After 15 years of cruising the East Coast of Australia by yacht, it is time to move onto land. The boat is sold. I thought about Motorhome v Caravan and initially thought the motorhome more emulated what I was accustomed to. However more thought and I have settled on a 4WD /Caravan solution to give me the advantage of transport when i get to a destination. Deciding on the tow vehicle is easy, finding a caravan however is overwhelming! The various websites, marketplaces etc have dozens but never show the layout, preferring images of plate racks, washing machines and tow hitches. All important stuff I am sure. Even looking at the same model vans, some have cafe style tables, some have club lounges etc. Is there some resource where I can look at floor plans, or try to reduce the choice to something more manageable? I am thinking 22 to 26 feet, club lounge, island bed. It's just me (in my 60's) and a small dog. All advice gratefully received.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 10:51:28 AM
rgren2 said
07:57 AM Apr 26, 2021
Go and have a look, caravan yards, caravan shows. Take your time.
Mike Harding said
07:58 AM Apr 26, 2021
I would have thought most (all?) manufacturers would have floor plans on their websites, is this not so?
There is no substitute for physically viewing a caravan and, indeed, when doing so you may discover you ideal floor plan is not as ideal as you expected.
I bought my Snowy River van 2.5 years past for the purpose of full time living. Before I made the final decision I told the sales person to go away and leave me alone. I then spent 10 minutes simply sitting in the van absorbing its "atmosphere" and thinking "Can I *live* in this caravan?" I decided I could and am still happy with that decision.
My point is that if one is going to live (as opposed to holiday) in a caravan then much of the decision is emotional as well as practical and financial.
I recently had a look through the ideal single person caravan the other month. It had two recliner chairs at the front, a Q/S island bed at the rear. I don't think it had a shower or toilet. If I was to design a one person van, it would have that layout, but only a single bed, and would include a shower and toilet, together with a wash machine.
I would not worry about hitches, they can be addressed further down the track if need be.
Possum3 said
09:27 AM Apr 26, 2021
Welcome Willi, An advantage to buying a van about 3-5 years old is that any faults should be evident. Ensure you have a competent person do a thorough check of seals, and electrics use a checklist such as freely provided by www.caravancouncil.com.au/
There are many rogue dealers and manufacturers out there, check out main offenders on Lemon Caravans and RV's website.
An absolute must have is a moisture tester available at the big green shed for about $20 - water ingress into walls (even composite) can turn $100k into worthless junk.
-- Edited by Possum3 on Monday 26th of April 2021 09:29:55 AM
yobarr said
09:27 AM Apr 26, 2021
Willi Crash wrote:
After 15 years of cruising the East Coast of Australia by yacht, it is time to move onto land. The boat is sold. I thought about Motorhome v Caravan and initially thought the motorhome more emulated what I was accustomed to. However more thought and I have settled on a 4WD /Caravan solution to give me the advantage of transport when i get to a destination. Deciding on the tow vehicle is easy, finding a caravan however is overwhelming! The various websites, marketplaces etc have dozens but never show the layout, preferring images of plate racks, washing machines and tow hitches. All important stuff I am sure. Even looking at the same model vans, some have cafe style tables, some have club lounges etc. Is there some resource where I can look at floor plans, or try to reduce the choice to something more manageable? I am thinking 22 to 26 feet, club lounge, island bed. It's just me (in my 60's) and a small dog. All advice gratefully received.
If the van is for only you and a small dog,perhaps 22 to 26 feet is too big? Weight may become an issue,so choosing a suitable car is critical.Don't believe half of what is often written about towing capacities.What car do you propose to use to tow this van? My van is under 20' and I have everything I need,with full ensuite and full-sized shower,and separate bedroom with double bed.The bigger the van,the more are your restrictions if you wish to leave the bitumen.Do you intend to free-camp? If so,water capacity is important,as is solar,or the dreaded generator, particularly if you want to upset your neighbours and the local wildlife.Decisions,decisions! Good luck!
