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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 11:57:55 AM

Title: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 11:57:55 AM
this may have vaulted to the top of our list... :)

https://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/iconn/ (https://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/model/iconn/)

not sure what happens to the Ultra, as the two are similarly priced, depending on desired layout...


(https://www.lifestylecampertrailers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Iconn3760f-1200x800.jpg)

Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: alnjan on April 24, 2019, 12:10:25 PM
Saw it on their Facebook page and had a look on their website.  Sort of a blend between the Breakaway and the Reconn
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 12:31:39 PM
Saw it on their Facebook page and had a look on their website.  Sort of a blend between the Breakaway and the Reconn

my thoughts as well...

the Ultra was high on our list, but with the relatively small price difference, the ICONN has gone past it...

the ICONN just seems a bit more robust...
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: wakychapmans on April 24, 2019, 03:49:17 PM
very nice. So based on the terminology on their website. ("Australian innovation and design" as opposed to "Australian Made")

It's an imported version of the Reconn.

Very nice. and affordable too.

Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Pete79 on April 24, 2019, 04:08:36 PM
Were are you seeing the prices for these?

The offical website just wants me to sign up for spam.
And google searching just comes up with this sort of stuff, which I can't understand what the menu says.... :P

(https://i.imgur.com/bcrSTxc.jpg)
Title: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 04:12:17 PM
Were are you seeing the prices for these?

The offical website just wants me to sign up for spam.
And google searching just comes up with this sort of stuff, which I can't understand what the menu says.... :P

(https://i.imgur.com/bcrSTxc.jpg)

I signed up for the brochure... includes introductory pricing ($29,950) as well as RRP ($32,950)...



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Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Steffo1 on April 24, 2019, 04:19:32 PM
does it have a plug for a portable, blue radio? :D
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Pete79 on April 24, 2019, 04:26:39 PM
Wow, that actually is really affordable.

Personaly I'd allow another 3 or 4K for modifications and bringing things up to standards, but even then that's a lot of camper for your dollar...
I can see that being a good seller for them.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 04:37:56 PM
Wow, that actually is really affordable.

Personaly I'd allow another 3 or 4K for modifications and bringing things up to standards, but even then that's a lot of camper for your dollar...
I can see that being a good seller for them.

not sure what i would need to mod, to be honest...

i'd be after the bunk version, but everything else looks fine to me...

my prediction is that the Ultra, in it's current form, is eased out of their product lineup... not sure why it would still be there, based on pricing (unless a decent price reduction for the Ultra is coming)...
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 24, 2019, 05:02:02 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/bcrSTxc.jpg)

Are you an Asian version of Facebook?
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 24, 2019, 05:12:38 PM
not sure what i would need to mod, to be honest...

i'd be after the bunk version, but everything else looks fine to me...

Looks like that price doesn't include any form of charging (solar or 240v) then if you add a panel to the roof it looks like they also recommend actuators, those would be a few grand in options I would imagine.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 05:22:02 PM
Looks like that price doesn't include any form of charging (solar or 240v) then if you add a panel to the roof it looks like they also recommend actuators, those would be a few grand in options I would imagine.

240v setup would be on my list, but the actuators and solar are not...


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Title: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Pete79 on April 24, 2019, 05:28:16 PM
Are you an Asian version of Facebook?
Not on any Facebook.

That was seriously like the 3rd or 4th on the list from googling “Lifestyle iconn camper price” (that was of course after I corrected google and said; no I didn’t mean “icon”). ;)

Edit;
Just did the same search again, but didn’t get the Chinese page, got French and Indonesian Facebooks instead....
Hmmm, think it’s time to bust out the old tinfoil hat again.. ;D
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Pete79 on April 24, 2019, 05:42:36 PM
And I actually don’t think this Lifestyle business model is such a bad thing.

As long as they are honest with the market about the local product and the imported product, and the local product is actually good quality.
Then in theory they should be able to use the high volume, low cost, high margin products to support the local side of their business.

Win/win really.
If it’s done right.....
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 24, 2019, 07:04:03 PM
my thoughts as well...

the Ultra was high on our list, but with the relatively small price difference, the ICONN has gone past it...

the ICONN just seems a bit more robust...

They are one and the same.....slightly different outer skin, different kitchen, less storage than the Ultra, but looks a bit smarter !!
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 07:10:56 PM
They are one and the same.....slightly different outer skin, different kitchen, less storage than the Ultra, but looks a bit smarter !!

Basing that assumption on real world experience of both units?

Or just by looking at the photos?

Doubt very much Lifestyle would go to all the trouble of releasing the ICONN, if it was 90% the same as the Ultra...

