MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Twinpiston on November 05, 2015, 11:37:50 AM
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Hi all,
Well after two years of my MDC (which is now for sale) the minister has finally given the go ahead to upgrade, I have always liked the Jayco outback Hawk and Flamingo layout, what else is out there in this same category, I will be going off-road in it.
Cheers
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Buying new or used? Budget? How "off-road" do you intend to go? Wind up trailers are only suited to moderate off road use, mainly due to their width and cabinetry construction (maybe newer CNC cabinetry is better). My Goldstream has been faultless in almost 5 years, but i dont belt up and down corrugated roads every other day either.
If your heart is set on a wind up Coromal also make them. That is the 3 main players and if i had to buy again i would say Jayco purely on value for money.
There are a few small scale manufacturers also, but unless their factory is close to you then after sales service and support may be an unknown. With Jayco you get awesome after sales support.
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There is s goldstream for sale in the classifieds here. Looks good. Pricey though.
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Hi all,
Well after two years of my MDC (which is now for sale) the minister has finally given the go ahead to upgrade, I have always liked the Jayco outback Hawk and Flamingo layout, what else is out there in this same category, I will be going off-road in it.
Cheers
The Swan is the same size as a Flamingo, and I MUCH prefer the Swan layout to a Flamingo layout. Personal preference I guess, but the way we saw it, the Swan has two indoor areas - the dinette and the lounge.
The Flamingo has the dinette with the lounge - to our eyes making the livable space smaller. In the Swan my wife and I can set up on the lounge and the two kids on the table. That's not possible in the Flamingo.
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I am planning on going over the top end of Oz, as well as trips to Moreton, Straddie and Fraser, so I want it to be able to handle that and still be living comfort.
I thought the Hawk/Flamingo had a larger dining area which is why I was looking at that layout and the kitchen sink is on the side, not next to the dining table.
So Jayco Outback are still value for money, is there a Coramal, or a GOLF or a Goldstream equivalent?
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I am planning on going over the top end of Oz, as well as trips to Moreton, Straddie and Fraser, so I want it to be able to handle that and still be living comfort.
I thought the Hawk/Flamingo had a larger dining area which is why I was looking at that layout and the kitchen sink is on the side, not next to the dining table.
So Jayco Outback are still value for money, is there a Coramal, or a GOLF or a Goldstream equivalent?
Goldstream have an off-road pack which seems to be virtually standard - very few ever leave the factory without the off road pack. Check their website out for floor plans etc. All very similar. The Wing 3 is the same as a swan. The only difference with an eagle is it is slightly shorter internally and does away with the storage cupboard on the right hand side of the entry backing onto the dinette. You obviously lose the same depth in the kitchen also. The main issues with Goldstream are a vastly smaller dealer network (Kratzmann's is it for SE Qld and they were hopeless for us, though they may have changed hands in the last year) , and purchase price - about $10k more than a comparable Jayco. And I dont think they are $10k better - mine still had dodgy build quality issues such as faulty water tank breather install, screws in cabinetry that missed the studs, incorrect jack supplied, leaking roof that needing rebuilding, pathetic wiring thickness for certain items such as fridge,etc etc. which were all very very difficult to have resolved. Whereas my FIL bought a brand new Jayco caravan 2 years ago and he has had any and all issues dealt with immediately, some even outside of warranty at no charge.
I have had my Goldstream to both Moreton & Stradbroke - I would be very skeptical about trying to take a wind up trailer to the ocean side of Moreton, particularly in summer, for reasons stated in my initial post. That being weight firstly (1550+kg fully loaded) and width. If you are dead set on the eastern beach you would be best to make sure your barge arrives and departs at low tide and travel up to Bulwer and cross the island from there as the Bulwer track is much firmer and wider for the most part as it is 2 way (which could be an issue in itself) whereas the Tangalooma track is 1 way and therefore much narrower. It also has a few softer spots which can be problematic if towing in summer as said when the sand is like powder. Bulwer has several entry points and most of these are fairly soft in summer too, but with a decent run up you should get up ok.
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Thanks for the info, I have heard prior that Goldstreams were ok, but not worth the extra coin over the Jayco, so Jayco it is I think, I don't like the finish of any other Poptop at the moment.
