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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 11:50:44 AM

Title: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 11:50:44 AM
So this site is ultimately about camper trailers (although seems to be a lot of the hard walled variety commonly known as caravans) but in dreaming about what my next setup might be (as it years away) I keep liking the idea of an Earthcruiser type set up, sure the off the shelf versions are astronomically priced, but you can get ex-firetrucks that although often getting pretty old, are well maintained and low km for no more than you would likely spend on a trailer chassis/wheels/suspension plus mods to a tow vehicle to make it suitable for towing a biggish van.

Then I would think the build costs would be similar to DIY making a van as it would be as it would be a similar undertaking.

Part of my thinking comes from being a family of 6 so a lot more real estate is needed, it might be different if it was just two of us but I always find myself liking the idea more than towing a big enough van to fit us all in.

So firstly, if you were going to go for a touring setup from scratch, what types of setup would you entertain and secondly, what would be the probable negatives of taking the above route that I might not have thought of compared to a 6 birth caravan and suitable tow vehicle.

Here is an example (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/revesby/trucks/1995-mitsubishi-fm-517hs-turbo-red-crew-c-chas-7-5l/1187477607) of a fire truck (although think this one is only 4x2) that would suit and is only 15K, an advantage for me is you can fit 4 across the back seat so no third row needed.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzExWDY0MA==/z/R7YAAOSwrU1bKfpy/$_20.JPG)


Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Spada on October 22, 2018, 12:44:03 PM

Here is an example (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/revesby/trucks/1995-mitsubishi-fm-517hs-turbo-red-crew-c-chas-7-5l/1187477607) of a fire truck (although think this one is only 4x2) that would suit and is only 15K, an advantage for me is you can fit 4 across the back seat so no third row needed.

(https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MzExWDY0MA==/z/R7YAAOSwrU1bKfpy/$_20.JPG)

least you'd have a decent sized water tank  ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on October 22, 2018, 01:16:27 PM
Hi Ta, They are a great idea for touring for value for money set up but height and width is there killer once offroad crawling into sandy and timbered camping spots. I have looked at doing something with the 4 cycinder diesel 4x4 dual cab Canters or Isuzu ex Bush fire or forestry trucks they go just about anywhere and carry nearly 2 ton, Set up a back on them that jacks off and then when touring can tow my 5m tinny would off been great, But changed my mind just could not find what I was after and went with what i have now, Craig       
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: GBC on October 22, 2018, 01:26:47 PM
Light trucks and highways - no thanks. I'll take something comfy (200 cut down into a twin cab?) with a hybrid with matching wheel track please. If going long term I would also have a roof top tent on the tug so I can leave the hybrid behind when heading into properly fun country.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: KingBilly on October 22, 2018, 01:29:19 PM
Light trucks and highways - no thanks. I'll take something comfy (200 cut down into a twin cab?) with a hybrid with matching wheel track please. If going long term I would also have a roof top tent on the tug so I can leave the hybrid behind when heading into properly fun country.

200 cut down - $160K plus
Hybrid - 60 to 140K

Not that rich but guess some are  :D

KB
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: GBC on October 22, 2018, 01:30:37 PM
200 cut down - $160K plus
Hybrid - 60 to 140K

Not that rich but guess some are  :D

KB
He did say ultimate - I’m not dreaming with any budget in mind haha.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: KingBilly on October 22, 2018, 01:36:56 PM
As for the OP’s question.  A truck that size would be OK on black top and well maintained dirt roads, certainly not really suited to anything much more adventurous, too wide, too high, too heavy.  All the travel trucks never go too far off formed roads I would guess.

Step down to an Iveco Daily which is probably one of the most capable off roaders around and you “could” go almost anywhere.  But then they have a heap of engineering issues which need to be sorted before getting too far from civilisation.

Have you considered how a family of six normaly travels?  Do you pull up at one spot and not move again until heading to your next destination?  Is that what you do now?  Never pop off to see a local attraction?  Pop to the shops?  Go sight seeing?  Can’t easily do that in a giant motorhome.  Plus you got to pack up everything, each and every time you move.

KB
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: KingBilly on October 22, 2018, 01:37:46 PM
He did say ultimate - I’m not dreaming with any budget in mind haha.

