Lance, it's a difficult question as to which way you go. We went from a tent to a tent trailer - even camped in a CP just outside Flinders Chase one night when a low pressure cell went through; after I made sure we weren't going to get blown away, we ran the heater all night. It was a cell that would frighten the BOM up our way in Townsville!
From there to a Jayco OB Eagle (9 years) & now to something similar to what you have on the drive way. How much fuel could you buy for the cost of another camper? And all the while your van depreciates while it sits there unused. Know where you want to go, then weigh up where your proposed camper, etc will go.
From carrying a tent (minimal restrictions to where we went but I guess we were "just a bit heavy"- Cape York, Twilight Cove in WA) to the tent trailer (not quite as adventurous - Birdsville, Strzlecki Tracks numerous times, National Parks in Qld, NSW (inc Sturt NP), Vic & SA) to the Eagle - we went where we wanted to go but I had to be aware it had limitations - Iron Range, the Kimberly, again the two famous inland tracks, & now to the van. Yes, it's weight & width limit us a bit further but we're getting older too & have grand children to see, etc.
Whatever your decision - that's entirely up to you. We can only give advice, based on our experiences. I over heard a senior gentleman in the facilities in the Ceduna Foreshore CP say one morning that "Every day is a good day when you wake up alive".
Happy travelling.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
I got a lightweight 7x4 tradies style trailor made (300kg) threw solar panels on roof and one side, big lithium battery and inverter. I have a shelf thing added which allows me to sleep under it with, stuff likes clothes, cooking gear etc on top.
When stopping i put small tent up and large tarp. I prefer tent only sleep in trailor if in a city (no one knows u in it :), or if raining too much to put a tent up.
No more buying ice or carrying gas or paying for a powered site. .......... Freedom.
One side opens up and have magnetic flyscreen.
The solar keeps my Engel running as a freezer and have an evakool esky as a fridge, i make me own ice in engel. Battery pumps out heaps and also runs induction cooker, jug, toaster etc (not at same time) as well as proper cig lighter attachments which run laptop, lights,fan, phone/pads and shower.
Why not get a trailor maker to build you a u-beaut go anywhere off road tradies trailor.