Post by: UIZ733 on May 08, 2017, 09:26:22 PM
What do people consider absolutely essential in a modern hybrid?
My thoughts of essentials, not necessarily in order of priority;
1. Climate proof (including insects and other invaders).
2. Comfortable particularly the bed.
3. Good Kitchen.
4. Good Fridge.
5. Adequate water storage
6. Compact.
7. Light and easy and safe to tow.
8. Well built and fit for purpose.
In a sense we were wondering how the various manufacturers have arrived at their specifications,
Post by: BaseCamp on May 08, 2017, 10:20:31 PM
You mentioned refrigeration; so you need to be clear about how many amps you are going to need per 24hrs x av. days away; (if you seek off grid that is)....
Cheers
BaseCamp
LCT AT-11 Owner
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Post by: edz on May 08, 2017, 11:13:32 PM
Quote
In a sense we were wondering how the various manufacturers have arrived at their specifications,QuoteFor me its
By trying to out do the competition and ad as much bling and turn a basic trailer box into a small mobile luxury mini version of a house / contents and set it up on the biggest " so its got to be the best right !! " running gear that sheeple think they need to go " off road " [ which 98% of would hardly even ever get taken on a smooth gravel road ] ..
Mostly praying on sheeples ego's and naivety and wants .
Post by: McTavish on May 09, 2017, 12:08:34 AM
Nothing cheap or basic it seems from this class of camping...
Post by: loanrangie on May 09, 2017, 05:30:11 PM
Essentials in this class are simple - LOTS OF CASHOLA !!
Nothing cheap or basic it seems from this class of glamping...
Fixed.
Post by: LB on May 10, 2017, 06:09:23 AM
Post by: Merts on May 10, 2017, 06:45:59 AM
Essentials in this class are simple - LOTS OF CASHOLA !!
Nothing cheap or basic it seems from this class of camping...
That's generally true, but there are exceptions.
My hybrid is relatively simple, and was cheaper than some of the FF campers I looked at.
Post by: Bigfish on May 10, 2017, 06:46:30 AM
Essentials in this class are simple - LOTS OF CASHOLA !!
Nothing cheap or basic it seems from this class of camping...
This class is known as Glamping...
Post by: Redcherokee on May 10, 2017, 08:17:11 PM
Post by: edz on May 10, 2017, 08:45:06 PM
One other thing for us is that there is no canvas / vinyl pop up type roof, prefer a hard side lift up roof [ AKA Pratt line or Kimberley Karavan style ] and all cooking / seating / table does double duty for use inside / outside weather dependent .. Instead of carrying an extra cooker / table / chairs, plus the Fridge will always stay with the truck .
We prefer No fixed kitchen slide out, that then leaves things adaptable / storage space / less to carry and less all up weight .
Post by: McTavish on May 10, 2017, 08:51:52 PM
Awesome if they could get something like this down to under 1400kg fully loaded with all your gear. Would give real peace of mind to us Prado owners battling tow weights...
Post by: Rumpig on May 10, 2017, 09:06:15 PM
I think there is also scope for a company like ZoneRV to do a 12-14ft composite panel and make the thing really really lightweight.The weight of most hybrids is turning me off getting one currently. My wife has mentioned to me several times about selling our Kimberley and getting a new hybrid, but the weight of them is what has stopped me from getting excited about the idea myself.
Awesome if they could get something like this down to under 1400kg fully loaded with all your gear. Would give real peace of mind to us Prado owners battling tow weights...
Post by: UIZ733 on May 10, 2017, 09:48:24 PM
Post by: McTavish on May 10, 2017, 11:44:17 PM
For me - the ability to have the bunk system in place now with kids (15/10yoa) and then convert to a lounge/eating area would be important. So you don't have to sell to buy a more suitable layout.
Flexible interior designs that can move with your change of circumstance and needs with very little cost and effort - e.g. Maybe have the plumbing fitted and ready to do a retrofit bathroom for the same reason if you then want to do the whole travelling thing rather than a week or two at a time.
I like the pop-top design of AOR which gives a better sense of space and light inside, but I also like the amazing external kitchen facilities of the Complete Campsite and the amenities tent folding out under the hard top roof swing out. Would like to hear from those with the CC as to the functionality of the half-lift top. Looks weird and maybe a little 'cheap'?
