We are wanting some advice on the off road situation of buying a van to suit travelling on corrugated and rough roads and tracks to some of the great fishing spots around australia - not wanting to traverse the simpson desert or anything as hazardous e.g cape york track - no need for Bushtracker, Trackmaster.  very confusing as off road is used willy nilly to describe alot of vans that are not capable of a little rough treatment.  We are looking for a 19' shower/toilet, island bed, solar panels, 100amp batteries etc - can anyone give us some assistance - especially on what type of chassis, suspension etc.

We went through similar in selecting our new van, wont know whether we made the right choice till we've done a trip or two. However we discovered that a couple of types of caravans advertised as "off-road" were not covered by warranty if any damage was caused when being driven off road!! So, my advice is, check the warranty to be sure of where its manufacturers actually think it can be towed. Good luck in your search!

My sister just bought a Spinifex.....desert brown coloured one of...bottom left pic

it has shower/toilet, island bed, solar panels, 3/100amp batteries etc


http://www.spinifexcaravans.com.au/custom_vans.html

Yvonne , When is a off roader a off roader ?when you move to a dirt road.. Most vans will go off road.. Have seen a lote of big vans in some very remote places.. All you have to do is take it slow when you are on dirt or on a track that is a little rough..We had the same problem didnt want to break the bank by " all show and no doe" as the saying goes.. Was lucky and picked up a early 19 foot van that had been a on siter all its life and still had the new tires it came with.. They were no good, but the running gear was new. It took me 1 year to refit it to how we wanted ,"Just for two" It has sola 380 watts, 2 120amp agms, 1 and half hp reverse cycle air.2 all season hatchs. full size stove with oven, shower.toilet, hot water, just fitted a diesel heater, 4 wheel brakes,put straight axes on , gave 40m lift, "2inch?" 2 door waceo comp.fridge ,70 lt ss.drink water tank. 80 lt wash tank, 2 flat screen tv, cd player, uhf, radio. sat tv. 2. 9 kg gas ,A new paint job.. And we have been across the top and in some very rough places, and its still in good nick. its on its second set of tyres , since we have started to travel..So dont be fooled by "Its not a off roader " just look and take it easy when you hit the dirt, what ever you get.. The cost of our " off roader" so far maybe 20thou.not incl. my work time...Good luck... Bob n Bev....

We have just travelled the Oodnadatta Track with a 'normal' 17' van. As Bob 'n Bev said, we took it slowly. We did have some minor damage but nothing dramatic. We saw Bushtrackers and the like with more damage. Even with an off road van you need to drive to the conditions!!!!!

It's all about clearance and endurance. If you take it easy you won't shake the vegemite out of the cupboard nor do any structural damage underneath.

Hi Yvonne. I left a message on your whiteboard last night, if it's of any use for you. Cheers Dellie

We are thinking of getting a "semi" off roader and keeping the tent for the rough stuff.