Just purchased second hand a 2014 Roadstar Little Rippa 17.6 foot van. Its says its a semi offroad? Looked at the suspension - Leaf spring with independent arms.
Can any member advise the sorts of roads this van would be suitable for? or should i just stick to the blacktop?
Little Rippa will handle gravel roads that are in reasonable condition, driving moderately - It would be capable of all the big major tracks if driven very slowly - To be on the safe side have the suspension and brakes serviced prior to any extended trips.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Roadstar is a good brand but as with all caravans, whether they are "road" (generally limited ground clearance), "semi-off road", or "off road" - driving to conditions will get you to most places you want to go. As Possum said, have it serviced before you go & ensure your tyres have plenty of tread on them if you're heading for stony roads.
Leaf springs have been around for a long time & will certainly be used well into the future. They are more easily repaired "in the bush" if needed.
At regular intervals eg fuel, food stops - check the temp of the wheel hub(s), brake drums with your fingers & check inside that all is ok.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
John, you do not need independent coil spring suspension to handle gravel and natural formed roads. Also it is not bad roads that break vans, it's the bad drivers that do that. I have taken my Spaceland Jupiter van with a beam axle out to places like Innamincka and Birdsville. I just slow down when I come to the bad stretches. When driving into the Dig Tree I was down to 10 km/h whilst traversing the bad gullies.
The big thing you have to watch is the creek and gully crossings. As your van will not have an overly large clearance and a cut away rear end you are likely to ground the body whilst negotiating those events. This will only limit you in a few really rough tracks. If you want to go into these diversions you park the van up and do day trips there or carry a tent and suitcase stove. I have not seen the modern Rippas but would take a 20 year old one to many of the remote areas.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
