Gypsy transformer

This strange object now standing next to my cabin may resemble a robot ‘dog’, four-legged, keen and obedient, but in fact it’s a dream-come-true, a means of travelling affordably and comfortably while still keeping my essential 4WD ute.

And, since I can’t back a trailer, my ute and I can carry this on our back!

This wonderfully clever, compact and cute slide-on transforms in minutes into a gay gypsy van, complete with solar panels and gothic rear windows! The wallabies find the shade handy — and so does the ute cabin.

Designed and beautifully made in Woolgoolga, just north of Coffs Harbour, by Active Campers, it’s meant for 4WDs, and is one of the few available for double cabs. There’s relatively few of these about, so I was very lucky to find a secondhand one, in driving reach — and almost in price reach.

The owners were lovely folk and did all the electrical fitting etc, for me. As they said, the only problem I’ll have is inquisitive  fellow campers!

However, I hope to be mostly in national parks, writing about other wild edges than my own Mountain.

With all the windows unzipped, it’s delightfully open, and sitting up there feels more like being in a screened tent than a caravan. It does however have ‘van’ conveniences, such as a small fridge (solar!), a double gas burner, cupboards, table etc. The main bed is under the sloping roof.

It’s minimal but not cramped — clearly well-designed. I christened it the first night here with a sleepover. Can’t wait until writing commitments allow me time to play with it properly!

4 thoughts on “Gypsy transformer”

  1. Yes Lynda, little Suzi gave up on my rough roads and is now travelling around Australian behind a big Winnebago!

  2. Ah, the ‘new’ ute explains it… Toni mentioned you had one of these campers, but I couldn’t quite figure out how on earth you would fit it on the Suzuki!

  3. Yes, it seems great Andrew. Hope it’s a good compromise. Will take it to to show Sue and Mike soon I hope.
    Sharyn

  4. Hullo Sharyn
    What a wonderful set-up. Sue P tried to describe it to me but had some trouble as soon as I asked; does it do this, has it got one of these? – she didn’t quite know 🙂
    There is nothing quite like being on your tod somewhere in the bush – quiet yet filled with sounds of another sort new to the ear.
    Enjoy your adventures – maybe see you in the BG some day, another special spot.
    Regards
    Andrew

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