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Our Outfit

I have often been asked about the features of our caravan and 4x4 so I have decided to include that information on this web site. 

The following describes our present outfit, a turbo diesel Holden Jackaroo and a custom built 4.8M (16') Golf Bushman caravan, both of which we are very satisfied with and would be pleased to recommend to anyone looking at a similar 4wd and caravan set-up. 

The Jackaroo (an Isuzu Trooper for those not fortunate to live in Australia but this one has a diesel engine) although getting on a bit now, has proven to be very reliable, economical and comfortable - just love this vehicle, we'll keep it until the wheels fall off - and the Golf caravan with modifications is an excellent compromise of size with accommodation for two offering all the comforts of home including a shower and toilet, yet still good to tow in heavy traffic and to out-of-the-way places.

Although not a hard core off road caravan, it's improved ground clearance, approach and departure angles are such that it has enabled us to tow it to every remote camping area we have ever wanted to visit whether it be in rugged state forests or just down beside a creek.
Modifications included heavier duty suspension, reinforced chassis and drawbar (gaining valuable ground clearance) and on the inside, see photos below, a backrest/shelf/TV shelf along the bunk beds so now we can actually sit comfortably (impossible before unless you were at least 2M tall and even then you had to avoid damaging the window blind system ) improved galley (so food being prepared doesn't end up on the bed/seat and additional bench top and shelf) and front ceiling reinforcing to mention a few.

It is set up so that we are completely self sufficient with two weeks supply of water (at a pinch), six to seven weeks supply of LPG and solar power and generator.

For all practical purposes it goes almost anywhere we care to take the 4X4.

The main limiting factor is the relative lack of articulation of a ball coupling.  The use of load distribution torsion bars dictates the need to use a ball coupling.    Depending on terrain, we often need to disconnect the torsion bars, to not do so would put enormous strain on components particularly navigating a steep dip/gully.
 

   
Photos below show Jackaroo and Golf caravan and interior.
See specifications below.

  
     
 Tow vehicle is a Holden Jackaroo           (Isuzu Trooper in USA and elsewhere)
Standard specifications
is a 3.1 litre intercooled turbo diesel.
This is a mechanically injected non-electronic engine (beauty), not as economical or powerful as the latest electronic common rail diesels but oh so reliable and no rubber band turning the cam shaft either.
* 5 speed manual transmission (full syncro including reverse) with 2 speed transfer case and manual free wheeling front hubs.
* Limited slip differential.
* Independent torsion bar front suspension and coil sprung rear.
* 4 wheel disk brakes.
* Separate chassis.
* Mass empty 1990 Kg (4380 lbs) - loaded 2600 Kg (5730 lbs).
* Towing capacity 2250 Kg (4960 lbs) braked - 750 Kg unbraked.
Extras fitted
* 70 litre auxiliary fuel tank and transfer pump (giving a total capacity of 155 litres, 34 UK galls, 41 US galls)
* UHF radios, Uniden UH-100 + Uniden UH-049SX 1W handheld.
* GPS receiver
* Cruise control
* Rear storage locker & cargo barrier
* Fridge, Waeco 50lit, mounted on a slide for easy access.
* DC>AC inverter 350W 

Tools and other bits & pieces always carried
* 1/2" 240V electric drill + drill bits
* 4" 240V angle grinder + cutting & grinding disks
* 800W inverter to run the above tools
* The usual set of tools (socket, ring & oe spanners, screwdrivers, bearing pullers, hacksaw, 3lb hammer, etc)
* Two stage hydraulic jack
* Tyre bead breaker (homemade) and 24" tyre levers
* 72 & 25 lpm 12V air pumps, tyre repair kit, inner tubes (one each for car and caravan)
* Compact shovel   * 3/4 axe   * 36" bush saw
* The usual spare oils, belts, hoses, Loctite sealants
* Multi purpose hand operated pump suitable for oil, fuel, water and air.
* Assorted bolts, nuts & screws
* Basic recovery gear
* A comprehensive first aid kit - with everything up-to-date.
* Fire extinguisher, in addition to the one in the caravan - also up-to-date.
(I am sure there are things I have forgotten.  Have I had to use any of the above ?   Other than first aid kit and tyre pump, rarely, but as soon as I leave any of them home, I'll know need them.)
 
