Nayela Okapi

[Paul#25]

Looking good there Ryno. Many happy days slumming it in your Palace.

[KurtG]

Congrats Ryno, looks very fanshy

[Mad Manny]

OK... Here it is, the review Ryno asked me NOT to write:

Firstly: If you want an Off Road-ish Kakavaan with en-suite bathroom, your choices are limited.

Secondly: Ryno's was virtually a pre-production model, so their were a few teething snags.
I am not going to mention them as subsequent owners won't have these issues.

Lastly: I spent 3 days camping next to Ryno - but I did not use his bathroom (he made sure of that), I did not sleep in the bed (Dianne made sure of that), I did not use the kitchen (I made sure of that).

Right; Mad Manny's Mighty Nkandla Opapi Review:

BTW: We bought Ryno a Firepool - he will post a pic of it...

The Trailer base: This as an Al-Ko double axle set up & is very robust. No issues there.

The Kakavaan: Its a very futuristic boat shaped design, the front coming to a very aerodynamic point.
Looks different, modern & fresh.

The Good: It's a sturdy unit, looks great from the outside, as you step in, to your left is the nose with a modern swooping bulkhead incorporating down lighters - looks like something off a R20million yacht.
To your right you'll notice a dark floating bulkhead with concealed blue LED lighting.
As a Ceiling specialist I was VERY impressed.
The bed slides out effortlessly & you have a moon roof & two side windows which mimimises any claustrophobia.
Bed is big.
The bathroom is small, but well laid out; Shower, Toilet, Basin - just like at home but compact.
The rest is standard caravan fare - bit nicely done.

Outside there are two cupboards (which you can access from inside as well).
The top one is top hinged & the bottom is bottom hinged and serves as a work surface.
Next to these is a swing down door which incorporates the stove & sink.

The caravan has many clever, well though-out features.

The Bad:
1. To me - the area in the nose to the left of the door in the nose cone, whilst impressive looking, is a massive waste of space.
I can't see anyone using it. In my opinion it could be better utilised.

2. My Conqueror Conquest & the Metalian Maxi carry 150 liters. The Nyela only 120litres.
This is a ridiculously small amount of water for a Kakavaan with its own bathroom.
Ryno ran out of water mid shower. The water capacity needs to be at least 240 liters.

3. But, to me, the WORST feature in the fold down kitchen. Its small. Very small.
Basically you have a small dometic stove on the side closest to the Kakavaan & then the tiny sink on the outer end.
The sink is barely big enough for a large loaf of bakery bread to fit in.
What makes it worse is that the fold down shelf prevents you standing in front of the stove.
The shelf itself is a tad small.

But other than those 3 issues, I could see no other faults.

[grips]

Thanks Manny I am sure Ryno will enjoy the Van. Luxury offroad camping has a new meaning

[HenriSteyn]

Thanks Manny for your review.
Glad Ryno asked you not to write it.

[BushWacker]

...so if its pitch dark, batteries flat,
you walk up the steps, in the door on the LHS ...
... then , where is the bar ?

[Oppies3800]

Outside under the stars...

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[BushWacker]

...so if its pitch dark, batteries flat,
you walk up the steps, in the door on the LHS ...
... then , where is the bar ?

... there ... fixed ...

[grips]

I can remember on my first trip with the Xplorer. No water were left after wife and kids showered.

Put in extra tank and tptal capacity were 200l. Everyone quickly learned to wet, wash and rinse way of showering.

Once you realise how limited water resources are on a camping trip suddenly 200l goes a long long way

Sent from my F5321 using Tapatalk

[HenriSteyn]

First check water level in the tank...

[HenriSteyn]

I can remember on my first trip with the Xplorer. No water were left after wife and kids showered.

Put in extra tank and tptal capacity were 200l. Everyone quickly learned to wet, wash and rinse way of showering.

Once you realise how limited water resources are on a camping trip suddenly 200l goes a long long way

Sent from my F5321 using Tapatalk

Grips please tell me more about your additional tank installation.
Only have 80l currently
Thanks

[grips]

Henri I bought a 2004 Xplorer in 2006. Were the model with the two 20l containers in the front console.

I ordered a 120l tank which I installed at the back where the later model Xplorer had their tanks fitted. Needed to do some mods to the interior to fit it. Also fitted a dual change over system with two pumps. One for the rear and one for the front tank.
Installed a 80 liter tank in the front console.

Sold the Xplorer 4 years ago will see if I have any old pic`s somewhere.

[Paul#25]

I'd also be interested your mod Grips as my Xplorer is a 2004 model. I've chucked out the two 20l containers in the front and fitted a 80l tank and decent pump.

[KurtG]

Paul, Metalian makes two x 75L stainless tanks (very compact design) for the newer Metalian (used to be plastic). Why don’t you contact Heinz Modricky and ask him what a set would set you back?

Oh wait, you’re cheap

[BushWacker]

... Once you realise how limited water resources are on a camping trip suddenly 200l goes a long long way ...

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... yes ... just :
wet...soap.. rinse .