And - I still can't believe when you're spending around the 6 figure mark for a '2/3 sized van - compared to the general caravan market - that you have to option to get A/c... Rarely do you see a CC with A/c. Why? Is this to do with the sloping roof design or just the extras list cost? AND, a lot have the most basic steel wheels. Really?? Again, most of your Jayco's come with cool modern alloys and can be half the price.
The big appeal is not needing towing mirrors... that's got to be a plus - right?
So: Weight (including tow ball), Flexible interior as you're generally talking 12-16ft, Great external kitchen, Basic internal kitchen to make a cuppa or just get away from the elements for a bit if too hot/cold/insects, Manoeuvrability and Quality fit out. Very fast set up and pack up. And lastly, if away for more than a few days to have an annexe to create a separate living area for sun and rain protection and socialise with your mates.
Don't want much do I !! :cheers:
Post by: Uncle Fester on May 11, 2017, 06:10:05 AM
This thread caught my eye as I`m new to hybrid vans having picked up a new Coolibah all terrain in September 2016.
The Coolibah is mainly for 2 people as this is all we needed but being built to order I`m sure could be adapted to suit different requirements. The things I like about the van apart from being strongly built is that it has a full ensuite (a must for wifey) with separate shower and toilet but also being a pop top it is high enough inside to pull up when travelling to make lunch and put the billy on with out setting up. Another definite for us was not having to fold out and make up beds at the end of the day.
If we feel like moving camp its basically hook up and move. We did a lot of looking around and settled on the Coolibah due to size (only 14'), off road ability and value for money.
So far we`ve towed it about 8,000 k ms with no issues and this year heading to the Simpson and beyond, maybe Sandy Blight track if time permits.
Post by: Uncle Fester on May 11, 2017, 06:23:55 AM
(http://i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag26/Ranblack/IMG_1137_2_zpseh9jmcji.jpg) (http://s1297.photobucket.com/user/Ranblack/media/IMG_1137_2_zpseh9jmcji.jpg.html)
Post by: BaseCamp on May 11, 2017, 08:04:51 AM
My wife has mentioned to me several times about selling our Kimberley and getting a new hybrid, ...
That's a good wife!!! Encouraging a new toy purchase ...
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Post by: Julian Kaye on May 11, 2017, 10:38:27 AM
Interesting comments about weight. My neighbour was surprised when he picked up the lifestyle (looks like AT11 or 12??.... not sure) that it had a breakaway system fitted. He had not ordered one as the the gross weight is under two tonnes. I don't think he was charged for it. The answer given (as relayed to me) by Lifestyle as to why it was fitted did not make much sense. Something about being on the 'safe side' if he was ever spot weighed. This is not a criticism of the product, just an observation. For the record, he is very happy with his purchase.
You're spot on about Lifestyle weights, they are as dodgy as they can be. My AT-12EVO has a listed tare of 1600kg which is shown on their weighbridge ticket, 1600kg exactly? Get outta here, I had an extra spare wheel and 120ah battery added which would add the best part of 60kg plus fill the water tanks and gas bottles and I reckon you are looking at 1800kg before you add personals. Fully loaded for a trip and I reckon I pull 2200kg, the Prado certainly knows there is something behind. Lifestyle aren't alone with slack tare weights but I reckon it's a real issue industry wide. That aside it's a top product and a great touring camper but your comment shows that Lifestyle are well aware of dodgy tare weights.
Post by: Bird on May 11, 2017, 10:48:00 AM
Quote from: UIZ733
In a sense we were wondering how the various manufacturers have arrived at their specifications,as little for as much as they can charge.
Post by: nab on May 11, 2017, 09:46:13 PM
G`day Guys from a new bloke around here, will jump over and introduce myself shortly.
This thread caught my eye as I`m new to hybrid vans having picked up a new Coolibah all terrain in September 2016.
The Coolibah is mainly for 2 people as this is all we needed but being built to order I`m sure could be adapted to suit different requirements. The things I like about the van apart from being strongly built is that it has a full ensuite (a must for wifey) with separate shower and toilet but also being a pop top it is high enough inside to pull up when travelling to make lunch and put the billy on with out setting up. Another definite for us was not having to fold out and make up beds at the end of the day.
