Cape trip - vehicle choice!

[MarDon]

O.K. all you lot that have done the cape trip, needing your 'advice'.

Though we live right at the 'gateway to the gulf' (and cape) we have never managed to 'do the tip', so are now planning a possible trip later this year.

We have a LC200 TD, plus a CYT camper, which serves us well for most of our  trips.  We have the opportunity to purchase a 95 Troopy Rv, that we could use for the more 'adventurous' style trips.  Our discussions have been around which way to travel to the tip, in more comfort, but then stressing about damage to the vehicle etc. and then missing out on things because of that - or get the Troopy, camp out of the back of it,  don't stress too much about possible damage, (hopefully only scratches) and experience everything the cape has to offer.

For some reason we are thinking it will be 'easier' without the camper, but for those that have done the cape trip, what do you think.

Also, it's not dust and corrugations that we are concerned about, (we go to Lakefield 1-2 times a year plus assorted other places) it's water crossings, major scratches and small dents.

Thanks guys, hope that all makes sense and look forward to opinions.

Dee.

[McGirr]

It really depends on what route you want to take, the OTL or the development rd.

You can do some of the OTL if you wish. I would take the camper and use your current vehicle.

As you are aware track conditions can vary every year and also the time you intend going.
 
Mark 

[evolution]

As soon as you mentioned troopy, you reminded me of this story. It is an epic read and goes to show just how far a standard landcruiser troopy can go.
http://jalopnik.com/5697358/the-first-people-to-drive-across-the-congo-in-20-years
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/50799-Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-Lubumbashi-to-Kinshasa

Cheers
Evo

[02-SR5]

If it were me,

Option 2.

Purchase the troopy, give it a service and enjoy.

Nothing worse than wanting to do something but worrying about damage.

[BigJules]

Just go.

You've got the perfect vehicle and camper already, book in your time and get up there. If you can afford the Troopie and are really worried about damaging the 200, which I can understand, do that, but don't waste  a whole bunch of time on the decision because both are right, and boh have potential costs.

[JU5T1N]

Just make sure your tag-a-long is driving a Nissan to be on the safe side....

seriously just save the troopy $$$, take the LC200 & enjoy 

[MarDon]

Hmmm, thanks for all that.....

Still some considering to do, I'm not usually so precious about my car, and have always said, I bought a car to use it etc. and we normally just do. I know heaps of you take trailers up there each year, maybe in the end to current setup will win -perhaps I'm over dramatising the cape experience- but certainly want to do the OTL at least one way. Though I do think that hubby might be secretly hoping to get his hands on the troopy anyway!

The Congo story was extreme, some people certainly are passionate/determined travelers!!

At this stage the tag-a-long is most likely to be my (then 19) year old son in his L/C ute. (Toyota family for sure)!!

McGirr, you ought to put a copyright on your last trip report, as we will probably follow your itinerary somewhat, seeing that you appear to be a "Cape God" of legendary status...

Thanks,
Dee

[McGirr]

Hmmm, thanks for all that.....

Still some considering to do, I'm not usually so precious about my car, and have always said, I bought a car to use it etc. and we normally just do. I know heaps of you take trailers up there each year, maybe in the end to current setup will win -perhaps I'm over dramatising the cape experience- but certainly want to do the OTL at least one way. Though I do think that hubby might be secretly hoping to get his hands on the troopy anyway!

The Congo story was extreme, some people certainly are passionate/determined travelers!!

At this stage the tag-a-long is most likely to be my (then 19) year old son in his L/C ute. (Toyota family for sure)!!

McGirr, you ought to put a copyright on your last trip report, as we will probably follow your itinerary somewhat, seeing that you appear to be a "Cape God" of legendary status...

Thanks,
Dee

No far from it. I just enjoy traveling up that way. I am now expanding into exploring the Gulf Country more.

Mark

[SteveandViv]

No far from it. I just enjoy traveling up that way. I am now expanding into exploring the Gulf Country more.

Mark

But too wossie to come visit us in the KIMBERLY 

[SteveandViv]

Hmmm, thanks for all that.....

Still some considering to do, I'm not usually so precious about my car, and have always said, I bought a car to use it etc. and we normally just do. I know heaps of you take trailers up there each year, maybe in the end to current setup will win -perhaps I'm over dramatising the cape experience- but certainly want to do the OTL at least one way. Though I do think that hubby might be secretly hoping to get his hands on the troopy anyway!

The Congo story was extreme, some people certainly are passionate/determined travelers!!

At this stage the tag-a-long is most likely to be my (then 19) year old son in his L/C ute. (Toyota family for sure)!!

McGirr, you ought to put a copyright on your last trip report, as we will probably follow your itinerary somewhat, seeing that you appear to be a "Cape God" of legendary status...

Thanks,
Dee

seeing that you appear to be a "Cape God" of legendary status...

We have the pics to prove it. Young Swedish blondes falling all over Mark, made water from wine. Well that's what he told me after steeling all our booze and filling the bottles with water

[McGirr]

I must have missed the Swedish blondes....too busy stealing beer 

Mark

[TOPNDR]

We did "The Tip" in '07 with a Trol & Kimberley Kamper but now own a 200 Series & Quantum.  I'd have no hesitation taking both to the Tip, and would still travel the OTT & Frenchmans Track.