Ah, OK, fair enough.  I’ll have a similar setup then  :cup:

KB
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 01:40:34 PM
Light trucks and highways - no thanks. I'll take something comfy (200 cut down into a twin cab?) with a hybrid with matching wheel track please. If going long term I would also have a roof top tent on the tug so I can leave the hybrid behind when heading into properly fun country.

The kind of trip I would have something like this for would be one where you avoided highways as much as possible, it would be about the journey as much as the destination, if it was predominantly for black top then I'd agree.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: KeithB on October 22, 2018, 01:51:45 PM
Whether on road or off road, the needs of the kids will change and in their mid teens may not want to do trips with the family. At the same time, the younger ones may want to bring friends. So I'd have a rig with a nice queen size bed for you and your wife, 500 litres of water, a decent bathroom with with a very large holding tank or a composting loo, a large kitchen with plenty of refrigeration,  plus room for all of you to sit and eat in crappy weather. Aircon, solar, plenty of battery power plus diesel hot water are a given.

I'd have a big electric awning for sitting under to enjoy an adult beverage in the afternoons plus another on the starboard side (maybe with detachable walls) where the kids can put up their swags. Plus maybe a video setup on that side as well to keep them entertained when they want to be away from you. Filling the thing up with bunks will cramp the space and my guess is that nobody will end up enjoying it.

Or, if you have a cool half million, you could buy a half decent expedition motorhome with all the bells and whistles.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: alnjan on October 22, 2018, 03:15:06 PM
Have alway wanted to go back to a tray top and have a decent slide on camper. 
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 03:17:35 PM
Hi Ta, They are a great idea for touring for value for money set up but height and width is there killer once offroad crawling into sandy and timbered camping spots. I have looked at doing something with the 4 cycinder diesel 4x4 dual cab Canters or Isuzu ex Bush fire or forestry trucks they go just about anywhere and carry nearly 2 ton, Set up a back on them that jacks off and then when touring can tow my 5m tinny would off been great, But changed my mind just could not find what I was after and went with what i have now, Craig     

Yeah everything is a trade off, but when I compared it to a Jayco basestation (similarish features to what I would look to build) the height and width wasn't that different and I would guess  that the truck would be better off road than a LandCruiser towing a big van. The big downfall is that with a car and can you can drop the van and then explore in the car

Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 03:25:24 PM
As for the OP’s question.  A truck that size would be OK on black top and well maintained dirt roads, certainly not really suited to anything much more adventurous, too wide, too high, too heavy.  All the travel trucks never go too far off formed roads I would guess.

Yeah, the question of who could pull you out if you got bogged comes to mind.

Have you considered how a family of six normaly travels?  Do you pull up at one spot and not move again until heading to your next destination?  Is that what you do now?  Never pop off to see a local attraction?  Pop to the shops?  Go sight seeing?  Can’t easily do that in a giant motorhome.  Plus you got to pack up everything, each and every time you move.

Now we "camp" (set up in one spot) as opposed to "tour" which this would be more aimed at, I notice a lot of the Earthcruisers also have a motor bike on the back but wouldn't really fit 6
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 03:36:25 PM
He did say ultimate - I’m not dreaming with any budget in mind haha.

Probably looking more ultimate touring setup..... That's not far from reality, I'd happily either have a Bruder Exp6 +200 or one of the actual Earthcruisers but probably not going to happen anytime soon.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bird on October 22, 2018, 03:58:15 PM
(http://www.mono-trail.co.uk/images/trailmax.jpg)

(http://www.ukgser.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=107437&stc=1&d=1230411739)

