I am replacing my older motor home soon, and debating the 4x4 option on a van.
I presently drive an Isuzu Elf, which has all the things I need; 4x4 opt, [which have used in tricky smaller situations like mud after parking, steep gravelly track etc] it's under 5 metres, shower room, small front, which is easier to park, .... I am selling due to it's fixed high roof which creates sway, I want to be under 2.1 height, and is getting older than I feel comfortable with, in case of let down in remote areas. the fixtures are very heavy, would redo new vehicle in lightweight materials.
After months of research, Only one I can come up with which has the basic vehicle I need is the SWB 4motion VW Transporter. I do understand has not still got the high clearance as a 'proper' 4x4 has. The 4motion option will add around $12,000 cost on new van. Safety & getting out of trouble priority, as lone female travelling in remote places. It sounds a good vehicle, but shows it expensive to maintain.
Want to sell my car too so have only one vehicle to pay for. [hence smaller vehicle needed most times]
with a new or demo model, Then paying for pop-top, plus my own simple layout conversion on this van is going to cost around the high $70,000 mark. oowah.
Any other ideas, I have spent a very long time trawling network. Their 4x4 Caddy even sounded okay, but no longer on market.
And is it worth the extra money for the 4x4 option, considering my circumstances do you think?
Any fresh ideas , including vehicle choices, much appreciated!
Vonjean
wendyv said
07:43 PM Feb 21, 2017
Would a Toyota Troopy converted to camper be too big for you?
My solo lady friend travels extensively with hers.
Toyota has great benefit of being so widely used in Australia that servicing etc is easily available.
Can sometimes get used ex-hire ones. My friend bought hers as an ex Telstra vehicle and had the conversion to pop top camper done later.
You could hire one for a weekend and try out the idea.......
vonjean said
08:50 PM Feb 21, 2017
friends of mine up North have an old troopy, which I have already considered too large for me. There possibly maybe a smaller short nose 4x4 out there I could convert, but the only ones that seemed good shape to use I think was the LandRover, but way too expensive. There's always Lotto tho I guess?
Thanks for suggestion
Vonjean
Jaahn said
08:51 AM Feb 22, 2017
Hi
Another couple of vehicles would be Toyota Regius / Grand Hi Ace and Nissan Elgrand models. These are Japanese imports like your Elf and some are available as 4WD to be used similar to how you used your Elf.
They are front engined 7 to 8 seat people vans but the rear seats can be ditched and the back converted like a VW. They come in a variety of types so look around a bit for a suitable one. Being imports they come in and are sold after a while, the next may be different. Both makes have the mechanical parts similar to common 4WD vehicles sold here and used out in the bush, so no worries there.
Jaahn
msg said
01:22 PM Feb 22, 2017
My transit van is probably too big for your purposes and is not 4x4. Having said that, if you are concerned about clearances this is one of the highest. I purchased it because I wanted to "go bush" I travel mainly out in Channel Country visiting opal mines where there are no roads and few tracks. Its done very well for me.
Bryan said
02:18 PM Feb 22, 2017
There is also the option of a slide on camper on a 4x4 ute
vonjean said
07:47 PM Feb 22, 2017
Hi Jaahn, thanks for your suggestions. Spend a long time looking at them today, they actually look good, but like my own 'Elf' basically too old. This will be my last vehicle buy [hopefully] so now looking at either new or demo Australian models. I will end up paying an extra $20,000 or so to get rigged out how I want, so want to do this this on a new van. Thanks
Vonjean
vonjean said
07:55 PM Feb 22, 2017
Hi MSG, Funny thing is, a ford Transit was my late husband & I's very first camper we did up in the late 60"s!! He even made a pop-top that he had seen on the continent, before we had even seen them here. The motor was under the front seat back then, not sure if same now, It used to get hot under the seats back then! prefer the VW of short nose, and motor straight in line type. Thanks for suggestion, didn't realize was higher clearance, will keep in mind tho. Thank you.
