cewilson's trak shak

[cewilson]

I finally got one! :D

It's second hand, nearly as old as the Defender and surprisingly enough it does the job just as good as the Defender :angel:

Photos tell a thousand words as they say:

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album230/Camping_Trailer_008.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album230/Camping_Trailer_007.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album230/Camping_Trailer_004.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album230/Camping_Trailer_002.jpg

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/album230/Camping_Trailer_001.jpg


The particulars are as follows:

95 Trak Shak
Independent Suspension/Shockies etc
Electric Brakes
Disco rims (I believe looking at them)
AT's
2 x 85 A/H deep cycle batteries
2 x 65W solar panels w/controller
Kids room
plus the normal additions/canvas etc.

It took us 20 minutes to set it up the first time, and about the same to pull it all down ready to move it. Hopefully with practice that time will improve a lot more.


NOW to go and use it, and see what limitations it puts on me off-road :angel:


Cheers
Chris

[smally4.6]

Well done Chris....
We also have a 95 model (midway) trakshak..great unit..well made & good off road...
We have camped in very rough weather and it has held up well...
You will enjoy camping with it..
Have you been looking for one for long...
Dont see many used ones for sale...
Cheers Smally

[cewilson]

Well done Chris....
We also have a 95 model (midway) trakshak..great unit..well made & good off road...
We have camped in very rough weather and it has held up well...
You will enjoy camping with it..
Have you been looking for one for long...
Dont see many used ones for sale...
Cheers Smally


Yep - looking for ages. They really don't come up - unless they are over 20k which is way more than I can afford with 3 kids, that's for sure. We got real lucky with finding this one, but the worst thing was it was their misfortune that helped us :(

When we set it up we had a decent storm with some rain and there wasn't any leaks. I'm hoping the old 200tDi is going to handle it alright up the highway. Off-road I'm not quite as worried as I figured the lockers, muddies etc will help there.

Cheers
Chris


Edit - whenever I get back over home (Tassie) I'll have to catch up and have a beer/comparison session :)

[lochie]

CEWilson I've travelled most of Aus.,in fact the only bit left is from Cooktown to the Cape.The rest of AUS has been traversed with a Deefer towing a Southern Cross off-road camper trailer -we have clocked up well over 100ks-alot off road.I looked at buying a Jayco off-road camper and I thought you end sleeping under canvas anyway.THe only damage we've had- nearly every trip-has been the clearance lights,even with the stone-guard. The only other things to remember the tent gets really hot during the day up North -cools down quick in fact magic at night.The other point tent pegs take a few different sizes in some places it's like trying to punch into concrete.After many years I still enjoy the camper and looking at you photo's i'm sure you will too.Best of camping in the future and remember there is alot of great adventures waiting. Lochie

[Redback]

An Aussie made Trak Shak is a great camper, that looks in good nick.

Baz.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi cewilson,
It looks like you have a great unit there. :BigThumb:

The wheels, however, are the original 16" RR wheels (6" I think).

Enjoy,
Peter

[cewilson]

Hi cewilson,
It looks like you have a great unit there. :BigThumb:

The wheels, however, are the original 16" RR wheels (6" I think).

Enjoy,
Peter

Thanks for that. Do you know if they'll fit my 93 Defender?

[Redback]

Thanks for that. Do you know if they'll fit my 93 Defender?

Yes they will, RRC, fit all Defenders and Disco 1s.

Baz.

[LandyAndy]

They are nice units.
Graz on here has one too.
Andrew

[Bushwanderer]

Hi cewilson,
As has been stated above (Redback?) yes they will, but many seem to prefer the 7" wide Disco rims.

If you want some the same as on the camper, I will send them to you for postage.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

If you want some the same as on the camper, I will send them to you for postage.


Peter - did you mean that you've got 4 or 5 of the same rims that I have on the camper for my Defender? Sorry I just wasn't quite sure what you meant.


Cheers
Chris

[Bushwanderer]

Peter - did you mean that you've got 4 or 5 of the same rims that I have on the camper for my Defender? Sorry I just wasn't quite sure what you meant.


