I have now taken delivery of half of my rig .... the hard working half.
In the coming weeks I will be taking delivery of my slide on camper, placing it onto the ute tray and drawing closer to setting off on my exciting trip around this wonderful land.
I just downloaded the bronco brosure, and its a flash unit. The pop top will give you better economy as my one is like a block of flats, and slow at cruising speeds, and up big hills.Did you get the electric legs?The wind up ones I have , are fairly spindly, and I have used a folk lift to get the camper on and off-easier.Overwise the slide ons are great. A toilet and shower would be great, but can,t have everything, or can you?The gas /elec fridges are good in cooler climes, but a compressor fridge is better in the tropics.I have 60 ltr Waeco, and its set on -2c and freezes my fish, and beer if I don,t watch it.Got rid of the old dometic.Looks like you have a great unit. Keep in touch, Bill
The unit is quite nice and does have an internal shower and toilet. I plan only to use them when I don't have access to toilet and shower facilities. I lost a bit of seating and storage space by choosing one with the indoor ablutions, but there is well and truly enough of both remaining for me. My unit does not have electric legs at the moment. Because I don't plan to take the unit off very much (if at all) while travelling I may not get them and instead put that money towards something else that I am likely to need more often. The vendor is replacing the fridge and I must check with what. I found that the Bronco ticked the most boxes for me, even if it sounds as if it came from the wild wild west! My rig may not necessarily appeal to everyone's individual taste and requirements but I am sure that I have made the best choice for me. I cannot wait to put it all together. Lyn
-- Edited by Lynnie on Saturday 11th of February 2012 11:32:19 AM
Its a bt50 2wd, I think. I am looking at one myself. From the repoerts I,m getting they are great vehicles, with goo fuel consumption. What areyou going to put on the back. I have a Freeway slide on,one a ford courier diesel 4wd.I think the bt50 will be better.Nice vehicle. Bill
Come to think of it, as coincidence would have it, it was parked at Riverboat Dock, from where I plan to commence my trip.
When the detailer is back from leave, it will go back to have the tray, tow bar and seats prettied up.
I am thinking that I will probably have to get a bull bar to protect it. A reversing camera is also planned......and a GPS unit ...... and comfortable seat covers ...... and .......(whatever else I haven't thought of yet)
It was such a great day yesterday. When several people (mainly other women) found out what I was going to use the ute for they were so encouraging and excited for me. And they were genuinely interested.
I know that I will be promoting the concept/experience to others and convincing other women that they can do it too. Joining this forum has reassured me that being solo (and a woman) will not be an impediment to me doing this trip safely and enjoyably.
Its a bt50 2wd, I think. I am looking at one myself. From the repoerts I,m getting they are great vehicles, with goo fuel consumption. What areyou going to put on the back. I have a Freeway slide on,one a ford courier diesel 4wd.I think the bt50 will be better.Nice vehicle. Bill
Hello there Bill.
It certainly is a Mazda BT-50, 2009 model, 2WD, manual, 8ft tray, etc. I selected the BT-50 because of its higher payload capacity. It was going to be either that or a Ford Ranger.
I will be placing a Palomino Bronco slide on camper on the back. It was made in USA and is currently having modifications to gas and power to ensure compliance with Australian Standards. It has a pop-top which means that it has a lower centre of gravity when travelling and I won't be taking out any bridges, overhanging trees, etc!!
I just downloaded the bronco brosure, and its a flash unit. The pop top will give you better economy as my one is like a block of flats, and slow at cruising speeds, and up big hills.Did you get the electric legs?The wind up ones I have , are fairly spindly, and I have used a folk lift to get the camper on and off-easier.Overwise the slide ons are great. A toilet and shower would be great, but can,t have everything, or can you?The gas /elec fridges are good in cooler climes, but a compressor fridge is better in the tropics.I have 60 ltr Waeco, and its set on -2c and freezes my fish, and beer if I don,t watch it.Got rid of the old dometic.Looks like you have a great unit. Keep in touch, Bill
You are doing well Lynnie. Congrats. Hope you make it out to Greens while the others are there, especially Bill with his slide on so you can compare notes. I'm heading out tomorrow, Sunday, have to be back home Wednesday for apps. If I miss Norma in that time will go back out Friday just for the day if I can't do a few more days.