Vonjean
vonjean said
08:06 PM Feb 22, 2017
yes Guru, actually last night did start trawling through the pop-top slide on's, some look good layout's. Looking at ones that dont seem to have too larger gap between the vehicle & slide on that could create a drag, as all up diesel economy is important. Would not matter if this part was older, as long as what I wanted.
few years ago saw a ute that had a little back seat area, and the doors seemed to open from the left somehow, but in minds eye that seemed good idea. Some utes, 4x4's are huge, so will look see what smaller ones are around that also would take the weight of slide on easily. Seems like, got to get the vehicle right, but then some slide on's dont fit on all 4x4'/utes
Really would like to get this last buy right if I can!! Thanks for suggestion though.
Vonjean
vonjean said
08:08 PM Feb 22, 2017
yes Guru, actually last night did start trawling through the pop-top slide on's, some look good layout's. Looking at ones that dont seem to have too larger gap between the vehicle & slide on that could create a drag, as all up diesel economy is important. Would not matter if this part was older, as long as what I wanted.
few years ago saw a ute that had a little back seat area, and the doors seemed to open from the left somehow, but in minds eye that seemed good idea. Some utes, 4x4's are huge, so will look see what smaller ones are around that also would take the weight of slide on easily. Seems like, got to get the vehicle right, but then some slide on's dont fit on all 4x4'/utes
Really would like to get this last buy right if I can!! Thanks for suggestion though.
Vonjean
macka17 said
01:51 PM Feb 23, 2017
SLide ons are TINY inside.
Troopy would be the best. But as you say too big for you.
My missus 5 ft 1\2 in 70 yr old and wheels our Patrol and 6.5 mtr off roader around like a rally car.
It's only confidence really.
A full height or pop top late model Troopy will take you anywhere and lots of room considering.
Be careful of the VW veh's. they have a VERY bad electronics reputation over last 6 yrs or so.
with few exceptions. getting worse annually too.
I wouldn't recommend any of their veh's at present unless you driving local,
exchange at end of warranty's. or a sparky.
Read up a little on them b4 getting one.
I had a Toyota Camper with pop top for yrs. 2wd. but went most everywhere . without a problem.
Some of the GREY import japanese units are 4wd and very good.
For 70ish k you'd get a pretty good second hand small motorhome\camper,
ready to go.
Ex buses of the Coaster size make good campers too. Mercedes do a great one. (fibreglass body)
Buy a motorhome\camper mag and peruse. You'll get a lot more for your money prebuilt.
If buying new. wait for model changes. and buy an ex demo,
of the veh you want.
and buy NOTHING second hand. without FULL complete.. service records.
Apart from all those.
Isuzu are about the most reliable on market.
Buy another late model "elf" or equiv,
look round for a small modern van body. Complete.
Price a couple of them.
Remove lower chassis \suspension rail.incl drawbar.
Maybe,,,have front remodelled flat to fit tray. Or buy Cab\chassis.
sans, tray = lower truck rail height for van floor.
with tie down points from chassis rail to truck chassis rails.
Have slide out ladder under truck chassis in line with van door for entry.
Maybe a swing up, walk along side deck with steps from there down.
Lots of alternatives with that rig.
You'll have what you know and comfortable with and a complete package van on rear.
Evernew do a lot of smaller vans. Full height AND pop top.
many hardly used 14 to 16 ft.
Look in ebay and Trading post on net.down south.
One of them on your ruck would be perfect and looong lasting.
I just missed a '98 model kept in garage
with less than 5000km's on tyres. Aircond too. for 12k.
Oven and beds never used.
Near new truck, 4wd. Commercial, WELL built home on back.
Just a thought. and it's be a LOT cheaper than some other alternatives.
POP top would keep height down.
Plus those Evernew vans are one of the BEST mfg'd vans on market.
check up on them. Sold through factory. Custom built only.
Whatever.
have fun and live long.
