Caravan information needed

[Maxhead]

Hey all.

I have decided to ditch the camper trailer and opted for a caravan instead. Got sick of setting up, packing up wet, listening to the wind flap and rain noise.....
Must be getting lazy or old or something...LOL
Don't get me wrong as I reckon the campers are great and definitely have their purpose.

As a family of 4 we are looking at an Expanda type van which would give us some extra room .
I'll be looking at the off road series in a van as we'll still want to use it light off road to an extent.

The vans we have shortlisted are:
Jayco Expanda 18.57-8
Coromal MT540
Paramount Duet Utility

What I would like to ask is if anyone has any experiences with any of these I would like to hear your feedback.

By all means if you can suggest any other caravan feel free to do so. We're in early stages of looking so any advise, tips or suggestions would be appreciated


Cheers in advance

[twisty]

Thanks NissPat,

I'll watch this thread with interest. We've come to the same conclusion. The only difference is there is only the two of us (all kids are grown and gone). We considered a hard floor camper but the roof is (of course) still canvas. Are you buying new or second hand? we haven't decided and are in no rush. I'd spend $20k but that really limits me to second hand.

[Bigrig]

I'll be watching with interest also - I've got 4 kids to cater for and if I can squeeze them into something the size of a broom closet in order to avoid setting up and packing up, I bloody well will !!!!! lmfao

[Maxhead]

I'm going to post this up on one of the caravan forms to see the feedback and might post up here.

I think I have ruled out the Paramount as it is a wooden frame and also I emailed them 2 days ago with a couple of questions and the have not responded.. If they don't want to sell you a van imagine if you have problems with it after purchase...

Twisty, I'll be buying new as I want to customize this van so I will be making a fair few factory modifications to the van at factory.

[twisty]

I will be making a fair few factory modifications to the van at factory.

Now I'm curious! what mods? And what caravan forum?

[Maxhead]

Now I'm curious! what mods? And what caravan forum?

Hey Twisty, I suppose not major mods but option upgrades as well as some little tweaks.

This is what I'm looking at:
Expanda 18.57-8
Outback series - stronger chassis,underslung axle,etc,etc,etc
Simplicity Independent Suspension
16 inch wheels
Full oven
Ibis AC
Privacy screens
Roll out awning + Add a room option
100amp battery + provision for 1 extra
Anderson plug at front for charging from car
Control Panel - 2 water tank levels and charging circuit display and some switches.
Wind up antenna
120W solar + provision for 2nd panel
Stainless Steel pull out BBQ
CD radio with internal and external speakers
Cooling fan for fridge - to make it a tropical rating(18-38deg I think)
Drop jacks
Picnic Table
Rego and on road costs (ACT)
TV mount
Double bed kit for lounge
Tregg hitch

I have asked them to use RG6 quad shield coax and solder all connections and joints. Also asked they use double the sealant(at my cost) to make sure definitely no leaks.
I've asked for UV filtered or tinted skylight in shower to minimise discolouration.

I've also asked to see if I can watch it being built in the factory..LOL. They have tours available but I only did it to make sure they are aware I don't want any stuff-ups with build quality.

It would be impossible to find something with this configuration this second hand

Should be good

[katwoman]

This is my ideal tourer..( one day)

[twisty]

Thanks NissPat, great list! I'm keen on solar power as well. Of course facilities are dependant on requirements and I've been without a "shower" for months (in my younger days), but SHMBO demands a more permenant solution :-). As it's just the two of us, requirements are not as demanding. I'm happy to modify a second hander. My requirements are simpler: remote use for 3 days (power, water, food etc) and a queen size bed! (I'm getting to old for "camping").

Katwoman, it looks like it's made in the US of A. Probably get bogged in the first mud spot :-) However, I get the point. Park, then play

[katwoman]

Thanks NissPat, great list! I'm keen on solar power as well. Of course facilities are dependant on requirements and I've been without a "shower" for months (in my younger days), but SHMBO demands a more permenant solution :-). As it's just the two of us, requirements are not as demanding. I'm happy to modify a second hander. My requirements are simpler: remote use for 3 days (power, water, food etc) and a queen size bed! (I'm getting to old for "camping").

Katwoman, it looks like it's made in the US of A. Probably get bogged in the first mud spot :-) However, I get the point. Park, then play

Yes, mate it is..But it would look great on the back of Katrol....

[twisty]

[/B]

Yes, mate it is..But it would look great on the back of Katrol....

Perhaps the Kat flaps would fit the trailer ... hahahahahahaha ... sorry back to caravans :-)