OFF-ROAD caravans. are they as good as they say??

[backyard_racer]

i am doing a top end trip from cairns to broome later this year with a mate who has a couple of young kids (3 and 1).

we have debated over the best way to go. i am using a swag but as he has the family he wants to tow a carravan. We want to venture up the cape, arnhem land and kimberleys.

Because he will be leaving out of it for over six months he isn't keen on using a dedicated off-road trailer - T-van or kimberley etc.

We understand that no form of caravan off-road or on will be able to handle the cape but is there one that should be able to handle the rest??

I am after opinions from any1 who has towed a caravan up north.
What make?
How did it go?
Would you recommend it?

thanks guys
luke

[bogged]

first thing... whats your or his budget... some of these things run fair wack over $60,000

[stool]

Why will a offroad 4x4 trailer not handle the cape

[ddr]

We understand that no form of caravan off-road or on will be able to handle the cape but is there one that should be able to handle the rest??

Says who? & are you talking Bypass road or OTL?
Kedron took one of theirs up the OTL, if it wasnt so skinny I would have taken mine through it this year (At least the bottom section, well all of it except Nolans)

Mine went to the top & also through Lakefield.

Id recomend one BUT be very careful with what you get & more than most things you really get what you pay for. Dont expect to pay 30k & get an offroad van that will last through what your talking about, look at brands like Trakmaster, Bushtracker, Kedron & Phoenix.

As Bogged said & depending on your requirements you will be looking at 50-60k at least.

[Emo]

The good ones are good (Kimberley, Track etc) but be careful of the ones that advertised themselves as offroad trailers when they are nothing more than a standard trailer with a set of sunraysia wheels.

[grazza]

The good ones are good (Kimberley, Track etc) but be careful of the ones that advertised themselves as offroad trailers when they are nothing more than a standard trailer with a set of sunraysia wheels.

+ a bit of shiny checkerplate.

[sootygu]

When at the Cape a few years ago 2 Trackmaster made it to the top without any problems.

During a Simpson crossing saw a Jayco suspension fall apart, leak dust badly every day. Wouldn't touch one of there on or off road vans.

If going for that length of time and funds are not too much of an issue look around for one of the above, even if second hand. Don’t go for a rebadged road caravan like Jayco etc.

[ddr]

During a Simpson crossing saw a Jayco suspension fall apart, leak dust badly every day.

Funny you should say that dads Jayco had 2 broken shocks & leaked dust badly every day on our Cape trip too.

[backyard_racer]

The good ones are good (Kimberley, Track etc) but be careful of the ones that advertised themselves as offroad trailers when they are nothing more than a standard trailer with a set of sunraysia wheels.

not talking about trailers mate. talking caravans here. i understand the good trailers will be fine.

interesting that people had taken caravans up the cape. thought it would be hard due to the constant rough terrain and river crossings etc (have never actually been there just web wheeled it)

thanks for the info guys. guess a kedron or track master would be the go if can get a resonable one.

luke

[backyard_racer]

When at the Cape a few years ago 2 Trackmaster made it to the top without any problems.

During a Simpson crossing saw a Jayco suspension fall apart, leak dust badly every day. Wouldn't touch one of there on or off road vans.

If going for that length of time and funds are not too much of an issue look around for one of the above, even if second hand. Don’t go for a rebadged road caravan like Jayco etc.

Didn't think that the trackmaster would be capable enough. What kind of car did you tow with if i can ask? any more details would be good to.

knew the jayco wouldn't be upto it.

luke

[twocs]

Hey mate. I just bought a Gazal Infinity. Offroad model. 11 years old in xlent cond. Done a bit of work on it and fitting new suspension soon. Heading to the Cape in June, and then off to Darwin and Kimberleys. Im gonna have a trip of a lifetime no matter what. Hope you do too...