All Diesel Off Road Folding Trailer

[RobertRyan]

Something a bit different.

Track Trailer is now offering a diesel upgrade for its Topaz hybrid off-road caravan for adventurous couples seeking a totally dust-free environment and greater self-sufficiency well off the beaten track.

The all-in-one diesel system that covers cooking, hot water and central heating

Because there are no internal gas appliances, no external venting is required and a solid door replaces the existing vented one, completely sealing the interior against dust intrusion.

One of the Topaz’s two 4kg gas bottles is deleted from its rear, externally accessed locker, replaced by the boiler and a 5.0-litre diesel fuel jerry can.
The combustion chamber of the naked flame-free Webasto Diesel Cooker X100 is integrated in the cooker and heats up the ceramic cooktop, on which there is space for two saucepans. One area of the cooktop is for cooking, while the other is for warming-up food.

It fits perfectly into the Topaz’s generous-sized kitchen in the place usually occupied by the gas cooktop and with its glass ceramic cooking surface has a high-tech look.
The cooker setup is completely airtight, ensuring that no unpleasant odors permeate the cabin. All exhaust fumes are conducted outside separately.
Track Trailer say the cooktop’s ‘Ceran’ cooking surface is easy to clean, quiet in operation, draws a low current and has a low fuel consumption.

The Webasto DualTop combined diesel hot water and cabin heater is said to be similarly economical to operate, consuming approximately 1.1 litres of diesel fuel every two or so hours, meaning that the five litre reservoir should last about three days in the bush.

However the unit also operates off 240 volts and switches over automatically when connected to mains power.
Apart from the price and losing the instant heat of a gas flame for cooking, the only other downside of the diesel installation is the loss of the griller, so another solution for toast will need to be found!

[BigBaron]

RobertRyan wrote:

BigBaron wrote:
those are neat trailers, but aren't they close to $100,000 U.S.?

RV's can be expensive in Australia. A market like the US can drive down those prices.

If you look at the quality of any trailer in Australia (Jayco for example) is easy to understand why they are more expensive. The trailers made in America don't last down there. These trailers are EXTREMELY well made.

The folks that make these trailers are SERIOUS campers!
I would love to have one and slog around the back country for awhile!

[RobertRyan]

Some of the more unusual ones to give you an idea.
An Off Road Motorhome

An Off Road 5th Wheeler

[RobertRyan]

Less Stuff wrote:
Australia has more unpaved roads compared to paved roads. As of 2011.
The US has twice the length of paved roads compared to unpaved roads. As of 2008.
Could this account for RV differences?

You got it in one. Instead of just Truck Campers,we have Unconventional TC's,Crossover or Hybrid Camper Trailers(as in the Track Trailer), Off Road Caravans, Off Road Class B's, Off Road Class C's, Expedition Vehicles and Coach Conversions for Off Road use.

[Less_Stuff]

This link is interesting:
CIA

Australia has more unpaved roads compared to paved roads. As of 2011.
The US has twice the length of paved roads compared to unpaved roads. As of 2008.
Could this account for RV differences?

[RoyB]

I really like the TVAN idea. The extended tent platform would fit my off-road camping just right...

I wish my 14RT WARWAGON had your design independent wheel suspension under it...


I'm also liking what you did with this setup as well... My 14RT would convert to this idea and with the 12-foot box would be even better



Roy Ken

[RobertRyan]

Normal environment for these Camper Trailer Hybrids

Their other model the Tvan

[RobertRyan]

BigBaron wrote:
those are neat trailers, but aren't they close to $100,000 U.S.?

RV's can be expensive in Australia. A market like the US can drive down those prices.

[BigBaron]

those are neat trailers, but aren't they close to $100,000 U.S.?

[RobertRyan]

Less Stuff yes it is a gas bottle. I think this unit was converted by the company for an owner. We do bot have your adversion to diesel as is used by the bulk of vehicles in remote areas

[Less_Stuff]

Interesting,
But!
Anyone interested in building something like that in the states can get diesel powered heating and cooking appliances from boat suppliers.
For me diesel oil is the most unpleasant energy source there is, well maybe coal is worse.
One of my happiest days so far was the day I traded in my darn Chevy diesel.

All Diesel isn't that a LP gas bottle in the second picture?:h

[beemerphile1]

Wow, lots of innovation there.

Thanks for keeping us abreast of what is happening down under. Not much innovation like that happening in the states.

[naturist]

Very interesting rig, thanks for sharing that.