I have spoken to a number of salesmen selling a range of different vans trying to find out what is upgraded in off road vans so they can handle rougher conditions.
Once I get past the deeper chassis rails, Treg hitches and bigger wheels there seems to be little knowledge about other structural improvements that make them more robust. Sure there are other changes they make like adding more solar and jerry can holders but these things don't go to the structural integrity of the van.
I would like to here what forum members know on this subject.
03_Troopy said
04:08 PM Mar 2, 2015
Better suspension systems for a start. Independent suspension with decent shockies. Some profess to sell off road, but a few only have shockies added to the standard axle and spring arrangement, and lifted them a bit. Another thing to be very careful about is the build quality of the interiors. Some still appear to have only the same build quality of black top vans and would probably fall apart on long stretches of heavily corrugated roads.
Thanks Troopy for your response. In relation to the interior of the true off road vans what do they do to make the interiors more robust?
03_Troopy said
07:00 PM Mar 2, 2015
To be honest, I have only looked at a couple at caravan shows, but the ones that appeared to be better used plywood and timber rather than chipboard and were glued and screwed instead of using staples and glue.
Bruce and Bev said
10:36 AM Mar 3, 2015
there are many off-road vehicle clubs around - suggest you pick up a few off-road magazines from your local newsagent and email them for a club close to you. Remember the editor and writers of these sorts of magazines are right into what they write about, so they will help you
Yabbietol said
04:19 PM Mar 3, 2015
Hello
I would suggest have a look at Kedron and Bushtracker Caravans they are not cheap, but well made and designed for off road use.
To get a reliable off road caravan you need to pay more than you would for a standard tourer and much of this extra cost is in places you do not see, but really matter in tough conditions. I would suggest looking at owner forums and see where the members travel in their caravans, this is often a good way to get a feel of how off road capable caravans cope with tough conditions.
We have a single axel XC3 Compact Kedron on order for delivery in August. It is small enough to be towed by a Prado or Pajero legally. After much looking around we decided to go for Kedron. It is a choice for us of paying extra for a tougher van that we can be confident in taking off road. Both the above vans have good web sites and if you get serious I would strongly suggest arrange a factory tour. It is there you will see where the extra materials and effort (and cost) that goes in making an off road caravan.
Good luck in your search.
Terry
normn said
01:52 PM Mar 5, 2015
What about the Retreat range ... I have a Montague Offroader ... fantastic
Go anywhere
Norm
290
-- Edited by normn on Thursday 5th of March 2015 01:52:50 PM
wendyv said
07:53 PM Mar 6, 2015
Our Trakmaster had solid timber (meranti I think) framing, and all cupboards etc were glued and screwed to it.
Underneath wiring/piping was either fastened very securely where it couldn't snag, or in the chassis channels.
All fittings were as strong and solid as were available then.
We travelled lots of rough roads, and corrugations, and nothing fell apart, or gave any problems except for supplied components (fridge door fell off; stove glass top parted company from its holding hinge).
Possum3 said
11:45 PM Mar 9, 2015
Absolute must is compressor fridge additional mounts, piano hinges on cupboards, correct sealing on top of mudguards to keep out dust, any pipes underneath covered with metal guards, chassis should be galvanised not dura-gal (only silver paint), stone guard on front to deflect down rocks from bouncing back into tug rear window & protect gas bottles etc . regular servicing and checking wheels, bearings and brakes. check chassis for cracks particularly at welds after every adventure. fit safety catches to fridge and microwave doors.
- take a serious look at a Kedron if doing trips like Bamaga or Gibb River Rd.
I have spoken to a number of salesmen selling a range of different vans trying to find out what is upgraded in off road vans so they can handle rougher conditions.
Once I get past the deeper chassis rails, Treg hitches and bigger wheels there seems to be little knowledge about other structural improvements that make them more robust. Sure there are other changes they make like adding more solar and jerry can holders but these things don't go to the structural integrity of the van.
I would like to here what forum members know on this subject.
Better suspension systems for a start. Independent suspension with decent shockies. Some profess to sell off road, but a few only have shockies added to the standard axle and spring arrangement, and lifted them a bit. Another thing to be very careful about is the build quality of the interiors. Some still appear to have only the same build quality of black top vans and would probably fall apart on long stretches of heavily corrugated roads.
Have a look here to see some different suspension types.
Off road caravan suspension
Thanks Troopy for your response. In relation to the interior of the true off road vans what do they do to make the interiors more robust?
I would suggest have a look at Kedron and Bushtracker Caravans they are not cheap, but well made and designed for off road use.
To get a reliable off road caravan you need to pay more than you would for a standard tourer and much of this extra cost is in places you do not see, but really matter in tough conditions. I would suggest looking at owner forums and see where the members travel in their caravans, this is often a good way to get a feel of how off road capable caravans cope with tough conditions.
We have a single axel XC3 Compact Kedron on order for delivery in August. It is small enough to be towed by a Prado or Pajero legally. After much looking around we decided to go for Kedron. It is a choice for us of paying extra for a tougher van that we can be confident in taking off road. Both the above vans have good web sites and if you get serious I would strongly suggest arrange a factory tour. It is there you will see where the extra materials and effort (and cost) that goes in making an off road caravan.
Good luck in your search.
Terry
What about the Retreat range ... I have a Montague Offroader ... fantastic
Go anywhere
Norm
-- Edited by normn on Thursday 5th of March 2015 01:52:50 PM
Underneath wiring/piping was either fastened very securely where it couldn't snag, or in the chassis channels.
All fittings were as strong and solid as were available then.
We travelled lots of rough roads, and corrugations, and nothing fell apart, or gave any problems except for supplied components (fridge door fell off; stove glass top parted company from its holding hinge).
- take a serious look at a Kedron if doing trips like Bamaga or Gibb River Rd.