Thread: Doing the Big Lap

Well, after a lot of looking around, research and snooping around the 4x4/Camping show, we've decided a pop-top off-road caravan would suit our requirements best. Biggest concern is how durable the current offerings in our price range are (see Jayco Outback range etc).

We would also be carrying a full camping setup in the tray/tub of the Defender, to allow us to get to places we can't/won't take the caravan. Just trying to decide whether to use the tub or a tray, and which sort of canopy would be best (see my thread in the Defender section).

All these decisions are equally frustrating, interesting and exciting. I'm sure there's no silver bullet, but hopefully we'll sort out something that serves us well.

Well done Ranga - If I was travelling for more than 3 months I would also go for the off-road type caravan as well. Up to about 3 months I have enjoyed the camping, back of vehicle type experience but any longer and its nice to have a bit more comfort.

My only other advice is travel light - don't double up on anything. If you suddenly decide to camp with just the car then use the portable gas bottle/burner/BBQplate - chuck the mattress from the van into the ute, , likewise a bit of crockery and cutlery - be a minimalist camper for a change. You will then appreciate the comforts when you get back to the van.

I am no fisherman but I reckon live it up occasionally and go on a charter rather than drag a boat all around. Remember every kilo you carry will cost you in fuel. Go easy on the tools, gadgets, etc. If you really want to scare yourself - weigh everything!

If you can do a longer trip (couple of weeks) before you really head off then keep a list of everything that you took and note those items that you never used - be ruthless and leave them at home.

Last advice - be flexible and enjoy yourself

Ranga
I have done it both ways.
I have done it traveling very light and heavy with a Jayco Hawk .
The defender will do the lot, but slows up alot pulling 1400kg on road and a load in the tub.
the Jayco can be fitted with a rack for a small boat.

I have never really been a fan of Jayco but some folk have had good luck with them. I think build quality has improved somewhat from years past

I have a 1999 Goldstream (not pop top but camper) and its survived the Oodnadatta Track, Kings Canyon loop and the Tanami Track and regular gravel rural road travel. The owner before me also did a trip into similar areas as well and the van has survived really well.

Goldstream RV - Pop Tops

I also think Evernew has a pretty good reputation as well but I dont think they do "off road" type vans





http://www.wyatt-family.com/2005 Holiday.kmz

Travelling light , my self and missus both being short could sleep in the rear tub or swag it.
The tail gate was the table.
The biggest problem is accessing gear in the tub from the outside of the tub without having to climb in and out.
The answer for that would be a complete sliding floor which slides out though the tailgate.
The old army jeep trailer was very light and didnt cause any problems off road and it was used as nothing more than a ready set up tent on wheels which sleeps two.
The Jayco was the works with toilet set up in the tub on the move and a shower /toilet pop up when stopped for a while.
The Jayco could be left behind at a quiet campsite or left at a secured place.
The tub carried the bulky sleeping gear, clothes, barbie etc.
The anderson plug on the back of the 130 connected to the jayco for charging it whisle driving and to make use of the 130s twin batteries.
The Jayco had extra water tanks and gas bottles etc so nothing much that way had to be carried in the 130.
The Build quality on the Jayco was a let down.
But it was the best bang for your buck if you have got kids if you compare to some of the better flip out/flop over camp tent/ trailers etc on the market.
Jayco is too heavy for really hard off road work, but OK for 75% of the stuff you may want to do.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/trailers-v...abulous-2.html

I like the look of something like this 2004 Goldstream Gold Link Caravans in NSW - caravancampingsales.com.au

The drawbar looks very short though, compared to a lot of camper trailers I've seen, but I'm sure there would be enough room inside this for me, the wife (both short-arses!) and 2 little kids.

Bit of a drive, but would be a nice way to test it out on the way home. And Ron knows I don't mind travelling for the right buy

EDIT: This looks great also http://www.caravancampingsales.com.a...d=12F41044A801

Bit more expensive given the age, but looks a lot tougher and efficient to tow. Wonder how long it takes to put up the roof over the main cabin?

They are pretty tough Ranga so I wouldn't be put off by older models as well. Mine is a "Storm" the biggest of them all (Queen size one end and Double at the other) and whilst I bought mine a few years ago (2004) it was only $15K and I would happily still do the same trip again in mine. I reckon its travelled about 50,000kms all up and still has no significant issues.

Only thing I have done is replace one guide wheel on the roof raising mechanism and adjusted the wind up mechanism (which now squeaks a bit and could use a good lubrication).

Keep an eye on the papers and check a few out and ask the owners.

http://www.ultimatecampers.com.au/ - Ultimate are true off roaders and hold their value VERY WELL

i used to own a pop top i.e. two beds out the ends and although i was quite efficient at putting it up its gets to you after a week or so of doing it every day

my next van will be a roof only pop top....something like this

Goldstream RV - Pop Top - Mini