(https://c8.alamy.com/compfr/c8ptbx/touring-bmw-moto-et-remorque-sur-stuart-highway-adelaide-river-territoire-du-nord-australie-c8ptbx.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crSGoglRXzw/UTrax2SW1tI/AAAAAAAByvg/ZkNduFlTzFE/w530-h398-n/MINI%2BHARLEY%2BDAVIDSON%2BMOTORCYCLE%2BDUAL%2BFRONT%2BWHEEL%2BSEMI%2BTRUCK-CAMPER-TRAILER%2B-%2BWOW.jpg)
Title: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Pete79 on October 22, 2018, 04:17:30 PM
Growing up my old man was head bridge ganger with QLD Rail maintaining the train bridges between Ingham and Tully.
He worked away for months at a time living in the bush or in basic relocatable work camps. And as people who know that area the train lines cross through some pretty challenging country, it was only cruiser utes and Canters working up there in those days.
Every now and then he would bring home has 4wd Canter that was fitted out in full QR specs, train wheels front and back, with the whole tray properly set up for living and working in the bush.
As a little 8 or 9 year old kid sitting in that huge cab driving around with Dad, my imagination went wild with how cool they could be set up to live a life on the road. I had that dream for many many years.
The dream continued even when I was doing my Boilermaker apprenticeship and my brother was doing his cabinetmakers apprenticeship, we’d often talk about setting up a business buying 4wd Canters and decking them out as the ultimate touring rigs (this was long before we know these yank earth cruisers where actually a thing).

But then I actually did some touring and did heaps of camping when I realized the big rigs are great fun to day dream about, but not so good in reality.

These days I still daydream about building a tourer, but Iveco based, just because they’re a bit more refined then the Canter and I think they’re a really cool looking rig when done right.
Having a reasonably capable camper that could tow a decent sized boat would be a great toy to own. But I just get that feeling actually living with the big rig wouldn’t be as much fun as it is in my dreams...

If we have to talk about real life;
I really dislike those massive 200s and Y62s, I have lots of thoughts about them whenever I see them up close, none are too positive. And getting stuck behind any of today’s huge oversized caravans is a guaranteed way to ruin a good day of any holiday.

But unfortunately with a family of 6 that disgusting combination of big slow ugliness is probably going to be the most realistic solution for you.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: speewa158 on October 22, 2018, 04:41:20 PM
Hang on a bit  , lets consider an exfire truck or the like is over 3,5Kg so your on 00 to drive it anywhere .                          & the value is     ???
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Aussie Iron on October 22, 2018, 04:47:17 PM
Growing up my old man was head bridge ganger with QLD Rail maintaining the train bridges between Ingham and Tully.
He worked away for months at a time living in the bush or in basic relocatable work camps. And as people who know that area the train lines cross through some pretty challenging country, it was only cruiser utes and Canters working up there in those days.
Every now and then he would bring home has 4wd Canter that was fitted out in full QR specs, train wheels front and back, with the whole tray properly set up for living and working in the bush.
As a little 8 or 9 year old kid sitting in that huge cab driving around with Dad, my imagination went wild with how cool they could be set up to live a life on the road. I had that dream for many many years.
The dream continued even when I was doing my Boilermaker apprenticeship and my brother was doing his cabinetmakers apprenticeship, we’d often talk about setting up a business buying 4wd Canters and decking them out as the ultimate touring rigs (this was long before we know these yank earth cruisers where actually a thing).

But then I actually did some touring and did heaps of camping when I realized the big rigs are great fun to day dream about, but not so good in reality.

These days I still daydream about building a tourer, but Iveco based, just because they’re a bit more refined then the Canter and I think they’re a really cool looking rig when done right.
Having a reasonably capable camper that could tow a decent sized boat would be a great toy to own. But I just get that feeling actually living with the big rig wouldn’t be as much fun as it is in my dreams...

If we have to talk about real life;
I really dislike those massive 200s and Y62s, I have lots of thoughts about them whenever I see them up close, none are too positive. And getting stuck behind any of today’s huge oversized caravans is a guaranteed way to ruin a good day of any holiday.

But unfortunately with a family of 6 that disgusting combination of big slow ugliness is probably going to be the most realistic solution for you.

Earthcruiser are actually Australian but now is also made in the States.
Canter owner and operator and I believe the ultimate Rig. But, just the Wife and I so there is a difference to others needs.

Dan.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Pete79 on October 22, 2018, 04:57:28 PM
Earthcruiser are actually Australian but now is also made in the States.
Canter owner and operator and I believe the ultimate Rig. But, just the Wife and I so there is a difference to others needs.

Dan.
Sorry, was just using a generic term, like calling all headache pills “Panadol” or all sticky things to cover cuts “Bandaids”.
My mistake that I chose the Australian generic name and didn’t go with the “Overland Expedition Vehicle” that I thought was definitely American, but too long to write... ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 22, 2018, 05:13:29 PM
Hang on a bit  , lets consider an exfire truck or the like is over 3,5Kg so your on 00 to drive it anywhere .                          & the value is     ???