Doesn’t make much sense...


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Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 24, 2019, 07:39:33 PM
Basing that assumption on real world experience of both units?

Or just by looking at the photos?

Doubt very much Lifestyle would go to all the trouble of releasing the ICONN, if it was 90% the same as the Ultra...

Doesn’t make much sense...


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Mate, I own a new Ultra and I have only looked at the photos of the Iconn, but believe me, they are the same camper underneath...    and inside.
The Iconn is 100mm wider, the outside skin is similar to the Recon, the spare wheel has moved to the closed in rear end, the kitchen is now a swing out unit.....
You could say it has evolved from the Ultra, but instead of 90%, maybe 80% is still the Ultra. It looks nicer ( subjective view ) and will sell well, but the Ultra suits us better ( mainly more storage space ).
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 07:53:29 PM
Mate, I own a new Ultra and I have only looked at the photos of the Iconn, but believe me, they are the same camper underneath...    and inside.
The Iconn is 100mm wider, the outside skin is similar to the Recon, the spare wheel has moved to the closed in rear end, the kitchen is now a swing out unit.....
You could say it has evolved from the Ultra, but instead of 90%, maybe 80% is still the Ultra. It looks nicer ( subjective view ) and will sell well, but the Ultra suits us better ( mainly more storage space ).

Interesting... genuinely appreciate the insight...

If it’s that close, I wonder why they have released it, then?


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Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: KingBilly on April 24, 2019, 07:58:12 PM
Imported vs Aussie made ?????

KB
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 24, 2019, 08:11:33 PM
Imported vs Aussie made ?????

At that price it will be imported, likely finishing touches put on it here (ie to fit more in the container)
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 24, 2019, 08:12:19 PM
Imported vs Aussie made ?????

KB

i guess... ?  not sure...

i'm just surprised that there is not much price difference... but maybe that's just me...

in any case, i do like it... but gronk's insight, particularly regarding storage, is very interesting...

Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 24, 2019, 08:34:17 PM
i guess... ?  not sure...

i'm just surprised that there is not much price difference... but maybe that's just me...

in any case, i do like it... but gronk's insight, particularly regarding storage, is very interesting...

Approx 3K difference in base prices.  I spent 5K extra for a few options...240V power, extra water tank, inside upright fridge, 2 extra batteries ( 3 total ), and after I got it, added extra circuit breakers, 240V charger and a solar controller.
Most of them are made in China, but some things are added here....can't find out exactly what, but any extras are obviously added here. I have seen underneath some chinese campers and the Lifestyle ones are pretty good quality wise.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 25, 2019, 10:44:53 AM
For those who have an Ultra/Recon/Breakaway how does the door work? one of the unexpected things I liked about my parent's swan when I borrowed it was an actual door that you could open and close without having to undo and do up a zipper every time you wanted to do in and out, from just looking at pics it looks like you would have to do both open the door and undo the zip?

Also, what are they made of? looks like sheet steel and I am guessing an RHS frame in places for strength?
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: alnjan on April 25, 2019, 11:53:51 AM
For those who have an Ultra/Recon/Breakaway how does the door work? one of the unexpected things I liked about my parent's swan when I borrowed it was an actual door that you could open and close without having to undo and do up a zipper every time you wanted to do in and out, from just looking at pics it looks like you would have to do both open the door and undo the zip?

Also, what are they made of? looks like sheet steel and I am guessing an RHS frame in places for strength?

The Reconn door is one piece, not like the Breakaway and Iconn where the doorway extends into the poptop canvass. 
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 25, 2019, 12:29:52 PM
The door is the only thing I don't like.  Will get around to making it full height sooner or later.
All bodywork is aluminium.....good for doing additions....no worry about rust.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: simmo_33 on April 26, 2019, 10:39:57 AM
Paceman we have one of the last Australian built Breakaways. Like you we have a NT Pajero. One thing that you really need to take into consideration with the Breakaway or ICCON is this ball weight. When fully loaded we are bordering on max towball weight.
Our trailer has the old option of the rear kitchen, we preferred it to the new side kitchen arrangement as it gives you heaps of living space to the side.
Also my experience with Lifestyles after sales service seems to be very different from what most people seem to experience.
We are in Mackay as well. We had some warranty issues that need resolving, let's just say like a lot of things in Queensland, people in the SE corner of the state seems to think the state stops at the North Coast. Very long story but in the end of was easier & cheaper to fix the problem myself.
Having said that we love our Breakaway and have done some great tips with it.
If you want more details or have a look over our camper, you are welcome. Just PM me.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 26, 2019, 10:48:49 AM
Paceman we have one of the last Australian built Breakaways. Like you we have a NT Pajero. One thing that you really need to take into consideration with the Breakaway or ICCON is this ball weight. When fully loaded we are bordering on max towball weight.
Our trailer has the old option of the rear kitchen, we preferred it to the new side kitchen arrangement as it gives you heaps of living space to the side.
Also my experience with Lifestyles after sales service seems to be very different from what most people seem to experience.
We are in Mackay as well. We had some warranty issues that need resolving, let's just say like a lot of things in Queensland, people in the SE corner of the state seems to think the state stops at the North Coast. Very long story but in the end of was easier & cheaper to fix the problem myself.
Having said that we love our Breakaway and have done some great tips with it.
If you want more details or have a look over our camper, you are welcome. Just PM me.