Are We Lost said
10:06 AM Apr 26, 2021
I agree that choosing a tow vehicle is easier than choosing a van. But, up to 26 feet? That is a big van and will probably be over the limit for the typical 4WD utes. If you want to travel widely you will probably want to take a lot of stuff, and that weight adds up.
I have a 21 footer but would have bought a little smaller if it had only been for me. Smaller means more manageable as well as less weight.
You said the vehicle is easy. What did you have in mind?
As for layout, I would go around the van dealers and spend time sitting in a few, and imagine yourself on the trip. Where will you put things? What will I be doing, etc.
Willi Crash said
10:21 AM Apr 26, 2021
I was going to buy a Range Rover Sport as the tow vehicle
Rob Driver said
10:37 AM Apr 26, 2021
Wether you buy privately or through a dealer it is recommended that you get an actual true tare weight from an authorised weighbridge of the van as it stands before you will be loading it for travel.
Don't rely on the tare weight on the compliance plate being accurate.
This weight can be affected by a previous owner adding extra permanent accessories or in some cases, manufacturers have been known to misquote tare weight figures.
By knowing the TRUE tare weight you may then calculate the payload or the amount of personal affects that you may legally carry.
Good luck with it all.
Regards
Rob
Are We Lost said
11:04 AM Apr 26, 2021
Am I misreading the specs or do the specs for a Range Rover Sport mean a maximum of 150kg towball download? Presumably because it does not have chassis rails like the utes. This is not viable for a large van.
Cupie said
11:10 AM Apr 26, 2021
As with most things the key is to get as much info as you can before you begin to move towards a decision.
In our case we spent months reading Caravanning magazines from friends & the public library. These days the internet is full of information. Visit caravan shows but don't be taken in by all the glitz. Bells & whistles = weight, the caravanner's enemy.
Looking at you post, my initial observations would include the view that you are looking at vans that are too big for one person & a dog. Most of us spend more time outside the van than in. Unlike a Yacht. Size = weight.
I think that choosing a vehicle is really not easy unless you want a van under 3 ton & you can afford or even find a good/new Cruiser or current model Patrol or even a yank tank. Once again weight is the issue.
Good luck in your search ... oh yes it wouldn't hurt to look at this Grey Nomads web site home page topic .. Your Rig which gives lots of relevant info. Even a search choosing a caravan in Au might reveal a lot of info.
And did I mention Weight as being a key factor.
ps. I have always found floor layouts on the manufacturers web sites.
pps. My choice would always include an ensuite with separate shower & toilet. A bedroom that can be partitioned off from the rest of the van. Cafe style dinette. At least one recliner chair ..with adequate head rest. These days it seems essential to have solar power driving Lithium batteries, along with fresh & grey water tanks. I have them but rarely use them. Of course privacy screens rather than a hard annex is best IMHO.
I could ramble on for ever .. as could most caravanners. Make sure that you talk to as many as you can before you take the plunge. Keep asking questions on this forum.
yobarr said
01:27 PM Apr 26, 2021
Willi Crash wrote:
I was going to buy a Range Rover Sport as the tow vehicle
There is no way that you can SAFELY tow more than 3000kg ATM with a Range Rover Sport.Details when I get home,but,as Stephen suggests,I recall that there also are towball limitations.Anyway,there it would be a brave man who tows a 26' van behind a short wheelbase car with GVM of only 3000kg.Bigger car or smaller van,me thinks! Details later.Cheers
Later:- The 150kg towball limitation is only for unbraked trailers under 750kg.The limitation on braked trailers is 350kg,but I am yet to check axle carrying capacities.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 26th of April 2021 02:17:53 PM
Mike Harding said
01:28 PM Apr 26, 2021
Let's hope this doesn't just become another "Weights" thread - there is now a separate forum for those however it is a point which needs to be considered.
