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.
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