130 or off road trailer?

[SimonM]

Hi all,

With the recent arrival of our first bub we are looking at our camping set up and wondering how we will fit everything into our Patrol. Basic answer is it won't. Originally I was looking at buying an offroad trailer but the thought about buying a 130 which would easily fit all of our gear in.

What are you thoughts, trailer or 130? Obviously I am leaning to the 130 otherwise I wouldn't be on this forum . It means I don't have to outlay for a trailer as I would try a straight swap or thereabouts. I should be able to get around $25 000 for my patrol which I figure would get me a reasonable Landy.

Anything specific I should look for in a 130?

Is there anyone with a 130 living near Harrington NSW? It would be nice to have a good look at a 130 and maybe a drive.

Cheers

Simon

[justinc]

Hi Simon, congrats on the extention to the family and welcome to AULRO

I would have to agree the 130 is the best touring rig available, but yes you should drive one first. Coming from a Patrol, the ergononmics would shock you

Camper trailers are a good option though, set up a central camp and do day trips, coming back to a set up campsite and bed off the ground etc is a good thing....Our Rangie is no way big enough for us 4, having the camper is a real plus.

JC

[SimonM]

Thanks JC. I used to own a camper trailer and agree it was great, I would really love to try a 130 though. Both my partner and I kind of like things that are simple and a little off centre (like the defender ergonomics perhaps).

I do need to drive one first though.

[Michael2]

The 130 would win in areas of fuel economy and manueverability, over a Patrol / trailer combo.

I'd be happy to use the 130 as a daily driver, but depending on height & length restrictions where you work, you may find it unsuitable.

The 130 also lets you have all the kit with you. By that I mean, you'll always have your water tank and 240V Invertor handy. Your fridge will always be on hand, and the solar panels that may have otherwise gone on the trailer will now optimise the cars electrical potential.

Plus the 130 looks the part, so when your child grows up, and the Defender is finally replaced, they'll be able to show some camping photos and boast how dad had (or still has) one of those awesome 'old school' Land Rovers. Also women driving Defenders look really cool, so I think you're wife will appreciate the 130 too ;-)

Another consideration is that the 130 is a "Commercial Vehicle" by ATO rules, and as such, as long as you can legitimately claim vehicular expenses, when you drive a 'Commercial Vehicle' those expenses become 100% deductible, as opposed to "% of work use" for a non-commercial vehicle.

[SimonM]

All good points Michael and mostly the reasons why I am considering the 130. Plus my wife loves the look of the 130, she grew up driving an old troopy , which makes it alot easier for me to make the decision.

Luckily where I work parking will not be an issue.

Cheers

Simon

[camel_landy]

Hi Simon,

Go 110 or 130... If you're comfortable with a 110, the 130 is very similar.

The 130 does make a good touring rig but don't let that extra space lull you into packing too much... Be strict with yourself on the packing.

M

[JDNSW]

A test drive in a 110 would be very similar to a 130, and it may be easier to find one locally. Main difference is the wheelbase, obviously, and the cab of a dual cab 130 is essentially a 110 wagon cut off behind the rear seat.

Note that child restraint points are not standard on a 130, and you would have to get one fitted and engineered. A search on this forum would give more information - I think there is something in the Good Oil.

The length and wheelbase of the 130 will give you problems with parking in many places - but nothing like the problems of parking with a trailer!

John

[gaz]

Hi Simon we live in Crescent Head and have a 130 with slide on camper, you would be welcome to come and look etc...

[SimonM]

Hi Simon,

Go 110 or 130... If you're comfortable with a 110, the 130 is very similar.

The 130 does make a good touring rig but don't let that extra space lull you into packing too much... Be strict with yourself on the packing.

M

Thanks Camel_landy. My camping set-up is usually pretty basic and we keep things simple but with the addition of another bub and the intention of more on the way there is no way it will fit in a Patrol (unless I get a roof rack, which I don't want to). The 110 seems to have more internal space than the Patrol so that would probably fit our gear in, it's just that I like the versatility of having a tray to also do odd jobs for family carting stuff around etc. So the 130 seems to fit that equation.

I take your point with the weight and I do my best to minimise weight where possible.

Cheers

Simon

[SimonM]

Note that child restraint points are not standard on a 130, and you would have to get one fitted and engineered. A search on this forum would give more information - I think there is something in the Good Oil.

The length and wheelbase of the 130 will give you problems with parking in many places - but nothing like the problems of parking with a trailer!

John

Thanks John. I have seen some of the posts re: child restraints and will obviously have to get them engineered, which I am happy to do.

Hi Simon we live in Crescent Head and have a 130 with slide on camper, you would be welcome to come and look etc...

That would be great Gaz. A good excuse to head up the coast. When we get settled in with the new bub I will let you know and see if we can meet up when it is convenient. Any comments you would make about the 130? What year model is yours?