I'm towing a Snowy River SR-19 with a Holden Trailblazer; the Trailblazer is rated to tow 3T and the van comes in (loaded and with 200L water) at about 2.8T. I do not use an ESC or WDH and the Trailblazer provides good power and returns 14L/100km when towing. The rig is very stable and in one year+ of towing with this vehicle has never given me a moment's concern.
Question: how do we measure the length of caravans? From the front of the body to the back of the body or the tip of the chassis to the tail of the chassis? Mine is 25' from chassis tip to tail.
I disagree with those who suggest a smaller van; I find the size of mine gives me adequate space for one person but is not too big/heavy to carefully wind, in low range, through the trees on a forest track. An awning and an outside "caravan mat" extend my space to a decent size living area.
PS. If you are in the southern half of Oz consider a diesel heater a necessity.
yobarr said
01:41 PM Apr 26, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
Let's hope this doesn't just become another "Weights" thread - there is now a separate forum for those however it is a point which needs to be considered.
I'm towing a Snowy River SR-19 with a Holden Trailblazer; the Trailblazer is rated to tow 3T and the van comes in (loaded and with 200L water) at about 2.8T. I do not use an ESC or WDH and the Trailblazer provides good power and returns 14L/100km when towing. The rig is very stable and in one year+ of towing with this vehicle has never given me a moment's concern.
Question: how do we measure the length of caravans? From the front of the body to the back of the body or the tip of the chassis to the tail of the chassis? Mine is 25' from chassis tip to tail.
I disagree with those who suggest a smaller van; I find the size of mine gives me adequate space for one person but is not too big/heavy to carefully wind, in low range, through the trees on a forest track. An awning and an outside "caravan mat" extend my space to a decent size living area.
PS. If you are in the southern half of Oz consider a diesel heater a necessity.
Hi Mike...My understanding of how caravan length is measured is that the measurement is of the internal body length,or living area.Happy to be corrected,but I do know that it does not include the towbar.Montie will no doubt put us on the right track.Cheers.
BAZZA44 said
02:23 PM Apr 26, 2021
Caravans were originally measured from front of body to rear of body until front boots came into the design.
Then for some stupid reason the manufacturers began giving dimensions for inside the van. Not much help when you book in to a van park and tell them your van is 19ft, but it is actually 21ft overall body length. Who the devil wants to know what the inside measures.
There are only two dimensions needed, overall body and overall from hitch to spare wheel on back. My van is 21ft o/a body and 8.6m o/a.
Barry
Eaglemax said
03:00 PM Apr 26, 2021
Just my views. Being single I think a caravan 2500kg atm maximum would suit a Range Rover Sport and look around there's plenty of vans that should suit your purpose.
Ensuite, water capacity, awning, comfortable lounge is what I'd look for. Welcome Here
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Monday 26th of April 2021 03:03:22 PM
msg said
03:28 PM Apr 26, 2021
Just remember the replies are the thoughts of the authors' and highlight their preferences.
Tony Bev said
03:35 PM Apr 26, 2021
I can only give my own experience
When I decided to buy a caravan, I looked, and looked, and then looked some more, (for about six months)
I purchased the one, which ticked most but not all boxes
Many years later, the wife wanted something which the cat could walk up to the cabin, while travelling
Once again I looked, and looked, and then looked some more, (for about six months)
I purchased the motorhome in my AVATAR, which ticked most but not all boxes
Hope that you find the caravan you are looking for
Willi Crash said
04:02 PM Apr 26, 2021
Posted twice.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:12:55 PM
Willi Crash said
04:04 PM Apr 26, 2021
Thanks for all this advice, i really appreciate it. The Range Rover is a bucket list thing. I was in the French Alps when I was 17 travelling in a converted Dutch Post Office VW transporter with my long suffering English girlfriend. Everyone there were German, French or Italian. They were all very wealthy driving Porsches and Mercedes when a Range Rover pulled into the town square. The car had just be released, and seemed purpose built for what everyone was doing. I thought then i would have one, 50 years later I can! The spec says it can pull 3500kg braked. Not true? I am looking at making the caravan purchase in October
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:13:20 PM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:22:12 PM
Mike Harding said
04:14 PM Apr 26, 2021
It must be 30+ years past I pulled into a small village west of Perpignan in my Rover 2.6L with body design by Ferrari and my very sexy wife walked to the boulangerie to pick up some bread.