thanks for your information and offer, mate... much appreciated.

i too liked the rear kitchen option... might be able to find one second hand...
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 26, 2019, 11:11:41 AM
The door is the only thing I don't like.  Will get around to making it full height sooner or later.
All bodywork is aluminium.....good for doing additions....no worry about rust.

Yep, seems like the one really obvious thing they should upgrade from my perspective, but still the same with this new model.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Rumpig on April 26, 2019, 12:07:45 PM
Not being on Facebook myself, just wondering if they’ve released thier dual axle van yet?...don’t see it on thier website, but it still shows the van we signed up to but they say would no longer make.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: alnjan on April 26, 2019, 01:02:55 PM
Not being on Facebook myself, just wondering if they’ve released thier dual axle van yet?...don’t see it on thier website, but it still shows the van we signed up to but they say would no longer make.


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2287910997926263&set=gm.2133875390014732&type=3&theater&ifg=1 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2287910997926263&set=gm.2133875390014732&type=3&theater&ifg=1)

Someone does have a dual axle Lifestyle Campervan.  Looks okay.  Not sure the link will lt you view it without a Facebook Account and just found out my Photo host sight has cancelled my subscription.  Not happy








Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: alnjan on April 26, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
hope this works
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Rumpig on April 26, 2019, 05:08:50 PM
As far as I know they have built atleast 2 dual axle vans already...was wondering if they’ve officially released the model yet with pricing?
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Jason B on April 26, 2019, 06:55:13 PM
We recently sold our KK and are looking for something simple to set up and accomodate the 4 of us for short stays. I am happy to throw the kids outside in tents or swags for longer stays but want something we can all sleep in on occasions for overnighters to keep it simple. I really liked the look of the breakaway ultra but my eldest is nearly 15 and I don’t think she will cope with the 1600mm long bunks. The ICONN has bunks that are 1800mm long and just might do, but I like the storage and the look of the Ultra better. The door looks like a right pain in the ass to be honest and in most of the photos I have seen on the Lifestyle FB group everyone seems to just leave it open. Does it have a fly screen even as its hard to tell from any of the pics on the web. Also the kitchen looks better in the breakaway with a bit more bench space. I am assuming the wrap around awning is still an option on the ICONN otherwise space would be tight under the awning. They are a neat looking unit for the price, 

Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: alnjan on April 26, 2019, 07:50:41 PM
As far as I know they have built atleast 2 dual axle vans already...was wondering if they’ve officially released the model yet with pricing?

Haven't seen anything officially but these people seem to be happy with theirs and like you say their website still has the single axle
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 26, 2019, 09:20:38 PM
We recently sold our KK and are looking for something simple to set up and accomodate the 4 of us for short stays. I am happy to throw the kids outside in tents or swags for longer stays but want something we can all sleep in on occasions for overnighters to keep it simple. I really liked the look of the breakaway ultra but my eldest is nearly 15 and I don’t think she will cope with the 1600mm long bunks. The ICONN has bunks that are 1800mm long and just might do, but I like the storage and the look of the Ultra better. The door looks like a right pain in the ass to be honest and in most of the photos I have seen on the Lifestyle FB group everyone seems to just leave it open. Does it have a fly screen even as its hard to tell from any of the pics on the web. Also the kitchen looks better in the breakaway with a bit more bench space. I am assuming the wrap around awning is still an option on the ICONN otherwise space would be tight under the awning. They are a neat looking unit for the price,
We have a new Ultra and yes, the door is a pain, but we are getting used to it, but also looking at making a full door addition. The Ultra has more storage space and the kitchen is a bigger size, but the Iconn looks nicer !
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: Jason B on April 27, 2019, 07:34:42 AM
We have a new Ultra and yes, the door is a pain, but we are getting used to it, but also looking at making a full door addition. The Ultra has more storage space and the kitchen is a bigger size, but the Iconn looks nicer !

