We are wanting to upgrade to an off road or semi off road van and wondered if anyone has had a Jayco Journey for a while and how they handle rough roads.
Yes.....these very new members have posted the same subject twice. Don't bash them up guys - just reply to them in a helpful manner on their other post of the same topic.
Remember, we all were newbies here:)
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Please be careful about on road and off road, just about everyones definition varies.
Jayco make a range of their vans called "Outback". These are pretty good vans and very good value for money, but they are not off road caravans. Have a look at Jayco's website and have a read about their Outback model. They suggest limited dirt road and off road activity is a good idea or you may do damage not covered by their warranty. Jayco do however have a good reputation for doing most warranty repairs.
Given that, many people take their Jayco to some amazing places, some people just do an underslung the axel(s) of the Jayco touring versions to give more ground clearance, others pay the extra few thousand for the Outback model which comes with good ground clearance, independent suspension and some good bush camping options. Many people also do work themselves to "beef up" their van for bush tracks and dirt roads. I suggest you have a good look at some of the Jayco forums, especially the Expanda forum.
Serious off road vans cost more than similar model Jaycos and the definition of what is off road varies from each manufacturer. Bushtracker and Kedron both make good quality off road vans but they are more expensive. However, Kedron do make good small off road vans from around $70K and their warranty does cover off road use.
-- Edited by Yabbietol on Monday 30th of March 2015 07:22:24 PM
-- Edited by Yabbietol on Monday 30th of March 2015 08:18:52 PM
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Former owner of Avan Cruiseliner and now have 16' XC3 Compact Kedron
Tow was NW 2013 Diesel Auto Pajero and is now a Landcrusier LC200 GX.
GOLDSTREAM make super tough OFF-ROAD designed vans and pop-tops. These have stone protection underneath for the wiring, pipes and water tanks. They have checker plate sides/front for stone protection and most importantly have a heavier chassis and more clearance for true off-roading. Remember, you get what you pay for. Watch your tow weights as due to a more durable and solid design the weight of the van is greater than a regular dirt or black top designed van.
Hope this info helps with your research.
Regards, Panther.
Hello to the Group. I am a newb in more ways than one.
My wife and I are yet to purchase our first van and tow vehicle. Our current car is a BF Falcon, no tow bar or LSD though both can be fitted.
As I am expecting a golden hand shake from work in the next two years. Possibly sooner than later. Packages have already been announced.
My wife wishes to take her two pugs along for the ride around and through Oz. This will cross out National Parks. I suppose we might be able to board the dogs in a nearby kennel. Though to be honest I do not think she will part from them.
I am not into winching, digging holes to put tyres in, rock hopping etc We are happy to rough it in State Forests and free and paying camping sites. Whilst dropping into a caravan park that takes dogs to freshen up, have happy hours and take in an RSL dinner or lunch. Outback pubs are definitely on the menu.
There are some places on my list that are a must see, others that I do not know and yet to hear about. I am hoping members here can point us in the right direction when the time comes. The DIG TREE, Cameron's Corner, gem, gold and opal fields are but a few of these.. Hence I would be after a van that could get us there in comfort and not having to worry about it shaking to pieces.
Our home is in Emerald Victoria and we live on a bit of a goat track 1.7 kilometres from the bitumen. Our neighbour and friend has pointed out to us that if we purchased a normal caravan its warranty would be jeopardised just driving down our road. The road has a rutted steep decent for normal cars and is graded more or less after every big down pour.
After reading posts on this site I have been alerted to the Bushtracker vans and the like. They look like a very substantial force for the dedicated Off Roader/Rough Roader. Though I think for the places my wife and I would like to go these type of vans might be an over-kill. Our neighbour speaks very highly of the Goldstream camper-vans and has taken their Storm places I would not go. My wife and I are after trouble free comfort, both on and off the road. An easy going holiday, takes in some sites of our country's outback tracks and bush pubs.
Things we think we would like in a caravan are:
1. Air-conditioning.
2. Shower/Toilet instead of 2am visits to the amenities block on rainy nights.
3. Washing machine. I do not like cues and being jumped.
4. Solar Panels and batteries.
5. Inverter for laptops, phones etc.
6. Compressor fridge freezer.
I am a gadget man and like my electronic toys. Ham radio being one of these. I might even purchase a metal/treasure detector.
The question is:
Should I be looking at Off Road Caravans from Goldstream? Which are still serious coin. Or should I be looking for something more substantial? Or less substantial?
Is a 20 foot caravan too large and impractical for a beginner? I think this is the smallest caravan that Goldstream make that has a shower, toilet and washing machine.
Goldstream has the Adventurer, Black Panther and Rhino Caravans in their Off-Road range. Tow vehicle will be based on caravan purchase.
