travelling with kids/Off road vans

A friend of mine towed a jayco with their 2 kids around australia for about 8 mths.

It was a camper van where the two double beds come out either end.

it had an awning on it which they used all the time.

not too big to tow, and heaps of room once set up. It was also very cheap.

For big caravan style, check out the Kedrons.

Thanks for your reply. Jaycos are the only van we have been told to stay away from. I will look into it further though. We have been looking along the lines of Coromal and Roadstar but wanted to know of something that is tried and trusted and doesn't fall apart on the rough roads of the outback. We are also looking at the Paramount but know nothing of them. Thanks again.

I've been researching vans for about 12 months now - currently using a hard floor camper. The consensus here over recent months seems to be that among the "mainstream van makers" Bushtracker, Kedron, Trakmaster and Phoenix seem to be the only people making a dedicated "rough roads capable" van (and this may be true :-o). Others claim to be making rough roaders, but they are often producing a tricked up version of their standard sealed road vans. Those may be ok in good hands, but those van formulas usually seem to have compromises a plenty. Whatever - as I see it, a strong 18' van capable of accomodating 2 adults and 3 kids (bit squeezy though) will probably be a minimum of $50. A rough roader will be $20 more than that - desirable accessories (solar, batteries, appliances etc.) will easily take it to $80. That said, it seems that really careful drivers can look after softer optioned vans and make them last on rough roads - its all about load levels and driving I'm told !

I wonder if the Kimberley caravan could assist...it would do the tough off road stuff perfectly, and im sure you could get a annex to bed the kids...

Otherwise...a second hand kedron???good luck...have a great trip.

Fergot t say ......... if looking at used, any vans for sale should appear in all or either of the RV Point, Trading Post and Exloroz FOR SALE pages - some move relatively quickly, others stay for months - the eastern seaboard seems to have the higher concentration of offerings ! But, a used Kedron at Apollo Bay can be had for $83k - think I saw something used recently somewhere for the mid $90 's ! There is a boom on and many makers have long waitings..... that must lift the used prices.

Just wanted to say everyone has been a wealth of information and it is greatly appreciated. Thank you.