These 4X4 campervans are the result of our 20 years of driving Western Australia’s vast highways and numerous camping trips along the way.
We have always enjoyed the luxury of caravans but wanted something that could venture off the bitumen a little and not be restricted to caravan parks. The biggest problem to be overcome with this requirement is to locate a truck chassis that is big enough to mount a comfortable camper body, but small enough to be manoeuvrable and capable of off-road work. As an added safety and luxury bonus, it also has to have the stability and horsepower to eat up the long Australian highways together with the ability to overtake trucks and road-trains.
Enter the Ford F250 Turbodiesel. These vehicles are part of the ‘F’ Series family which is the worlds biggest selling vehicle. They are an American truck and in keeping with their tradition, a high level of equipment and performance is standard. Our supercab trucks are equipped with the XLT package, which includes: 4 speed Automatic transmission, cruise control, central locking, electric windows, ABS brakes, power steering and front bucket seats. Our supercab trucks also have 4 door cabins, dual airbags, 2 spare tyres and a 6 stacker CD player.
The mechanical package is superior to other trucks on the market in 2 significant areas:- Engine/performance and Suspension/comfort. Due to the sophistication of the electronic fuel system the fuel consumption is comparable to the much smaller Toyota Landcruiser campers.
| Engine spec | Navistar 'Powerstroke' |
| Configuration | V8 turbocharged intercooled, direct injected diesel |
| Power | 235 HP / 175 kW @ 2600 RPM |
| Torque | 505 Ft/lb 683NM @ 1800 RPM |
| Capacity | 7.3 litres / 444 cubic inches |
| Suspension Spec | |
| Front axle | Dana 50 with parabolic leaf springs |
| Rear axle | 'Sterling' 10.25" LSD with leaf springs and ABS |
| Ratio | 3.54 : 1 |
| General | |
| Fuel Consumption | 14 - 20 litres per 100 km (14 - 20 miles per gallon) 15 litres per 100km @100km/hr |
| Fuel capacity | 144 litres |
| Water capacity | 100 litres |
| Gross Mass | 3992Kg (fully fuelled & loaded) |
| Length Overall | 7.0 metres |
| Width | 2.2 metres |
| Height | 2.6 metres |
The combination of power and comfort together with strong brakes and a legal cruising speed of 110 km/h provides for a very relaxing and safe machine to drive.
'Goldy' is set up more for 4WD touring with some off-road work whereas 'Wuff' has additional equipment such as larger off-road tyres, air compressor, external water tank, tray mount camper, solar panels and bull-bars/driving lights to make it more suitable for extended off-road use.
The camper fitted to the F250s is a fibreglass pop top style that was constructed locally by Camperworld in Redcliffe WA. It measures 5.45 metres overall by 2.1 m wide and stands 2.6 m tall with the roof down and 3.1 with the roof in the extended position.
The interior has a double bed (1.4m x 1.8m) over the cabin with the rear dinette folding down to make another smaller double bed (1.95m x 0.95m in 'Goldy', 1.95 x 1.3 in 'Wuff').
The kitchen area is equipped with a two-burner gas cooktop with sink and basin that has a water outlet pressurised by an electric pump.
'Goldy' has a convection microwave oven fitted and the camper has a reverse cycle air conditioning system. 'Wuff' has a gas griller as well as the two burner cook-top.
A 73 litre eutectic fridge freezer is fitted together with a heavy duty auxiliary battery system that can run the camper for 3 – 4 days whilst parked. Goldy has an automatic charging system that is linked to the truck's alternator and will charge the camper's deep cycle batteries whilst the engine is running. 'Wuff' has 2 x 64 watt solar panels mounted on the roof which can power the fridge and lighting indefinitely as long as the sun shines.
The campers have a 240 volt AC system running in tandem with a 12 volt DC system for lighting and general power outlets.
A 12-volt charging system utilising the truck alternator when driving ('Wuff' has solar panels) or a separate 240-volt charger when plugged into the mains is installed permanently and fully automatic in operation.
Other features of the campers that should benefit long distance travel include 2 full size spare wheels/tyres mounted on a lockable carry rack (1 tyre on rack + single tyre under tray on 'Wuff'), Cibie driving/spot lights, sheepskin seat covers, UHF CB 2Way radio + 12v air compressor ('Wuff') and outdoor shower('Goldy').