SURPRISING ADVANTAGE OF MOST POPULAR LAYOUT SINCE 2009

Bushtracker · Last edited by Bushtracker on Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:36 am; edited 1 time in total

Now this is not a majority of all layouts we do, but this particular layout would be the SINGLE MOST popular in 20' and 21'. There are a few variations, but this is it in general terms:

Now the surprise is, that it is lighter. Our van weights have been creeping up, with more and more new equipment added on year to year. Even with a full package of Optional Equipment added on, about 400 kg of gear or more, in 20' this layout is back to our old weights of 2500 to 2550 kg for a 20'.

The rear ensuite is proving to be very popular and here is a peek at what it looks like:

This layout has a key advantage in that it is 100 to 150 kg lighter than this version in the same 20' size:

So, if you are up on your limits, maybe with a 21' van, for say a Landcruiser: It would be dramatically lighter, maybe 150 kg MORE than the size difference, in this other style of popular layout in 21'

This is primarily a consideration for tow vehicles like a Toyota, when you want a lot of water tanks and a lot of gear on board. Weight can be a problem when you really want to load one up on your upper limits. For sure, the best advice is to see them in person here. The rear ensuite has proven to be the most popular layout trend of lately, and this weight savings is another positive feature to consider.

In your best interests

Cheers,
Steven Gibbs,
Director

bobrovin · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 3:48 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve
Aren't you glad now that I designed this layout for you, even though you kept telling me that it would not work Laughing

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Bob & Laurel

Loki of Condor · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 4:20 pm Post subject:

I'm glad.

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Stephen J
Mandurah WA
http://farcanal.blogspot.com/

notes1952 · Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:46 pm Post subject:

So are we - once we get the van even happier.
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2007 VDJ78 & Bushtracker What a great piece of engineering.

Bushtracker · Posted: Mon May 31, 2010 3:17 pm Post subject:

Another couple of nice featureS that go well with this very popular layout, have been the slide out kitchen and the roll out and drop down generator. They lend themselves to this layout design:

Here shown is the slide out kitchen (in addition to the internal one of course), half under the awning, half out, so it does not ruin the awning warranty: In our waterproof and dustproof hatch typical of the best...

Kitchen slides out, custom built gear that only we have, and only the best. There is a utensil tray you see in the front of sink and stove...

Then a slide out stainless table from underneath...................... Or use the table out on its own to sit around with drinks and nibbles:

And on the other side another big hit at Show, that will be at the Brisband Show as well in June, is a roll out and drop down generator mount. This Honda 3 kva, with this low loader, is proving very popular.

The latest innovation, that it also drops down so you can unload it easier, is making if very popular. This very layout, and van, with the toys as shown, will be at the Brisbane SuperShow on June 10-16 ...
Cheers, stg

M&Ms · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:37 am Post subject:

Hello everyone,

This layout and pictures looks like the 20' Bushtracker at the Brisbane caravan Show that Marion and I were quite taken with. Were there any of you that were impressed as much? We are not sure we have seen a better layout.

We do not think we need the expense of the outdoor slide out kitchen, one kitchen is enough. And if we do away with the 3 kva and go to a 2, we do not need that drop down slide out mount. Just these two items, of a bit too much luxury, brings the price down quite a bit and makes this layout and size very attractive. Can anyone offer criticism or advice to improve it further? All comments would be welcomed.

Best regards, Martin and Marion
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A change of scenery,
always good to explore.

Theywent Thataway · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2010 2:08 pm Post subject:

Martin & Marion,

Thats the layout we have - and the one I fell for at the show last year (boy, was Dave relieved!!!)- but with the kitchen/dining areas reversed (I like seeing the view when we are parked, not the road.). I really, really love it, and made only a few changes....

Couldnt see the sense in the extra weight/cost/limitations etc of a slide out stove system. We have since bought a teeny Weber "Baby Q" to use on gas anywhere outside the van. Got it for $118 delivered using Mastercard points. Rave reviews everywhere.

The generator slide out takes/locks up some space, so we didnt get that either. We carry a 3Kva (eBay), but feel we will very rarely use it.

No rear window. The side windows in the bathroom are enormous and allow plenty of light in. The four seasons draws the air through beautifully if required.
We also chose to reverse the opening side of the shower door itself, so someone can still stand at the basin, whilst another is getting out of the shower. Less risk of damage to the glass shower door if a cupboard or drawer is accidentally left open,too. Doesnt seem so tight to get in either.

Just watch that weight.... we are in the process of dieting. We have 33"muddies on the 100series, and chose the same for the van - doesn't help that cause.. Embarassed

Hope this helps with your planning.

TTM
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"the scruB ark".... on The Way.

Bushcruiser · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 7:16 am Post subject:

Hello Everybody,

We are approaching the design stage of our 20ft Bushtracker and have decided on the rear ensuite together with the popular layout but are undecided on a front or rear door, this will be our first van so we have not experienced either. Apart from coming down to a personal choice we would really appreciate any feedback as to advantages/disadvantages for each location as no doubt there would be many we have not thought of.