Nifty150 said
02:02 PM Feb 23, 2017
One small 4wd motorhome is Apollo's Hilux Adventure Camper, diesel too. Not sure of the height but it has a pop top and looks a lot lower than the Elf. Ex-hire, they are not expensive to buy, and you don't feel nervous about cutting drilling and modifying them. We were initially concerned about buying ex-hire, but we figure that the last thing Apollo needs is the recovery cost of a broken down vehicle 500km out in the desert, and so far it seems we made a good call on that.
Bryan said
03:29 PM Feb 23, 2017
macka17 wrote:
SLide ons are TINY inside.
Compared to what?
macka17 said
07:47 PM Feb 23, 2017
Any van the same size for a start mate.
You going to drag something that size around.
(Have you seen how they ALL roll on corners)
I'd want a decent interior not just a seat and bed.
I've seen a coupla (mates) units,
where they fitted small (10 to 14ft) Pop top vans onto backs of 2 ton trucks.
Just ripped the bottom of chassis\susp, running gear off and bolted them down.
Very neat. and viable.
The only thing to remember.
Is that anything you fit on the rear of a modern ute
excluding long wheelbase Yank ones. or small trucks.
Is going to be TINY.. inside.
If going that way. I'd be looking at a Patrol or Landcruiser minimum. Just for a little stability.
Follow one along a windy road or round a few corners oundabouts.
Then come back hey.
For gods sake try (on some winding roads and r,abouts) b4 you commit to one of those things girl.
There's a reason they crawl along everywhere at 80k,s and less
When you look at the types of mobile homes of all types.
There is a reason they are very small in number.
ALL the weight is perched UP on top of either the tray or chassis rails. and hanging out over the sides.
Also restricted by width of ute and overhang\width restrictions.
A std Ute is around 4 ft 6in Maybe.
You'd want to be tiny to get a bed across that.
Lengthways. the whole thing is taken up by the bed??.
with Maybe? a single seat stuck in corner. Painful.
Imagine a week of cold thrashing rain. gale blowing wind inside one of those..
specially with no shower\tot aircond\heater.
Think about the longer term inclement times. As well as the good when travelling.
It's NOT all perfection.
I've done it in all sorts for a lot of yrs.
Shooting. fishing. working. and family.
Your last veh. Hmmmm.
I'd be looking at some comfort as well as travel convenience.
Mid range in size. (Small motorhome. maybe, for a single girl)
There are a lot of ELF types second hand. sme with pop tops.
Just remember.
You want reliability with 4wd....
the Isuzu is probably THE most reliable small diesel unning gear in the world. Bar none.
ALL the Euro ones have gone Too electronic and haven't kept up with the reliability of it yet.
Look for later model pop top elf or similar. (some of those 29 seater buses are 4wd.?.)
You KNOW that veh.
Going by yourself 4wd territory with a modern Euro or most others hmmm.
Only theJap's have the reliability long term.
Bryan said
08:47 PM Feb 23, 2017
I thought we were talking 4x4 camping vehicles, not vans.
macka17 said
10:06 PM Feb 23, 2017
She's also talking about "the last one"
and I'm envisioning a litle ute with box on the back
and trying to live i it when she older or a coupla weeks of crap, cold weather.
seriously. You need a bit of comfort as you get more mature.
Even me.
I saw a lady few yrs ago.
Troopy. camper on rear and a huge hound. She was about 6 yrs into it with that veh.
But she stayed up in Northern Latitudes.
My Toyota Camper wasn't bad 5 or 6 months of yr up in Darwin\Top End.
POP top. Bed up in roof. live in rest. Boat behind for Barra fishing.
Gave more interior than any box on back of ute tray I'd think.
Roll out awnings on side and rear.
wasn't too bad. But awfully glad to get back to my 34 then 42 ft yachts down South
at change of seasons.