You don't exactly have to drive home, hop in and go to bed, no designated driver needed!
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: speewa158 on October 22, 2018, 06:04:29 PM
8 hours Throttle  to Bottle      8)
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: SEADOO on October 22, 2018, 06:19:29 PM
I had a look at one of those "Ultimate over lander trucks" at a caravan show in Canberra about 6 months ago.

There was 2. One Unimog and the other, dunno, but it was IVO $700k. Didn't tick any of my boxes. The main access was through the Shitter, as you bumped your head.

Mine, Landcruiser ute, portal hubs, auto and a toy hauler set up for camping and the dirt bikes.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: gronk on October 22, 2018, 08:16:49 PM


If we have to talk about real life;
I really dislike those massive 200s and Y62s, I have lots of thoughts about them whenever I see them up close, none are too positive.

Even though I own one, those "massive" 4wds really are only just a bit bigger than most other 4wds. But they sure are comfortable on a trip....unlike some "small" 4wds !!
Title: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: weeds on October 22, 2018, 08:18:07 PM
Touring or overland......either way we are working our way towards our ultimate camper for when we are kid free in three years and...........if the moons align we will test the waters with a 12 month drive around Europe.....if it works out we might drive back to Australia through Asia.

I only ever dream about what i can actually afford......

Just have to work out downsizing from a four bedroom house to all our belonging in our defender Poptop. 



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: alnjan on October 22, 2018, 09:22:53 PM
Sorry, was just using a generic term, like calling all headache pills “Panadol” or all sticky things to cover cuts “Bandaids”.
My mistake that I chose the Australian generic name and didn’t go with the “Overland Expedition Vehicle” that I thought was definitely American, but too long to write... ;D

Do you mean these guys, Earthroamer

https://earthroamer.com/ (https://earthroamer.com/)
https://www.facebook.com/EarthRoamer/ (https://www.facebook.com/EarthRoamer/)
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: achjimmy on October 22, 2018, 10:12:36 PM
200 cut down - $160K plus
Hybrid - 60 to 140K

Not that rich but guess some are  :D

KB

If you buy new and cut it down the luxury car tax comes off the Cruza and the conversion is as cheap as $25k
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: achjimmy on October 22, 2018, 10:13:57 PM
Earthcruiser are actually Australian but now is also made in the States.
Canter owner and operator and I believe the ultimate Rig. But, just the Wife and I so there is a difference to others needs.

Dan.

Looked in a earth cruiser at a show once, very claustrophobic imo wasn’t a fan. Love the concept thou. Just question the actually usability.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Craig Tomkinson on October 22, 2018, 11:02:41 PM
Oh forgot to say Thats why we went the old 80 fit 3 in the front and 3 in the next lot of seats as we have 6 in our family too, And went for the old Jayco pop up van, that combo is just prefect for us, at around 15 grand rebuilt for both, Craig
 
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: edz on October 22, 2018, 11:18:11 PM
So this site is ultimately about camper trailers (although seems to be a lot of the hard walled variety commonly known as caravans) but in dreaming about what my next setup might be (as it years away) I keep liking the idea of an Earthcruiser type set up, sure the off the shelf versions are astronomically priced, but you can get ex-firetrucks that although often getting pretty old, are well maintained and low km for no more than you would likely spend on a trailer chassis/wheels/suspension plus mods to a tow vehicle to make it suitable for towing a biggish van.

Then I would think the build costs would be similar to DIY making a van as it would be as it would be a similar undertaking.

Part of my thinking comes from being a family of 6 so a lot more real estate is needed, it might be different if it was just two of us but I always find myself liking the idea more than towing a big enough van to fit us all in.

So firstly, if you were going to go for a touring setup from scratch, what types of setup would you entertain and secondly, what would be the probable negatives of taking the above route that I might not have thought of compared to a 6 birth caravan and suitable tow vehicle.

Here is an example (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/revesby/trucks/1995-mitsubishi-fm-517hs-turbo-red-crew-c-chas-7-5l/1187477607) of a fire truck (although think this one is only 4x2) that would suit and is only 15K, an advantage for me is you can fit 4 across the back seat so no third row needed.