Thanks
Graeme & Paula

DnGsTracker · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Graeme & Paula

We have a front door.

The advantage is that you gain about a foot of bench space on the passengers side. Disadvantage is that when you open the door you are looking at the bed. Embarassed

Glen

datama · Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2016 3:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Graeme & Paula,

We don’t invite people into our bedroom at home! Therefore our choice of layout reflected that with a rear door entry, rear dining/lounge and central ensuite which in essence gave us 3 separated areas: bedroom, kitchen, entertaining/living ...and privacy as we also went for a privacy curtain which can close off the bedroom. It also gave us a much longer kitchen bench area which my wife wanted with a massive amount of cupboard space thanks to the way Phil did the kitchen area for us.
We also had each of the kitchen ends modified so they did not cut in as is done traditionally, but went straight down before curving out to follow above the bench top profile. That also gave privacy up into the van if someone just stood on the steps to chat.
But, we understand that design/layout/preference is personal.
All the very best with what you go for.

Regards,
Dave
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Davo:
Life can be hard………...but a BT makes it all fun!

Bushcruiser · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:39 am Post subject:

Thanks guys,

Appreciate your reply and comments, certaintainly is a lot to think about, we intend to live in our van travelling full time so need to get it just right.

Thinking the rear door may be the way to go for us, still unsure on the hatch over the bed and washing machine location.

Thanks again

Regards
Graeme & Paula

krisandkev · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 8:28 am Post subject:

Re the hatch over the bed. We like ours but on hot sunny days there is a lot of heat coming through there! We made up a piece of corflute board with alfoil that sits nicely up there and can be removed easily and that has made a big difference. Our van is just over 3 months old and we are very happy with the design. 20 foot popular design. Went with the top loader machine under the bed. Kevin

Bushcruiser · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:00 pm Post subject:

Hi krisandkev, this is Paula, good to hear from you.
Graeme is not keen on the hatch where as I am, would you have it again if you were ordering a new van? Does it let too much light in at night? Does it allow bugs in?
Do you have the front entry or back? Iam wondering with a back door entry would it be too dark without a hatch?

Paula

RobandFlip · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:33 pm Post subject:

Hi Paula, Robyn here from RobandFlip. We have the rear door and the hatch over the bed. The hatch is great for light, however, it becomes very hot when the blind is open and I prefer not to have the bedding sunbleached. We rarely open this hatch because the windows do a great job of creating cross breezes and because of the excellent ceiling insulation, hatch and blind are closed in the heat of the day. I am not sure if Bushtracker offer a smaller hatch for over the bed but I would explore that option if buying again.
Cheers,
Robyn
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krisandkev · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:35 pm Post subject:

Hello Paula, we have questioned that same issue. Would we have the hatch again? We have been on the road 5 weeks now in our 12 month trip. Left Qld and came down the inland road to Melbourne and into Tassy on the 10 Jan. We have experienced temps from 35 to 0. You do loose a lot of insulation with the hatch so the heat comes right through, even with the blackout pulled across. Like I said, the corflute has made a big difference. We love a dark night so we have been keeping the blockout closed at night. But when camped in a ideal locations it was great to look up at the stars. If we needed the hatch open to catch a breeze we had the fly screen closed. So would we have one again, I think we now believe we would. Just gives you more options and opens up that space. Same when we had a mirror fitted beside the rear entry, opens up the whole place. We love the rear entry. We had the mirror fitted at our 1000 service... Back to the hatch the corflute sits on a ledge inside the hatch and is lite and simple to take out. Have fun deciding. Kevin

Bushcruiser · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 3:05 pm Post subject:

OH DEAR!! desicions decisions... Thanks Robyn, Kris and Kev, we are flying to Maroochydore at the weekend and finalising our layout on Monday, we are so excited and I wouldn't be as concerned about the design if it wasn't for the fact of us eventually living in our BT.
Kevin your trip sounds fantastic..hopefully we will hear more of your travels as you go.
Paula.

krisandkev · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 4:57 pm Post subject:

Yep, so many decisions. I must say there are not too many things we regret. We were left a bit short of time to get use to the van before we left for the big trip because the van ended up being late. We should have had it early Aug, got it 29 Sept. But what we did learn was to try and get it all!!!! Things like the microwave, now we find it so handy. The 1800 watt inverter is brilliant. The solar panels are extremely efficient. Even when raining we had power coming in. We had USB sockets put in at the bed tables but wished we had some at the table. I fitted mud flaps to the stone guard. Don't forget to get a external gas bayonet fitted for your BBQ. Changed our first gas bottle yesterday. Took a length of aluminium pipe (old piece of pool cleaner pole) and used that to tie to the bottle and just lift out and put the full one back, so easy. Kevin

gordo and annie · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2016 8:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Kev
I found a USB adaptor on eBay that fits into that round 12v socket above the table.
I'll try and find it again
Gordon

krisandkev · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 7:07 am Post subject:

Thanks Gordon but we now use the 240 power point and our USB plug to suit. We use the inverter a fair bit and find it uses very little power unless we use the washing machine or microwave (or my wife is using her air blow dryer). Again thanks for your suggestion and we will keep it in mind as a USB charger for a merit plug is not common. Kevin

Grumpy Wazza · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:14 am Post subject:

Plenty of merit to cig lighter adapters available along with double usb chargers to suit from places like Jaycar and auto stores.

