Caravan Modding - Specifically Viscount Aerolite

**BenM78** · 3rd January 2011, 04:29 PM

Been thinking of buying an old van to make camping that little bit more comfortable, however having a lifted GU Patrol on 33 muds means I like the offroad thing too... So I need something that is mildly offroad capable.

Budget is fairly (very) low and I came across the lost little lambs that are the Viscount Aerolite, due to their reputation they are affordable and have the looks and layout that I am after. A half decent one can be had for $5-6k.

I am aware of the chassis cracking issues they have, and the ally/foam composite construction of the body (something I see as a positive).

Just wondering if anyone has worked on these vans and if a complete chassis replacement is feasible. I am (almost) a boilermaker so have the skills and resources to build stuff but just not sure on how vans go together as to whether it is doable.

Basically I would be looking to do a new chassis, and independant steel sprung suspension with enough ground clearance to keep the van level behind the Patrol.

Thanks

Ben

**rsser** · 3rd January 2011, 04:43 PM

Offhand Ben I'd say you're being a bit hopeful ...

If by 'off road' you mean roads like the Oodnadatta and Birdsville tracks, often the corrugations there are so bad that anything not specifically designed for them from top to bottom will rattle apart.

Even the Jayco Outback range of pop-tops, supposedly 'ruggedized' for these conditions, has a very mixed reputation. A recent issue of the CamperTrailer Australia mag had an article by a guy who beefed up his model of this range to take the punishment.

**BenM78** · 3rd January 2011, 05:00 PM

Hi, Nah not really the big aussie treks, just Barrington Tops, Upper Macleay valley, something that needs a bit of ground clearance and suspension to get into, 800km of corrugations is not my wifes idea of a 'fun' week away

**rsser** · 3rd January 2011, 05:52 PM

Heheh, no, not fun but by crikey they're worth it.

You will prob. get useful advice on the following websites, which have members who roll their own or do their own mods:

MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum - Index
welcome to campertrailers.org website home to Australian off road camper trailers since 2001

and maybe

Forum @ ExplorOz

Exit clearance with the van will be a key thing to get right as I'm sure you'd know.

Suspension: lots of debates about that!

Good luck with it.

**BenM78** · 3rd January 2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks Ern, have posted the same Q to Myswag (was already a member there). Some quality builds go on over there!

**Yonnee** · 3rd January 2011, 09:12 PM

Hey Ben.

Having worked for Al-Ko when I first started in the caravan industry, I know full well the reputation of the Viscount Aerolite, and why the problem came about. I have also seen a few alternatives for "fixing" them, some temporary, some complicated. However, the best solution was a replacement RHS chassis with conversion to Electric brakes which used to be performed by ADP Caravan Services in Bayswater, Vic., however, they changed ownership in 2004, and it's probably a little far for you...

But to answer your question, Yes, putting a full chassis under one is certainly worthwhile, and definately won't hurt its re-sale. And if you are going to build your own chassis, you can set it up with Off-Roading in mind.

Thread: Caravan Modding - Specifically Viscount Aerolite

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Caravan Modding - Specifically Viscount Aerolite

Similar Threads

Building / Modding your own weldor

Bondwood caravan

Modding the Oregon file guide for Square Ground filing

Caravan

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions