Thread: To tow or not to tow

Yeh, if your camped somewhere all set up and you're out of sugar and the milk has gone off, you have to pack everything up again to go and purchase some goodies.
What i'm getting at is you have to cart everything with you everywhere you go, to each his own.
I like VNX-205's setup with his Tray-On Camper, great setup, small footprint, light weight and 30 second setup. I know you're capable of removing the camper but it looks to be a hassle and you have to worry about whether it will be there when you get back, at least with a trailer you can lock it up so it can't be towed.
Then again if I had $25K + I would be looking at a Tray-On for my trailer, Regards Frank.

I've looked at the Tray-on and Travelander, and neither of them are really good for taking a boat, unless you tow it. I'd rather not tow a boat, as mates have all told me they get punished off-road and you're better off carting them upside down for rough terrian. Hence, I'm better off towing a van or camper with the boat upside down on top. Bit of a catch-22.

I originally hated the idea of towing, and scoffed at the "off-road caravans", but after a bit of research they seem up to the task if you look after them.

Basically, something like a Jayco Outback off-road caravan seems a lot more comortable than a kimberley camper, at half the money. Only issue with a Jayco (or similar) is durability, of which I'm yet to be convinced.

Ultimately, I've almost come to the decision to tow a camper/caravan to use as a base station, with the tinny on top, and keep camping gear in the 130 tray for remote expeditions.

Originally Posted by Ranga

I've looked at the Tray-on and Travelander, and neither of them are really good for taking a boat, unless you tow it. I'd rather not tow a boat, as mates have all told me they get punished off-road and you're better off carting them upside down for rough terrian. Hence, I'm better off towing a van or camper with the boat upside down on top. Bit of a catch-22.

I originally hated the idea of towing, and scoffed at the "off-road caravans", but after a bit of research they seem up to the task if you look after them.

Basically, something like a Jayco Outback off-road caravan seems a lot more comortable than a kimberley camper, at half the money. Only issue with a Jayco (or similar) is durability, of which I'm yet to be convinced.

Ultimately, I've almost come to the decision to tow a camper/caravan to use as a base station, with the tinny on top, and keep camping gear in the 130 tray for remote expeditions.

Hi Ranga
I orignally set up a pop up campa simular to the jayco for our trip which would take the dingy on top, used it for over 12 months locally and sold it and purchased a caravan with a toilet and shower (wife will love me forever because of this feature,
. I left the boat at home, I do miss it though but talking to people we meet on the road that are carring boats and asking about usage it suprises me how little they are used. Talking to a couple from tassie in the park we are at now, their boat hasnt been used in 10 months and he said we should have left it at home, that does seem to be a simular theme. Need to work out the extra fuel cost and nuisence value to see if its worth it for yourself, You can hire a tinnie for around $100 for half a day ( rough cost) or go on a full day off shore charter for around $250. We have been on the road since january and I have done it a bit of fishing with some success from the shores but there is so much more to see and do apart from fishing, I am a mad keen fisho. We have also fitted enough stuff under the bed to do remote travel when the time arises, self in flating matress, sleeping bags and a small twin burner gas cooker. Our cooking utensil from the van will double up for camping. Each to their own but I am glad I left the boat at home and towed the van, 12 months is a long time in a small camper as it is in a 16 foot van.
You will enjoy your trip no matter how you do it
cheers
blaze