My rig may not necessarily appeal to everyone's individual taste and requirements but I am sure that I have made the best choice for me. I cannot wait to put it all together. Lyn _______________________________________________________________
Lyn, we all have different wants and needs. If you please yourself re: your choice of rig/layout etc; you are pleasing the only one who matters. It works for me
Bugga, but I think everyone will be there. How far is it from Etuca to Greens?Its a bloody long way from Narooma , Nsw.Come if you can, you would be welcomed. Bill
You go Lynnie!!! People, especially women are fascinated to learn we can consider doing this on our own, or even that we consider it, let along setting up to actually go. Carry the banner for the girls!
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
You go Lynnie!!! People, especially women are fascinated to learn we can consider doing this on our own, or even that we consider it, let along setting up to actually go. Carry the banner for the girls!
It is great that there seems to be quite a number of women carrying the banner for the girls, all in our own way. It is also beaut that there are a number of solos carrying the banner for the boys. I think that us solos have an advantage in that we have "ownership" of all the planning and decision making - male or female, we know what we are doing and why we are doing it that way. We are all living our own dream and this forum gives us all chance to encourage each other along the way. And that seems to be a common theme as we read the various postings. Best wishes Chris. Lyn
With bull bars you have to consider the very large additional weight of a steel bar on the front suspension and on the steering. Just bear in mind that the steel bar might not deform but any big hit could distort the vehicle's chassis.
Sadly it is hard to survive a large animal strike at speed, so the best risk management is to travel from a civilised hour in the morning and choose the distance to avoid having to travel at speed, or into the late afternoon.
In that case I'd probably choose something in alloy only to lessen the chance of being stranded. The problem is that any light hit in the radiator area results in the fan going through it and the motor instantly overheats.
Thanks John. I appreciate your input I actually have been having second thoughts over the last day or two about installing a bull bar. I really don't want to put one on and my original plan to drive in the mornings and for a maximum of three hours should hopefully help lessen my chances of a "strike". I will still keep researching but will certainly not rush into it. Best wishes. Lyn
-- Edited by Lynnie on Sunday 12th of February 2012 08:23:47 AM
With bull bars you have to consider the very large additional weight of a steel bar on the front suspension and on the steering. Just bear in mind that the steel bar might not deform but any big hit could distort the vehicle's chassis.
Sadly it is hard to survive a large animal strike at speed, so the best risk management is to travel from a civilised hour in the morning and choose the distance to avoid having to travel at speed, or into the late afternoon.
In that case I'd probably choose something in alloy only to lessen the chance of being stranded. The problem is that any light hit in the radiator area results in the fan going through it and the motor instantly overheats.
Here is a picture of my slide on camper. It is the one on the left. The vendor is close to completing the necessary modifications, and will soon be adding items that I required (at my cost). He has been terrific to deal with. I think I will make Greens Lake my first trial run.
That's great Lynnie, how exciting for you. I have a friend staying over tonight so I get to sleep in my rig tonight. She felt bad putting me out but I love it. Can't wait to do more of it. Enjoy Tess
i,m at greens with marj and nuone, after a long drive from Narooma. If your in the area, come down for a cuppa. I,m thinking of a fish barby tomorrow night. All WELCOME. Bill
i,m at greens with marj and nuone, after a long drive from Narooma. If your in the area, come down for a cuppa. I,m thinking of a fish barby tomorrow night. All WELCOME. Bill
Bill, I had just sent you a PM when I noticed this. I will see you all tomorrow afternoon, probably some time after 4:30. Lyn