Sir, would you like to upsize that ? This post is aimed at people who are thinking about getting a
Bushtracker.
I have had my 2001 dual axle 16 footer since 2006. I am usually camping by myself way out from the towns on dirt roads, gold prospecting in Western Australia. The van has been across the Gary Junction Highway, the Tanami Road and the western section of the Gunbarrel.
When my wife retired, the first thing I planned to do was get a bigger van – a 19’ BT. But, after two weeks on the south coast of NSW with her in the 16 footer, I have had an epiphany....... I DON"T NEED A HUGE VAN
I have now decided to spend a bundle of money upgrading the electrics and plumbing instead of getting a 19 footer.
I have used the van on many tight tracks over the years, places where I would not have got a 19’ van through. I was reminded of that, when moving around in a number of the South Coast National Parks which were listed as “camper van only”. I got the van around the narrow tracks with ease and managed to manoeuvre it into some very small campsites which would have been a real headache for a bigger van.
I don’t need to use the weight distribution bars on my smaller van, which is a great help on rough, uneven tracks and even in some camping grounds.
It is more economical to tow and a lot lighter when you head out to overtake a road train !
The van has the East West queen size bed which gives it a lot more space inside than one with an island bed. It is a physical chore to change the bed linen, but I only do that once a week, so I figure the space-saving, is worth it. I reckon it might have nearly as much space inside it as an 18 footer with the island bed set-up. Another East West plus, is that you get a huge side-to-side rear locker under the bed.
Surprisingly, the little 16 still has room for four 135 solar panels plus an air conditioner on the roof and three 80 litre tanks underneath (has a shower/toilet too).
SO…………
If you like exploring those tight tracks and getting in to the best camp sites without that constant worry “will I be able to turn around”.
If you want to get better performance and economy on the black top.
If you don’t want the hassle of attaching/detaching weight distribution bars and the worry of busting them on a rough track.
If you want a huge under bed locker.
GET A 16 FOOTER !
Willie.
