The Camping Thread

[prydey]

I don't mind pop tops.

I would prefer a full height van for the ensuite because it provides better separation from the living/sleeping area and also a better shower head height (I'm tall).

Having said that they are not deal breaker things and due to other factors already mentored, we'll likely get another pop top next.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Am I the only one that prefers poptops to full height? I love the ventilation the pop top vinyl windows provide.

I had a 16 ft Avan pop top which was great,bit less wind resistance,probably didn’t get blown around as much in side winds.Now have a rigid gooseneck which tows so much better than the towbar type

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by Itsme

Trevor nice van you got there, I wish I could upgrade to a full height caravan, but the height of my carport stops me, my pop top Jayco caravan still does the job adequately for the two of us.
Currently I'm on a 10 week holiday up in QLD.
Cheers

image

funny you mention 'carport' as I have to back my van under a pergola through into the backyard (we live on a 1050 sq mtr block). When we purchased the Goldstream pop top I went off the sales brochure for height, measured the pergola and thought we are fine, until I got the van home and went to back it in. They didn't allow for the solar panel and antenna on the roof, so I had to hire a scissor lift and lift the ends of the gable up, not a big job, just a pain. Well, we sold the Goldstream and bought a full size van. Crusader brag about being them 6' 8" inside, I knew straight away that was going to be a problem backing in under the pergola again, so hired the scissor lift again, lifted the ends on the gable AGAIN, got the van home and it went it nicely, such a relief lol

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by stooy

G'day Guys,

I just spotted this thread and thought I would share a few photos that you might enjoy.

We do a fair bit of traveling with my two old Fords.


My 1974 XB GT - Running a 400hp Cleveland (LPG and 98 thankfully) & TKO 5 speed

I have travelled all over the country in this car over the last 20 years. So far we have done 56,000 miles. I only need to get to NT and then I have driven it to every state!

These days it is usually towing the 1952 Don Caravan my grandparents bought new.

Our most recent trip with the van was the south coast of NSW.

But we did tassie without the van at Christmas.

imageXB GT and Don Euroa 2023 by Stewart Perry, on Flickr


My 1974 Ford Transit - Running a warm 250ci non x flow (Also LPG and 98), a 4 speed GM Auto and mk 2 disc brakes

We did a 7000km trip to qld with this setup in 2022 and had a good run.

image20220926_125632 (1) by Stewart Perry, on Flickr

Happy camping everyone! Come say G'day if you see us out and about.

good onya and happy travelling. We carted our 4 kids over most of Australia when they were young. They are all now copying us with their kids. 2 are off to Cape York in a month or so

I love your setups, well done. My son and I were given a 1957 bond-wood caravan that was under renovation, we wanted a motorbike trailer, we pulled it down and used the chassis for a bike trailer. I so regret that now, with a little bit of extra work I could have made it workable again and towed it behind my XP Hardtop to shows etc

We saw an ex XB hearse in Townsville last year towing a van, it also had a mild C351 in it. Here is a picture, he tows his van everywhere with it, zoom in on the back window

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Am I the only one that prefers poptops to full height? I love the ventilation the pop top vinyl windows provide.

Our Goldstream was a poptop, we loved the van, very very well made. As we were doing lots of 'real off-road' I wanted a pop top to keep the height down going into the bush. We found the pop top great in summer, but hard to keep warm in winter. We have been known to go into the Victorian high country in the middle of winter (we had a gas heater).

Anyway our needs changed and my back is buggered, so we have just gone to a full size van. We just a did a couple of days up on the Murray, overnight temps down to -1c. This van is so much easier to keep warm at night and no where as much condensation inside. We actually purchased a 12v/240v humidifier to catch the moisture, but it hardly collected any. It was a real problem with the pop top

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Our Goldstream was a poptop, we loved the van, very very well made. As we were doing lots of 'real off-road' I wanted a pop top to keep the height down going into the bush. We found the pop top great in summer, but hard to keep warm in winter. We have been known to go into the Victorian high country in the middle of winter (we had a gas heater).