No to find the perfect one, second hand seems to be the way to go, although I did find a new Flamingo with upgraded stereo and solar panels new for just under $30k which seems like a great price!
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I think the older Flamingo's (pre 2015 model) still have the fridge on the annexe side. Keep this in mind if you are planning on putting up all the walls due to the legalities about enclosing the venting area.
Al.
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I think the older Flamingo's (pre 2015 model) still have the fridge on the annexe side. Keep this in mind if you are planning on putting up all the walls due to the legalities about enclosing the venting area.
Al.
My Flamingo ST 2011 has the fridge on the Offside. I don't know if this is different to standard flamingos though.
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I'm trying to convince my other half a Goldstream Windup (equilivant to Flamingo) is the go, sadly she wants a caravan.
I, like you, prefer the Hawk type lay out, we have 3 kids and it is nice to keep them away from the kitchen when trying to do something in it, we hired an eagle once and did not like it for this reason.
There is a Goldstream for sale in Brsibane west on Caravansales now for 21,500. I like this one due to the large solar panels, 12 volt compressor fridge, and awnings etc. For me, a 12 volt fridge is much better then 3 - way, although 1,000 folk will happily argue this.
The net has lots of details of Jayco's getting into all sorts of remote locations, and home again, I think it is the way they did it is why they made it home. So with some good dust and water proffing, such as posative pressure vent system, you'll easily do it with sensible driving.
Another thing I like about the Goldstream is no need for Dumbo Mirrors when behind the 105 series, they are more narrow then Jayco's.
Good luck with the search.
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Very interesting Trrrumping Beast...Moreton Island.
What you say about the Tangalooma track heading east is spot on.
The initial section is uphill and if there hasn't been much rain...the sand is almost like quicksand and pulling a pop top up there would be a nightmare...tyres at least 18psi.
Was wondering about the Bulwer track as we are getting our late model Swan Outback after Xmas and that is one place I would love to take it...but that Tangalooma track brings me out in a cold sweat !!
Cheers
Rob
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Very interesting Trrrumping Beast...Moreton Island.
What you say about the Tangalooma track heading east is spot on.
The initial section is uphill and if there hasn't been much rain...the sand is almost like quicksand and pulling a pop top up there would be a nightmare...tyres at least 18psi.
Was wondering about the Bulwer track as we are getting our late model Swan Outback after Xmas and that is one place I would love to take it...but that Tangalooma track brings me out in a cold sweat !!
Cheers
Rob
Rob, not trying to put the wind up you but, if the Middle Rd. initial section is really dry & bad then the Cowan bypass road may be a problem for a heavier camper as well.
If going to Bulwer take the Northern most beach exit, about three hundred metres or so up from the wrecks, which takes you past the helipad, as the Southern & wrecks access can be a bit iffy when really hot & dry.
Steve
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Or just go when I make plans, garrenteed to be a wet and hard surface the hole way across the island.............. from rain that is! ;D
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I hear you Steve....maybe towing something a lot lighter is the go...full stop....or not all ?
Can't give an opinion on that section as I have never driven it.....only Tangalooma to the surf....but very interested to read or hear from people that know those sections well.
Yes...there are some narrow sections on that path as well as you say....new cars don't look as quite so nice with tree branch scratches down their sides :)
Dave...yep ...that does seem to work sometimes hey !!
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Based on my one and only trip to moreton towing a 1200kg camper was middle road would be the easiest....The camper did have the track width as the tug......I'm assuming all poptops would run a wider track??
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I hear you Steve....maybe towing something a lot lighter is the go...full stop....or not all ?
Can't give an opinion on that section as I have never driven it.....only Tangalooma to the surf....but very interested to read or hear from people that know those sections well.
Yes...there are some narrow sections on that path as well as you say....new cars don't look as quite so nice with tree branch scratches down their sides :)
Dave...yep ...that does seem to work sometimes hey !!
I would disagree with using the northernmost access point purely because there is very limited run up, even at low tide, due to the track being a sharp hook to the right off the beach and the old ww2 bunker blocking the beach at this point. I speak from experience having been bogged at this access track myself once and seeing multiple boggings at Christmas a few years ago. The actual Cowan bypass track itself isnt too bad, its just the access points off the beach that are an issue on Summer. My advice would be not to take any water, just empty drums. You can refill at Blue Lagoon, Eagers Creek, Ben Ewa, Bulwer and North Point. That should save you a couple of hundred kg's.
