Thread: My new set-up

Originally Posted by Scott

Amazing what you can fit into these things these days. This might seem like a really dumb question, but can you occupy the van whilst it isn't on the back of van?

Yes. I will be using it whilst in transit on the ute, but when I want to stay for a while and go 4x4 driving, I'll disconnect the trailer and can set-up the camper on its own. In the lowered form off the ute, it is a lot easier getting in and out, due to less steps.

ps I can also still stand in the unit when the top is folder down, to raid the fridge or make a quick cupper whilst travelling .

Very comprehensive and informative rundown I don't know if the square feet on the legs when the unit is free standing, would be all that good in a camping situation ( soft ground ) etc , might make sure you have some suitable sized "plates" as pads for those occasions Make a loading checklist as well ,so nothing gets left behind Cheers ~ John

Thanks for your answer, it looks as though it might over-balance when you're using the sleeping area. You'll have to be careful when being "over-active"

It's certainly a great setup Neil, well done.

Originally Posted by Scott

Thanks for your answer, it looks as though it might over-balance when you're using the sleeping area. You'll have to be careful when being "over-active"

Not that there is likely to be any activities , only wishful thinking , tipping was also a concern of mine. I was told completely unloaded, they tested this by putting loads right at the end, and it took 300kgs before it started to tip. The legs have also been tested with their safe load 400kgs.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

...tipping was also a concern of mine. I was told completely unloaded, they tested this by putting loads right at the end, and it took 300kgs before it started to tip. The legs have also been tested with their safe load 400kgs.

Being close to 100kg myself, I'd probably put some sort of prop under the sleeping area (note, only if this were me). It'd add some sort of piece of mind.

Originally Posted by Scott

Being close to 100kg myself, I'd probably put some sort of prop under the sleeping area (note, only if this were me). It'd add some sort of piece of mind.

I'm 125kgs .

I tend to back the ute up underneath, so if it did tilt, it would only be travelling ~400mm down to the tray and not all the way down to the ground. The cantilever is designed for downward bending under its own weight not uplift due to a prop, plus no end beam support along the far edge, so not sure what damage could be done with a prop. A prop may do more damage than without.

The guy who manufactures them is not small either, not as big as me though, and he and his wife have used theirs often over the past 2 years without any issues.

If I was to consider a prop, I would probably use a beam and column, with say 30-50mm closed cell foam bearing layer on the beam. That way it would actually have to start titling before it came into play.

I'll see how it goes on my first trip.

Neil. You need to put a shelf under the TV when it is in travelling mode. The brackets can sometimes vibrate loose or snap. DAMHIK.

Just wanted to say two things

1) Good on yer Dai Sensei well done... now get out there and travel the highways and byways!!

2) Thank god that for some reason I cant see the photos!!!


Having bought and moved into a bus (Nissan Civilian) back in March last year and been on the road for pretty much all of that time all I can say otherwise is ITS FREEKIN AWESOME!!!

Good luck and enjoy!
Shane

Great to hear from you Shane, been a while since we met over in Perth, I still have some of that veneer you gave me.

Not sure why you can't see the photos, what computer have you got?

cheers

Great looking set up Neil. It seems to have everything that anyone could want for an extended trip, including the kitchen sink. The diesel will tow it without any problems. I'm after the same sort of ute but only a 2wd.

BTW, I agree with . Secure your TV or it will come off the wall. You can't leave them hooked up in caravan when travelling or they will snap off the screws. A shelf or adjustable straps to support its weight will probably do the trick.

Have a great trip and take it easy.

Greg

That's what I like about this mount, there is a bracket that is bolted to the wall, but the main pivoting arm fits over the bracket (like a sleeve). Simply loosen a knob screw and the TV and pivoting arm comes off, so I can secure them for travelling . Sorry , forgot to reply.

Wet weather has delayed my departure. Supposed to leave today, but now looking at Tuesday at earliest, will have to cut short visit at Tuncurry (was to do diving plus visit rellies). The trailer is very very full, the rain must have shrunk it

Hi Neil,

Just found this thread now after John mentioned it to me the other day!! All I can say is what a great little setup looks awesome and hopefully should serve you well. Nothing like doing things in style mate !!
Have a safe trip and keep us up to date with your travel log

Cheers
Tony.

Hi,I'm interested in the same slide-on and was wondering ow you went. Did the slide-on work well? Not too much sway while driving the ute? How's the ute itself? Did the battery setup work well? Is 80 liters enough for camping with shower?Cheers, Axel

I love my unit, well made and no real issues, except the dual cab's rear axle can't take it loaded (see https://www.woodworkforums.com/f119/a...ady-go-165722/). I managed to get the loads within limits and the car travelled really well, the sway was minimised by installing Load Savers, but I had to do something about the GVM so I am having a Lazy Axle fitted whilst in Melbourne (ps I will be selling the Load Savers). If you are considering any side-on, check to ensure you car can actually take it, with a load in it. This one's 500kgs quoted weight is for when it is VERY EMPTY, more like 1000kgs lightly loaded, plus your car's load capacity is when it too is completely empty.

I got the 2 batteries and solar power extras, so the 12V power lasts at least 3 days, running the fridge my CPAP machine and a few lights. The water is 85 litres and last again 3 days so long as the showers are very short and you don't waste any (but I am on my own). As I said previously, it is a well made unit, with only quality components and all fitting etc in SS.

Cheers