Hi
This looks like a great forum, might I say the best I've read. By way of introduction my wife Di and I are not camping novices having owned a couple of different trailer campers one with no floor pull out framed tent and annex and another basic one with fold out bed end flies "companion", we took both of these into some lovely places but always wanted to go beyond their limits. We have also tent camped even cycling and treking in India and Nepal.
I have also owned a 18ft caravan that I abused and effectively destroyed taking it many places it was definitely not designed to go and we are now the owners of a 6.5 metre 2 berth bus that I have had fitted out and is now on caravan registration.The limitations of this unit would be obvious to most on this forum. We are now in the market for something that will test the limitations of our petrol Pajero exceed.
Two important thing I have learned is big is not always better and corrugations are the enemy. We are both interested in getting off the beaten track fossicking for gemstones, bush walking and being able to free camp appeals.
I find the more I look through different forums, dealers and types of camper - soft floor, hard floor and crossovers the more confused I become. We are therefore hoping this site will help in making a decision
The limitations / realities.
Tow vehicle - Pajero Exceed, 3.8 lt V6 petrol.
Storage limitations at home, sloping site, no storage area at front
Drive through garage height limit 2200mm another garage down the back for under cover storage.
The compromises
Wind up such as the Jayco camper range can be bought with an Outback package. (not an off road van) Not an option in my mind however I am open to all views. Goldstream make a much more rugged crown unit that I would class as marginal off road. This is the unit Di and I had some common ground with untill Irealising the bed was to short and the stove and benches to low. I am 6'2". Crossovers outside our budget, that leaves the HF and SF options. Budget started at $16,000 now around $30,000 and looking like blowing out some more. ....hands still firmly in pockets while sorting the chaff from the straw. All may change tomorrow as Di's mind changes like the wind and I am as fluid as the ocean. I will be a keen observer at next months C&C show at Caulfield.
Looking forward to searching some more through this site and maybe contribute something as an owner perhaps as I become more comfortable with this medium.
Cheers...............Ken @ Mount Clear. 3350.
