I would like to tap this pool of vast knowledge. First, a little background. Working with exploration companies in some very remote areas (mainly overseas unfortunately) I am not new to travel or the hazards thereof and have a pretty fair idea of what I need to be self sufficient. What I do not know is the reliability of caravans to withstand the rigors of travel in this great country of ours. BTW, I have had considerable experience towing and reversing with trailers and never found it a problem.
I will most likely retire late this year or early next year and plan to have tug, van and accessories ready prior to that day. I dont have a big budget to purchase a new you beaut off road van with all the luxury but have a general idea of what would be suitable.
My Wish List:
Van which will not fall apart on corrugated roads (driven at sensible speeds)
Van which wont scrape or get hung up when negotiating small steep dips and humps.
Smallish to medium size van with double bed.
Internal shower preferably but at least an outside shower connected to gas hot water.
Decent water tanks (± 150 ltr)
Solar Panel and appropriate charger for good AGM battery (or two).
My Dilemma:
Spend less than $20,000 on an older van and some extra money getting it into top condition?
Spend up to $30,000 on a van which is only a few years old and hopefully in better condition?
Purchase a highway van and raise the suspension and fit larger wheels/tyres?
Purchase a dirt road van or full off road van?
Which frames stand up to the rigors of Oz travel? Aluminium frame or timber frame?
I already have a 2006 diesel Grand Cherokee which is a capable tug if the mechanics and complicated electronics remain reliable, but naturally prefer to keep the tow weight to a minimum.
I have already done a fair amount of research but seem to get more undecided as time goes on. Age? . Nah!
Kenjo - welcome Sir Dave normally welcomes new members - he is a Guru - but is too busy travelling in Tas enjoying himself
If I can say, I have seen all types of vans travelling the remotest places. It seems you wish to ensure it will get there with the correct ground clearance. Bottom line, my opinion, there is no such animal, for every conceivable situation.
I have seen 4WD bottom, and purpose built trailers fall apart.
Its all in the way you drive and where you choose to take it. Of course you can raise, strengthen a van, but this alters its handling for normal use.
You may be better looking at a camper trailer, than van, for extreme conditions.
Eitherway, others will have a view for you, and I thought to welcome you and give you an opinion. Lots of info here, by VERY experienced people, Stay tuned
Hi Twobob, Thanks for such a prompt reply and I am sure there will be someone with information which will help me decide. I do not expect a complete solution from any one person. That is something I will eventually figure out myself. I have made a lot of mistakes in the past (but no more than anyone else of course) and have learned a lot (me thinks). Now, with the help of this internet and helpfull people, some of whom I may or may not meet in the future, I am trying to reduce the possibility of more mistakes now the the missus and I are in our mid 60s.
I actually have a camper trailer Twobob. A basic Cavalier. Great for a week or so somewhere but am thinking of something with a few more home comforts for much longer away stays. I agree that driving style has a lot to do with whether something stays together or not. I don't know what are the odds of my purchasing an older van, full of wood rot under the skin, which breaks up on the first dirt road.
Hi Kenjo, Twobob had it pretty right. No van will do absolutely everything. You have to have a bit of a plan of where you may travel. Whether it's mainly black top, or some adventure highways like the Birdsville Track. Some of the open surface roads are quite solid, with minimum corrugations, but I'd suggest the roads with the biggest currugations would put the strongest "off-road" van to the test. You really need to look at what you're going to do and where. In a lot of cases you can access your destination, park up in a van park or storage and have a look around with just the 4WD. Space and comfort are the biggies if you're planning to live in the van for any length of time. Water capacity for tandem vans varies 120litre to 160litres. I looked for 18 mths on the internet, the caravan trader and I drove my girlfriend nuts every time I went to Perth, as she escorted me around to look at every van yard. I was looking for a good, relatively modern solid van, 18-20ft with shower and toilet with a specific layout. And I got one - on eBay. My "Roma" is a 20 footer, 8 years old at the time, and I paid $25,000 for her. It had been on eBay for 6mths and I think they took my bid to get rid of it, but that's in my favour. If you're planning ahead, as it seems you are, give yourself time to have a good look around. Keep budget and requirements in mind, and good luck. At the end of the day, to frivolise just a little, it's just an aluminium box with staples - lots of staples. Aluminium frame is strong but not as flexible as timber. You choose. Safe and happy travels, and my see you on the road one day. Cheers Granny
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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.
I'm not really into off road vans but one thing is certain putting bigger wheels on a black top tourer will no do much....
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Don't take life too seriously.... No one gets out alive
KIA Sorento CRDi EX ( Ebony black) with 5 hex chrome plated tire air valve covers, Coramal Sunsheild, Elcheapo GPS, First Aid Kit, full KIA toolkit & Yellow lenses on the Foglights......
. I dont have a big budget
to purchase a new you beaut off road van with all the luxury but have a general idea of what would be suitable. 
. Nah!