If we feel like moving camp its basically hook up and move. We did a lot of looking around and settled on the Coolibah due to size (only 14'), off road ability and value for money.
So far we`ve towed it about 8,000 k ms with no issues and this year heading to the Simpson and beyond, maybe Sandy Blight track if time permits.
Looks great but I'm not sure it is a hybrid. The website calls it a off road caravan. Maybe I just can't tell the difference between the two.. ??? ??? ???
Post by: McTavish on May 13, 2017, 12:04:34 AM
Had a look at the Coolibah. Nice - never heard of them before. And I see you scored a photo of your set up on their web site too. Immortal now... Looks like quality gear but no pricing?
Post by: RobM on May 13, 2017, 06:57:29 AM
Quote
Thank' for your enquiry. I have attached specs for you and the 16' starts at $69000, the current wait time is 6-8 monthsSpec are in a PDF. PM me if you would like me to forward them to you.
The tare is 1840kg which includes innerspring mattress - 1 full gas bottle - awning plus all the std features.
The ATM is 2600kg
Tanks 216 ltr
Our ball weight runs at about 7.5% of tare making it around the 140kg when empty, we do them lighter because we have a large geny box and 2 tool box' at the front. Once full + front tank full and most of the storage is located in front of the wheels, it brings you up around the ideal 10%.
Rob
Post by: edz on May 13, 2017, 12:25:04 PM
Post by: BaseCamp on May 13, 2017, 03:00:12 PM
... and I know where he got the round windows from, local laundromat?. ...
.... and I know why he used vile yellow vinyl for the pop top... "Let the sunshine in" ... (He is in dull old Europe after all.)...
BaseCamp
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Post by: gronk on May 13, 2017, 07:25:05 PM
One of our deal breakers is inside seating. The ability to sit inside if weather is bad. The ability for one of us to go to bed while the other sits up for a while. Surprising how many can't do this, even just enough seating for one.
We do this regularly. We sit around the fire....I'll get tired ( sometimes called had enough to drink ), then hit the sack and the missus will stay up and read a mag ( or troll thru Facebook ). We liked the Vista, but it can't do this.
Our AT10 suits us really well, but at approx 1500kg "wet", it is certainly a lot lighter than the AT10 Evo and AT11 or AT12. Part of that is it's at least 500mm shorter and doesn't have any luxury items ( diesel heating, hot water etc )
Post by: tryagain on May 13, 2017, 10:56:13 PM
You're spot on about Lifestyle weights, they are as dodgy as they can be. My AT-12EVO has a listed tare of 1600kg which is shown on their weighbridge ticket, 1600kg exactly? Get outta here, I had an extra spare wheel and 120ah battery added which would add the best part of 60kg plus fill the water tanks and gas bottles and I reckon you are looking at 1800kg before you add personals. Fully loaded for a trip and I reckon I pull 2200kg, the Prado certainly knows there is something behind. Lifestyle aren't alone with slack tare weights but I reckon it's a real issue industry wide. That aside it's a top product and a great touring camper but your comment shows that Lifestyle are well aware of dodgy tare weights.
I think this seller must have found out the same thing after a little while. https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/tarragindi/caravan-campervan-accessories/independent-coil-spring-suspension-cruisemaster/1146357826 (https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/tarragindi/caravan-campervan-accessories/independent-coil-spring-suspension-cruisemaster/1146357826)
Post by: gronk on May 14, 2017, 11:03:02 AM
Jayco have been shortchanging people on their weights for years, but they all come up with a figure for a trailer in "basic" spec. That may not even be in a condition to be towed out of the factory, but a weight when it sits in the showroom ready for you to take it home should be compulsory, but we know that won't happen.
Post by: UIZ733 on May 14, 2017, 12:16:49 PM
Common sense would tell you if you are purchasing an expensive trailer , now knowing about weight issues across the board, that a weighbridge certificate at point of sale, whether it had full tanks or gas bottles wouldn't matter as they are easily added, would be a priority for any buyer !!I would disagree. How about it being the responsibility of the manufacturer to make sure they are not advertising and selling products under false pretenses. By doing what is well known (false compliance plates) and accepted to be deceitful, dangerous, wrong and breaking the law, they are the ones with the responsibilities, moral and legal. Why are the authorities not following up on this and conducting relevant checks?