drive the track and then come back and get it if passible.


I recall speaking to a guy at Millstream about his Trackmaster. Beautiful thing . Except he told me he couldn't take it on any forest tracks as it was far too high and would swipe trees everywhere.

That is why I bought a pop top, while it looks much taller then the D3 in the photo's in fact it isn't that much taller. A full size van is way to high for just about any track.

Even on the track into Lorella springs, which admittedly is very rough, two big name off road vans had suffered damage while we were there . One had its microwave fall out on the floor.

Personally I wouldn't take my van anywhere to rough as I have no intention of wrecking it. I definitely wouldn't take it anywhere like the Gall Bro's have with their Kedron's. I chringe when I see some of the daft things they have done with vans. But as I said each to their own.


I wish the original poster would make some comment , so that we can narrow down their requirements , and give some actual helpful advice.


Phillip, all advice is helpful in the end as it gives many different perspectives to consider. It is up the the individual to decide what, if any, advice given answers their questions.


Regards Philip A


cheers,
Terry ...:)

[goingbush]

..<snip>
The dust issue can easy be fix with ply board inside the door and some fine breathable cloth on the fridge vent.
Joe

Hey Joe if you planning on going to the Kimberley with your Jayco Wind Up the board over the vent won't be enough.

My new Trakmaster Sturt XC is finally ready for pickup on Friday (only been waiting 12 months) so I'll be revamping my website soon to show my Defender & Trakmaster instead of the 80 series & Jayco thats shown there now. But for now you can see the Donaldson Aircleaner & Air pump I put on the Jayco, it pumps clean air in while we are on the dirt & totally stops the dust getting in,

http://www.goingbush.com/images/filter.jpg

link to Going Bush web page (http://www.goingbush.com/rig.html)

Trakmaster say I won't need it on the new van, we will soon see.

[goingbush]

I recall speaking to a guy at Millstream about his Trackmaster. Beautiful thing . Except he told me he couldn't take it on any forest tracks as it was far too high and would swipe trees everywhere.



Ahh bugger, why didn't someone tell me that 9 months ago. Millstream is where we are heading. Finally picked up the Trakmaster today, extremely happy with it. Should last a bit longer than the old Jayco ;)

http://goingbush.com/trakmaster/tm4.JPG

Love the suspension,
http://goingbush.com/trakmaster/tm1.JPG

Not many Caravan builders will source Defender pattern hubs, those bearing are huge.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[BMKal]

Nice looking van there goingbush.

You won't have any problems at all getting into Millstream with that in tow.

[TerryO]

Agreed a very good looking practical off road van that could go most places with little trouble. ...:) And just a tad more practical off road than ours. ... ;)

cheers,
Terry

[Sleepy]

Not sure if we are answering the initial request but I will second Goingbush on the Trakmaster. My parents have had 2 of these and are, as we type, living the Grey Nomad experience (10+ years) in a larger dual axle Trakmaster (pulled behind a D3).

Very well built. With lots of plywood construction to handle flex too. The story I was told was these were originally designed by a boat builder who wanted a robust van. Bloody nice, but not cheap.

But I would call this an Offroad Caravan rather than a camper.:angel:

I get the feeling Brigden67 is looking for a Camper Trailer - similar to Redback's.

[It'sNotWorthComplaining!]

Also consider the reality of How many times will it get used, and how many months it will sit idle. Before parting with hard earned cash.

[PhilipA]

The one he had was more like this.
It must have been a Bushtracker rather than a Trakmaster.

Bushtracker Forum :: View topic - 21 foot BUSHTRACKER Family van with separate shower & to (http://www.bushtrackerforum.com/viewtopic.php't=2791&sid=03a0dbe0043560c021449fc62327fb81)
Regards Philip A