You are right Brickies, what suits one need not suit another. we were parked at Binnaway last week and there were 5 totally different set ups. One had a Motor home, we had 18ft van, man next door had an Isuzu ute with a type of canopy on the back, one side had his kitchen and the other his bed. Another had one of those tiny teardrop vans, and another bloke and his two kids slept in their troopy. All were very happy in their outfits.
My advice too would be look around, take your time. choose wisely. We made the mistake of rushing in. We brought a camper trailer and then found it wasn't what we wanted. Had to sell and buy a van. Lesson learned!
-- Edited by valnrob on Tuesday 17th of July 2012 09:29:18 AM
Length and width prevent excursions off-road. Then there is weight, extra with the en suite facilities and kit for independence.
Maybe you are thinking about graded roads, but even then you need large American muscle with 4X4 to tow. I have a LandCruiser diesel, but would still limit the rig a lot to be practical, when off road 16' is still a challenge. Previously I owned a Ford light truck, which are more suited for the weights you are thinking about, but even in 4X4 you are still limited by the overall length and weight of the rig.
Maybe some here can steer you on what you can accomplish with a bit of lift to a decent van (think brands) and selecting the free camps. I'd take a tent off road, leaving the van in a safe location.
Only my 2c worth and recognising that as with fuel economy, some report results beyond the ken of ordinary drivers.
(edit) Just to add, do you really need a 'off road' van? Because if not a larger diesel 4X4, eg Landcruiser or Patrol will do and you can have some extra space (say 20' max).
-- Edited by johnq on Tuesday 17th of July 2012 10:20:43 AM
As serious contenders for a new life experience wandering this great country, my Wife and I would appreciate your advice on the best choice of a 21-23 foot van with ensuite and tow vehicle for a semi off-road nomadic lifestyle. It may be a simplistic and perhaps a silly question but your feedback would be very handy.
Well get ready for this one , the best caravan is the the one each member owns , I think you need to compile a list of what you need your van to do for you and look at has many caravan yards and shows and not be in a hurry , we all have different wants and needs and I don't think anybody but you can decide the best van for you
Yes, I think you just have to suit your needs as they are now. But be prepared to find that after a time spent on the road they change. We use to travel in a Phoenix off road caravan towed by a 4x4 Nissan but now we have been there done that so we are in a motorhome which is certainly not suitable for off road travel. Have a good look around & hope you enjoy "on the road' once you get set up.
Welcome Nobby Simpson from me, enjoy here and out there.
No question is silly my friend, if you new the answer you wouldn't have asked in the first place.
I don't have a big rig so I'm not the best person to help BUT if I were on the market for what you have mentioned I would look at the Lotus Trouper, Kedron and Matrix off road Vans and Ford Ranger, Mazda BT50 etc. I would also make sure my tow vehicle if the Ute version, had a hard lockable canopy and was 4x4 diesel.
You will get heaps of replies on here from very knowledgeable and experienced people.
Good luck.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
very hard to pick a unit for somebody else, you need to decide what you want to do with it, best advice given below is 'take your time' also try and hire a few differant units to see what would suit you both, it took us 2 years of shopping around before we made our purchase and we still have that van & tug.