Much more efficient than using inverter and 240v charger!!
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GoodTimes

datama · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 12:47 pm Post subject:

Graeme & Paula,

Decision time!
We went for the Dometic Skylight over the bed and would get it again given a choice. Aside from ventilation ect., a valuable aspect is it allows me to inspect the roof top from the bed without carrying a ladder, to see the condition of the solar panels …..and anything else I need to.

We overcame the minor issue of heat by buying a roll of “Aircell Retroshield” from Bunnings (some Bunnings still carry a 6mtr roll for around $108) which we cut to fit above the Skylight blind and reflect any heat, as it is recommended not to travel with the blind pulled across.
We also use it for under the glass on the Sunroof of the LC200 VX …….as we never wanted a sunroof but cannot option it out.
Additionally, we have cut lengths to fit into all windows of the van for heat reflection for when it is parked at home. It fits in nicely if you cut it to the proper size of each window so it can slot into all 4 sides of the window channel.
This product is 7mm thick (1350 wide) and weighs a few grams (for the biggest size windows) so weight is not an issue and when travelling, we remove from the windows and just place the sections under the seats as it can be folded over for the bigger 1450mm x 550mm van windows. Be careful if you store it under the lift up of the bed as being aluminium, it is “electrically conductive.”

http://www.gstore.com.au/air-cell-retroshield.html

http://www.bunnings.com.au/kingspan-1-35-x-22-25m-air-cell-insulwhite_p0810997

Seeing as how your intention is long term living in the BT, suggest you might want to have separate Sirocco fans installed for both sides of the bed and elsewhere in your van. In addition to the bedroom, my wife wanted one at the other end of the van that could be directed into the kitchen and dining/lounge, which we have found invaluable. Small price to pay for initial build as against “sighing” later on.

Talk with Phil as there will be some things that once you leave BT HQ, you can add/adjust during the initial sage before full blown construction starts.

All the very best.

Regards,
Dave
_________________
Davo:
Life can be hard………...but a BT makes it all fun!

krisandkev · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 1:09 pm Post subject:

Good point with the fans. We often have ours pointed at the kitchen. Unfortuantly one fan is quite nosy when on speed 2 and 3. Seems the blades are out of balance which we did not notice until travelling full time as now. So make sure you give them a good run before your 1,000 service. Kevin

Bushtracker · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 3:39 pm Post subject:

Perspective Owners reading this:
The large Dometic Skylight over the bed, is a major success story. We would not build a Show Van without it.

Instead of worrying concerns about the heat it lets in? It lets a lot of heat out and when you open it up on a warm day it brings in a lot of air through the windows on marginal days so you do not need air conditioning. It is magic on the rare nights of clear sky when it is a full moon, starry night, that sort of feeling. I would say that about 90% of all Owners that have it would have it again OK?

I have to step in on the Owners commentaries, if I feel it is unbalanced. The problem with a Forum is sometimes the response will only be three that might complain about something, and they might only be five out of a hundred. I have to make sure the view is balanced so those in the indecision range hear the greater picture OK. I will try and balance the view, and in this case since I am the hub of information for the thousands, it is a 90% in favor case.. There is one in my own new van. My Office Manager Matthew has had one in every Bushtracker he has had, and would not go without it..

Kind regards, Steven Gibbs, Director.

robandshirl · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2016 5:38 pm Post subject: Van design

We just picked up our new van on Thursday 21 January, at the moment we are at Iron Knob on our way back home. Our van is 17 foot with single beds, the bed opposite the entry door is 50 mil wider and the other bed is 100 mil shorter giving 100 mil more bench space. We have a Caframo fan at the end of both beds you can have them over the bed or facing back into the living area, we think they are a must. We didnt get the skylight as we dont like the light above having seen a freinds on many accasions and didnt like it. We have the hatch with four vents that you can wind out individually, it lets in plenty of fresh air, and the hot air out we think it is a must also. As you walk in the rear entry door on your right is the pantry, fridge, then corner bathroom. Then the L shaped lounge and my bed. Opposite side as you entre is the stove, bench top with sink and plenty of bench space, the stove has a work bench top same material as bench. The combination shower toilet works well and gives a lot more room. We have a micro wave, plenty of lights, 1800 watt inverter all the fruit except water filtration and Foxtel sat.We couldn't be happier. Our vans tare weight is 2550.Rob and Shirl