Trip advice: Adelaide to Alice/Uluru - Outback vs Touring

[MickybD]

Hi all. First post here. We're in the market for our first Expanda (looking at a used 2011-2012-2013 17.56 possibly) for a trip we're planning in Sep/Oct this year from Adelaide to Alice and Uluru and I'm wondering whether I really need to be looking just at the Outback model or whether the Touring will be up to the task.

The proposed route (with lots of stops at various points along the way) is:
Adelaide to Alice Springs (along the main highway)
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (is this all bitumen?)
Kings Canyon to Yulara (is this all bitumen?)
Yulara to Adelaide via Erldunda (is the Yulara to Erldunda part all bitumen?)

We'll be towing with a 2010 Pajero (diesel) with raised suspension, if that makes a difference to your answer. We are looking at bunk model Expandas, so other models we have looked at are the 14.44-4 or the 16.49-4. If I got a Touring model of those I would look to undersling the axle for extra ground clearance, although I'd like to know if I actually need to do that for this particular trip as time might be tight before we depart, depending on when we find our van.

So, for those who know the roads up around Alice-Kings Canyon-Yulara, will a Touring model in standard configuration be up to the task?

(Note: if we ended up with an Outback it would likely not be the current J-Tech suspension but the older leaf springs.)

Any other tips or traps info would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
Michael.

 

[mrsmfexpanda]

This whole trip is bitumen except if you do the inland Mereenie loop frpm kings canyon to alice which 4wd only however you can still do kings canyon to alice on the hwy.
we had an outback expanda both 2005 and 2011 more so for extra clearannce a nd stronger frame etc we found some caravan sites to be uneven ad with standard model could be close to the ground.

 

[MickybD]

This whole trip is bitumen except if you do the inland Mereenie loop frpm kings canyon to alice which 4wd only however you can still do kings canyon to alice on the hwy.
we had an outback expanda both 2005 and 2011 more so for extra clearannce a nd stronger frame etc we found some caravan sites to be uneven ad with standard model could be close to the ground.

Thanks! Much appreciated. (I've just added some extra details to the original post, but one option is to buy a Touring model and undersling the axle. I don't know if I'd be able to do that before this trip, though.)

 

[gwadir]

You don't have to go off the bitumen at all if you don't want to, roads were good in 2013 when we were there last. We also did the Ernst Giles track from the Sturt Hwy across to meet up with the Luritja Road which runs from the Lasseter Hwy. The Luritja Rd takes you to Kings Canyon from the Lasseter Hwy. The Ernst Giles track would be no good for a touring van, we have the outback. The Mereenie Loop is fun too but not in a touring van either.
Dave

PS Welcome to the forum.

 

[Tricky]

We did all of that trip in a touring 16.49.1 and had no issues. You don't need an Outback unless you plan to go somewhere that requires extra ground clearance.

 

[mrsmfexpanda]

I should have mentioned our 2011 was outback and undersling there are pictures on the site

 

[Bluey]

outbacks are great for sitting nice and level with your pajero , deep or steep driveways sometimes your always covered with one and you don't know where else you mite go camping bush camp somewhere get a toilet model for sure better resale in future and great at night and if raining !!!!!! and my half penny get an outback if you can of course

 

[shiraz]

we have the 16ft outback for the extra few kgs tow weight, the confidence the extra strength and ground clearance gives you is well worth it.
also look at L shaped lounge extra comfort and bed,
we leave in 4days to do that trip,
one draw back with the outback is Tyres and bearings are expensive
welcome to the Forum
what ever you get ,you will love the freedom
shiraz

 

[MickybD]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and for the info. Much appreciated. We're very much looking forward to the trip - just need to find a van now!

 

[Ash]

Hi @MickybD we have just got back from that trip from Victoria (see my post here in the My Jayco section). We did it with a sedan so no issues with Off-Road requirements. We also purchased the expanda just before the trip and got a 2012 OB for some of the reasons listed above but also because that was what was the best deal when we were looking! We didn't go the toilet option and it really wasn't an issue for us. Good Luck, you will enjoy the trip.

 

[JBTZ14]

We are just at the tail end of a 5 month half lap from Vic to the West and are now heading back down the centre. We have done it all in a 2014 14.44.4 touring model that is underslung. We are towing it with a VW Toureg so granted it's not a full off road car, having said that we have been off road with both van and car. The roads so far have been good. One thing you do learn is that by taking your time and doing the research before you purchase will pay off in the end. I was talking to a guy yesterday and he said the Mereenie loop is in bad condition at the moment due to the school holiday traffic. As far a Outback or Touring it's going to be what you can find at the time.
In my opinion I'm glad I didn't pay extra for the Outback but glad I got my Touring underslung.
Good luck.

 

[MickybD]

Thanks @Ash and @JBTZ14 for your comments. Much appreciated. We're really looking forward to the trip. 5 months - wow! I'd love to do that, but alas, not for now.