Anyway our needs changed and my back is buggered, so we have just gone to a full size van. We just a did a couple of days up on the Murray, overnight temps down to -1c. This van is so much easier to keep warm at night and no where as much condensation inside. We actually purchased a 12v/240v humidifier to catch the moisture, but it hardly collected any. It was a real problem with the pop top

When we had the poptop we would put the roof down on really cold nights.heated up much quicker,but condensation was there either way

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

funny you mention 'carport' as I have to back my van under a pergola through into the backyard (we live on a 1050 sq mtr block). When we purchased the Goldstream pop top I went off the sales brochure for height, measured the pergola and thought we are fine, until I got the van home and went to back it in. They didn't allow for the solar panel and antenna on the roof, so I had to hire a scissor lift and lift the ends of the gable up, not a big job, just a pain. Well, we sold the Goldstream and bought a full size van. Crusader brag about being them 6' 8" inside, I knew straight away that was going to be a problem backing in under the pergola again, so hired the scissor lift again, lifted the ends on the gable AGAIN, got the van home and it went it nicely, such a relief lol

When I rebuilt my carport, I never gave a thought for a caravan which was unfortunate for me, to alter my carport which is over 12 meters long is too big of a job, especially when it is connected with my existing house roof.
End of the day the pop top caravan serves it purpose.

Originally Posted by jstanovic

Am I the only one that prefers poptops to full height? I love the ventilation the pop top vinyl windows provide.

Spot on, the side wall vent openings are great in the hot & warm weather, open all four up along with the windows sure does make a big difference, great for free camping.

[Beastie]

I haven't posted in here for a while...

Did an overnighter a few months back and kept it to the basics.

A single swag will do the job...





Gotta have pie cooking and a beer ready for when setup is complete...



No need to miss out on the footy when the boys from IT come along and setup their Starlink and screen...



Breakfast anyone?



All cooked on an Induction Cooktop running off my 200ah Lithium Battery and 1500W Inverter...

[Trevor 57]

That's my Bathurst set up, swag on a strecher under a fold up gazebo. I got an enclosed 6x4 trailer, roof rack, fold down table on the passenger side. 12v battery, solar panel, Engel in the back i I don't take my car

[BENT_8]

Were heading off to the Flinders Ranges this Saturday for a week of R&R.
We were going to stay at Wilpena but decided on Rawnsley Park Station instead as its part of the Discovery group we're members of.
Its only a 15 minute drive to Wilpena anyway.

Plan is to drive up Saturday, not sure wether we'll go via Sterling North along the highway or up through the Clare Valley and Orroroo, drive time being similar towing the van.

Booked in for tra at the Woolshed restaursnt Saturday night, having a chillout day Sunday followed by the full day drive loop to Blinman and Parachilna Gorge on Monday and some local sights and a walk in the pound on Tuesday weather permitting.
Then relax for the rest of our stay.

Just completed the headunit upgrade/relocation for maps, got new Ironman upper control arms going into the Prado on Thursday to correct the geometry after the Toughdog adjustable 2" lift and having a Stedi roof mount lightbar and work/rock lights fitted Friday.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Were heading off to the Flinders Ranges this Saturday for a week of R&R.
We were going to stay at Wilpena but decided on Rawnsley Park Station instead as its part of the Discovery group we're members of.
Its only a 15 minute drive to Wilpena anyway.

Plan is to drive up Saturday, not sure wether we'll go via Sterling North along the highway or up through the Clare Valley and Orroroo, drive time being similar towing the van.

Booked in for tra at the Woolshed restaursnt Saturday night, having a chillout day Sunday followed by the full day drive loop to Blinman and Parachilna Gorge on Monday and some local sights and a walk in the pound on Tuesday weather permitting.
Then relax for the rest of our stay.

Just completed the headunit upgrade/relocation for maps, got new Ironman upper control arms going into the Prado on Thursday to correct the geometry after the Toughdog adjustable 2" lift and having a Stedi roof mount lightbar and work/rock lights fitted Friday.

Whenever Ive gone up there its via stirling north via the Quorn road. I like that drive. Last time I was there driving the motorhome with my late father in early 2020.

The Rawnsley Park station is a good one too. Good facilities and everyone gets a view of the hills.

[raised by monkeys]

Was never the camping type until i hit my 30's. Those roads were fun to drive the XR8 and Tornado though

[BENT_8]

Just to follow up on our recent trip to the Flinders Rangers.

