I'm torn between two vans New Age Road Owl 16 ft or Crusader Lifechanger Pathway. The price is very similar, both for off-road use. But quality-wise I don't know which to choose. Any help or advice ??
Thanks
Bobdown said
01:53 PM Apr 26, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
Hi
I'm torn between two vans New Age Road Owl 16 ft or Crusader Lifechanger Pathway. The price is very similar, both for off-road use. But quality-wise I don't know which to choose. Any help or advice ??
The first van you mention I would stay away from, a mate had one that fell apart inside, no help from New Age, he had to go to Consumer Affairs for any action to happen.
Cheers Bob
Possum3 said
02:58 PM Apr 26, 2021
Welcome to GN's Nick - Neither van you list is truly an "Off-Road Van" - Both may be suitable for a well made gravel road. Get technical information at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ Check out Buyer beware list on Lemon Caravan and RV's website - before parting with any hard earned - It's a minefield out there.
Remember if you are using a van on gravel roads Leaf springs will handle it better - slipper leaf even better. You will be continually having to have suspension redone if you go independent.
Mike Harding said
04:20 PM Apr 26, 2021
The term "Off Road caravan" is a complete misnomer.
Having spent a lot of time doing serious 4WDing with a swag I can assure you there is no serious off road place to which you could tow a caravan - unless you're an idiot.
What you need is a bit of ground clearance for the van, low range in the vehicle and a lot of patience and you'll be surprised at where you can go.
I have towed my Snowy River SR-19 to some serious spots in Victoria and I commend it to you:
By off-road, my goal is to do Gibb River run with it. New Age salesperson advised me on suspension and he said that independent is better.
Bobdown said
08:32 PM Apr 26, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
hi
By off-road, my goal is to do Gibb River run with it. New Age salesperson advised me on suspension and he said that independent is better.
New Age van would be left about halfway for firewood if you are lucky.
Kedron or Bush Master if you are serious for serious money.
Cheers Bob
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:47 PM Apr 26, 2021
G'day Nick,
Again welcome to a great & very helpful forum. Times 2 for the advice above. After reading the dramas on the Lemon Caravans Facebook page, I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy a new caravan! Often Jayco is rubbished on forums but some of the "big boys" aren't any better! Jayco would probably shake their heads to some of the places I took our Eagle camper - I bought it second hand so there was no warranty.
Be wary about what some salesperson tell you - ask of their experience in travelling in caravans. We have one if these people on the forum (Montie) - his input could be of assistance to you.
As you want to go adventuring, do you have to have a caravan? A camper trailer might be more suitable.
Also "driving to conditions" can extend the areas where you go. Set realistic time frames for your trip so you don't have to hurry. And yes independent suspension is better on rougher roads, but my two past camper trailers (& my current van) had a solid axle & leaf springs. That didn't stop me from going anywhere.
Outback roads can vary dramatically in condition, depending on when they were graded, how much rain has fallen, the amount of traffic, the time of the year.
All the best in your research.
Possum3 said
10:42 PM Apr 26, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
New Age salesperson advised me on suspension and he said that independent is better.
That's because that what they are selling - Rocker leaf spring is the most robust. Utilising slipper springs would assist in "softening" the ride marginally - Leaf springs can be more easily repaired out the back blocks even temporarily to get you back to civilisation.
Wanda said
11:49 AM Apr 27, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
hi
By off-road, my goal is to do Gibb River run with it. New Age salesperson advised me on suspension and he said that independent is better.
Offroad caravan is NOT just about suspension. Its what you can't see that is just as important as the suspension, and, how the van is contructed!
Equally important is what they have done under the van, with pipe work and tank protection to say nothiong about how it has been sealed underneath as well
Ask your salesman how their "offroad" van differs from a normal on road van!
Go to someone who specialise in offroad if your serious, there are plenty out there, I would not consider the 2 you have mentioned in that field.
A well made on road van is capable of most dirt roads depending on the severity of corrigations, which is the destroyer!
good luck
Ian
montie said
12:50 PM Apr 27, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
Hi
I'm torn between two vans New Age Road Owl 16 ft or Crusader Lifechanger Pathway. The price is very similar, both for off-road use. But quality-wise I don't know which to choose. Any help or advice ??
Thanks
Nick,
Problem is when you ask a question like yours on a forum you will get many and varied answers.
You are looking for an off road van to do some serious work so I would suggest you do your own home work. Talk to some owners when you see an off road van or visit some caravan parks and have a chat there with some owners. Visiting shows can be useful but can get confusing if you get waylaid. However, if you stay focused on your requirements there you will get some very useful information. I would not recommend that you purchase at a show.
I wouldn't give much credibility to anything you read on Facebook, but the internet can be a useful tool to do some research.
Without mentioning specific brands there are some builders out there who specialise in off road vans so maybe have a look at what they are offering as a guide. Genuine off road vans are usually heavy and expensive so obviously budget and tow vehicle is also a factor. Maybe a semi off road van with a good suspension (like Cruisemaster), good underbody protection, ground clearance and set up for off grid use would be another option.
Good luck with your search.
HandyWalter said
02:36 PM Apr 27, 2021
As said before those vans are not off road. I have a New Age Manta Ray Deluxe which was sold as off road. It was not off road ready at all. NA's idea of offroad is a bit of lagging on some pipes but not all, 2" riser in chassis, DO35 hitch, mud tyres, and checker plate on bottom 1/4 of van. However with a lot of extra work my van is able to take on some off road tracks. Again what does off road mean? Baflour track, Canning, Simpson. Billy Goat track? None of those could be done with any van leave alone an off road one. If you mean the Gibb, Oodnadatta or the Tanami then PM me and I am happy to talk to you off the forum of what needs to be done. When I purchased my van I was looking at both the brands you have mentioned. Both were about the same price, but the NA had a few more creature comforts. Also the Mrs liked those extras so my fate was sealed.