Some reading and inspiration for you TA .
https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new.48351/ (https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new.48351/)      ....      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfeonYc6qW8&list=PL85RTK4WmIJKMEFfn6FcDt8NvrS3qRGx5 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfeonYc6qW8&list=PL85RTK4WmIJKMEFfn6FcDt8NvrS3qRGx5)
 
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bigfish on October 23, 2018, 05:30:48 AM
Oh forgot to say Thats why we went the old 80 fit 3 in the front and 3 in the next lot of seats as we have 6 in our family too, And went for the old Jayco pop up van, that combo is just prefect for us, at around 15 grand rebuilt for both, Craig
 


The perfect unit is whatever makes you happy.  Plenty of wannabes and look at mes out there driving ridiculous expensive monstrosities and staying in van parks.  Stuff that...may as well stay home and watch tv.   Give me a setup that requires me to get off my arse and do something (adjust the kitchen set-up. add a few more sockets etc.etc)...plus I like to fit in with nature and enjoy it.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Fizzie on October 23, 2018, 07:58:33 AM
Just have to work out downsizing from a four bedroom house to all our belonging in our defender Poptop. 

Tht's going to take an awful lot of packing, Weeds, even with just the two of you! :o >:D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: stephenh1235 on October 23, 2018, 08:00:45 AM
Earthcruiser are actually Australian but now is also made in the States.
Canter owner and operator and I believe the ultimate Rig. But, just the Wife and I so there is a difference to others needs.

Dan.

I'm exactly the same as Dan ="I believe the ultimate rig", just suits our needs as a couple now that kids have moved on,still manageable at this age in life, lets us tow our dinghy,haven't found anywhere it can't go that I wanted to go, the slide on packs up with the push of a button, sits easily on the maximum 100kph speed limit, economy - 19Ls/100ks, all at a cost of 50Ks.  G.V.M. concerns??
Steve
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Kegs1972 on October 23, 2018, 08:07:46 AM

 Give me a setup that requires me to get off my arse and do something (adjust the kitchen set-up. add a few more sockets etc.etc)...plus I like to fit in with nature and enjoy it.


couldn't have said it better myself - one of the things i love about camping, always rethinking and streamlining for the next trip away!  ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: doc evil on October 23, 2018, 09:00:37 AM
Don't need much more than this...…………… maybe a tinny for fishing, but that's it. Don't need bling, don't need fancy gadgets just the open road and some coin!! That's ultimate enough for me!!!
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Rumpig on October 23, 2018, 03:37:49 PM
Don't need much more than this...…………… maybe a tinny for fishing, but that's it. Don't need bling, don't need fancy gadgets just the open road and some coin!! That's ultimate enough for me!!!
shouldn’t you start by getting you something that gets you home from your destination? ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: plusnq on October 23, 2018, 05:32:42 PM
shouldn’t you start by getting you something that gets you home from your destination? ;D

Where would the fun be in that? 😂😂😂
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: doc evil on October 23, 2018, 06:15:43 PM
shouldn’t you start by getting you something that gets you home from your destination? ;D

Part of the adventure sunshine...…….. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Pete79 on October 23, 2018, 07:26:29 PM
Even though I own one, those "massive" 4wds really are only just a bit bigger than most other 4wds. But they sure are comfortable on a trip....unlike some "small" 4wds !!
I know how you feel.... Sometimes when I look in the mirror I really want to believe my fat guts are not as big as they appear in that reflection... ;)

But we all have to accept reality and as much as I wish I saw a 6 pack in the mirror, I’m sure you also wish your 200 series wasn’t only 50mm narrower then a F250 truck.

Unfortunately that is the truth.

That and the F250 is only 8mm taller and 400kg heavier then your 200 series. :)

At least the over 1 ton payload in the F250 makes for a decent base to build a rig in the theme of this thread.

