Today we drove to Gemhunter Caravans to meet with John, Michael and Diane - teemed with rain as it has done for the last few weeks.  Had an excellent meeting and discussed the points that we have specific questions about ie the roof, roof actuators, final measurements of cabinets, size of fridge, placement of house batteries, electric steps, electrical panel, and spare wheel carrier.

John and Michael were already underway as it turns out having already moved the truck starter batteries to make way for the steps and confirmed that with the decision to build a drop step into the floor frame, a two step version of the electric steps will be sufficient.  The height of the truck was a concern in terms of the number of steps we would need.  In the end we are all happy that the decision to build the drop step is the best choice.

Even better news the floor frame has already been built and we had a quick view as we raced off at the end of the meeting - still in the teeming rain.  The creek at the end of the road was still under the bridge.  Later in the day - at work - I learned the main highway was cut again at King John creek.  Busy day up the highway at 0630 , back down the highway in time for work at 1300 and beat the rising creek, and then more water issues at work!

We have towed camping trailers around Australia for the last 15 years - a Trek, an Aussie Swag and an Ultimate Camper.  Each one was a little more civilised and with thoughts of retirement in our mid 50's we started to consider a small off-road caravan.  Although an inside shower and toilet was on the agenda, the issue was really not having to pack up canvas and frequently wet canvas at that.  We were veering towards the Trak Topaz - yes the shower is outside - but it was a step up and still very much a 'go anywhere'.

Our friend Guy spent a long time researching and finally purchasing an Isuzu-based 4x4 truck from All Terrain Warriors.  Clearly envy abounded but grief  . . . what a lot of money.  Then we did a trip through Central Qld to Lawn Hill and back with the yellow truck and before we were half way home I was looking at lots of German built trucks on the Iveco 4x4 base. As soon as we were back home the Ulti and Mitsuibishi Triton were tarted up ready for sale.  Fate intervened when a 2nd hand LWB Earthcruiser (with everything) became available - literally on the doorstep - earlier than we were ready work wise but  . . . it's fate!  Unfortunately, on closer investigation we found the weight issue was too limiting for us and we had to let it pass. 

After more machinations and trying to talk ourselves into an Earthcruiser we decided to take another path that will give us a truck with fewer compromises (for us at least).  Yes it will be less sophisticated but will give us the challenge of designing our own living quarters.  We decided on All Terrain Warriors to do the truck suspension, supply the chassis mountings, fit suspension seats and cut out the crawl through. Gemhunter Caravans have agreed to build the 'house'.  And so we started in November 2012 and hope to be ready by June 2013.