[Bill]

We were in the same boat when we did the Cape Trio.
Ute was only about a month off the showroom floor.
We did the entire OTL, Captain Billy's Landing, went to the mouth of the Jardine and Frenchmans creek.
There was not a scratch that didn't buff out when we got home.
We didn't have a camper trailer in those days but if/when we do it again you can bet we will be taking
our Aussie Swag.
If you take it a little easy and don't drive like a maniac any damage should be minimal...
Bill

[Paul (SA)]

O.K. all you lot that have done the cape trip, needing your 'advice'.

Though we live right at the 'gateway to the gulf' (and cape) we have never managed to 'do the tip', so are now planning a possible trip later this year.

We have a LC200 TD, plus a CYT camper, which serves us well for most of our  trips.  We have the opportunity to purchase a 95 Troopy Rv, that we could use for the more 'adventurous' style trips.  Our discussions have been around which way to travel to the tip, in more comfort, but then stressing about damage to the vehicle etc. and then missing out on things because of that - or get the Troopy, camp out of the back of it,  don't stress too much about possible damage, (hopefully only scratches) and experience everything the cape has to offer.

For some reason we are thinking it will be 'easier' without the camper, but for those that have done the cape trip, what do you think.

Also, it's not dust and corrugations that we are concerned about, (we go to Lakefield 1-2 times a year plus assorted other places) it's water crossings, major scratches and small dents.

Thanks guys, hope that all makes sense and look forward to opinions.

Dee.

Dee. Give,me the new one and I will show you how it is done. I will even let u come along to show u personally. We would only have to put up with my wife and kids but nothing we couldn't handle.

[chester ver2.0]

After spending serious time in both up at the mines i know which one i would be having and it invloves 3 numbers not 2

The 76 is the most unconfortable piece of crap i ever had the displeasure of having to drive for 6 months when the workshop managers 200GX arrived he said he would rather a ute than wagon

It was the quickest swap in history

[nbd73]

After spending serious time in both up at the mines i know which one i would be having and it invloves 3 numbers not 2

The 76 is the most unconfortable piece of crap i ever had the displeasure of having to drive for 6 months when the workshop managers 200GX arrived he said he would rather a ute than wagon

It was the quickest swap in history

Perfect summary. My father has a 76, and having driven it and towed the GS with it I would NEVER buy one. A 95 model troopy will be at least 12 yrs older than your 200, & it will still have leaf springs on the front suspension>aargh!! With a ride quality similar to having a mouthful of tacks, pass.

[Kalebjarrod]

You spend a long time lookin at the back of a pine box, take the 200 and just do it

[duggie]

Hi Dee,

One of the four wheel drives that went on last years Myswag Cape Trip, was a brand new 200 towing a camptrailer, He completed the whole trip without any damage and the only time he needed to be assisted was in Nolans. My advice,( and this is coming from a very staunch Nissan owner) is take the 200 and enjoy the comfort.

cheers duggie

[dazzler]

I had a mate do it with a Subaru brumby with no damage. Wasn't he first car up there an Austin 7?

[Symon]

Comfort... meh.  Go the troopy! You know you want to...

I may be a little biased

[Matto]

I can understand both points. No sense taking the 200, and not enjoying it because you're worried about damaging it. If the troopy is going to give you piece of mind, then it's probably worth it just for that. They're super-tough, you'll never kill it.

I guess the other way to look at it, is to set aside however much money you were buying the troopy for. If you do bang up the 200, that money will pay for repairs or cover your insurance excess. But I'd be surprised if you need to get that serious.

Personally, I'd be taking the 200. Heck, I'm planning on taking my old piece of crap up there one day - the 200 would be far and away more capable than mine. You'd have more clearance everywhere, and much less likely to pick up damage. I'm pretty damage-adverse, simply because I don't have the cash to break stuff and then fix it. Make sure you've got a good, sealed snorkel (don't trust that it was fitted right - test it) and a water blind, and go for it.

Good luck,
Matto

[luxabout]

As soon as you mentioned troopy, you reminded me of this story. It is an epic read and goes to show just how far a standard landcruiser troopy can go.
http://jalopnik.com/5697358/the-first-people-to-drive-across-the-congo-in-20-years
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/50799-Democratic-Republic-of-Congo-Lubumbashi-to-Kinshasa

Wow!!! I  just spent the whole morning reading through all of those posts..... What an epic adventure they had!

Better start doing some work now!

[evolution]

Wow!!! I  just spent the whole morning reading through all of those posts..... What an epic adventure they had!

Better start doing some work now!

Yeah I think when I read it, I wasn't watching the time. I started at about 4pm sat, then next thing i know my little man is wanting breakfast. Lol 8am SUN.

Cheers
Evo

[Diesel Power]

Comfort... meh.  Go the troopy! You know you want to...

I may be a little biased

You're a sucker for punishment Symon.
Go the 200 series, and if there is a situation where your worried about your precious, then bypass that section of track.
Regards
Angus.

[Symon]

You're a sucker for punishment Symon.
Go the 200 series, and if there is a situation where your worried about your precious, then bypass that section of track.
Regards
Angus.

But feeling every rut and bump just enhances the experience!

Edit - and by the way, do some effing work!!