(https://pictures.dealer.com/c/crowefordfd/0281/f6f0df0eb9f79efbeceb2431dc99f113x.jpg?impolicy=resize&w=650)


FYI,
Not sure if a Prado is one of those “small” 4wds, but they’re 160mm narrower and 630kg lighter then your big blubber guts 200.... :P

Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: alnjan on October 23, 2018, 07:35:13 PM
https://earthroamer.com/ (https://earthroamer.com/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=941pHjq_EfQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=941pHjq_EfQ)
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 23, 2018, 08:49:56 PM
Not sure if a Prado is one of those “small” 4wds, but they’re 160mm narrower and 630kg lighter then your big blubber guts 200.... :P
1cm wider and 1cm longer (LWB) than a Wrangler  ;)
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: tryagain on October 23, 2018, 09:02:18 PM
https://earthroamer.com/ (https://earthroamer.com/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=941pHjq_EfQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=941pHjq_EfQ)

I just don't see it being worth 1.5mil, doesn't seem like you get that much extra for your 1 mil more than a cheaper version.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: alnjan on October 23, 2018, 09:26:01 PM
I just don't see it being worth 1.5mil, doesn't seem like you get that much extra for your 1 mil more than a cheaper version.

and that would be 1.5 mil US dollars. 
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: nab on October 23, 2018, 10:15:28 PM

The perfect unit is whatever makes you happy.  Plenty of wannabes and look at mes out there driving ridiculous expensive monstrosities and staying in van parks.  Stuff that...may as well stay home and watch tv.   Give me a setup that requires me to get off my arse and do something (adjust the kitchen set-up. add a few more sockets etc.etc)...plus I like to fit in with nature and enjoy it.

x 54324789. Half the fun with camping is tinkering, modifying, adjusting etc. my ranger with camping canopy and jayco camper is almost perfect for us with 3 kids under 10...
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Hookie on October 24, 2018, 04:25:54 AM
Whatever gets us into the most places with all the necessary comforts. I can't think of a more capable, practical and versatile tug than a chopped 200, plus an off road van that ticks all our boxes:

 - Island bed - after years of camper trailers, we don't want to spend our old age climbing over each other to get in and out of bed.
 - Outdoor kitchen - we have a pretty well equipped indoor kitchen in the swan, and we do 100% of our cooking on the weber or the fire.
 - Indoor bathroom - starting to turn into a luxury palace now...
 - Oven and washing machine - essentials for comfortable long term touring.
 - Ease of setup - If I could pop a top and roll out an awning and be done I'd be living the dream!

Something like the 19' jayco adventurer ticks all those boxes, I just wish they could cram it all into 15'.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bird on October 24, 2018, 09:27:18 AM
Quote from: nab
Half the fun with camping is tinkering, modifying, adjusting etc.
Im the opposite.. I just wanna hook up and go.. no hassles, no ****ing around. Get there and relax.. Go home, reverse into shed, remove fridge and cutlery.. wash and store until next decade.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bird on October 24, 2018, 09:44:41 AM
A mini Complete campsite for the BMW GS to tow...

https://www.gogocycles.com/2008-aspen-ambassador-camper-for-sale.html (https://www.gogocycles.com/2008-aspen-ambassador-camper-for-sale.html)

(https://www.gogocycles.com/images/x2008-aspen-ambassador-camper-for-sale-21808513.jpg.pagespeed.ic.WWQrw34Ro_.jpg)

(http://img.scgpix.com/listimg/img1_1015/27/img_dExOcHMXgr.jpg)

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Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: HKB Electronics on October 24, 2018, 09:53:25 AM
We bumped into a group of earthcruises a couple of times on our last trip, one we spoke to said he's unit cost $800000, we found one of the units down the end of a hard track, he actually went a bit further on than I wanted to take the Prado. Personally I wouldn't be driving a unit that coast that much down a narrow track we had problems negotiating in the Prado.

We also bumped into a similar unit at Nulhumbuy a couple of years back, they broke something on the rear suspension and had to have it repaired, granted the road in was hard but I would have thought that something that cost so much would have been able to handle the conditions.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: HKB Electronics on October 24, 2018, 10:00:33 AM
We have found the VistaRv and Prado combo has taken us everywhere we want to go without any hassles. During our travels we have passed many battle wounded camper trailer, caravans and cars. The only points we have found lacking is a quick shower setup and no toilet which it would be nice to have at times. They have released new models now with quick set up ensuite and freed up a cupboard inside which could house a porta potti. I'm surprised they addressed the shower issue with a nice solution but did nothing regarding the toilet, the other half would much have preferred if they had done something about an inside toilet rather than the external shower.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Rumpig on October 24, 2018, 11:35:12 AM
Im the opposite.. I just wanna hook up and go.. no hassles, no ****ing around. Get there and relax.. Go home, reverse into shed, remove fridge and cutlery.. wash and store until next decade.
x2 on above...I go camping to relax not work, I also don’t want to spend my spare time working on my 4wd or camper. I do enough manual labour at work each week without doing it in my spare time also.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: doc evil on October 24, 2018, 02:30:01 PM
x2 on above...I go camping to relax not work, I also don’t want to spend my spare time working on my 4wd or camper. I do enough manual labour at work each week without doing it in my spare time also.