Bryan said
03:13 AM Feb 24, 2017
Most slide ons are more than a box on the back of a ute. A bit of research will confirm that. Some even have internal shower / toilet facilities and compare well in internal size with my Goldstream Explorer ST.
My initial post was to offer another option. Vonjean should look at all the different options and choose the best compromise for HER.
It is a difficulty if you want something that is not available.
Perhaps the 4WD is not really necessary for you. If you had a common van with rear wheel drive, like a Toyota, you could get a limited slip or locking diff fitted to the rear axle and that would give the extra grip for those slightly difficult situations. That would be an easier and cheaper rig than a VW. More backup available outback too.
To ensure good grip normally a rear wheel drive vehicle should have the heavy things in the rear so most of the weight is on the driving wheels. Vans are hopeless normally because they have no weight at the back and the engine and heavy stuff are at the front. Good design of a camper helps always. The other option might be an Hyundai Ivan. They are pretty good quality now I think and good to drive too I understand ! Not too big and have the engine upfront with a short bonnet. Worth a look perhaps for a compact rig.
I am replacing my older motor home soon, and debating the 4x4 option on a van.
I presently drive an Isuzu Elf, which has all the things I need; 4x4 opt, [which have used in tricky smaller situations like mud after parking, steep gravelly track etc] it's under 5 metres, shower room, small front, which is easier to park, .... I am selling due to it's fixed high roof which creates sway, I want to be under 2.1 height, and is getting older than I feel comfortable with, in case of let down in remote areas. the fixtures are very heavy, would redo new vehicle in lightweight materials.
After months of research, Only one I can come up with which has the basic vehicle I need is the SWB 4motion VW Transporter. I do understand has not still got the high clearance as a 'proper' 4x4 has. The 4motion option will add around $12,000 cost on new van. Safety & getting out of trouble priority, as lone female travelling in remote places. It sounds a good vehicle, but shows it expensive to maintain.
Want to sell my car too so have only one vehicle to pay for. [hence smaller vehicle needed most times]
with a new or demo model, Then paying for pop-top, plus my own simple layout conversion on this van is going to cost around the high $70,000 mark. oowah.
Any other ideas, I have spent a very long time trawling network. Their 4x4 Caddy even sounded okay, but no longer on market.
And is it worth the extra money for the 4x4 option, considering my circumstances do you think?
Any fresh ideas , including vehicle choices, much appreciated!
Vonjean
My solo lady friend travels extensively with hers.
Toyota has great benefit of being so widely used in Australia that servicing etc is easily available.
Can sometimes get used ex-hire ones. My friend bought hers as an ex Telstra vehicle and had the conversion to pop top camper done later.
You could hire one for a weekend and try out the idea.......
friends of mine up North have an old troopy, which I have already considered too large for me. There possibly maybe a smaller short nose 4x4 out there I could convert, but the only ones that seemed good shape to use I think was the LandRover, but way too expensive. There's always Lotto tho I guess?
Thanks for suggestion
Vonjean
Hi
Another couple of vehicles would be Toyota Regius / Grand Hi Ace and Nissan Elgrand models. These are Japanese imports like your Elf and some are available as 4WD to be used similar to how you used your Elf.
They are front engined 7 to 8 seat people vans but the rear seats can be ditched and the back converted like a VW. They come in a variety of types so look around a bit for a suitable one. Being imports they come in and are sold after a while, the next may be different.
Both makes have the mechanical parts similar to common 4WD vehicles sold here and used out in the bush, so no worries there.
Jaahn
There is also the option of a slide on camper on a 4x4 ute
Hi Jaahn, thanks for your suggestions. Spend a long time looking at them today, they actually look good, but like my own 'Elf' basically too old. This will be my last vehicle buy [hopefully] so now looking at either new or demo Australian models. I will end up paying an extra $20,000 or so to get rigged out how I want, so want to do this this on a new van. Thanks
Vonjean
Hi MSG, Funny thing is, a ford Transit was my late husband & I's very first camper we did up in the late 60"s!! He even made a pop-top that he had seen on the continent, before we had even seen them here. The motor was under the front seat back then, not sure if same now, It used to get hot under the seats back then! prefer the VW of short nose, and motor straight in line type. Thanks for suggestion, didn't realize was higher clearance, will keep in mind tho. Thank you.