Cheers mate. We are a bit concerned with the compact nature of it but will only be sleeping in it I guess, the under awning space looks very small also for 4 people so I am hoping that the wrap around one is an option. The KK would be a bigger size inside but was a pain in the ass having to set up/pack up beds on the floor for overnighters. Do you think there is room to mount a Webasto hot water/heater system in the unit successfully? I will miss the KK kitchen and the one in the Ultra does look better than the ICONN and with a Baby Q you would get by I guess.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 27, 2019, 08:15:51 AM
I personally wouldn't have an Ultra if I had kids......but I said the same when I had a KK. I don't like the idea of having the fridge pulled out outside to enable both bunks to be used. I have the  upright Bushman fridge so that's not a problem for me !
Awning area could be a bit tight for 4 people,  but any awning is small when it's flogging down.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 27, 2019, 10:25:11 AM
I personally wouldn't have an Ultra if I had kids......but I said the same when I had a KK. I don't like the idea of having the fridge pulled out outside to enable both bunks to be used. I have the  upright Bushman fridge so that's not a problem for me !
Awning area could be a bit tight for 4 people,  but any awning is small when it's flogging down.

interesting, because i see the ultra as perfect for us, with two boys...

great for one nighters (don't have to set up beds, just pop the roof and good night)... awning area can be supplemented with a gazebo (which we do now) and the fridge slide can be removed, if you want...

not many other options at that price point, with those features (bunks, outside kitchen, etc)...
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: GBC on April 27, 2019, 10:27:34 AM
thanks for your information and offer, mate... much appreciated.

i too liked the rear kitchen option... might be able to find one second hand...

Drifta do a full pull out rear kitchen. I priced one when we were looking at the LCT. By the time we ticked a few options we ended up in an entirely different market than where we started.
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: tryagain on April 27, 2019, 10:58:30 AM
not many other options at that price point, with those features (bunks, outside kitchen, etc)...

The Modcon C3 would be similar?
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: paceman on April 27, 2019, 11:03:21 AM
The Modcon C3 would be similar?

It is more expensive and heavier,  but other than that, not many options...


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Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on April 27, 2019, 02:39:23 PM
interesting, because i see the ultra as perfect for us, with two boys...

great for one nighters (don't have to set up beds, just pop the roof and good night)... awning area can be supplemented with a gazebo (which we do now) and the fridge slide can be removed, if you want...

not many other options at that price point, with those features (bunks, outside kitchen, etc)...

Been 25yrs since we did camping with kids......only a vague memory now !!
Awning area is big enough, IF you don't setup a table or other "stuff". We have got used to eating off our laps (stable table ) so no table needed, but with kids there is way more crap needed !  ;D
We have never used a ground cover under the awning, but we are lazy campers .  :laugh:
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: JusyApples on May 04, 2019, 05:17:54 PM
Had a look at one of these today at Rosehill. Wife really liked it. Finishes were a bit average not sure if it’s because they were just display models and been trampled in and out but looked good.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190504/d85e8e1a86557441776df87399bde31c.jpg)


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Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: b0son on September 21, 2019, 09:37:14 PM
We were all set on a Breakaway, but the bunk option has been discontinued for the time being according the Lifestyle staff at the Sydney show today. The Iconn wasn't a big jump in price, so we've ordered one for a late-Nov delivery. Personally, I prefer the look of the Breakaway and its storage layout, but the Iconn is a more robust design and supposedly a slightly larger bunk than what was offered in the Breakaway. Came with the obligatory show special price as well as some options thrown in (the offroad outback package which includes an additional kitchen shelf, second battery, full annex and front pad). My dad was trying hard to get us to go halves with him on an Avan caravan, but I think seeing the design of the Iconn, he finally understands we wanted/needed from a camper. Looking forward to taking delivery...
Title: Re: new lifestyle ICONN camper
Post by: gronk on September 22, 2019, 08:39:15 AM
We were all set on a Breakaway, but the bunk option has been discontinued for the time being according the Lifestyle staff at the Sydney show today. The Iconn wasn't a big jump in price, so we've ordered one for a late-Nov delivery. Personally, I prefer the look of the Breakaway and its storage layout, but the Iconn is a more robust design and supposedly a slightly larger bunk than what was offered in the Breakaway. Came with the obligatory show special price as well as some options thrown in (the offroad outback package which includes an additional kitchen shelf, second battery, full annex and front pad). My dad was trying hard to get us to go halves with him on an Avan caravan, but I think seeing the design of the Iconn, he finally understands we wanted/needed from a camper. Looking forward to taking delivery...

They are both essentially the same thing, but the Iconn is wider,( only approx 50mm in it ) hence the bigger bunk.