Which van to buy

Bobor · Newbie

Which van to buy

Possum3 · Guru

Concord is a dealer not a manufacturer.

Possum3 · Guru

Trackmaster and Kedron are tough vans that may do what you want. See salesandauctions.com.au/category/243/Caravans-Caravan-Sales-and-Auctions-QLD/listings/7538/Off-Road-Kedron-Topender-21ft-Caravan-for-sale-Qld.html

Download free technical information and checklists at Caravan Council of Australia www.caravancouncil.com.au/

yobarr · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
Concord is a dealer not a manufacturer.

There also is a Concorde van,built by Eagle.I think that it is about 19'6".Cheers

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Buy a self propelled one.
Something like this. www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/miena/campervans-motorhomes/4x4-4wd-motorhome-go-anywhere-in-comfort-and-style/1233320477
Cheers,
Peter

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Noel, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Caravans are really a personal choice thing as are the tow vehicle, what suits one might not suit another.

I suggest you just have a good look around at new and even used vans and make sure they tick your boxes. I did just that and really have no regrets with my aluminium tent but have one regret with my Collie, I should have gone tray with aluminium canopy (shed) on the back not the tub and genuine Holden Canopy. It's hard to get things down the back. The sheds have access all around and heaps more space.

The main thing to be careful of is your vehicle can tow the weight of the CV and DON'T go over the listed weights. I chose a vehicle that reckons it can tow 3500 kg but they can't, 3000kg max would be more like it. I tow 2680kg and wouldn't like to go much more.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

montie · Guru

Bobor wrote:
hi all, looking at buying new van around 21. Want to use on Birdsville track and Gibb River road. Any suggestions on best value for money for required van.
have looked at Concord which appears well built

Birdsville Track and Gibb river is serious off road territory and whilst there are vans on the market that can probably handle that sort of terrain I'm with Peter. Look at a compact motorised RV.

TheHeaths · Guru

Just my 2 bob's worth.

If you are

1) determined to have a caravan and

2) determined to use it for roads such as the Birdsville Track, Gibb river Road and other such roads/tracks, I would recommend only looking at a true off road van, of the ilk of Bushtracker, Kedron, Trakmaster and a few other heavy duty makers.

If you are looking at a motorhome, once again only a true 4wd unit as Peter suggests.

The roads you are looking at can be very hard on anything less than the best equipment. We know, we have done it with our Jayco Outbacks, and while they survived with limited minor problems, they are not designed, nor are the other "normal" brands, for the prolonged torture the corrugations and bull dust holes of the tracks you mention can inflict.

Enjoy the search.

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

G'day Noel,
Again - welcome to the forum.

My suggestions -
Use the "Search" tab & have a look at some queries under "Advanced Search".
Visit a caravan park or two & have a look around, ask owners appropriate questions.

Work out how long you plan to travel on these roads - would a less HD van be sufficient for general use? I'd love a Trackmaster but my funds don't stretch that far.
Know what you plan to tow the van with (if you go for a van).
As Doug says keep an eye on weights - again you'll find lots written by most of us on caravan/rig weights under the "Search" tab. Also is covered in most caravan magazines in the last 12-24 months (check your local library). The Scalies, police & insurance companies are getting tough on overloaded rigs.

Will your vehicle be your one & only? If so, will you be able to go shopping in it? Some shopping centre car parks are designed for small cars only! Also garaging at home - possible?

If you have some time to look, spend it wisely - it's not the time now to travel in those areas.

And above all - when you make the purchase & head off - DRIVE TO CONDITIONS - (bearing in mind that these roads can go from good to bad very quickly).

The Birdsville "Track" is a track in name only - now it's almost a highway, sometimes rather stony but nowhere like it was back in the 70s with sand dunes, & small rocks over most of it. Our first trip up it was in 1976 & we blew a tyre. That hasn't happened in the last 8 or 9 times we've been up & down it. Going on the punt on Cooper Creek was interesting too. You need good rubber - no less than 50%, vary your tyre pressures & drive sensibly - you do see lots of rat bags who don't!

Al the best.

Bobor · Newbie

Thanks all for suggestions. Sorry van looked at was Condor not concord
Would love Kedron but funds dont extend that far unfortunately. Looking for something around 60K. To old for tent.

Wanda · Guru

Bobor
With your budget I would seriously look at buying a secondhand offroad van if you intend on doing the likes of the Birdsville, Gibb River and that "type" of travelling.
There are many good value "newish" Trakmaster, Bushtraker, Kedron etc etc true offroad vans out there. These three offroad builders have probably been doing it longer than most others but having said that there are other offroad builders out there today, you need to have a good look around and research.
The other very important thing to watch is your tow vehicle, this will govern on how big/heavy a van you can legally/safely tow with.
good luck
Ian

Bobor · Newbie

Thanks again all. Maybe second hand is best option. Am towing with 200 series.

yobarr · Guru

Bobor wrote:
Thanks again all. Maybe second hand is best option. Am towing with 200 series.

Good luck with your search,but always remember that there is no way that an LC200 can safely tow more than 3000kg as a PIG trailer.(van).Problem is the rear axle rating of only 1950kg,and you might like to know that the the much misunderstood 3800kg GVM upgrade is not a solution to that problem either,as it still allows you only 2000kg on the rear axle.Be very careful.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 5th of December 2019 10:13:51 AM

Landfall · Guru

A good camper trailer or better still a good tent will have the least amount of problems on the type of roads you want to explore.

Good luck with your quest.

MapleHunter25 · Veteran Member

Bobor wrote:
Thanks again all. Maybe second hand is best option. Am towing with 200 series.

Well the LC is a good start to keep your options open. I too am currently looking for that just right new van and have had a good look at what's available. Obviously the full off off-roaders with decent solar, battery and water are bloody heavy, and pricey. I would suggest looking at the 18-19 footers at most, or even a 15. Do you really need a 21?

StewG · Senior Member

I opted for a Land Rover Discovery 4 towing a JB Gator - a bit smaller than 21 ft - but with a few modifications it has performed well over the roughest roads. Remember to drive to conditions and most off-road vans will survive and give you whatever level of comfort you want.