This is our first blog post. It also represents the start of our retirement adventures, travelling and enjoying life. I will try to learn how to add photos and other enhancements, but for now, words will have to do.
We have just three months to go before we take ownership of our new 20 foot Bushtracker off-road caravan (https://www.bushtracker.com.au). I can't wait - but that's typical of me - I want it now. We have been liaising with Philip at Bushtracker since late August to develop and finalise the design. Started at 21ft to get the front loader washing machine on board, but cut back to 20ft when we realised the weight would be too much for the 200 series VX Landcruiser (LC). Even though we have a Steinbauer chip module on board that gives us 25% more torque and have upgraded the suspension (ARB 100 and 200 kg springs) and shockers (OME), we still have to watch the towing capacity of the Cruiser both on and off the highway.
Designing any caravan is a compromise and the Bushtracker is no different. We wanted a full queen size island bed, cafe seating and a full rear ensuite. The washing machine goes under the bed. We have a rear entry door, cafe seating with a table that folds down to make another bed, large compressor fridge, suburban gas/electric hot water system, diesel heater, extra power points, external electrical/radio/TV locker and external shower, extra large cargo doors, a small external BBQ, a fold down table and a large box on the front for a EU20 Honda Generator and fuel.
We have deleted the hatch over the bed and cut down the size of the kitchen window. We have added 50mm to the shower for a little extra room. We have deleted the microwave in favour of a pot drawer and not included the satellite dish.
We have opted for the a 300 amp hour lithium battery to keep down weight, 4 solar panels and 4 water tanks. We: changed from a Dometic to a Cormorant air conditioner after reading the forum (http://www.bushtrackerforum.com); discussed but discarded the airbag suspension after discussions with the BT crew; added drawers rather than doors where possible; and, built in provision for anything we left out (like the satellite dish) so that any future owner (or ourselves) can easily accommodate additions.
Philip has been more than patient with us as we requested more and more, changing our minds when we discussed ideas with BT owners and once again when we were informed by BT about the consequences, such as voiding the warranties. Price for additions was expensive and, in most cases, they added weight so were left out.
The key is "what can you do without", rather than "what would you like". I reckon we will end up with a van that will take us almost anywhere, reliably and in comfort and style.
The Bushtracker is obviously technically advanced compared to our previous on-road vans. I'll have to learn about the water systems, electrical systems, and brake adjustments. I'll have to learn to use a generator, to pump water from a creek, to fix punctures and generally to navigate rougher tracks than we have in the past, with safety but determination. I'd love to have some other BT owner take us under their wing for a while and teach us the ropes, but perhaps the forum and the owners group (www.bushtrackerownersgroup.asn.au) will be sufficient to get us started.
Just can't wait to pick up the van and get on the road.
We have just three months to go before we take ownership of our new 20 foot Bushtracker off-road caravan (https://www.bushtracker.com.au). I can't wait - but that's typical of me - I want it now. We have been liaising with Philip at Bushtracker since late August to develop and finalise the design. Started at 21ft to get the front loader washing machine on board, but cut back to 20ft when we realised the weight would be too much for the 200 series VX Landcruiser (LC). Even though we have a Steinbauer chip module on board that gives us 25% more torque and have upgraded the suspension (ARB 100 and 200 kg springs) and shockers (OME), we still have to watch the towing capacity of the Cruiser both on and off the highway.
Designing any caravan is a compromise and the Bushtracker is no different. We wanted a full queen size island bed, cafe seating and a full rear ensuite. The washing machine goes under the bed. We have a rear entry door, cafe seating with a table that folds down to make another bed, large compressor fridge, suburban gas/electric hot water system, diesel heater, extra power points, external electrical/radio/TV locker and external shower, extra large cargo doors, a small external BBQ, a fold down table and a large box on the front for a EU20 Honda Generator and fuel.
We have deleted the hatch over the bed and cut down the size of the kitchen window. We have added 50mm to the shower for a little extra room. We have deleted the microwave in favour of a pot drawer and not included the satellite dish.
We have opted for the a 300 amp hour lithium battery to keep down weight, 4 solar panels and 4 water tanks. We: changed from a Dometic to a Cormorant air conditioner after reading the forum (http://www.bushtrackerforum.com); discussed but discarded the airbag suspension after discussions with the BT crew; added drawers rather than doors where possible; and, built in provision for anything we left out (like the satellite dish) so that any future owner (or ourselves) can easily accommodate additions.
Philip has been more than patient with us as we requested more and more, changing our minds when we discussed ideas with BT owners and once again when we were informed by BT about the consequences, such as voiding the warranties. Price for additions was expensive and, in most cases, they added weight so were left out.
The key is "what can you do without", rather than "what would you like". I reckon we will end up with a van that will take us almost anywhere, reliably and in comfort and style.
The Bushtracker is obviously technically advanced compared to our previous on-road vans. I'll have to learn about the water systems, electrical systems, and brake adjustments. I'll have to learn to use a generator, to pump water from a creek, to fix punctures and generally to navigate rougher tracks than we have in the past, with safety but determination. I'd love to have some other BT owner take us under their wing for a while and teach us the ropes, but perhaps the forum and the owners group (www.bushtrackerownersgroup.asn.au) will be sufficient to get us started.
Just can't wait to pick up the van and get on the road.
