Pondering a TVan in 2018

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Originally Posted by cjc_td5

There are few things with this camper that I would change if going down the custom route.
- You loose a huge amount of volume if you restrict the upper body to between the wheel arches. Yes you can store fuel or similar along the sides but you loose a huge volume inside. The tow vehicle has already pushed through the scrub, the trailer may as well use this width also.
- If you are going to do anything like the Anne Beadell, Connie Sue or Gunbarrell Hwys, those awnings would last less than one day with the overhanging Mulga scrub. Aim for as flush as possible side profile so branches ride up and over the trailer.
- The axle looks a long way back which gives high A-frame and ball loads and also make the trailer track further from the tow vehicle tracks on corners. It would be easy to reverse though....

Don't take this as a criticism against the owner who has had a go at building something to suit themselves. God knows, I must be up to about iteration 20+ in designing my perfect camper trailer configuration/layout. At least his got past the CAD stage...

Cheers,
Chris

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Agreed its not a perfect design, i thought it was just food for thought for Mark to ponder over. One major flaw is the positioning of the axle, adding weight would go straight onto the ball weight.
Axle moved forward and a rear opening like a T van would make a big difference as well as widening the body.

Hi Mark,
my first post on the forum .
The wife and I bought a new A van adventure plus cruise liner in March this year .
We like it for the following :-
quick to set up ( less than 1 minute from pulling up if parked close to level)
no canvas so quick to pack up in dry or wet weather.

no water leaks ( even in driving rain).
great vision when sitting at dining table .
high ground clearance on the adventure plus model
has all the creature comforts bug not over the top ie 3 way fridge, gas electric 20 litre hot water with external shower.
nice issuable internal kitchen
house battery/ solar panel fitted from factory ( lasts approx 3-4 days off grid)
external gas bayonet for hooking up the Weber mini Q.
2 x 64 litre water tanks
good internal storage

folds down to about roof height of most 4wdwagons so less wind drag
weighs about 1300-1500 kg fully laden ( depending on how much water and gear you take)
has huge front storage locker for tables/ chairs, hoses electrical leads, floor mats etc
ball weight about 130-159 kg
has new Ark 50 mm ball off road coupling .
Fully galvanised chassis
independent coil spring suspension.
Can get Factory Annex or we use a 2.4 x 2.4 freestanding Gazebo with with screens or solid sides .
price was about $37k for 2016 compliance runout model which we were happy with.
Might get one second hand now as this model has been out for about 3 years now .
Great for two or one person ( kids would need to sleep in their own swag or tent .
have done 6 short weekends away plus a 5 week trip from Central west Nsw to Cairns and have been very happy with it so far .
Hope to tow it on a few trips with my Series 3 stage 1 V8 wagon when it gets on the road . Currently towing it with 2013 Pajero ( 13-14 litres / 100 when towing)

haven't worked out how to attach photos yet so have a look at the a-van web site if you need more info .
Just another option compared to a t van and my 2 bobs worth .
Regards Woodsy

landy stage 1 V8 wagon ( work in progress)
series 2a Swb ( non runner , future project).

Thanks for the detailed response Woodsy...sorry i've been a bit slack replying!

Sounds like your A van is a nice setup. I've looked at A Van's in the past, but must admit have not looked recently.

Based on the units I saw a few years back, I'd hesitate whether they would be upto the more severe off road conditions I'd consider taking a trailer.

I will certainly take another look though.... the whole point in this thread is for me to learn from others experience.... Sounds like your suits you perfectly [smilebigeye]


I want what ever I buy to be capable of tracks like this as well as regular high country and desert trips.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...017/12/320.jpg

Cheers

Looked at these, Mark? You like going in style...

Camper Trailers – For Sale Australia-Wide | OPUS

There are more and more options the more you look!... Air to put up the tent is different...

Still leaning to the Tvan - a bit of luxury is nice.... but i like the idea of having a range of options in set up... from really fast over night - to full base camp.

I can see myself using the simple rear canvas screen option quite frequently:

https://outbackhq.com.au/wp-content/.../IMG_50801.jpg

Compared to my swag - that's enough style for me [biggrin]

We had a 2010 model Tvan for 7 years, a fantastic, 100% dust free camper that went wherever we wanted.
Only recently upgraded to an AOR Quantum, which is a completely different kettle of fish.
You can’t go past the Tvan for 1 or 2 people to camp in comfort.

Pop over to their website, Mark. It could be your car in the pic!

Quantum

Close!...... So obviously they have good taste in transport [biggrin][biggrin]

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Originally Posted by johntins

Looked at these, Mark? You like going in style...

Camper Trailers – For Sale Australia-Wide | OPUS

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What could possibly go wrong with an inflated tent while out in the Bush... 😉

Would like to see how it stands up in the wind too.

Mark, there are 3 sub 30k T-vans on gumtree at the mo, one is 22k asking price.