Vonjean
yes Guru, actually last night did start trawling through the pop-top slide on's, some look good layout's. Looking at ones that dont seem to have too larger gap between the vehicle & slide on that could create a drag, as all up diesel economy is important. Would not matter if this part was older, as long as what I wanted.
few years ago saw a ute that had a little back seat area, and the doors seemed to open from the left somehow, but in minds eye that seemed good idea. Some utes, 4x4's are huge, so will look see what smaller ones are around that also would take the weight of slide on easily. Seems like, got to get the vehicle right, but then some slide on's dont fit on all 4x4'/utes
Really would like to get this last buy right if I can!! Thanks for suggestion though.
Vonjean
yes Guru, actually last night did start trawling through the pop-top slide on's, some look good layout's. Looking at ones that dont seem to have too larger gap between the vehicle & slide on that could create a drag, as all up diesel economy is important. Would not matter if this part was older, as long as what I wanted.
few years ago saw a ute that had a little back seat area, and the doors seemed to open from the left somehow, but in minds eye that seemed good idea. Some utes, 4x4's are huge, so will look see what smaller ones are around that also would take the weight of slide on easily. Seems like, got to get the vehicle right, but then some slide on's dont fit on all 4x4'/utes
Really would like to get this last buy right if I can!! Thanks for suggestion though.
Vonjean
Troopy would be the best. But as you say too big for you.
My missus 5 ft 1\2 in 70 yr old and wheels our Patrol and 6.5 mtr off roader around like a rally car.
It's only confidence really.
A full height or pop top late model Troopy will take you anywhere and lots of room considering.
Be careful of the VW veh's. they have a VERY bad electronics reputation over last 6 yrs or so.
with few exceptions. getting worse annually too.
I wouldn't recommend any of their veh's at present unless you driving local,
exchange at end of warranty's. or a sparky.
Read up a little on them b4 getting one.
I had a Toyota Camper with pop top for yrs. 2wd. but went most everywhere . without a problem.
Some of the GREY import japanese units are 4wd and very good.
For 70ish k you'd get a pretty good second hand small motorhome\camper,
ready to go.
Ex buses of the Coaster size make good campers too. Mercedes do a great one. (fibreglass body)
Buy a motorhome\camper mag and peruse. You'll get a lot more for your money prebuilt.
If buying new. wait for model changes. and buy an ex demo,
of the veh you want.
and buy NOTHING second hand. without FULL complete.. service records.
Apart from all those.
Isuzu are about the most reliable on market.
Buy another late model "elf" or equiv,
look round for a small modern van body. Complete.
Price a couple of them.
Remove lower chassis \suspension rail.incl drawbar.
Maybe,,,have front remodelled flat to fit tray. Or buy Cab\chassis.
sans, tray = lower truck rail height for van floor.
with tie down points from chassis rail to truck chassis rails.
Have slide out ladder under truck chassis in line with van door for entry.
Maybe a swing up, walk along side deck with steps from there down.
Lots of alternatives with that rig.
You'll have what you know and comfortable with and a complete package van on rear.
Evernew do a lot of smaller vans. Full height AND pop top.
many hardly used 14 to 16 ft.
Look in ebay and Trading post on net.down south.
One of them on your ruck would be perfect and looong lasting.
I just missed a '98 model kept in garage
with less than 5000km's on tyres. Aircond too. for 12k.
Oven and beds never used.
Near new truck, 4wd. Commercial, WELL built home on back.
Just a thought. and it's be a LOT cheaper than some other alternatives.
POP top would keep height down.