So, we woke on Saturday 20/7 to the tail end of strong Westerly winds that had blasted the State over the previous few days.
Having packed the previous day, we only had to put the perishables in the fridge and on the road by 10am.
Decided to take the inland route via Clare and Orroroo to avoid the open coastal highway that was still copping strong winds.
First stop was Jamestown for lunch and top up the tank.

Next stop was Hawker, where we arrived at 3pm to grab a few final supplies and again top up the tank, winds had all but subsided.

Arrived at Rawnsley Park at 4pm, set up the van, quick shower and off to the Woolshed restaurant to trade a kidney for 3 meals, 3 deserts and 4 drinks...$240
Back to the park for a campfire and a few more bevvies.

Woke up late on Sunday morning as planned for a lazy day, cooked up some bacon and eggs, took a walk around the park and ventured out on one of the trails for a 7km bush walk.
First impressions, not what I expected, reasonable facilities but could do with a lot of work.
Had another campfire and cooked homemade pizza on the Weber.

Woke up early on the Monday for what was to be a full day drive, plan was to leave Rawnsley Park and head to Wilpena for a coffee, maps and a drive around their campground to see what we traded off for $10/night.
Should have paid the premium.
Next, we headed towards Blinman, took the Bunyeroo/Brachina Gorge route with a stop at Razorback lookout and a short drive along Brachina Gorge in search of the ever-elusive yellow footed Rock Wallaby that proved to be just that, elusive.

From there we returned to the bitumen and headed for Blinman where we had lunch at the pub followed by a guided tour of the old copper mine.
Mine tour was well worth the price of admission and the guide was very informative,
We then headed for Parachilna Gorge and on to Parachilna where we turned South and back towards Hawker.
The plan was to take the shortcut via Morolana scenic drive but it was poorly sign posted and so at about 10km in when we came upon a sign saying private property, shooting in progress, we thought we might have taken the wrong rd and were trespassing, so we turned around, returned to the highway and back through Hawker instead.
Was quite dark when we got back to Rawnsley and the people in the neighboring van came out and said they were getting worried about us which was nice of them.
Lit another campfire, had a few more bevvies and turned in for the night.

Woke up Tuesday morning to an absolutely beautiful day without a cloud in the sky. Our newly made friends next door was having a lazy day, so we set up a table and camp chairs between vans and spent the next 5hrs getting to know each other over a number of CC and dry cans and cheese/cold meat platters.
baked spuds in the campfire for tea was awesome.

Wednesday was to be our last full day in the area, so we decided to get up early and head back to Wilpena for brekky in the resort followed by some sightseeing at a few local lookouts.
Unfortunately, the winds returned, and it wasn't great up on the exposed lookouts, but the views of the surrounding ranges were breathtaking and well worth it.
We packed most of our loose items and prepared for the trip home the next morning.
That night we decided to extend our holiday by a day and head back via Quorn and Pt Augusta for a night at m
Mambray Creek.
Turns out it's been 5yrs since I last stayed there and so it was good to get back and check out the new facilities, they've done quite a bit of work around the campground to tidy it up and distinguish sites and paths which was heaps better.
This was our first time of trying the van off grid and it performed flawlessly, fridge on gas worked a treat, battery kept us with lights and TV/DVD and diesel heater kept us warm once we ran out of firewood.

Woke up early Friday morning, quick shower and on the road home where we arrived at 1pm.

Had a fantastic time, albeit fairly brief and look forward to going back soon for an extended stay and take in more of the sights and some 4wd tracks around the local ranges although we'll be staying in Wilpena next time.

[prydey]

Nice one. Sounds like you had good time.

[FTE217]

Hey Bent holden
Nice trip but how was the suspension ride with the TD gear now on ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BENT_8]

A few pics

On the road
https://i.imgur.com/YYc3R2c.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/uId8BIo.jpeg

The Pine Cave walk
https://i.imgur.com/ogpiOgM.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/SorpdHK.jpeg

View of the 'Pound' from our site
https://i.imgur.com/P3NEG5w.jpeg

Razorback lookout
https://i.imgur.com/QNOU2lU.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/sIHGaLO.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/HBWdejp.jpeg

Blinman mine entrance
https://i.imgur.com/Z60yY8Q.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/JZhQrCo.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/omh4nu4.jpeg

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Hey Bent holden
Nice trip but how was the suspension ride with the TD gear now on ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol, really good actually.