Cheers
bgt said
05:06 PM Apr 27, 2021
I would caution anyone bagging a brand. Some builders have been known to have forums delete conversations. Just saying. PM folks if you have to.
gdayjr said
05:28 PM Apr 27, 2021
Nick2000 wrote:
Hi
I'm torn between two vans New Age Road Owl 16 ft or Crusader Lifechanger Pathway. The price is very similar, both for off-road use. But quality-wise I don't know which to choose. Any help or advice ??
Thanks
I have just changed my mind on the van i am buying, i was looking at the Jayco Silverline, which is just for me.
I am now more than likely going to buy a Crusader Excalibur Prince.
I was quite impressed with the build quality of the entire Crusader Range.
Nick2000 said
06:35 PM Apr 27, 2021
Hi,
What about JB Caravans Dirt Roader? Any better in terms of quality than NA Road Owl ?
bomurra said
09:04 PM Apr 27, 2021
Hi Newbie Nick,
I will attach a comparison and evaluation sheet for you that may assist in your decision making.
Hi, What about JB Caravans Dirt Roader? Any better in terms of quality than NA Road Owl ?
I would say yes, JB have a fairly good reputation with build quality overall, mate has the dirtroader with cruisemaster suspension. He will be tackling the GRR this year that will test it!
I think your on the right track though, another option would be Evernew, they are an excellent van and very capable offroad, Trackmaster are another but come at a cost!
keep investigating, checking various forums and owner groups, although some of those are very very biast to their own brand!
Hi
I'm torn between two vans New Age Road Owl 16 ft or Crusader Lifechanger Pathway. The price is very similar, both for off-road use. But quality-wise I don't know which to choose. Any help or advice ??
Thanks
Remember if you are using a van on gravel roads Leaf springs will handle it better - slipper leaf even better. You will be continually having to have suspension redone if you go independent.
The term "Off Road caravan" is a complete misnomer.
Having spent a lot of time doing serious 4WDing with a swag I can assure you there is no serious off road place to which you could tow a caravan - unless you're an idiot.
What you need is a bit of ground clearance for the van, low range in the vehicle and a lot of patience and you'll be surprised at where you can go.
I have towed my Snowy River SR-19 to some serious spots in Victoria and I commend it to you:
Snowy River
By off-road, my goal is to do Gibb River run with it. New Age salesperson advised me on suspension and he said that independent is better.
New Age van would be left about halfway for firewood if you are lucky.
Kedron or Bush Master if you are serious for serious money.
Cheers Bob
Again welcome to a great & very helpful forum. Times 2 for the advice above. After reading the dramas on the Lemon Caravans Facebook page, I wouldn't be in a hurry to buy a new caravan! Often Jayco is rubbished on forums but some of the "big boys" aren't any better! Jayco would probably shake their heads to some of the places I took our Eagle camper - I bought it second hand so there was no warranty.
Be wary about what some salesperson tell you - ask of their experience in travelling in caravans. We have one if these people on the forum (Montie) - his input could be of assistance to you.
As you want to go adventuring, do you have to have a caravan? A camper trailer might be more suitable.
Also "driving to conditions" can extend the areas where you go. Set realistic time frames for your trip so you don't have to hurry. And yes independent suspension is better on rougher roads, but my two past camper trailers (& my current van) had a solid axle & leaf springs. That didn't stop me from going anywhere.
Outback roads can vary dramatically in condition, depending on when they were graded, how much rain has fallen, the amount of traffic, the time of the year.
All the best in your research.
That's because that what they are selling - Rocker leaf spring is the most robust. Utilising slipper springs would assist in "softening" the ride marginally - Leaf springs can be more easily repaired out the back blocks even temporarily to get you back to civilisation.
Offroad caravan is NOT just about suspension. Its what you can't see that is just as important as the suspension, and, how the van is contructed!
Equally important is what they have done under the van, with pipe work and tank protection to say nothiong about how it has been sealed underneath as well
Ask your salesman how their "offroad" van differs from a normal on road van!
Go to someone who specialise in offroad if your serious, there are plenty out there, I would not consider the 2 you have mentioned in that field.
A well made on road van is capable of most dirt roads depending on the severity of corrigations, which is the destroyer!
good luck
Ian
Nick,
Problem is when you ask a question like yours on a forum you will get many and varied answers.
You are looking for an off road van to do some serious work so I would suggest you do your own home work. Talk to some owners when you see an off road van or visit some caravan parks and have a chat there with some owners. Visiting shows can be useful but can get confusing if you get waylaid. However, if you stay focused on your requirements there you will get some very useful information. I would not recommend that you purchase at a show.
I wouldn't give much credibility to anything you read on Facebook, but the internet can be a useful tool to do some research.
Without mentioning specific brands there are some builders out there who specialise in off road vans so maybe have a look at what they are offering as a guide. Genuine off road vans are usually heavy and expensive so obviously budget and tow vehicle is also a factor. Maybe a semi off road van with a good suspension (like Cruisemaster), good underbody protection, ground clearance and set up for off grid use would be another option.
Good luck with your search.
Cheers
What about JB Caravans Dirt Roader? Any better in terms of quality than NA Road Owl ?
Hi Newbie Nick,
I will attach a comparison and evaluation sheet for you that may assist in your decision making.
Hope it helps.
Bob.
I would say yes, JB have a fairly good reputation with build quality overall, mate has the dirtroader with cruisemaster suspension. He will be tackling the GRR this year that will test it!
I think your on the right track though, another option would be Evernew, they are an excellent van and very capable offroad, Trackmaster are another but come at a cost!
keep investigating, checking various forums and owner groups, although some of those are very very biast to their own brand!
Ian