4x4 Action Group

Meet Hoffnung aka Hope

Our Brand new Second hand Camping trailer.

I was not looking to spend R340k as it was the norm on the Average cheapest 2 bed camping Trailer at Tiger Wheels 4x4 Expo at Voortrekker monument the past weekend

I was looking for real value for money #1
Cheapest and most complex there is #2

On our Recent Botswana trip with our Syncro.
I paid closely Attention to detail.
Everyone had a great but different approach to there way of camping.
I was looking to purchase a off road trailer in the past but had no cooking Clue what to look out for.
One of our 4x4 Mentors is Andreas
He have been Around the block a few times

So his setup is quick and easy
No frills and spills with huge tents etc to pitch

This is what I was looking for
So I found a old 2003 Naboomspruit Challenge


Inv said
Challenger Bundu Basher
Stickers say BosVark

The other ones I looked at had Wilderness stickers on.
So who knows what the correct description is?

Maybe our Forum members could assist with the correct naming.
So Henri said it is a Wilderness


So I pitched the tent today and had a look at the setup.
Mattress will be replaced with new cover.


Who ever wired the trailer lights and charging system had no clue what they were doing.
12VDc and 220Vac in one plug box.
Even the 12V dc was connected to a 220v plug socket
So chances on making a mistake urging a 12v 3pin.plug in the 220v is not accessible
I used my Battery tester and the Batteries are in good shape.


So some upgrades will follow.

Idea is to go camp at the Family Weekend in FouriesBurg
Then look at changes but before the weekend I will do electrical system

Bought some White and Yellow LED lights I will be installing and Brad Harris plugs aswell

Current smart charger is a 8Amp
What I think should be ok to keep the 2x62Ah batteries charged but will add smart charger Duel input

.......

I got some good advice from Manny when we started out with our caravan. He said get a small book and keep it in the vehicle. Whenever you find something that you want to modify or do differently, write it down in the book so you can refer back to it when you get home. This works well when you can't do all the mods at once.

Just bear in mind that there is no such thing as the perfect camping setup. Just adapt what you have to the best of your capabilities to suit the majority of your needs.

Bugger wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 11, 2022 7:18 pm

One of our 4x4 Mentors is Andreas
He have been Around the block a few times
So his setup is quick and easy
No frills and spills with huge tents etc to pitch

Andreas camps like a homeless person lives the good life...

AndreasR wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 11, 2022 9:14 pm

Just bear in mind that there is no such thing as the perfect camping setup.

I agree.
All anyone can do is build a set up that is best for their needs (& budget)...
Each person has different needs & wants.
You build to suit your own way of camping...

Paul#25 wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 11, 2022 7:51 pm

I got some good advice from Manny when we started out with our caravan. He said get a small book and keep it in the vehicle. Whenever you find something that you want to modify or do differently, write it down in the book so you can refer back to it when you get home. This works well when you can't do all the mods at once.

Been doing it for years & still do it..
After this weekend's trip there were 3 things added to the list:
1. Buy new headlamps (mine are all fubar)
2. Fix a faulty connection in the new Solar Cable's BH plug (I don't have the right crimping tool & it came loose).
3. Replace a missing screw in the trailer coupler.

After the Bots trip there were 15 items on the list.

But we HAVE TO write at least one item after each trip & it MUST BE ticked off by the next trip...

Thanks for the Advice guys
Yip Perfect setup is difficult

But we not doing any changes for the Fouriesburg trip except safety stuff
Possibly new tyres and Defnitly checking out the Wheel bearings

I don't have a book but make notes on my Cellphone
To do
To change
To buy
The to do list as Manny is referring to

Let the fun begin

Congrats. Happy camping.

@Manny - stop by for a beer if in Pretoria East and I'll crimp the stuff for you.

Stopped past TENCO just now

Holy Moly but they got some nice stuff

Bought some sides for my Bundu Awning

And had a look At there 270Deg awning

Not badly Priced Shower Cubicles

I love Tentco. I'm sure I could spend the whole day there. Also have sides for the Bundu awning. Makes a hell of a difference.

iandvl wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 12, 2022 1:41 pm

I love Tentco. I'm sure I could spend the whole day there. Also have sides for the Bundu awning. Makes a hell of a difference.

My Bundu Awning is brand new 15 years old
Used twice as I bought a Eazi Awn for my Syncro

Now I'll start using it

Congrats with your camping trailer Bugger. Hope you enjoy many camps with it! Is the fridge working properly?

CornellMans wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 13, 2022 8:08 am

Congrats with your camping trailer
Is the fridge working properly?

Thanks and we are working on the Fridge


So removed all 3 rims and tyres
Removed the 20 year old tyres and fitted 3 smelly new ones without cracks

Removed the Brake drums to inspect the brake linings and wheel bearings

Tell you what the Axle is not your normal small Venter trailer type
Quite a beefy piece of Iron and large size bearings

Brake linings still good more than 60% life left
And wheel bearings still looked OK but I opted to order 3 new sets to fit new and have 1 in the trailer for stock. Don't think I'll need it in a hurry.
.

Ok New wheel bearings fitted and tyres

While towing the trailer home from Mbombela.I felt a hard jerk on Acceleration so after I stopped everytime I pulled off quite slow to avoid this and my instinct told me the damper shock is kapoet on the Tow hitch

Had a look at the shock and found a easy fix
The front bolt holding the shock were missing in action

Found a replacement M12 bolt and problem solved