Caravaning Holiday

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

Got back home to Bundy last week after 15 weeks and 3 days away towing a 2006 14ft Jayco Destiny Outback with our 3 door Prado 150 SX.

What a great time.

Here is a list of the towns/cities we either stayed at or visited during the trip.
We actually stayed at 31 different locations.

Boyne Island
Cania Gorge
Murgon
Jandowae
Jondaryan Woolshed
Toowoomba
Tenterfield
Casino
Woody Head National Park - between Evans Head and Iluka
Bellinger River - south of Coffs Harbour
Bellingen
Dorrigo
South West Rocks - near Kempsey
Taylors Arm - of “Pub With No Beer” fame
Gloucester
Denman
Mudgee
Bathurst - and Mt Panorama of course
Lithgow
Katoomba
Young
Narrandera
Deniliquin
Canargo
Maryborough Vic
Ballarat
Sovereign Hill
Shepparton
Wagga Wagga
Cootamundra
Tumut
Gundagai
Orange
Gilgandra
Barraba
Inverell
Stanthorpe
Nanango
Hervey Bay

We managed to stay ahead of and away from the heavy rain and floods on the way home.

Everything went well. The Prado performed flawlessly. The modifications to the suspension etc worked well with the extra weight of the Engel fridge and some other gear in the boot and the caravan attached.

We travelled 9140.5 kilometres and used 1233.55 litres of diesel (13.5 l/100k’s) at a cost of $1978.10

The next planned trip is in June, but will probably do a few short trips before then. Have not decided where as yet but that doesn't matter as we can leave whenever we want.

[1stPrado-White150GXL Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close 1stPrado-White150GXL]

Ok, now that you've got that out of your system it's time you got back to work.

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

G'day 1stPrado-White150GXL,

LOL. No mate, don't have to return to work anymore.
My last day at work was 14th Sept 2011, but they will continue to pay me for another year or so yet.
I am using up some leave before I officailly retire.

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

Nice trip. Always good to get away, but the big trips are the best. Any classic photos to share?

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

I did a few laps of Mt Panorama and it certainly opened my eyes as to how steep the track is, both up and down the Mountain.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Lucky bastard. 2 years to go for me and another 10 for the missus.

[sashricky Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close sashricky]

Hi Bassett!!
I have my SX on order due to be built in April, and also have a Jayco van on order (26ft incl A frame)... Do you have any tips / tricks with the combo that would be handy to know?

This is my first ever caravaning trip and I may be doing some sections alone, so the more tips I can get the better

[Bassett Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bassett]

G'day sashricky,
You will love the SX.
Best advice I can give is to talk to a suspension specialist.
Get a good quality weight distribution system.
Without good suspension (not soft) and a WDH, you will find that the SX, being a short wheel base, will rock front to back when towing.
Make sure the tow bar is rated for 3000kg with a tow ball weight of 300kg.
Purchase a good quality electric brake controller - I can recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy.
Don't be in a hurry when towing, take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Read through some of the posts in the "My Rig Build Up" section on this forum and also check out the Jayco owners forum http://forum.jayco.com.au/

I hope this helps.
Regards
Bassett

PS. Where are you located.