Within one minute we had about 10 of the local kids surrounding the vehicle and a few of the older men too - much to the chagrin of my two sons who were in the rear seat I allowed a couple of the local boys to sit in the drivers seat until my wife returned and we headed off.
Thank you for rekindling that memory :)
Are We Lost said
05:08 PM Apr 26, 2021
This is the site I found the reference to maximum 150kg towball weight, and I questioned if I was misreading it .. I selected the HSE V8 diesel.
Yobarr says the 150kg limit is for unbraked and that makes more sense. I spent a while looking for more specs to assess capabilities but the downloadable brochure doesn't have them. I did find a rear axle load limit of 1775kg. For the weight of the vehicle this is not a lot and I believe it would be a difficult juggle to balance the weights with a large van.
Mike Harding's Snowy River SR19 is more the size of van I suggest to look for .... I believe it is named for the body size. With the power and weight of the long wheelbase Range Rover I think it would perform really well.
yobarr said
06:01 PM Apr 26, 2021
Are We Lost wrote:
This is the site I found the reference to maximum 150kg towball weight, and I questioned if I was misreading it .. I selected the HSE V8 diesel.
Yobarr says the 150kg limit is for unbraked and that makes more sense. I spent a while looking for more specs to assess capabilities but the downloadable brochure doesn't have them. I did find a rear axle load limit of 1775kg. For the weight of the vehicle this is not a lot and I believe it would be a difficult juggle to balance the weights with a large van.
Mike Harding's Snowy River SR19 is more the size of van I suggest to look for .... I believe it is named for the body size. With the power and weight of the long wheelbase Range Rover I think it would perform really well.
As always,the limiting factor is the rear axle carrying capacity.Remember,a 300kg towball weight puts 430-450kg onto the car's rear axle,a fact understood by few.However,if the Range Rover has 7 seats,that axle capacity is increased 1900kg,still lightweight.Top SAFE towing capacity is 3000kg. Cheers
After 15 years of cruising the East Coast of Australia by yacht, it is time to move onto land. The boat is sold. I thought about Motorhome v Caravan and initially thought the motorhome more emulated what I was accustomed to. However more thought and I have settled on a 4WD /Caravan solution to give me the advantage of transport when i get to a destination. Deciding on the tow vehicle is easy, finding a caravan however is overwhelming! The various websites, marketplaces etc have dozens but never show the layout, preferring images of plate racks, washing machines and tow hitches. All important stuff I am sure. Even looking at the same model vans, some have cafe style tables, some have club lounges etc. Is there some resource where I can look at floor plans, or try to reduce the choice to something more manageable? I am thinking 22 to 26 feet, club lounge, island bed. It's just me (in my 60's) and a small dog. All advice gratefully received.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 10:51:28 AM
I would have thought most (all?) manufacturers would have floor plans on their websites, is this not so?
There is no substitute for physically viewing a caravan and, indeed, when doing so you may discover you ideal floor plan is not as ideal as you expected.
I bought my Snowy River van 2.5 years past for the purpose of full time living. Before I made the final decision I told the sales person to go away and leave me alone. I then spent 10 minutes simply sitting in the van absorbing its "atmosphere" and thinking "Can I *live* in this caravan?" I decided I could and am still happy with that decision.
My point is that if one is going to live (as opposed to holiday) in a caravan then much of the decision is emotional as well as practical and financial.
Snowy River
I would not worry about hitches, they can be addressed further down the track if need be.