Happy to answer any questions, Moreton has been a favorite up until about 3yrs ago. Nowadays i cant justify the barge fees with trailer in tow, but if u have never been then u need to go at least once.
🍻 Nigel
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Sorry to hijack your post Twinpiston :cheers:
Maybe the barge fees with the trailer would be hard to justify for a weekend....I didn't think of that.
Cheers
Rob
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Hi all,
Well after two years of my MDC (which is now for sale) the minister has finally given the go ahead to upgrade, I have always liked the Jayco outback Hawk and Flamingo layout, what else is out there in this same category, I will be going off-road in it.
Cheers
Going off road?? Ultimate!!
Sorry not in the same category, but if you like 2nd place than go a jayco or goldstream >:D >:D
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Going off road?? Ultimate!!
Sorry not in the same category, but if you like 2nd place than go a jayco or goldstream >:D >:D
Lol always good for a laugh old mate 😆 coming 2nd to an ultimate camper is nothing to be ashamed of.
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Lol always good for a laugh old mate 😆 coming 2nd to an ultimate camper is nothing to be ashamed of.
Lol, not at all ;D ;D
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Lol, not at all ;D ;D
an ultimate would come in 2nd to a Trackabout I believe......but then I've only ever seen bad Scott's unit, and it usually takes him an hour to park before setting up. He must be making sure it's ultimately perfect level;D
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an ultimate would come in 2nd to a Trackabout I believe......but then I've only ever seen bad Scott's unit, and it usually takes him an hour to park before setting up. He must be making sure it's ultimately perfect level;D
It's the OCD in me ;D
Said he who gets the iron out for the creases in the canvas
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It's the OCD in me ;D
Said he who gets the iron out for the creases in the canvas
it's not an iron, it's a steam cleaner;D
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it's not an iron, it's a steam cleaner;D
Laura Star?
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I would disagree with using the northernmost access point purely because there is very limited run up, even at low tide, due to the track being a sharp hook to the right off the beach and the old ww2 bunker blocking the beach at this point. I speak from experience having been bogged at this access track myself once and seeing multiple boggings at Christmas a few years ago. The actual Cowan bypass track itself isnt too bad, its just the access points off the beach that are an issue on Summer. My advice would be not to take any water, just empty drums. You can refill at Blue Lagoon, Eagers Creek, Ben Ewa, Bulwer and North Point. That should save you a couple of hundred kg's.
Happy to answer any questions, Moreton has been a favorite up until about 3yrs ago. Nowadays i cant justify the barge fees with trailer in tow, but if u have never been then u need to go at least once.
🍻 Nigel
Nigel, thanks for picking up on this. I now realise that I was very misleading in my post.
I was, in fact, referring to the Bulwer wrecks & helipad & the beach exit that takes you past the old Bulwer servo site.
I should have proof read my post but I knew what I meant ;D
Steve
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Hi TwinPiston,
I have a 2010 Goldstream Storm. I picked it up for $23k in 2012. The previous owner paid 55K. It was well used to say the least. It had
been on two big laps and done over 50,000kms. I have treated her pretty rough too. Many river crossings and beach work, corrogations etc. and never an issue....not one.
Mine has the independent, trailing arm, dual shock Cruise master suspension, double water tanks, double queen beds, custom bike rack, hot water, out door shower, slide out BBQ, solar, picnic table, two gas bottles , blah blah blah. You get the picture.
It's not pretty but has stood the test of time and has many more adventures left. I would still get 23K or more today.
I have a mate who purchased a new Hawk (outback pack) and took it up the GRR. He had nothing but issues and has since sold it. It was less than 3 mths old.
Look around and be prepared to wait for the right van, it will be out there.
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Thanks all for the replies, "Stylemaster" do you mind asking your mate what type of issues he had, as the main purpose was to do the half lap, then to the sand islands here in SEQ.
All, I have been to Moreton with my current soft floor, I think I was spoilt though as it was after 2 days of deluge, I didn't have an issue.
Cheers