Explorex opinion

Submitted: Monday, Jan 12, 2015 at 17:57

ThreadID: 129649 Views:15244 Replies:6 FollowUps:8

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col carpenter

Did any of you BT owners, look at Explorex caravans,?

If so, what was the reasons for crossing them off the list, they seem to stack up very well.

Link here
Thank you Col

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Reply By: Pedantic - Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 00:24

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 00:24

Hi Col
I was thinking of upgrading to a new/newer van and looked at the Explorex as their factory is nearby, but wasn't enthused as I didn't think they were as well finished as my Bushtracker and by the time you add extra water tanks/solar panels/batteries/etc the price starts getting closer to Bushtracker pricing. I'm not saying they are not well built as they look quite robust. A friend has just taken delivery of a new Sunland Patriot 20'6'' - very nice van but over $140,000 with the inclusions he required.
Good luck with your search.....
Michael

AnswerID: 588306

Follow Up By: col carpenter - Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 02:51

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 02:51

Thanks for the reply Michael,

When you say not as well finished, are you referring to cosmetics like cabinets and trim internally ? I'm in QLD and have not seen one in the flesh.

Thanks Col

FollowupID: 856340

Reply By: braggy - Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 03:06

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 at 03:06

Hi Col,
If you are near the Gold Coast, do a factory tour of SLR, these are the ants pants offroad vans and will custom to what you need.

SLR

AnswerID: 588307

Reply By: col carpenter - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 07:24

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 07:24

Thanks Braggy, I have SLR on my list still.

Doesn't appear as though many BT owners checked Explorex out.

Thanks anyway

Col

AnswerID: 588308

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 08:06

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 08:06

I had a quick look a few years ago, steel frame and back then and the fit and finish just wasn't there. Things may have improved since then and worth another look.

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Follow Up By: col carpenter - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 17:59

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 17:59

Thanks Mick,
I haven't seen one in the flesh yet and your not the first to say finish not A1.

Any thing in particular, or just general, quite happy to sacrific a bit of appearance for strenght and reliablity.

Regards Col

FollowupID: 856342

Follow Up By: NIK `N` OFF - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 19:40

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 19:40

Col, at the time at least 3-4 years ago it was a very quick look. At the time I wasn't impressed with general fit and finish compared to my BT, Probably unfair to compare to what's built now. Everything's worth a 2nd look.

FollowupID: 856343

Reply By: Gone Bush - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 08:39

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2015 at 08:39

A friend looked at Explorex just last year and noted that they use copper water pipes. I'll stand corrected as things might have changed but the company's roots are in building relocatable Dongas, so it seems likely.

When I was net surfing a few years ago, I looked at the SLR vans and emailed them for the specs. At that time their 19 footer had a TARE weight 200kgs heavier than my 20ft BT, because of the steel frame.

Again, things might have changed since then.

AnswerID: 588309

Follow Up By: col carpenter - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 18:27

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 18:27

Thanks Stephen for reply.

Can't see a problem with properly secured/protected copper pipes,probably better than plastic that needs pressure reduction to stop the fittings blowing apart or some rodent chewing at it.
If you have gas piping, it has to be in copper, must be a reason for that.

Was weight the only reason you moved away from SLR ?
SLR are on the heavy side, but its not only the steel frame, they have a double braced monocoque chassis adding extra weight and composite fibreglass exterior paneling which is also heavier/stronger than aluminum sheeting. And 450Ah battery,but a lithium battery will drop a bit off.

As long as it can stay under 3500kg loaded, not a huge issue for me.

Thanks again Col.

FollowupID: 856344

Follow Up By: Gone Bush - Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 20:48

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015 at 20:48

Hullo Col,

My enquiry of SLR was simply a result of some idle web surfing. I already had my BT and was never actively considering a change.

cheers

FollowupID: 856345

Reply By: Willie - Friday, Jan 23, 2015 at 22:33

Friday, Jan 23, 2015 at 22:33

Col,

I have a gold detecting acquaintance who purchased a 20 foot Explorex and is very happy with it.

I thought the interior was very Spartan compared to that found in a BT..

I looked at SLR and was put off by the weight.

If I do buy a new van, it will be a Free Spirit van. Alloy frame which makes it much lighter than BT, SLR, Kedron etc and the interior finish is superb. Spinifex was my second choice.

AnswerID: 588310

Follow Up By: col carpenter - Saturday, Jan 24, 2015 at 04:26

Saturday, Jan 24, 2015 at 04:26

Hi Willie

I agree with you on the Free Spirit, I think I have just about crossed all the others off the list now, have not seen an Explorex in the flesh, but am getting the impression the finish is secondary for them.

Free Spirits aluminium chassis ( 25yr guarantee) and aluminium cupboard frames sure do save weight, and as you said the finish is first class, they would also have the most informative factory inspection, with cut away examples for comparisions.

Thanks again for everyones respones, I think the search is over. Col

FollowupID: 856346