Looking for fellow off beaten track Kombi Campers

Am keen to hit the beeches and state forrests in my '79 T2 Kombi.

As I am kinda new to Oz. I thought I might see anybody had formed a kombi camping club or similar. Also because I have no idea of the do's and don'ts with state forrests. i.e I'll probably get eaten or something.

Am from the U.K, Living in Canberra, mid thirties and like a beer or three.:party
james_laker@yahoo.co.uk

[Edited on 30-9-2004 by james_laker]

Have a search through the "Events and get together" section of the forum. They list most of the clubs that are around, and the trips they do. Many do camping trips and week ends away, as well as day trips.
Clubs like the Manx club do some serious off road stuff if your keen also.
Also check out:
http://www.aussiekombicampers.com/index.shtml
And for some National Park info:
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Home
Also stop into a Rangers office if you can, most are very helpful.
There's heaps for you to see around Canberra.
Have fun Campin'
Richard :thumb

Thanks for the info.
Aussie Kombi Campers is a great site, and I checked out Aussie VeeDubbers Upcoming events, as well as looking at the Manx club (which is all about off roading in buggies - while camping)

I guess, if I see an advert somewhere like 'Kombi owners camping group, touring between x to y locations, over a three week period, fellow owners welcome to join up en route' would be good. (which I haven't yet)

Yep, most clubs seem happy to let others join in. :thumb

How does a 2WD Kombi hold up under rough terrain? I've seen some wild versions but do they go offroad a lot better because of the weight over the rear wheels? Has anybody been 'really' giving theirs some adventures in the rough stuff?

Excuse the questions. I'm looking to buy my first kombi and this is a subject that fascinates me 🙂


cheers,

Brian

you obviously haven't seen this site yet, have a look before you buy

Baja kombis

have fun camping 😎

Yes but what about Kombis in standard trim? You can slap a set of big wheels on almost anything and be able to head out bush - I wanna know how good a stock kombi with stock ride height and stock wheels is gonna handle a bit of off road excursion.

:puke

...and who had the fascination to design all these vomiting smilies?!?!?! LOL

:repuke

Brian, have a search through some posts, there's plenty of Kombi's out in the bush in near stock configuration.
Check out some of mine:
http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=21916&page=2
When I know I'm going off road I do put on larger tyres (215/75R15's) which fit on an otherwise stock 2L kombi. This is more for ground clearance than anything else. You can get some nice chunky tyres to fit stock rims (only necessary on rear), and will get you through some though terrain.
A stock kombi will keep up with most "soft 4WD's" like all the Kia's, Daihatsu’s, Suzuki's etc. Like any off roading the driver has more to do with ability than the vehicle.
If you get adventurous, keep the kombi as light as possible and take some recovery gear (there are plenty of light compact hand operated winches around). Get out there and enjoy!
Richard

Thanks for the link richard - that's exactly what i was talking about 🙂 Awesome stuff from the 2WD-ers. That's pretty cool looking little bus you have there as well. I've found a bay window camper that I'm looking to buy - not sure of the year model but I would guess its a 70's era. 2 litre automatic (although I'm never owned an auto - I hope the vw transmissions are ok). I've just got to work out how to install some air con and it'll be sweet!

Cool. Yep, Andy has done us proud. :thumb
Sounds like a late Bay with a 2L auto. Late bay's have the front indicators in line with the front grill (not near bumper). Sounds like it has a type 4 motor with the fan on the end of the crank also.
All kombi's are good if they are looked after. Type 4 motors (1.7L, 1.8L and 2L) are generally a little stronger and last longer than the type one motor. The down side is they cost more to rebuild if it needs it. The 2L had the best power and torque in stock form.
The auto is a stong box and if it's in good nic and you keep the oil up to it will last you well. They will over heat if you do a lot of towing or cary a heavy load though as they have no cooler.
The type 4 motors are also known to drop valves and crack heads if they over heat or have been re-built a few times, so try not to lug the motor too much, and check valve clearances regularly (every service).
Other than that, just good regular maintanance and it will serve you well.
As for aircon, if you can find a factory one they are very neat with the inside consol and condensor under the floor. It will require a bit of cutting through the floor to fit though. they are not that common and can be pricy. Get a modern compressor as the old ones sap heaps of power, which a Kombi doesn't have much of to start with.
I survive quite well with tinted windows and good insulation to keep me cool in summer.
Alternatively a T3 kombi (mid to late 80's) had more power and more often had aircon already fitted.
Cheers,
Richard