We previously had a 2017 Patriot X1GT and did some awesome trips with that - couldn't fault it. We ended up selling it as we weren't going to get the use out of it for a couple of years ... well not enough use to justify having that much money sitting around. We sold it easily and went back to the tent until we could justify getting another trailer. We really miss the X1 but we made the right decision.
We're still not ready (maybe next year) but decided to go to the Brisbane Caravan & Camping show just to get an idea of what was available and to start thinking about what we would like next time. We're thinking something like a hybrid. Something with a lot less canvas as we don't have much space at home to dry things out. We like cooking/living outside and only go inside the tent/trailer to get changed or to sleep. We don't want a bathroom setup inside as we rarely need one set up and they take up a bit of room that could be used for storage.
So off to the show we went. I really wanted to see the new Jayco CrossTrak. Jayco hadn't really done anything that could do serious off-road stuff so this looked like it was a step in that direction. We really liked the CrossTrak but there were a few things I would look into further if it stays on the list when we're ready to buy. The spare wheel being exposed under the trailer was a concern for starters. Interestingly the rep said it was the only Jayco van that is warranted against corrugations.
We looked at a lot of other hybrids but nothing stood out. We don't want anything where you have to slide the bedroom out, some designs we didn't like (eg having to close the sink/stove lids to access the pantry/kitchen storage - really annoying if cooking).
Eventually we had a look at the ModCon C3 and we both loved it. Plenty of storage, lots of water storage, Queen bed and we could upgrade it to how we would want it set up. Not interested in the TV or stereo. I love my music but we choose to not listen to music or watch TV when camping. When we were away for 3 months we never missed it.
The bunks are not needed but are not wasted as they are the seating when packed away, plus we can open the bunks up if needed. We like the idea of the option to set up the outside shower tent but we'd put a room divider in it. I'm not sure about how see-through the shower room would be of a night when lit up. The photo on the official site shows it all lit up from the inside and if it had a person standing in it, it'd be like taking an x-ray
Luckily we live about 10 minutes from the Jayco dealer and the Modcon factory is only about 20 minutes from our place so we'll be dropping in to check them out a bit more. I'll have a lot of questions for them but the C3 is winning by a lot at the moment.