Cheers
Chris

Hi cewilson,
Actually, I've got more than 5. Some have tyres, some not.

As I said, you're welcome to them for the delivery cost.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

Hi cewilson,
Actually, I've got more than 5. Some have tyres, some not.

As I said, you're welcome to them for the delivery cost.

Best Wishes,
Peter


That would be brilliant. It might be easier for you if the next time I come up I just drop by? But I'm more than happy to work in with you.

Thanks
Chris

[Bushwanderer]

That would be brilliant. It might be easier for you if the next time I come up I just drop by? But I'm more than happy to work in with you.

Thanks
Chris

Sounds good. However, I'm not always home, :) so give me as much lead time as you can.

How many are you wanting?

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

Sounds good. However, I'm not always home, :) so give me as much lead time as you can.

How many are you wanting?

Best Wishes,
Peter

Will do. I'll bring a drink or two up - what do you drink?

If you have them, 6 would be great - that would keep me with 2 spares. But I also don't want to sound ungrateful or selfish. :p

Cheers
Chris

[Bushwanderer]

6? Done!

My drink is Laphraoig (sp?), but I can't afford it :( and so I don't expect you to.;)

Keep in touch,
Peter



Will do. I'll bring a drink or two up - what do you drink?

If you have them, 6 would be great - that would keep me with 2 spares. But I also don't want to sound ungrateful or selfish. :p

Cheers
Chris

[Bushwanderer]

Hi cewilson,
On re-reading my post it sounded like that I hoped you got me that "stuff". That's not true and *please* forget that I mentioned it. :eek:

I'm happy to see that the wheels go to a good LR application. ;)

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

Well it had it's first decent trip with us. It was behind the Prado though, so it was treated gently due to the lack of capability compared to the Defender :wasntme:

Overall I am genuinely happy in how it went. It certainly made lunch stops very easy, and there was more than enough room for the family overnight. The wife was happy after the trip so that was a big bonus :D

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/TalbingoBrindabellas/Boxing_Day_Camping_Trip_100.jpg
Brindabella Valley for lunch

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
McIntyre's Hut


For the full trip report please have a look at the NSW/ACT trip report area.

I'm going to make a bracket similar to the one the kitchen is on for the front of the trailer (hanging off of the door). This will house the 80 litre Waeco and the little generator (I carry it for my son's asthma machine).

Once I've wired that in then to be honest I'm pretty much happy with how it is at the moment. I'm planning on doing a few more trips as soon as I can. that's for sure.

Cheers
Chris

[LandieMan]

Nice to hear and see the Trak Shak is doing the business for you and the family.

We're in the market for one too at the moment. I've just recently been made redundent here in NZ so we're going to jump on a plane to Aussie, buy a Landie and a Trak Shak and spend a year driving around the big country. With the two kids, the Trak Shak seems to be the front runner for us.

But as you say, they do seem to be hard to come by and are expensive. It's even harder when you're buying from across the Tasman.

Anyway, good luck putting your's into action.

Cheers, LandieMan.

[LandieMan]

http://www.4wdlinks.com.au/albums/TalbingoBrindabellas/Boxing_Day_Camping_Trip_117.jpg



No prizes for guessing which chair is Dad's!! :o

[cewilson]

The green one :(

[cewilson]

Well it has been a while since I updated this thread :o


Work has left me pretty busy so our trips have only been more of the day variety :(


However I did manage to order in four led strip lights tonight, which I'll fit in when they arrive. I'm thinking of running a small fuse box next to the current master switch but I'll cross that bridge shortly ;)


Anyway the lights I got are: Twin Duo 50 Yellow or White 12V LED Strip Light - Camping Accessories - Lighting - 4wd Recovery Gear | 4wd Accessories | 4wd Equipment and Camping Gear Australia | Axe and Shovel Holder | Combo Shovel | Synthetic Winch Rope | Camping Lights| Autofrid (http://www.4x4equip.com.au/showProduct/Camping+Accessories/Lighting/IDH-34-3/Twin+Duo+50+Yellow+or+White+12V+LED+Strip+Light)



Cheers
Chris




P.S - I haven't had a chance to get to Sydney Peter. If worst comes to worse - I am posted up there Sep next year :angel:

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Chris,
I am thinking of travelling to Melbourne in mid-November. If you are still interested in the RR wheels, I could drop them off in Albury on the way.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

I certainly won't say no mate - thankyou!