 Caravan is a custom built and modified Golf Bushman
Dimensions    4.8 M x 2.2 M 16' x 7'2" (external, not including draw bar, awning etc.)
Mass    Tare (empty) 1320 Kg All are weighbridge figures.
    GTM (loaded on axle) 1625 Kg
    ATM (total all up) 1850 Kg
Ground clearance    350mm    ( 460mm at the rear end )
Suspension    50 mm square beam axle, HD bearings, 6 stud drums, rated 2000 Kg
Tyres    195R14LT  Michelin 8 ply light truck.   Two spares carried, one under the caravan behind the rear water tank and one on the "A" frame on a swing away mounting.
Brakes    Electric via Tekonsha Voyager 9030 pendulum type controller.
Accommodation    2 single beds convertible to double, seating for 4-6.
Ensuite    Shower, electric flush toilet and hand basin.
Fresh water    2 x 68 litre under floor tanks,  40 psi automatic 12 V pump to  HWS, shower and sink.
Water filter    0.5 micron cartridge type over kitchen sink.
Roof ventilation    2 x 4 Seasons Hatches & 1 x Fiamma wind-up with 12 V extractor fan  in shower /  toilet. 
Windows    Double glazed tinted polycarbonate with integrated insect screens and inside blinds.
Hot Water Service    Suburban gas.
Cooking    Gas stove & oven with 12 V range hood.
Gas capacity    2 x 9 Kg in front storage compartment.
1 x 3 Kg for outside cooking.
1 x 2 Kg for gas heater.
Refrigerator    90 Litre Dometic/Electrolux, 3 way 240V, 12V or gas.
Electrical    240 VAC & 12 VDC.
Security alarm    Combined Microwave & PIR detector, controller and external warning light.
Inverter    800W modified square wave.
Battery    120 AH deep cycle AGM.
Solar    1 x 80 W solar panel and Plasmatronics PL20 regulator.
Generator    Honda EM650 550W @ 240VAC, 100W (8A) @ 12V
(With custom built charger, will charge battery at 20A)
Battery charger    10A integrated with solar regulator with automatic solar / mains changeover (see diagram)
Air conditioner    Kelvinator reverse cycle 1850 W.
Heating    240V 1800W DeLonghi ceramic heater.
Origo HP5100 1500W alcohol (metho) fueled heater.
Gas radiant heater (rarely used).
Awning    Coleman roll out type (replaced original annex, fitted since above photo was taken).
TV    Samsung 100-240 VAC & 12-24 VDC.
Strong SRT5005 12V digital receiver (Set Top Box)
Video    Phillips 240 VAC (runs off inverter when no mains power is available).
TV antenna    Winegard wind up type and VHF / UHF Yagi  (see TV Antenna page)
 

 Fuel Consumption

Solo   Average 11.2 Lit / 100 Km or 8.9 Km / Lit   (25.2 mpg Imperial / 21.0 mpg US).
Maximum theoretical range 1350 Km (840 miles)
In view of my figures below , see Dec 07, solo range should exceed 1500 Km with country driving).
Towing ***  Average 15.4 Lit / 100 Km or 6.5 Km / Lit   (18.4 mpg Imperial / 15.3 mpg US).
Maximum theoretical range - 1000 Km (620 miles)
(Trip planning is based on worst case of 5 Km / Lit = 800 Km range (500 miles) less 10%)
** Based on our last trip 15,767 Km of which 1,284 Km was solo including off road.
Weighbridge figures on departure, Jackaroo - 2530Kg,  Combined mass - 4370 Kg.
Dec 07   On a recent trip through country NSW and Qld towing a 1100 Kg trailer (with a 1.5M high enclosed ridged canopy, overall height of 1.95M) while driving for economy achieved the following . . .
   162 Lit for 1537 Km = 9.5 Km/Lit, 10.54 Lit/ 100 Km, 26.8 MPG
   ( Range until low fuel light came on was 1370 Km )


 Ray's Caravans, Campervans & Motorhomes