Plus those Evernew vans are one of the BEST mfg'd vans on market.
check up on them. Sold through factory. Custom built only.
Whatever.
have fun and live long.
Compared to what?
You going to drag something that size around.
(Have you seen how they ALL roll on corners)
I'd want a decent interior not just a seat and bed.
I've seen a coupla (mates) units,
where they fitted small (10 to 14ft) Pop top vans onto backs of 2 ton trucks.
Just ripped the bottom of chassis\susp, running gear off and bolted them down.
Very neat. and viable.
The only thing to remember.
Is that anything you fit on the rear of a modern ute
excluding long wheelbase Yank ones. or small trucks.
Is going to be TINY.. inside.
If going that way. I'd be looking at a Patrol or Landcruiser minimum. Just for a little stability.
Follow one along a windy road or round a few corners
oundabouts.
Then come back hey.
For gods sake try (on some winding roads and r,abouts) b4 you commit to one of those things girl.
There's a reason they crawl along everywhere at 80k,s and less
When you look at the types of mobile homes of all types.
There is a reason they are very small in number.
ALL the weight is perched UP on top of either the tray or chassis rails. and hanging out over the sides.
Also restricted by width of ute and overhang\width restrictions.
A std Ute is around 4 ft 6in Maybe.
You'd want to be tiny to get a bed across that.
Lengthways. the whole thing is taken up by the bed??.
with Maybe? a single seat stuck in corner. Painful.
Imagine a week of cold thrashing rain. gale blowing wind inside one of those..
specially with no shower\tot aircond\heater.
Think about the longer term inclement times. As well as the good when travelling.
It's NOT all perfection.
I've done it in all sorts for a lot of yrs.
Shooting. fishing. working. and family.
Your last veh. Hmmmm.
I'd be looking at some comfort as well as travel convenience.
Mid range in size. (Small motorhome. maybe, for a single girl)
There are a lot of ELF types second hand. sme with pop tops.
Just remember.
You want reliability with 4wd....
the Isuzu is probably THE most reliable small diesel
unning gear in the world. Bar none.
ALL the Euro ones have gone Too electronic and haven't kept up with the reliability of it yet.
Look for later model pop top elf or similar. (some of those 29 seater buses are 4wd.?.)
You KNOW that veh.
Going by yourself 4wd territory with a modern Euro or most others hmmm.
Only theJap's have the reliability long term.
and I'm envisioning a litle ute with box on the back
and trying to live i it when she older or a coupla weeks of crap, cold weather.
seriously. You need a bit of comfort as you get more mature.
Even me.
I saw a lady few yrs ago.
Troopy. camper on rear and a huge hound. She was about 6 yrs into it with that veh.
But she stayed up in Northern Latitudes.
My Toyota Camper wasn't bad 5 or 6 months of yr up in Darwin\Top End.
POP top. Bed up in roof. live in rest. Boat behind for Barra fishing.
Gave more interior than any box on back of ute tray I'd think.
Roll out awnings on side and rear.
wasn't too bad. But awfully glad to get back to my 34 then 42 ft yachts down South
at change of seasons.
My initial post was to offer another option. Vonjean should look at all the different options and choose the best compromise for HER.
Hi vonjean
It is a difficulty if you want something that is not available.
Perhaps the 4WD is not really necessary for you. If you had a common van with rear wheel drive, like a Toyota, you could get a limited slip or locking diff fitted to the rear axle and that would give the extra grip for those slightly difficult situations. That would be an easier and cheaper rig than a VW. More backup available outback too.
To ensure good grip normally a rear wheel drive vehicle should have the heavy things in the rear so most of the weight is on the driving wheels. Vans are hopeless normally because they have no weight at the back and the engine and heavy stuff are at the front. Good design of a camper helps always. The other option might be an Hyundai Ivan. They are pretty good quality now I think and good to drive too I understand ! Not too big and have the engine upfront with a short bonnet. Worth a look perhaps for a compact rig.
Jaahn