Just seen the update, i think it looks the dogs cahooners already. I really like the idea of a pull out kitchen, that will awesome in good weather for a quick brew up on route.
On the Oztent ausie website they have a pic of what looks like an explorer with the RV 4. It looks very good. If i manage to get one in the near future i will do a review with regards to actual speed of set up and ability to carry in defender. But i do think that it will difficult to swap queen size bed for a therma-rest on the floor.

I am unsure of the standard of your 300tdi, i have upgraded my TD5 with an ECU plug in, K&N filter and EGR removal/by-pass, this has given about 10% better fuel economy and has made it much, much better for towing. Especially on long trips. I have owned a 300tdi before and found it to be a strong engine but they are always set up for wors case (low ration, sand etc) for towing on resonable surfaces it may be worth having some engine enhancements. There are loads of threads on here.

Congrats again on the camper, i am almost green with envy!!!!

Would be good to see how you get on with the Oz Tent - we're thinking we might need something in addition for any 'guests' who might come and stay with us along the way (or maybe they stay in the Queen size and we get exiled to something like the Oz tent). Will revise schedule of works to look at tow capability on LR (and also tow pack strength) - thanks for comments.
Conscious that no real info available in the UK re: off road caravans (or have not found) so have added more info on these (everything we know or have gathered in any case) if anyone interested - hope it might come in useful to someone out there at some stage.

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www.overlandwithkids.com
UK (Melbourn) to OZ (Melbourne) 2010

What braking system on the jurgens?
Re table free standing or slot in hinge at one end with one leg ?
The standard land rover tow hitch is plenty strong enough, but what coupling do you have on the jurgens, as its usual to have a more articulated coupling than the standard 50mm tow ball eg as on pics of reads 90 trailer?
What a find, never suggested that route to you as you never see these vans outside OZ, ZA, or USA .

T2Man - Thought you'd be pleased and I know from your advice in the past (and others - Reads, Griffdowg, Anthony) you've been trying to steer us towards something outside of just the vehicle (despite our constant refusals and thoughts otherwise). We have Anthony on this thread to thank for spotting this find - we'll be forever grateful to him as these are simply not available in the UK - there is definately an angel sitting on our shoulder it seems to have provided us with this solution.
Xplorer hasn't arrived with us yet - I offered to tow but the chap wants to wait for cheque to clear and also to have time to take his own stuff out. Due for delivery to us on Thursday as a result. We are like big kids about it - even our own children are looking at us like they are the adults in all this! They can't understand what all the excitement is about. Wheels 245 x 15. Axles - Rubax – no shocks. Brakes – run-in brake system and hand brake and each wheel adjusted separately. But will firm up better once we have had a good look at. No table as these only became available in later models but we can do something - not a problem. Will have a look at coupling also once arrives and will have a look at Reads for comparison as we haven't a clue. Use of standard LR tow is noted.

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www.overlandwithkids.com
UK (Melbourn) to OZ (Melbourne) 2010

Got an RV1 and delux side panels. I will give it a go this weekend and submit a review. It will be a good review as i paid full wack so will actually be an Oztent appreciation report .

How much did you spend? We have the Jurgens Xplorer now but haven't done anything with it as yet (all this rain!). Needs a new roof - still waterproof but canvas badly stained and damaged. A company in Netherlands pointed us to Trek Overland as Howling Moon apparently manuafacture the rip stop canvas on the roof. We are waiting to hear. Look forward to your report. Will test the Jurgens sometime soon and provide a report also.

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www.overlandwithkids.com
UK (Melbourn) to OZ (Melbourne) 2010

I got the rv1 and sides for £550. which is a lot for a tent but more of an investment as they do last a lifetime if looked after well.

They are bigger than i expected when packed down but they do seem to be very high quality, as long as they go up as fast as they advertise then it will solve my problems for overnight stops.

Just out of interest, they had a load of different Oztent furniture at BOAB when i visited. A new take on the folding chairs that i seem to break on an almost monthly basis. I intend getting some at the LRO show so ill let you know how it goes with them.

I have a fabric repair specialist department within the organization i work for. I have seen them re-manufacture kit before (tilts, tents etc.) with good results especially if they have the original pattern to copy. It would obviously be better to have the same as the original but if it is a non-starter let me know i may be able to help you out!!

Might need to take you up on that offer with your compnay but will wait a few more days to see if Trek Overland come through for us- haven't heard anything from them as yet. Thanks.

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www.overlandwithkids.com
UK (Melbourn) to OZ (Melbourne) 2010

no worries, just mail me and i will come up with a plan. You will probably have to pay for materials and may take a month or two to for the job in but the offer stands??

Trek Overland came through for us. 8 week delivery. Costs £165 + VAT - for the replacement canvas - very cheap considering. Ordering from SA (Howling Moon) to UK. Just need to work out how to replace now. Trek say they can do as a best endeavour.

__________________
www.overlandwithkids.com
UK (Melbourn) to OZ (Melbourne) 2010