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Gumpo


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Wanted ( advice)
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Geday all , my better half and I are going to become grey nomads next year when we retire. I have my tug ( 06 100 series TD L/C) and Im not selling her. Still looking for the van. To all out there do we really require an off road van if we are going off the beaten track? Maybe a silly question but I have had a few nomads tell me just drive to the conditions sonny! Any advice /experience appreciated. Cheers

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Wanda


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Welcome, as with a lot of things it depends on how much you want to spend, and in this case where are you planning to travel.
Offroad vans generally are better made and there are some who really only make an offroad van like, Trakmaster, Kedron, Bushtraker. They generally cost a lot more and are usually a lot heavier than standard vans.
Others like Evernew are known for their quality and can be taken offroad.
There are so many manufacturers out there these days, spend some time visting websites, forums, reviews etc first just to see whats to choose from.
You will get plenty advise, listen and learn but be careful
Good luck
Ian

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Gumpo


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Thanks Ian for the advice. Budget up to 100K and second hand. We have done some tripping around but always time poor. Will be a luxury to not watch the watch ! Done the Gibb , Cape, Savannah Way , Roper Bar , Stresleki?, Corner Country, Oodnadatta , etc in a $5000 camper and talking to a bloke the other day and he has done all that and more in a Jayco Silverline?? Just makes me wonder thats all ??? Cheers Alfie

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Possum3


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Gumpo, As Ian (Wanda) advised - caravans with robust bodies/chassis/suspensions do cost more - No caravans can safely ford rivers that come up past floor height.

My personal choice is "Evernew", But Trakmaster, Kedron and Bushtracker are also great touring vans - these do not come cheap.

You really need to do your homework and pre-determine the likelyhood of actually going off road other than the major bush tracks ie Simpson, Tanami, Strzeleckie, Gibb River, etc. Do you need an Luxury off-road van?

Do you actually need a caravan? Would a hybrid or camper trailer suffice?

Download free technical advice, checklists and buying guides at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ - Also go to "Lemon Sites" on Facebook There are a lot of whingers there but most of their Horror Stories are true.

Go to caravan parks and ask owners - I've never yet met a vanner that won't show you their pride and joy and tell you all the good things about it and most will also advise what they would like to do differently.

Never buy at Caravan Shows and if any vehicle Salesman is talking he's probably lying or at least distorting facts.

Do you homework thoroughly, it's your hard earned money - don't give it away to rogues and shiesters.

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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan

Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Gumpo


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Thanks Possum3 . Have done a lot of hard roads in a camper trailer and tents . Now its time for a few creature comforts I think. I am in no great hurry and am doing my research as I go. We are the type of people that like the remote areas of Australia if there is such a thing now. Maybe a hybrid would be ideal as you recommend. Early days yet . Thanks again

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watsea


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Hi Gumpo, you don't seem to have formulated a size or layout yet.
A few well respected (rightfully so) brands have been mentioned. Though robust, they are heavy vans.
The layout doesn't quite suit us but I have read a few good comments about Sports Cruiser Caravans. They have a website.
No personal experience with them for me.



-- Edited by watsea on Tuesday 23rd of November 2021 10:08:09 PM

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Wanda


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Gumpo
Have a look at caravancampingsales.com.au, from their home/front page click on first Category(click caravan) and then MAKE, then browse through just to get an idea on how many caravan manufacturers are out there.
Now your quest can begin, of course you will need first to decide on a layout and then after that exatly what you will require in your purchase, things like, suspension type, wood or aluminium frame, fridge size and type, solar yes/no or what you need, number of batteries required etc etc.
Spend some time looking through second hand vans at your local yards to get some ideas.
It is a long long process, so don't rush, start looking early(months before you need it) and not 2 weeks before plan on leaving!!
Have fun, google will be your best/worst friendbiggrin

Ian



-- Edited by Wanda on Wednesday 24th of November 2021 08:43:06 AM

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