Your Overlanding Setup
-
HenriSteyn
- Location: The Coast
- Has thanked: 444 times
- Been thanked: 114 times
- Posts: 1056
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2018 2:52 pm
Now you are heading in the right direction Bugger.
Not one day have we regretted (after 10 years or really good memories) that we moved from Off Road Trailer to Off Road Caravan.
Except maybe the Kosi Bay incident.
Some believe the caravan is heavy, but is really was a sh!t towbar.
Not one day have we regretted (after 10 years or really good memories) that we moved from Off Road Trailer to Off Road Caravan.
Except maybe the Kosi Bay incident.
Some believe the caravan is heavy, but is really was a sh!t towbar.
Last edited by HenriSteyn on Sun Dec 29, 2024 3:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
grips
- Location: kathu
- Has thanked: 108 times
- Been thanked: 239 times
- Posts: 1272
- Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2018 5:08 am
Henri there is nothing wrong with the Xplorer I have owned one for many years. The most be one of the most stable caravans to tow. I sold mine because of two reasons. First one were set up time. Second one on very bad roads I have to fixe lots of stuff that came loose. The last were the whole undercarriage.
Finding what I am looking for is a mission. Me and Karin will see if we can attend a few outdoor shows and see what they have.
Finding what I am looking for is a mission. Me and Karin will see if we can attend a few outdoor shows and see what they have.
You will never find me without Stroh or a 4x4 
-
HenriSteyn
- Location: The Coast
- Has thanked: 444 times
- Been thanked: 114 times
- Posts: 1056
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2018 2:52 pm
Thanks Christo.
I am fortunate to own a newer model which is much beefed up than pre 2010 models. Much stronger chassis was the main improvement.
I did much research on internal failures (cupboard doors breaking off, etc) and applied these suggestions. I fitted additional hinges to the larger doors, and I made sure all the door latches secured properly.
We did a 5 week trip to Kgalagadi and central Nam. Only those that have been there understand how bad those gravel roads are, especially near Sossusvlei access. We suffered no damage whatsoever.
I must add that I also looked at Conquerer and Echo vans. My budget was R250k.
The Conquerer build quality stood out as very poor. Each unit I happened to take a closer at, rust had developed on panel joints already!
The Echo was outside my budget.
Setup is only a hassle when erecting the canopy. When we tour we virtually never set up the canopy. We pick whatever shade we can find and that's it. Stays of 3 days and longer, the canopy goes up, but it does not become a time issue.
Quite a few owners have fitted fold out awnings on these models.
But each unto his own. That king size bed is a winner!
I am fortunate to own a newer model which is much beefed up than pre 2010 models. Much stronger chassis was the main improvement.
I did much research on internal failures (cupboard doors breaking off, etc) and applied these suggestions. I fitted additional hinges to the larger doors, and I made sure all the door latches secured properly.
We did a 5 week trip to Kgalagadi and central Nam. Only those that have been there understand how bad those gravel roads are, especially near Sossusvlei access. We suffered no damage whatsoever.
I must add that I also looked at Conquerer and Echo vans. My budget was R250k.
The Conquerer build quality stood out as very poor. Each unit I happened to take a closer at, rust had developed on panel joints already!
The Echo was outside my budget.
Setup is only a hassle when erecting the canopy. When we tour we virtually never set up the canopy. We pick whatever shade we can find and that's it. Stays of 3 days and longer, the canopy goes up, but it does not become a time issue.
Quite a few owners have fitted fold out awnings on these models.
But each unto his own. That king size bed is a winner!
-
BushWacker
- Location: Johannesburg
- Has thanked: 292 times
- Been thanked: 148 times
- Posts: 1992
- Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2018 6:27 pm
I don't have a caravan but feel I can provide
an objective opinion as I normally have the privilege
of sitting in my deckchair with a beer as I watch many of you set up !
* Those caravan guys with awnings
that are of the 'bead in Al-extrusion type'
often struggle but those wrap-around / panelled awnings
are great esp in rainy weather if not too windy ....
* Manoeuvring and positioning caravans around
can be tricky and time-consuming eg when camp ground already quite full, or to ensure roof-panels or shower side etc face the right way and near to a power-point/tap etc.
Caravan guys also very particular about perfect levelling !
* They can & often do carry more kit that makes
for more complexity / unpacking/packing esp as most caravans arrive with spouse & family etc ...
eg Extensive 'groundsheets' that double as forecourt carpets !
(Recall one member also arriving with a little
fence to restrain/contain toy-dogs wanderings.!!! )
* This said I find its always best to be on good terms with
caravaners as they set up & often enjoy their comforts
with their favoured friends !
an objective opinion as I normally have the privilege
of sitting in my deckchair with a beer as I watch many of you set up !
* Those caravan guys with awnings
that are of the 'bead in Al-extrusion type'
often struggle but those wrap-around / panelled awnings
are great esp in rainy weather if not too windy ....
* Manoeuvring and positioning caravans around
can be tricky and time-consuming eg when camp ground already quite full, or to ensure roof-panels or shower side etc face the right way and near to a power-point/tap etc.
Caravan guys also very particular about perfect levelling !
* They can & often do carry more kit that makes
for more complexity / unpacking/packing esp as most caravans arrive with spouse & family etc ...
eg Extensive 'groundsheets' that double as forecourt carpets !
(Recall one member also arriving with a little
fence to restrain/contain toy-dogs wanderings.!!! )
* This said I find its always best to be on good terms with
caravaners as they set up & often enjoy their comforts
with their favoured friends !
... Famous Fiver VoorLoper ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...
... Veni Vidi Vici ...
-
HenriSteyn
- Location: The Coast
- Has thanked: 444 times
- Been thanked: 114 times
- Posts: 1056
- Joined: Thu May 31, 2018 2:52 pm
You saved the day with your last point Chas!
But none of your 3 points seriously apply to me:
-Awning only set up over longer periods of stay. (Some will disagree knowing the "fun" I had on some 4×4 AG trips!).
- We park the van within 2 tries. No more!
- Level I don't really care, but sometimes I have to dig a hole on very uneven surfaces. Dont want wife lying up against me, been married too long!
- Only clothes and food get packed in. Yes there are a few "just in case" items, like the cheap R199 Checkers braai I have probably used twice in 10 years
But none of your 3 points seriously apply to me:
-Awning only set up over longer periods of stay. (Some will disagree knowing the "fun" I had on some 4×4 AG trips!).
- We park the van within 2 tries. No more!
- Level I don't really care, but sometimes I have to dig a hole on very uneven surfaces. Dont want wife lying up against me, been married too long!
- Only clothes and food get packed in. Yes there are a few "just in case" items, like the cheap R199 Checkers braai I have probably used twice in 10 years
