Utilise roof space

[walkz]

Hi all,

going on a huge trip next year (up to 6 month) with my wife 2 fur kiddies and my beautiful gu wagon! for accomodation I am saving for a Hannibal rtt (want a 1.6m jumbo would love a 1.8m if I can solve my realestate problems) opening over the side and matching it with an ostrich wing awning for living space on the opposite. Now I want to be running 2x700mm or so space cases in front of the rtt for light bulky things. So the patrol has a total roof length of 2.5m, most roof racks are 2.2m and the boxes would ideally be 700mm long installed north south, so I really need a rack of 2.5m.

My question is can any one see why I couldn't either (1) buy a 1m long rack (1/2 rack) for the boxes in front of the tent and bolt the tent to the rhino bars, (2) have no rack at all and bolt boxes and tent to roof bars only or (3) buy a 2.7m rhino pioneer flat rack and cut it down 200mm

All suggestion would be greatly appreciated,
Cheers Walkz

[MudRunnerTD]

Or fit the 2.7 and stick it out the front and back slightly.

If you are by going to do anything other than 2 boxes then save the weight and go roof bars I'd say. No point fitting a rack to the cover it with boxes.

Consider fitted solar panels to the box lids too.

[threedogs]

remember your 100kg roof limit, a 2.7mt roof rack
and 2 x space cases would all add to less being put up top

[Cuppa]

RTT + Ostrich awning + Roof bars + Roof boxes + Roof box contents = well over 100kg. Add ? rack + Solar panels = very top heavy = prone to damage & less stable off road.

I had a RTT on steel roof bars (x3) + 1 x 125w solar panel & these alone were over 100kg.

Add the impact on fuel consumption & I’d suggest that you re-consider your options.

With 2 adults & 2 dogs space inside the wagon will be at a premium, ( how much is dependent upon the size of the dogs) so it may be wise to considering towing. Such a thought is no doubt initially unpalatable but doing so opens up a variety of options & all allow for daytime exploring without the need to pack up camp every time as well as the benefit of allowing for a rationalisation of storage between car & trailer.

Given you have been considering a RTT I’m assuming that having a ‘permanent’ bed is important. At 58 I definitely reckon it is! but if you think you can get by without a permanent bed travelling lighter with a smaller ground tent + dogs & no trailer should be do-able .... but be warned over a six month period everything you need to do to set up camp & pack up camp day after day WILL become a chore you grow to resent!

Whilst you consider a 6 month trip as huge, it isn’t really, although it is sufficient time for a good trip. It depends upon how much country you want to cover. I’d advise that it is a good period of time for ‘half a lap’ & even then it will involve as much travelling as staying. Trying to do more, whilst possible, would IMO be exhausting and a cause for regret (but a good learning exercise for the next trip!). :)

Another alternative (& I understand if it’s not an option ) is to leave the dogs behind. Not only might this retain possibilities of not having to tow, but it will mean that you can visit the ‘jewels in the Australian crown’ (National Parks) as well as not needing to be constantly aware of the dangers of 1080 baits, crocs, tics, snakes etc to keep the dogs safe or needing to find temporary accomodation for them so you can see what you want to see. Anyone travelling with dogs needs to accept that the dogs will have to spend most of their time on leash or chain when outside of the car. Even in the many free camps (many caravan parks won’t allow dogs) they will need to be restricted.

Any set up is a compromise & only you (with the hindsight born of experience) will know what compromises work best for you. Unfortunately most folk have to make the compromises prior to gaining the experience! Good luck.

[blocko05]

I agree with Cuppa. If you tow a camper trailer then day trips are much better and easier especially when the camper is set up when you get back from a big day of exploring. Less wind resistance and more room to safely store your stuff.

[MudRunnerTD]

yeah right! i read your original post as your wife and 2 kids. Didn't realise you were talking about 2 dogs.. Hmmmm. I am with Cuppa mate, i am sure they are amazing animals and part of your family for sure but They don't need to see the great land. They can stay at home and allow you to see so much more than you can with them in tow. You would need to take them illegally if you wanted to do a Simpson Crossing or any of the great tracks and i think your cutting off your feet to spite yourself.

Seriously seek Foster care for 6 months and go and do your trip. Even if you offer someone 50 a week t o feed and look after your dogs its cheaper than a Kennel. Or ask a friend who might help you out. Big ask though.