Welcome Willi, An advantage to buying a van about 3-5 years old is that any faults should be evident. Ensure you have a competent person do a thorough check of seals, and electrics use a checklist such as freely provided by www.caravancouncil.com.au/
There are many rogue dealers and manufacturers out there, check out main offenders on Lemon Caravans and RV's website.
An absolute must have is a moisture tester available at the big green shed for about $20 - water ingress into walls (even composite) can turn $100k into worthless junk.
-- Edited by Possum3 on Monday 26th of April 2021 09:29:55 AM
If the van is for only you and a small dog,perhaps 22 to 26 feet is too big? Weight may become an issue,so choosing a suitable car is critical.Don't believe half of what is often written about towing capacities.What car do you propose to use to tow this van? My van is under 20' and I have everything I need,with full ensuite and full-sized shower,and separate bedroom with double bed.The bigger the van,the more are your restrictions if you wish to leave the bitumen.Do you intend to free-camp? If so,water capacity is important,as is solar,or the dreaded generator, particularly if you want to upset your neighbours and the local wildlife.Decisions,decisions! Good luck!
I have a 21 footer but would have bought a little smaller if it had only been for me. Smaller means more manageable as well as less weight.
You said the vehicle is easy. What did you have in mind?
As for layout, I would go around the van dealers and spend time sitting in a few, and imagine yourself on the trip. Where will you put things? What will I be doing, etc.
Don't rely on the tare weight on the compliance plate being accurate.
This weight can be affected by a previous owner adding extra permanent accessories or in some cases, manufacturers have been known to misquote tare weight figures.
By knowing the TRUE tare weight you may then calculate the payload or the amount of personal affects that you may legally carry.
Good luck with it all.
Regards
Rob
As with most things the key is to get as much info as you can before you begin to move towards a decision.
In our case we spent months reading Caravanning magazines from friends & the public library. These days the internet is full of information. Visit caravan shows but don't be taken in by all the glitz. Bells & whistles = weight, the caravanner's enemy.
Looking at you post, my initial observations would include the view that you are looking at vans that are too big for one person & a dog. Most of us spend more time outside the van than in. Unlike a Yacht. Size = weight.
I think that choosing a vehicle is really not easy unless you want a van under 3 ton & you can afford or even find a good/new Cruiser or current model Patrol or even a yank tank. Once again weight is the issue.
Good luck in your search ... oh yes it wouldn't hurt to look at this Grey Nomads web site home page topic .. Your Rig which gives lots of relevant info. Even a search choosing a caravan in Au might reveal a lot of info.
And did I mention Weight as being a key factor.
ps. I have always found floor layouts on the manufacturers web sites.
pps. My choice would always include an ensuite with separate shower & toilet. A bedroom that can be partitioned off from the rest of the van. Cafe style dinette. At least one recliner chair ..with adequate head rest. These days it seems essential to have solar power driving Lithium batteries, along with fresh & grey water tanks. I have them but rarely use them. Of course privacy screens rather than a hard annex is best IMHO.
I could ramble on for ever .. as could most caravanners. Make sure that you talk to as many as you can before you take the plunge. Keep asking questions on this forum.
There is no way that you can SAFELY tow more than 3000kg ATM with a Range Rover Sport.Details when I get home,but,as Stephen suggests,I recall that there also are towball limitations.Anyway,there it would be a brave man who tows a 26' van behind a short wheelbase car with GVM of only 3000kg.Bigger car or smaller van,me thinks! Details later.Cheers
Later:- The 150kg towball limitation is only for unbraked trailers under 750kg.The limitation on braked trailers is 350kg,but I am yet to check axle carrying capacities.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 26th of April 2021 02:17:53 PM
Let's hope this doesn't just become another "Weights" thread - there is now a separate forum for those however it is a point which needs to be considered.
I'm towing a Snowy River SR-19 with a Holden Trailblazer; the Trailblazer is rated to tow 3T and the van comes in (loaded and with 200L water) at about 2.8T. I do not use an ESC or WDH and the Trailblazer provides good power and returns 14L/100km when towing. The rig is very stable and in one year+ of towing with this vehicle has never given me a moment's concern.