Mrs actually commented that the ride was really comfy.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by prydey

Nice one. Sounds like you had good time.

Thanks Rob, we really did have a great time.

Next year we are hoping to get to Uluru after reading of your adventure.

Got a few more things to do on the tug first though
Dedicated Anderson on drawbar for the fridge to keep it at temp enroute
Set of MSA mirrors
The lightbar that my installer let me down with the day before we left

[FTE217]

Good to hear !
Engineered by a Ford luving man I know.
Your wife has good ride sense haha
Even my wife mentions when in our 4x4 hilux going on road trip hols says how good it rides for a dual cab.
Handles way better than those useless OEM shocks but mine has big bore Gabriel Ultra Plus having worn out the TD shocks but still using the TD 2” lift springs.
Only bugga is having roof racks some car parks are a challenge.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by FTE217

Good to hear !
Engineered by a Ford luving man I know.
Your wife has good ride sense haha
Even my wife mentions when in our 4x4 hilux going on road trip hols says how good it rides for a dual cab.
Handles way better than those useless OEM shocks but mine has big bore Gabriel Ultra Plus having worn out the TD shocks but still using the TD 2” lift springs.
Only bugga is having roof racks some car parks are a challenge.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lol, oh she'd let me know if it wasn't to her liking.
They're heaps better than the OEM items that were in it, probably originals with 200k's on them and would flop around, now much more confidence and the Ironman arms have taken the twitch out of the steering.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Thanks Rob, we really did have a great time.

Next year we are hoping to get to Uluru after reading of your adventure.

Got a few more things to do on the tug first though
Dedicated Anderson on drawbar for the fridge to keep it at temp enroute
Set of MSA mirrors
The lightbar that my installer let me down with the day before we left

I'd like to do Wilpena one day as well.

Uluru for me was special. I just found being there so overwhelming. I will be going back for sure. I'm not saying everyone will feel the same. I've heard and read many comments that don't share my views but to each their own. I really enjoyed the whole trip. Of course no lightbar needed for us as we kept the travel days pretty short so no night driving.

Too many places to visit and not enough time.

I want to fit lights to the Everest but not urgent.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by prydey

I'd like to do Wilpena one day as well.

I want to do the Heysen, but 2 months of hiking is a bit of a commitment, especially from interstate. Oddly, most people dont seem to camp, instead making use of various huts/shelters or paid accommodation along the way.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Just to follow up on our recent trip to the Flinders Rangers.

So, we woke on Saturday 20/7 to the tail end of strong Westerly winds that had blasted the State over the previous few days.
Having packed the previous day, we only had to put the perishables in the fridge and on the road by 10am.
Decided to take the inland route via Clare and Orroroo to avoid the open coastal highway that was still copping strong winds.
First stop was Jamestown for lunch and top up the tank.

Next stop was Hawker, where we arrived at 3pm to grab a few final supplies and again top up the tank, winds had all but subsided.

Arrived at Rawnsley Park at 4pm, set up the van, quick shower and off to the Woolshed restaurant to trade a kidney for 3 meals, 3 deserts and 4 drinks...$240
Back to the park for a campfire and a few more bevvies.

Woke up late on Sunday morning as planned for a lazy day, cooked up some bacon and eggs, took a walk around the park and ventured out on one of the trails for a 7km bush walk.
First impressions, not what I expected, reasonable facilities but could do with a lot of work.
Had another campfire and cooked homemade pizza on the Weber.

Woke up early on the Monday for what was to be a full day drive, plan was to leave Rawnsley Park and head to Wilpena for a coffee, maps and a drive around their campground to see what we traded off for $10/night.
Should have paid the premium.
Next, we headed towards Blinman, took the Bunyeroo/Brachina Gorge route with a stop at Razorback lookout and a short drive along Brachina Gorge in search of the ever-elusive yellow footed Rock Wallaby that proved to be just that, elusive.

