Expanda Poptop Caravana - I need your feedback

[Timbo2002]

Hey Guys,

I am after some suggestions. We own an Aussie Swag Camper, it is a late 09 and we have had it since new, personally i love it and where i can go and what we have done. It has done a few big trips but now with the kids about to start school and my wife working weekends it only gets used for short weekends away. The dream of the ruggered off road trips might have to wait for now.

On this note, the pressure is on me (Read wife) to change to a van, easier to setup, more comfort, better for the kids in cold weather for use all year round. This is a battle i am starting to loose the fight on i think. If i am honest it is probably a lot of coin and quite small in living area in reality for weekend away if it is wet, or a single detestation and set up. My brother in law has a Jayco Expanda outback pop top, on a duel axle. It is a nice van, no questions about that. But even he says the finish is good, but if you took it across a lot of dirt it would shake apart.

So, if i was to consider something new (different) what should i look at? I would like something i can still do solid dirt tracks to get somewhere (Pleanty Highway), but back to the tent for the real adventure. I am thinking independent suspension, need to 2 adults (queen bed) and 2 kids, riding on a duel axle. I like the expanda concept, but no other trailer manufactures spring to mind running the concept. So this is where i need the help.

What do you have, what should I look at. What would you not touch and why? I understand this will only be YOUR opinion. Tow vehicle will be a 200 Landcruiser diesel, budget 40-50K

Any help would be great, the caravan & camping show is in town in 3 months. Bat as always once i decide to sell the camper i would be committed to the ride. So before i concede to the idea I need to know what I should be looking at and that it fits the budget.

So give me your feedback, anything will help.

Regards,
Tim

[D4D]

I'll swap you your Aussie Swag for my Goldstream

Seriously, have you looked at the Windsor Rapid?

[achjimmy]

Tim

We have an Expanda outback and it's a good compromise. It will go most places I will ever want to tow a 2 tonne mass. Our next van will most likley be a Kedron, tracker or Goldstream and i still wouldnt take them anywhere rougher.its just too much mass to be getting bogged or jamed, that sh1t is for entertainment value in videos.

In the perfect world I would own a Tvan as well but I can't justify that. I have known of people and read articles about Expandas being taken across the GBR and up the cape (development rd) you just drive and prepare to the conditions. There finish is reasonable in line with what you pay, but if you are a fussy person and DON'T want to do improvements and mods yourself don't buy one. In saying that There is not much choice in Expanda vans, Rapids cost a heap more and insome main areas are not as good. you also mention cold weather, your still sleeping under canvas and the pop top grantees it loses warmth as well. Overall we are very happy and this is our second Expanda, with three kids and when touring its great, setup time is 10mins and if setting up to stay probably 30-40mins (unhitched, awning and bracing etc)

Good luck.

[MDS69]

Save starting a new thread
We are looking at maybe getting out of the soft floor and into a Expanda 14.44.4 OB.
I have read Bushmans and cruza driver's Expanda threads and looked for achjimmy's
It is good to see them being taken off road like Oodnadatta etc but has anyone towed in sand like Fraser Island. We holidayed on Fraser with friends towing an OB Eagle and OB Swan with no issues in diesel 100series LC's towing up the beach to Cathedral. I imagine the 14.44.4 OB is only a little heavier.

If one was to go to the Cape at what point would you unhitch and tent it.

Any other recent owners who can offer advise or experience. Thanks.

[Rumpig]

but has anyone towed in sand like Fraser Island. We holidayed on Fraser with friends towing an OB Eagle and OB Swan with no issues in diesel 100series LC's towing up the beach to Cathedral. I imagine the 14.44.4 OB is only a little heavier.

We used to tow an old Millard 13ft poptop caravan up to Dundaburra area and camp on the beach no worries at all, was so easy i'd do most of the drive in 2wd. My sister inlaw used to tow their 17ft onroad caravan and a mate used to tow his 17ft Jayco Expanda Offroad van up their and camp with us aswell. If you time the run for 2 hours before lowtide, the only soft sand you need to negotiate is getting onto the barge at Inskip and getting into your campsite, and at the end of the day your tyre pressures is what determines how easily you'll do that.

[chetty]

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