Hi guys am new to here. We have a Jayco Westport at the moment until we get our final van. We will be travelling on corrugated roads with our new van doing relief work in the NT. I have been looking at a van with a slide out as that will be our home then forever and thought we would need to have a little room. My hubby is very concerned about having a van with a slide out continually on dirt corrugated roads. We will be doing this for another couple of years and then probably not as much dirt roads, but want to be able to go where we want to without restrictions. We have also been looking at a JB Scorpion but it has no slide out. It is a HUGE decision as it will be our home. Can anyone give us any advice with this issue.?? I also don't want to have a slide out if it is going to break down on us (I am not that pig headed lol) but do like the slide out. Thanks heaps.
My research is limited at this point ..... however I have spent nine years on Gibb River road and travelled it many times.......... I just miss those corrugations.....
No slide outs back then but several people foolishly tried normal and semi off road vans................ sorry but not a good idea.
If you van is not build for full off road conditions it is not worth the heartache.
At the moment no off roaders have a slide out option and I would think never will.
A great annexe should give you a lot of living space if you are going to be parked up and working.
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I have NO experience with slide outs.. I have Explorer Winnebago motorhome with annex.. The amount of people who visit us "as caravan's do" and say they wished they didn't have slide out and got the larger MH with annex instead.. There main complaint is with slide out in there's no room.. I guess that is the same with vans too ? Plus the weight and vibration you maybe taking van ?
-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Sunday 3rd of January 2016 07:29:05 PM
I would not even consider using a van/MH with slide outs on corrugations.
I note that you currently have a Westport. It will not handle the corrugations very well either. I have a 1999 Westport & am certain that the staple jointed cupboards would not survive rough roads. The suspension & general build is great for highways ( I have done >200,00 km of bitumen with no problems) but without shockies etc it is not particularly good for the rough stuff.
If you do use it on corrugations make sure that you let the tyres down just like you do to the towing vehicle. I think that a reduction of 10 psi is recommended. Tyres with good reinforced side walls are a good idea. You might also have a good look under the van to see what pipes/plumbing and wiring need stone protection & carry some repair stuff with you.
The way you drive will also be a factor .. take your time & drive to the conditions. Don't forget to open the small roof vent to keep out the dust.
If you intend to do lots of dirt road stuff I would be looking at a real off roader & not any of the soft roaders that abound.
Perhaps leave the luxury of slide outs for a later van.
In the meantime I suggest that you look at making the best of your annex. Have a look at the range of solid (heavy) & mesh (light) annex sidewalls as well as some good floor matting. I have a couple of fans that I use in the annex if it is hot & where I have 240v I open the van windows to air condition the annex area too if needed. I have an extension lead for a TV in my annex with the comfortable recliner camp chairs. With the engel alongside, what more does one need?
An extra large silver tarp used as a fly, over the whole van & annex helps with cooling too. A well set up annex more than makes up for any lack of space in the van.
I don't know if you would be interested in this, but I did a lot of work on a fifth wheeler layout, this gave a separate bedroom, and full recliner lounge chars at the other end. Should travel well and very stable. only problem its 30-50% dearer than a van. If you are interested I can email the details. The hitch is very low, hitches to a tray back ute. But no slide out.