From there we returned to the bitumen and headed for Blinman where we had lunch at the pub followed by a guided tour of the old copper mine.
Mine tour was well worth the price of admission and the guide was very informative,
We then headed for Parachilna Gorge and on to Parachilna where we turned South and back towards Hawker.
The plan was to take the shortcut via Morolana scenic drive but it was poorly sign posted and so at about 10km in when we came upon a sign saying private property, shooting in progress, we thought we might have taken the wrong rd and were trespassing, so we turned around, returned to the highway and back through Hawker instead.
Was quite dark when we got back to Rawnsley and the people in the neighboring van came out and said they were getting worried about us which was nice of them.
Lit another campfire, had a few more bevvies and turned in for the night.

Woke up Tuesday morning to an absolutely beautiful day without a cloud in the sky. Our newly made friends next door was having a lazy day, so we set up a table and camp chairs between vans and spent the next 5hrs getting to know each other over a number of CC and dry cans and cheese/cold meat platters.
baked spuds in the campfire for tea was awesome.

Wednesday was to be our last full day in the area, so we decided to get up early and head back to Wilpena for brekky in the resort followed by some sightseeing at a few local lookouts.
Unfortunately, the winds returned, and it wasn't great up on the exposed lookouts, but the views of the surrounding ranges were breathtaking and well worth it.
We packed most of our loose items and prepared for the trip home the next morning.
That night we decided to extend our holiday by a day and head back via Quorn and Pt Augusta for a night at m
Mambray Creek.
Turns out it's been 5yrs since I last stayed there and so it was good to get back and check out the new facilities, they've done quite a bit of work around the campground to tidy it up and distinguish sites and paths which was heaps better.
This was our first time of trying the van off grid and it performed flawlessly, fridge on gas worked a treat, battery kept us with lights and TV/DVD and diesel heater kept us warm once we ran out of firewood.

Woke up early Friday morning, quick shower and on the road home where we arrived at 1pm.

Had a fantastic time, albeit fairly brief and look forward to going back soon for an extended stay and take in more of the sights and some 4wd tracks around the local ranges although we'll be staying in Wilpena next time.

Love the Flinders Ranges, in fact love all of outback S.A. Even Lake Gairdner

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by b0son

I want to do the Heysen, but 2 months of hiking is a bit of a commitment, especially from interstate. Oddly, most people dont seem to camp, instead making use of various huts/shelters or paid accommodation along the way.

Its a big trek no doubt.
Ive done various stages from Cape Jervis to the end and had planned to do the full trail a weekend at a time but im getting too old and overweight for it now unfortunately.
Those huts you speak of are a welcome sight when youre 3 or 4 days into a leg and over pitching your tent, just roll out you SI mat and bag, fire up the Trangia for a quick feed and sleep.

[Trevor 57]

We are heading off soon to Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes and a bit of tour around that area

Planning to go to Broken Hill, Innamincka, Birdsville, Bedourie, Alice Springs, Marla, Maree (via the Oodnadatta Track) then home sometime early next year

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

We are heading off soon to Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes and a bit of tour around that area

Planning to go to Broken Hill, Innamincka, Birdsville, Bedourie, Alice Springs, Marla, Maree (via the Oodnadatta Track) then home sometime early next year

Hopefully should be plenty of water at Menindee, the lakes when I visited pre-covid they were dry as a bone and the Darling River in poor condition, don't forget Silverston when you visit Broken Hill, Mad Max Museum, Pub & the local Gaol are worthy visits among other sites out there.

Check SA Road conditions for the Oodnadatta track, it has had plenty of water and road closures in the last year, might give you grief with caravan.
Other than that, enjoy your trips.

[MDS69]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

We are heading off soon to Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes and a bit of tour around that area

Planning to go to Broken Hill, Innamincka, Birdsville, Bedourie, Alice Springs, Marla, Maree (via the Oodnadatta Track) then home sometime early next year

If you can see if you can fit in Mungo NP. A private guided tour by an indigenous guide is very informative.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by MDS69

If you can see if you can fit in Mungo NP. A private guided tour by an indigenous guide is very informative.

A tour will ensure you get access beyond the public viewing platform for the Walls of China.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by MDS69

If you can see if you can fit in Mungo NP. A private guided tour by an indigenous guide is very informative.

We have been to Mungo previously, but we travel with 2 dogs now and well, National Parks don't like domestic dogs

[Trevor 57]

Spent a couple of days on the Murrumbidgee at Maude. Great spot, lovely and quiet

[


Had a laugh at the sign on the toilet at Maude