Question: how do we measure the length of caravans? From the front of the body to the back of the body or the tip of the chassis to the tail of the chassis? Mine is 25' from chassis tip to tail.
I disagree with those who suggest a smaller van; I find the size of mine gives me adequate space for one person but is not too big/heavy to carefully wind, in low range, through the trees on a forest track. An awning and an outside "caravan mat" extend my space to a decent size living area.
PS. If you are in the southern half of Oz consider a diesel heater a necessity.
Hi Mike...My understanding of how caravan length is measured is that the measurement is of the internal body length,or living area.Happy to be corrected,but I do know that it does not include the towbar.Montie will no doubt put us on the right track.Cheers.
Then for some stupid reason the manufacturers began giving dimensions for inside the van. Not much help when you book in to a van park and tell them your van is 19ft, but it is actually 21ft overall body length. Who the devil wants to know what the inside measures.
There are only two dimensions needed, overall body and overall from hitch to spare wheel on back. My van is 21ft o/a body and 8.6m o/a.
Barry
Just my views. Being single I think a caravan 2500kg atm maximum would suit a Range Rover Sport and look around there's plenty of vans that should suit your purpose.
Ensuite, water capacity, awning, comfortable lounge is what I'd look for.
Welcome Here
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Monday 26th of April 2021 03:03:22 PM
When I decided to buy a caravan, I looked, and looked, and then looked some more, (for about six months)
I purchased the one, which ticked most but not all boxes
Many years later, the wife wanted something which the cat could walk up to the cabin, while travelling
Once again I looked, and looked, and then looked some more, (for about six months)
I purchased the motorhome in my AVATAR, which ticked most but not all boxes
Hope that you find the caravan you are looking for
Posted twice.
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:12:55 PM
Thanks for all this advice, i really appreciate it. The Range Rover is a bucket list thing. I was in the French Alps when I was 17 travelling in a converted Dutch Post Office VW transporter with my long suffering English girlfriend. Everyone there were German, French or Italian. They were all very wealthy driving Porsches and Mercedes when a Range Rover pulled into the town square. The car had just be released, and seemed purpose built for what everyone was doing. I thought then i would have one, 50 years later I can! The spec says it can pull 3500kg braked. Not true? I am looking at making the caravan purchase in October
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:13:20 PM
-- Edited by Willi Crash on Monday 26th of April 2021 04:22:12 PM
It must be 30+ years past I pulled into a small village west of Perpignan in my Rover 2.6L with body design by Ferrari and my very sexy wife walked to the boulangerie to pick up some bread.
Within one minute we had about 10 of the local kids surrounding the vehicle and a few of the older men too - much to the chagrin of my two sons who were in the rear seat I allowed a couple of the local boys to sit in the drivers seat until my wife returned and we headed off.
Thank you for rekindling that memory :)
This is the site I found the reference to maximum 150kg towball weight, and I questioned if I was misreading it .. I selected the HSE V8 diesel.
https://www.landrover.com.au/vehicles/range-rover-sport/specifications.html
Yobarr says the 150kg limit is for unbraked and that makes more sense. I spent a while looking for more specs to assess capabilities but the downloadable brochure doesn't have them. I did find a rear axle load limit of 1775kg. For the weight of the vehicle this is not a lot and I believe it would be a difficult juggle to balance the weights with a large van.
Mike Harding's Snowy River SR19 is more the size of van I suggest to look for .... I believe it is named for the body size. With the power and weight of the long wheelbase Range Rover I think it would perform really well.
As always,the limiting factor is the rear axle carrying capacity.Remember,a 300kg towball weight puts 430-450kg onto the car's rear axle,a fact understood by few.However,if the Range Rover has 7 seats,that axle capacity is increased 1900kg,still lightweight.Top SAFE towing capacity is 3000kg. Cheers