Alternatives to the Lifestyle Reconn R2?

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Hi all, sorry it's been a while since I owned my camper (Mountain Trail), but my wife and I are looking at hybrid camper vans now as we get older and softer.  Wanting a mini-caravan that we can take down dirt roads and tracks.  Main requirements being innerspring queen bed, big kitchen and aircon.  Budget would be $50-60k's, ie. about the same as a basic Jayco Journey Outback.

We've drooled over the LCT Reconn R2 and if it's a wonderful product.  They told me yesterday that if I ordered today (lack of money notwithstanding!), I wouldnt get it til July 2021.

We have looked at the MDC and Ezytrail stuff and they don't do it for me.  So, my question is, what else is out there that is like a Reconn?  Would love Aussie made, but realise that's getting harder and harder.

Your advice and opinions greatly appreciated.

[Bird]

maybe something like this?

https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/items/details/2018-lifestyle-at2-nb/SSE-AD-6840078/?Cr=1

[gronk]

I have a Lifestyle Ultra, and although the R2 is a really nice Aussie made camper ( mine is chinese), I personally don't like one thing about the R2....the need to climb up into bed. Especially if you're getting older....or the need to fall into bed after some ales !!

Brand new, 50K, Aussie made, hybrid......not any that I'm aware of....maybe that's why we have a Chinese 33K Lifestyle ?

After a couple of small mods, we are really happy with it, but maybe not for long term travelling around Australia  ?

[BrisVegasGolfer]

We had a look at the Jayco hybrid and the Modcon C3 and C5.  Both are quite similar and would do the job I think.  Will need to get a proper quote on the Modcon as it was pretty bare bones.  I was surprised by the Jayco actually. It's quite good.  Our teenage daughters fit on the bunks in both, which was a bonus.  I think the lifestyle Iconn would be comparable to the two we looked at today.  It'll be interesting to see what the price difference end up being when compared like for like.

[Frawls]

Have a look at these guys, https://www.offroadrvs.com.au/x9-offroad-camper-trailers/

https://www.offroadrvs.com.au/x9-offroad-camper-trailers/

X9 nice bit of kit.

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Have a look at these guys, https://www.offroadrvs.com.au/x9-offroad-camper-trailers/

https://www.offroadrvs.com.au/x9-offroad-camper-trailers/

X9 nice bit of kit.

That's cool, but is a bit too compact for us.  Interestingly, their x14 model looks like a straight copy of the Reconn.

[GeoffA]

That's cool, but is a bit too compact for us.  Interestingly, their x14 model looks like a straight copy of the Reconn.

Who copied who??

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Who copied who??

I don't know.  Do you?  I'd assume Lifestyle had the original, as the Reconn is an evolution of their previous designs.

[gronk]

Who copied who??

Lifestyle came out with a few "new" designs.....even the Chinese made Ultra.....but doesn't take long for the copies to come out.

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Lifestyle came out with a few "new" designs.....even the Chinese made Ultra.....but doesn't take long for the copies to come out.

I'm only new to researching these things, but have already found a bunch of very similar designs and not just of the Reconn.  My wife liked the Modcon C3 (Chinese) and then I found the Rhinomax Renegade and Complete Campsite Exodus (both Australian made I think?) and it's obvious to see they're all much the same design.

[JusyApples]

Modcon c3?
We looked at those. Pretty impressed. All assembled in Brisbane.


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[duggie]

Hi BrisVegasGolfer ,

How are you and your lovely family . Long time no see on this forum .

I have recently bought a new camp trailer , up grade from my old Trackabout .

I bought a Chinese made trailer from Starvision   https://starvision.com.au/campers/px1/ , other than a couple of little things , now repaired under warrantee , I am very happy with it .

They have a couple of trailers that may fit your requirements .

https://starvision.com.au/campers/cx3/

or

https://starvision.com.au/campers/px2/


Cheers duggie , check this out if you are interested in coming to the myswag Christmas get-together .  http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=57524.0

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Hi Duggie.  We're going well thanks. We moved back to Brisbane at the start of the year (new jobs for both of us).  We've bought a small house, with the understanding that we would buy a van and start prepping for grey nomad life.  You can't start too early!

I like those Starvision layouts, the PX2 is pretty similar to the Reconn, albeit with a two part door.  I'll do a bit more research on them as I hadn't heard of them.

Like many others we want a queen bed and bunks inside and just somewhere to sit.  Everything else (kitchen, fridge, ensuite ) should be outside.  We were ready to pull the trigger on a Jayco Crosstrak C3 today, but it turns out we'd have to wait until July next year to take delivery.  Lifestyle was much the same with the Reconn.  I didn't ask about the Iconn lead time, but it is probably just as long. 

The other contender is the Modcon C3, but it ends up being low $50k's when specced to match the Crosstrak.  I prefer the awning and kitchen on the C3.  Bunks are better in the C3 too.  I'll have to call them and ask about lead times.

I'll admit to being a bit nervous about the Chinese campers, which is why we were leaning towards the Jayco. I'd love a Reconn, Complete Campsite, AOR etc, but we don't have that sort of money. If nothing else, the resale value of the Jayco would be strong if we upgrade in a few years. 

Decisions decisions.

We looked at a preloved Jayco van (15 foot) this morning and that was enough to convince us to pay a bit more and buy new!  We are still considering a Jayco Journey 15foot with bunks for just over $40k, just to confuse things....

[duggie]

All good , There is Starvision showroom in Brisbane
Address:
803 Beaudesert Road, Archerfield, QLD 4108

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Decisions made. Put a deposit on a Jayco Crosstrak 16.48-2 this week.  Looong wait till we get it mid next year.

Optioned aircon, D035 hitch, extra solar and battery and extended drawbar.  Gives us time to build a carport for it!

[BrisVegasGolfer]

Brand new, 50K, Aussie made, hybrid......not any that I'm aware of....maybe that's why we have a Chinese 33K Lifestyle ?

In the end the Jayco Crosstrak ticked the boxes.  And yes, I'm well aware they are built to a price that's a lot lower than the quality Aussie built options.

[gronk]

In the end the Jayco Crosstrak ticked the boxes.  And yes, I'm well aware they are built to a price that's a lot lower than the quality Aussie built options.

Looks pretty good mate. A couple of things that wouldn't suit us, but overall a nice package.