Explorex recently delivered EXP1840, the first Numbat caravan, to its new owners. This van has been tried and tested across the state by Explorex since 2018, completing two return trips to Karratha and a trip to Shark Bay. It has visited the wheatbelt towns of Bodallin, Merredin and York, before returning to York for product testing with Western 4WDriver Magazine, followed by a camping weekend in Beverley. This Numbat caravan has been the standout exhibit at shows across the state including Albany, Geraldton, Karratha, two Perth 4WD Shows and two Perth Caravan and Camping Shows. In total it has covered over 10,000km!

The Numbat caravan was first designed in May 2018 followed by the construction of EXP1840 in October 2018, in readiness for the November 4WD Show. Explorex has since produced 22 Numbat caravans, making it our most popular new-release model. It quickly became clear that the Numbat design was a winner due to its brilliant features such as the 1000kg payload, lightweight/compact design, Redarc battery management system, Cruisemaster coil suspension and outdoor cooking facilities. Our standard list of optional extras are also available to suit every buyer’s needs, such as a front toolbox, 12v fans, additional water and grey water tanks.

The EXP1840 at its debut show, the 4WD show November 2018.

Numbat is proving a huge hit with customers too. Here is what a couple of them have to say.

 

Tony & Meryl Smith – EXP1961

“We are very happy with our Numbat. Soon after picking it up we, including Billy and Ruby our two Golden Retrievers, spent four weeks travelling the south west of WA. From Augusta to Esperance and many remote beaches in-between. Having spent many years camping and hiring camper trailers, the Numbat was just a dream, go anywhere, roll the awning out, chairs out and everything’s set – enjoy the new place. Billy and Ruby love the Numbat, they can sleep inside.  The guys at Explorex converted the seating so the table goes down and forms a little bed for them. Just one example of the great customer service they provided from initial discussions through to the Numbat delivery and the service has continued. Looking forward to many more adventures.”

 

Don & Wendy Sutherland – EXP0925 and now EXP1921

As experienced Explorex customers since 2009, Don & Wendy have shared many great adventures in their original Explorex Tanami 660. They were the cover picture of our Explorex brochure for many years and with their Cruiser and rooftop dingy they were ready for any adventure. After 10 years in their Tanami, Don thought it was time to “downsize” to the Explorex Numbat. As ex-farmers from Binnu, Don was our original “crash test driver” for Explorex as he and Wendy travelled annually to the NT and remote camped at Little Dove Station for months on end. “We love our little Numbat” says Wendy, who was instrumental in getting her “camper trailer features” in the comfort of an Explorex Numbat. “It’s got all the features of a big van but in a much smaller package”.

Don and Wendy Sutherland out and about in their 2009 Explorex Tanami

Don Sutherland Barra fishing in the NT.

The original Explorex brochure cover photo supplied by Don and Wendy Sutherland.

Don & Wendy picking up their new Explorex Numbat EXP1921 in February 2019.

 

Dennis & Jan Butcher – EXP2002

Free camping on an olive farm in Margret River WA.

Dennis & Jan ordered their Numbat at the 2019 Perth Caravan and Camping Show after wanting to move up from an off-road camper trailer. In February this year we delivered their new van ready for a 3 week trip to the southwest for a shakedown. “It is the perfect off-road van for a couple , it is easy to tow, easy to set up , great in the Australian outdoors , with the 3 solar panels and the lithium batteries. It makes such a great off-grid option and so comfortable , everything is so well thought out a credit to Explorex and the work put in.”

 

EXP1840 on the 2019 Explorex Explorer’s club tour to the Wheatbelt.

 

EXP1840 & EXP1901 camped at Karijini NP on route to Karratha for the Fenaclng Festival July 2019.

Safe travels to all our new Numbat owners and we look forward to many more stories of your adventures.

 

 

With lots of people heading North to remote locations, it is a good time to remind our customers of some tips for a safe and enjoyable journey. Remember, your RIG is your responsibility, and how you treat it will determine your experience…

 

LOADING – Make sure you are balanced, and not over loaded. You must be within the ATM specifications of your van. We suggest a ball weight of 200 to 250 kgs is good to maintain good towing characteristics, but make sure your vehicle is rated and can carry this load. Air bags are a great idea to keep your RIG level.

 

 

DRIVE TO THE CONDITIONS. Road conditions during these busy times deteriorate quickly, so be prepared to SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY when on poor surfaces and bad corrugations. There are no secret ways to avoid damage from the constant shaking form corrugations, just SLOW DOWN!!!

 

TYRE PRESSURES. We get lots of customers ask us about ideal Tyre Pressures. These will vary on the load of the van, the conditions and surface. Ultimately experience and local knowledge will help here. Ask other travellers what tyre pressure they are using? Obviously reducing tyre pressure on corrugated roads will provide more “give” in the suspension of your van. Reducing 20psi is not uncommon, but remember this will “bulge” the tyre and make it more prone to side wall punctures. Vary them, try them, see what suits your load.

 

WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Once you are loaded and ready to go, we suggest an electronic wheel alignment on your van. The balance of your load will change these characteristics, so for the best result, get this done before you leave.

 

CHECK YOUR RIG. Have your van serviced before any big trip, and regularly check your rig for wear and tear. We have a 12 point service available to all customers before you leave, including bearing inspections and replacements where required.

 

TIGHTEN WHEEL NUTS!! We even put a sticker on your door..!!!

140nm of torque is our recommended on our 5 stud pattern, alloy rims. Check them each week!

 

BE PREPARED. On our trip on the Gibb River Road in 2015, we were “sand bogged”, stuck on a tree, and broke a water fitting. If you don’t have an axe, recovery gear, and some spares, you shouldn’t be there….!!

 

 

BASIC TOOLS. Cary a set of basic tools, including Screwdrives, pliers, spanners and duct tape.

 

WATER WATER WATER…..Have a 20lt container “spare” tucked away somewhere as your backup supply.

 

HAVE A TRIP PLAN. Tell someone where you are going, and for how long. It is great if you have some communication, but have a plan and keep someone informed.

 

Enjoy your travels in this great state of ours. Choose your route carefully, listen to other travellers and locals,  slow down and enjoy the ride……

 

EXPLOREX UPCOMING EVENT –
The Goldfields Caravan & Camping Show
1st & 2nd September 2018

There is just under 2 days until the Explorex team head to Kalgoorlie for the 2018 Goldfields Caravan and Camping Show. Explorex has been proudly building caravans for the Goldfields for 15 years and has become the trusted name in reliability and strength for mining, exploration and drilling. This year we will have one mining and two domestic vans on show, so if you’re in the market for a new WA built off road caravan then make sure you come down and see the team at site 12.

Goldfields Caravan & Camping Show

 

Latest News – Welcome to the new “Adventure Series” Explorex is proud to announce the release of four new models in our new “Adventure series”. This range are our smaller, “go anywhere” vans, with two sizes, and the option of either single or tandem suspension.. The models are ; The Bush Rat 490 – A single or tandem configuration with East/West bed and combo shower/toilet unit. The Numbat 540 – Also available in either single or tandem coil suspension, full ensuite, and a East/West Bed. Some of the key features are; – Fully independent single or tandem coil suspension – Redarc BMS Battery Management as standard – Huge ONE TONNE payload on tandem models – Narrower 2200mm design for ease of towing With Orders for new vans now out to March 2019, make sure to get in touch with Stuart or Greg for all the details of these new models. Check out the new page on our website for all features. https://explorex.com.au/category/adventure-series/