Choosing a Home on Wheels
The first setup at Holiday Haven, White Sands, Huskisson, NSW.
Choosing our Camper
Our first thoughts were for a camper trailer. This was based on our meeting and being inspired by a family member who had purchased a Jayco Dove and matched it to a Pajero. We visited the 2018 Sydney Caravan Show and spent a lot of time at the Jayco stand and also had a look at other camper trailers.
But then we saw our friend’s Jayco Silverline, a proper caravan and were enticed by the club seating, en suite, and general comfort. I then started researching caravans and was drawn to the Crusader range and after watching every episode of A Trip in a Van, looked at the Willow range.
Our Ultimate parked next to our friend’s Jayco Silverline at Newport, NSW.
As my research increased, I started doing weight calculations, and realised that a 300kg tow ball weight (typical of a full sized caravan) would reduce my load capacity in the Jeep to almost nothing.
I also started worrying about the strain of dragging a huge van all over the country, and the outback roads I might not be able to experience.
We drew up a plan to circle Tasmania with nothing, and stay in Cabins or Glamp in fancy tents. My logic was that extra amount spent on the camping would be offset by the fuel saving and the depreciation in value of a caravan.
Then I watched a video of a Patriot Camper Van sitting in a guys garage. How convenient. Keep it at home, pack it at home, and tow it anywhere. We actually got to the Sydney showroom and had a look. The new, more comfortable Patriot X3 with its interior lounge started working for both of us.
The Patriot X3, a close runner up in our selection.
And then we noticed an article in Camper Australia and saw the Ultimate for the first time. It’s tiny tow-bar weight of less than 100kgs, its light fibreglass body, and its inside kitchen supported by an outside gas barbecue. The ample storage, grey water tank and dual lithium batteries all helped. There is porta loo access from inside the van which is a help in the night.
Getting driver training at Braidwood. Reversing in a circle.
Our shakedown stay at Huskisson on Jervis Bay let us test the heater, on gas as well as alternating current. It was great.
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