Newby concerns

Before taking delivery of our 20 foot BT in 2003, I had never towed anything bigger than a 6x4 trailer. I did as your are doing, pored over the various forums and asked a lot of questions.

We had camped with tents for many years so we knew why we were buying a caravan (don't have to pack it up wet, few more creature comforts etc). We didn't know anything about how they were fitted out, the black art of weight distribution hitches, brake controllers, bearing maintenance etc

Three years later, we have a BT with close to 90,000km on it and I would say to you that selecting Bushtracker was the best decision we could have made.

The van is so robust that in most cases preventative maintenance is all that is required and I have that done by a reputable service agent before any big trip because I do not feel that I have the necessary skills, knowledge or equipment to do it myself. We have not had a major problem in the bush except for the power plug being blown apart by a rock on the Birdsville Track. In that case the plug was repaired in Birdsville and a quick phone call to Bushtracker resulted in a wiring diagram for the plug being faxed to us within minutes!

The advice I would give based upon our experience is that you are probably less likely to encounter problems with a Bushtracker off road than possibly some other vans. As long as you have communication that works, people, including Bushtracker will help you.

If you use this forum to pose your questions, you will get good advice. As for towing a BT, it needs to be respected - right speed, right tow vehicle and a well maintained rig that is checked every time you hitch up. Then it becomes luxury on wheels!

Hope this helps

NC,
Like yourselves we are also retired and, like Motley, had never towed any bigger than a box trailer before researching and making the decision to buy a BT.

In retrospect it was undoubtedly the right decision for us - we have never, in 40,000k towing, had a problem with the BT. They are built to very high design standards and the quality of the engineering build is second to none - therefore you do not need mobs of technical 'know how' to keep it in perfect condition- only common sense.

Common sense will allow you to learn from BTi how to manage your batteries and have routine daily checks before departing. Plus in rough country you will learn how to manage you tyre pressures and speeds to suit the road conditions. Otherwise an annual check and a reputable service agent is all that is required.

Expert advise is available on the end of a phone and BT's after sales service in this respect is industry 'best practice' .

My advise is "Buy with confidense"

John

Hi NC
Something which was helpful to us was visiting one of the Bushtracker rallies – you get a chance to see a lot of vans in one place and people love showing their choice and telling you the why’s and wherefore’s of Bushtracker travel. Even one day at a rally is worth it, and there is usually accommodation at the camp area or nearby. Take a camera and notebook, and keep your own perspective when you get home and look at the multiples of ideas. It seems some have bought second hand BT, and when they have their ideas settled, have bought the brand new one. (Watch the forum for a BT for sale.) Anyway each to their own. Happy planning. Then happy travelling.
C& J

NC,

Ditto to what everyone has said. We were newbies too but soon got the hang of it. We live in our van permanently (when we are not living over in the UK) and will be setting off soon to travel again.

Where are you based? Perhaps some local BT owner will let you not only look at their van but share their experiences.

Oh, and a trip to the factory is a must. You will meet some great people and have a look firsthand at why BT's are so popular.

Angie

Folks

Thanks for the responses (nothing less than I would have expected from the BOG). I must say that it helps tp have my feeling re the BT confirmed. I have considered a number of diffferent vans over the past couple of years and came down to 4. However, it was the BOG and the forum comments that peresuaded me (even before a visit to the BT factory that BT was the one to own. Hopefully we will do this in the next 12 to 18 mths.

Thanks again for the advice and thoughts.

To the lone Ranger

Thanks. I am hoping to see a BT in the next couple of weeks and at Malacoota in the new year. I look forward to becoming a BT owner.