I can be on my 3rd can by the time you almost finish setting up...……….. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Merts on October 24, 2018, 03:17:40 PM
I'm pretty happy with my little hybrid. For overnight stops it's just a matter of walking around it and undoing 4 clips, opening the rear door, and pushing the lid up. Takes less than a minute. For longer stops, it takes a few minutes to disconnect from the vehicle, drop the legs, deploy the awning and the kitchen. It's still only 10 or 15 minutes if I'm not rushing. I've 'been there and done that' with a soft-floor with a big awning, and whilst it was great with heaps of room for the kids, I'm much happier with quick and easy these days.

For more extreme off-road trips I use a jet-tent bunker under a 270 degree awning. 5 to 10 minute setup depending on whether I attach the walls. I'm generally cracking a beer before most others are half set up.
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Rumpig on October 24, 2018, 04:04:35 PM
I can be on my 3rd can by the time you almost finish setting up...……….. ;D ;D
think you've mistaken me for someone that takes more Shit away then necessary with them....6 latches undone, flip the camper floor over push the u shaped bar up and 2 spreader bars inside to put in, then another 2 minutes to put the front few poles of the front awning in, camper is ready to sleep in...literally takes me about 5 minutes to set our trailer up if we aren't putting the awning up, add maybe 10 more minutes to throw the awning on if we are staying a few nights. My kids sleep on the hardfloor on self inflating matresses, no stretchers to set up or anything, it's all about doing as little as possible to allow maximum relaxation time, and I'll usually grab a refreshing beverage to enjoy whilst setting the camper up, so at least you won't be drinking alone :cheers:
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: plusnq on October 24, 2018, 05:03:36 PM
I can be on my 3rd can by the time you almost finish setting up...……….. ;D ;D

I’ve had trips like that. My mates have a photo of me sleeping on top of a rolled up swag 😂😂😂
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Alan Loy on October 25, 2018, 07:00:10 AM
Very happy with our Tvan, but there is only 2 of us (just need a diesel heater and an instant awning).  I can see a hybrid in our future as we get older.

I am sick of the engine, gearbox of the (3.0) patrol so my ultimate tug would be a Supercab Ranger with Superior engineering coil springs and some chassis mods
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Beachman on October 25, 2018, 08:18:47 AM
I’ve had trips like that. My mates have a photo of me sleeping on top of a rolled up swag 😂😂😂

Glad to hear I'm not that only one who has done that   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bird on October 25, 2018, 09:08:41 AM
Quote from: Alan Loy
a Supercab Ranger with Superior engineering coil springs and some chassis mods
how much on top of the car price is that setup?
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Alan Loy on October 25, 2018, 09:27:52 AM
how much on top of the car price is that setup?
The kits are about $7000 + fitting so under $10,000.  No GVM upgrade though  :'(  https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-suspension/coil-conversion-kits?filter=364,355 (https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-suspension/coil-conversion-kits?filter=364,355)

You could think about engine upgrades as well, of course the sky is always the limit  ;D
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: Bird on October 25, 2018, 11:44:23 AM
The kits are about $7000 + fitting so under $10,000.  No GVM upgrade though  :'(  https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-suspension/coil-conversion-kits?filter=364,355 (https://www.superiorengineering.com.au/4x4-suspension/coil-conversion-kits?filter=364,355)

You could think about engine upgrades as well, of course the sky is always the limit  ;D
just throw the grenade away and go Project Toni :)
Title: Re: Whats your ultimate touring setup
Post by: McGirr on October 25, 2018, 12:45:22 PM
My ultimate set up would be 20ft van with room for a quad bike, a nice comfortable car with a boat on top. Still unsure what car but something like a 79 series toyota but with the interior of a 200 series.

Mark