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Chris,
No worries. :BigThumb:

Do you live in Albury, or outside it?

Best Wishes,
Peter

[cewilson]

Albury - a stones throw (literally) from the airport.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Chris,
Sounds good. Now if I can only remember to bring the stones.:angel:

Best Wishes,
Peter
PS: I'll be in touch closer to the time in order to firm up details.

[cewilson]

Well the latest modifications have been done and it's ready for Tassie and the VIC High Country now - it's already packed :p


Please take a look at: Update 3 – Nov 2010 | 4WD'ing – The family way (http://cewilson.offroader.com.au/?page_id=546) for the full update.


Cheers
Chris




P.S - it's a new website that I'm currently working on. I hope to have it finished soon, but there's so many trip reports to work through that I am struggling. ;)

[cewilson]

29 Nov 2010 was my last post [bigwhistle]


So since then the trailer has been worth it's weight in gold. It is amazing that we spent so many years with the Defender pack up fully with tent and everything else we used to carry.

Looking back it's hard to fathom how we did it! So in short I suppose you could say that I still love the Trak Shak and probably more now than when we first got it.

The trip to Tassie in Dec 10 was absolutely fantastic.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1337.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1338.jpg

The VIC High Country was stunning in Jan 11.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1339.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1340.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1341.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1342.jpg

SE NSW and the Victorian eastern coastline in Jan 11.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1343.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1344.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1345.jpg

Blowering Dam in Jan 11 was a great weekender.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/08/1823.jpg

Mitta Mitta area for Easter 11.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1346.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1347.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1348.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1349.jpg

Cabramurra in June 11.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1350.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1351.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1352.jpg

Abercrombie - June 11

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1353.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1354.jpg

Stockton Beach - July 11

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1355.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1356.jpg

Lake Lyell - July 11

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1357.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1358.jpg

The big move to Townsville followed:

Cooloola

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1359.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1360.jpg

Byfield

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/08/1824.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1361.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1362.jpg

Cape Palmerston

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1363.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/06/1323.jpg




We put the old tyres from the Defender onto the trailer - I always swap them that way so I'm only buying 6 instead of 9 at a time.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1364.jpg

We also rigged up a quick stone protector as the old one died of old age.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/04/1365.jpg



It's funny how things work out. I look at the photos of the Defender and I can see the three eldest growing up throughout them all. I look at the photos of the Trak Shak and I can see our youngest growing up.

It's all happening too quick I reckon!!!


Anyway, apologies about the quantity of photos however if you want more information on the trips etc, please visit www.cewilson.offroader.com.au (http://www.cewilson.offroader.com.au)

Cheers
Chris

[DT-P38]

Love the track shack style and space. If we ever do the big block it will be with one of them or a camprite. For the stuff we mainly do like weekenders and short stays the no. 5 should pan out fine. Just know i am gonna hate lifting in and out of the tub after a while though.

Have you had any wear and tear issues with it? I remember seeing one last year on display at camping show with rust stains down the sides. Not a good selling point!

[cewilson]

The struts have faded over time, so I need to replace them - they don't really assist at all at the moment.

The brakes and bearings have only needed their normal inspections etc. I've actually been quite impressed considering where I have dragged it.

Rust wise it has been pretty good. I don't know what it is painted in (it's a grey colour), but it does 'seem' to be different to the newer styles going around. A couple of minor spots (normally caused by stone chips or off-road damage) that has been quite easily fixed with a quick clean and paint touch-up.

The tyres tend to wear more on the outside than the rest of the tyre. I believe it's a characteristic of the suspension set-up, however I will be taking a look at the condition of the various components as it is getting on in age now.

Overall I've been happy with the wear and tear - I hope it keeps going that way....

I agree about the Camprite - they are a brilliant trailer, just always been outside of our price range. That and 4 kids leaves them a tad impractical unfortunately.


Cheers
Chris