Off-road expedition trailers - good idea or bad?

Just got MT's Posts : 253 Join date : 2011-03-26

Hi Jas, It's Margaret here now cos I know that Mike doesn't like this Keyboard so I'll answer.

We already have a very good tent which we bought prior to our last trip to SA however old age aches and pains have caught up with us and we are finding it more difficult to cope with the tent therefore the bedroom on wheels. Lots of SA
campers use this as a cross between full camping and caravanning and it appeals to us. We will live outside under the attached awning then when bed time comes the bed is there ready to sleep in - especially appealing after a day's travelling.

One problem we now find in the UK is the restrictions imposed on us campers.

Admin Posts : 1285 Join date : 2010-12-30

Im hearing ya.
Its all messed up, rules, regulations bla bla bla. Where is the freedom.

RLD wrote:: nice trailer and tent for sale on Defender2 site at the moment Ken

Here's the link - www.defender2.net/forum/topic11536.html

Admin Posts : 1285 Join date : 2010-12-30

Tom Mc wrote:

RLD wrote:: nice trailer and tent for sale on Defender2 site at the moment Ken

Here's the link - www.defender2.net/forum/topic11536.html

It looks quite nice but its quite alot of money IMO. You can by a 2004+ 4x4 for that.

yes you can then tax and insure it but you can take that any where just sold my one with roof tent and Hannibal awning twin batteries side panels for the awning shower curtain for the tent only because i an doing another one it's a good buy

gemini wrote:: Hi Jas, It's Margaret here now cos I know that Mike doesn't like this Keyboard so I'll answer. however old age aches and pains have caught up with us and we are finding it more difficult to cope with the tent therefore the bedroom on wheels. Lots of SA
campers use this as a cross between full camping and caravanning and it appeals to us. We will live outside under the attached awning then when bed time comes the bed is there ready to sleep in - especially appealing after a day's travelling.

One problem we now find in the UK is the restrictions imposed on us campers.

That has become our problem, old age aches and pains, I did build a camper trailor, but talking with people doing trips up mountains saying not a good idea, and as you say restictions coming in, doing a big trip next year, (see Snow Leapard post?) will be gatting A Delica, with awning. clinking teacups

We have just bought a trailer. This is why:

We like to keep all the kit in one place at home so that it is ready to go at the drop of a hat - no need to spend time loading the vehicle on a Friday evening following a last minute decision to go away and we don't have to store the camping gear in the house/garage.

We used a roof tent on a trip in Namibia and Botswana and whilst we loved it (so comfy after years of sleeping on the ground on thermarests) we stayed some places more than one night and had to pack it all down to use the vehicle - this was a bit of a PITA at 6am!

We like order and the kitchen in the back of the trailer is beautiful Embarassed

Embarrassing to admit but we are a place for everything and everything in its place kind of people and the trailer satisfies that need in us!

I do agree that they are not for everyone and I can see the potential for reversing hijinks in some locations.

Just got MT's Posts : 253 Join date : 2011-03-26

Hi Itchyfeet ! cheers

Good to see you on here. We have 'spoken' on SA4x4 before. Fully agree with you re the RT, mind we've always used a ground tent even in Africa cos I don't like ladders. Our new trrailer is based on the african 4x4 caravans which means we have the convenience without the 'joys'of erecting the tent.
Have you plans for returning to Africa?

Margaret

Hi Margaret, I think that was a different Itchyfeet on SA4x4! I gather it is a widespread and contagious condition...

However we have been to Africa few times and plan to return again at some point - ultimately we hope to give up work in a few years time and head south, I don't now by what route or if we would drive all the way. North Africa is just not so appealing to me and there is a thought in the back of mind about shipping the Landy and trailer to somewhere. However by that time we will have more spare time than cash.

The ladder is one thing that we may replace on the trailer, it does not feel very substantial, and Mr Itchyfeet is quite substantial, so there is a bit of flexing going on during his journey up it. The decision to replace may be forced upon us I fear!

I am quite intrigued by the 4x4 caravan, we saw lots of 4x4 trailers on our last trip no caravans.

Admin Posts : 1285 Join date : 2010-12-30

Itchyfeet wrote:: I am quite intrigued by the 4x4 caravan, we saw lots of 4x4 trailers on our last trip no caravans.

I still think they are sweet.
Having been brought up around Caravans my life and owning one for the last few years Its a very comfy long term way of travelling.
When we were in and around the lake district and up near Lock ness we did alot of camping. Not on any CL or C&C sites just parked up. The best spots were a couple of meters away from the water line. It was quite fun and challenging to get there. The routes were well maintained and the terrain was mostly loose rock/shale on dirt tracks. Towing the caravan over this was fine until it started to get a little uneven. The undersides are quite strong. Full steel chassis, but what it could do with is having the body 2" higher off the chassis and a 30" tyre underneath with a bash plate to welded over the sensitive areas like hitch, water and toilet boxes.
The big downside of doing this on European Caravans would be stability in winds and when towing at speeds (50mph).
They are generally ok in weight. My twin axle caravan fulley loaded with all kit and water tank filled (to add stability) would be just under 2000kg.

I would still like to see a few "Gall Boys" style purpose built Caravans for sale.

A Good compromise that some forum members might find useful especially those considering a trailer could be the half caravan/tent trailers that are sold throughout Europe.
Lighter, no where near as tall so the risk of toppling over when off road or on uneven ground. - The only down side from my own experience is that when towing on the motorway they are a pig to keep stable in winds, or when your getting overtaken even with the new style dampered hitch.