Overland with Kids

We have just become the proud owners of a South African Off Road 1999 Jurgens Xplorer Camper. Following a B’rakhah Ingonyama (eBay) listing withdrawal disappointment and a Conqueror Commander ’seen in the flesh’ by Andrew at Billing, a kind acquaintance (Tony - thank you!), from Landyzone forum miraculously found this item on eBay  - being advertised as an ‘off road caravan’ - and put us on the trail. We didn’t waste time and contacted the seller immediately and bought.  After much debate about roof tents and trailers etc. the Xplorer answers all our sleeping and overlanding requirements and since buying, serene contentment has somehow arisen in the household regarding our choice of expedition set-up. It is really important that the children have the best sleeping arrangements we can offer for such a long-haul trip along with quick set-up for those inpromptu stops.

Jurgens are the original off road manufacturers of the three main contenders for off-road caravans (B’rakhah, Commander and Xplorer) in SA and we couldn’t lose the opportunity this time.  Since buying, we have been scouring the UK market to see if any leads but none seem to exist so we feel we have done the right thing. The alternative route - and as we had already decided on an off road caravan being the solution - was to start looking in the South Africa market itself for an equivalent one second hand for import to the UK. We came across Loftus at www.ingonyamarentals.co.za who was really helpful but as you can see, we no longer need to pursue. For latest SA specifications and information see www.jurgenssafari.co.za and www.jurgenssafari.co.za/4.xplorer.html or www.aartkok.nl  and www.aartkok.nl/docs/xplorer2.pdf in the Netherlands.

Loftus at Ingonyama advised they have all 3 manufacturers on their fleet which they update and renew from time to time hence have second-hand versions available for sale. We were also provided comparison checklist between the 3 makes to assist us. Website has lots of interesting information also. Definately worth checking out. Will post checklist and further information we have found at a later date also else contact us if you require sooner and we’ll email you what we have.

Pictures show camper in original state at seller’s property (will provide an update later once we start doing modifications). First impressions, observations and information we have found as follows:

• Excellent queen-sized bed. Changes to two single beds/bench seats during day
• Additional double bed in the nose of the vehicle which sits over kitchenette and folds back when not in use - ideal size for children
• Kitchenette contains 2 burner gas grill, 65ltr freezer (not working), sink with hot/cold water and storage unit - all cleverly slides out to external of vehicle for use.
• Dual Electric and Gas Boiler (gas boiler not working)
• Concertina roof provides 16″ additional head height which folds down when travelling (still waterproof but fabric really badly stained internally and externally (lets the camper down) and torn externally - needs attention)
• Portable shower, sink and portaloo
• Fills the gap between camper, caravan and trailer
• Has off-road capability
• Electric Hook-up and 240 mains
• 12V lights inside and out
• 2 x 20L water containers in nose of vehicle in storage area
• 2 x large Gas bottles
• 2 x 5 Gallon Jerry Cans strapped ot rear
• Spare wheel
• Locker and Linen Storage and a small wardrobe
• There is no table as not introduced until later models - but we reckon we can do something
• Good size for us and fits neatly behind CSW - no additional mirrors needed
• Extremely heavy  but very robust - only a large car can tow e.g. Pajero, Defender CSW etc (off road caravans generally have a heavy duty chassis and stronger suspension) - but a dream to tow (apparently) due to weight and low centre of gravity
• Units and decor - very dated, drab and unglamorous - but all really clean. Essentially a boy’s toy in need of a feminine touch - we think we can update and prettify.
• Sand is it’s biggest enemy
• Large open awning and ground sheet (excellent condition - looks unused)
• Small enclosed awning (excellent condition - unchecked)

Immediate benefits we can see in it’s current state:

• Ready to use - just need to add pots and pans and food and bedding and go.
• Comfortable sleeping and reasonable storage arrangements
• Loo and water facilities with enclosure in public places - e.g. while driving/no privacy
• No painful unpacking at the end of a day’s driving
• As dated, not going to stick out like a sore thumb for potential theft.
• Gas bottles, water, spare diesal, bedding, cooking facilities and fridge can all be carried externally to the vehicle.
• We don’t have to pack up (vehicle) if we want to go sight-seeing for the day (we can leave camper in situ on site)
• If we fit a table - great area for study and eating for the children when stationary
• Means we can use 2nd row reclining seats in the CSW properly for the children while travelling - added comfort
• Higher ground clearance and defence bars -making it easier to navigate obstacles and rougher terrain. Think it has a wade capability also

Overall, not glam but functional and seems to have plenty of potential to modify/spruce up to bring up to date. 

 More information to follows as we get more familiar.

 

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