I'd better apologise for starting this topic already as I know everyone will have their own opinion. (differing)
I'm looking to buy a van in a year or so. My budget is around $75,000 (give or take) and need some advice because there are just soooo many brands out there.
Here are 'MY' specifications:
Single axle around 15-16 foot - maybe a tad longer. Pop top probably suits best. My tug is a Prado.
I will be on grid 80% of the time but will want to do some free / 'solar panel' camping too. (No aspiration to do Gibb River Road or Tanami).
I'm 6 foot so a Queen bed is needed.
Happy to cook outside all the time. Happy to have one of those shower thingys on the back / outside.
Like riding bikes so would be to have something on the front of back that will hold 2 bikes.
Ummm, what else do I need to tell you?
Thanks for your two bobs worth!
Noel
Farmhouse said
07:53 PM Aug 14, 2021
Noel,
Good luck in your quest. Two things to consider.
Firstly the waiting time for a new van or motorhome is about 12 months ATM. We know, our motorhome is due next month after ordering in January.
Our first van was a Jurgens Jyndabyne, great poptop van with a full bathroom PT2260 (I think)
Good luck
Glenn
NoelB said
07:56 PM Aug 14, 2021
Thanks Glenn. I do like the Jurgens.
I forgot to say I'm prepared to look at vans that are a few years old.
Cheers
Farmhouse said
07:58 PM Aug 14, 2021
God luck finding any good stock to look at. Sorry for the negativity, but just some hard truths.
Bicyclecamper said
08:00 PM Aug 14, 2021
I don't know if Compleat Campsite still are operating, but they have a van like that or did have a couple of years a go. And their are a few genuine aussie makers of same, it will just take a while to find them. Campertrailers Australia magazine, has a fair few of them in the mags every year, but also just google it, make sure you put au after your request. Otherwise, their are a lot of Chinese made ones, that are not too bad in their construction, cost about $50k or their abouts MDC is one off the top of my head.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Saturday 14th of August 2021 08:01:45 PM
Warren-Pat_01 said
08:30 PM Aug 14, 2021
Hi Noel,
Jayco have a couple of "toy haulers" in their range but the shortest is 17' long.
Do your homework carefully, check in caravan parks & ask owners of similar out fitted vans about their choices. Check with groups such as The Caravan Council to find out any defects, etc. Second hand vans (I'm on our second) - check them out well both inside, outside & underneath before parting with your cash. There can be nightmares with both new & second hand units.
Happy hunting!
Mike Harding said
05:58 AM Aug 15, 2021
Request the actual dimensions of the mattress do not rely upon a description eg. queen or king.
Radar said
07:04 AM Aug 15, 2021
A queen size bed is not a standard queen size bed in a caravan.
Check the size of the bed and then double recheck the size of bed.
It was my biggest mistake buying our caravan with a queen size bed, our previous caravan had a very comfortable double and was longer I got sucked by the words "queen size".
Possum3 said
08:34 AM Aug 15, 2021
Mike and Warren have hinted at the two factors that cause disappointment - Faulty workmanship causing unsafe and dangerous conditions and the complete disregard for normal standards by the caravan industry. Ensure that you have any caravan thoroughly checked by a professional or someone with specific knowledge regarding caravans - get the free checklists, technical and buying guides at www.caravancouncil.com.au/
Very few caravans have beds that can accommodate a person over 5ft - 10in. Twin beds does afford the luxury of having one larger bed and one smaller - the main reasoning behind short beds is the space required for entry on left hand side.
Quality caravans are expensive and above your specified pricing - Consider a good second hand van manufactured by Trackmaster, Evernew, Kedron, Explorex. Warranty is a Legal Requirement by Australian Consumer Law (not a piece of paper boasted about by a caravan salesman.
Caravan Salespeople are usually spruikers working on commission so their versions of truth is so tempered. Do not under any circumstance pay large deposits directly to Caravan Manufacturers, ensure it is lodged with a bank or solicitor - If the manufacturer cannot afford to build a caravan without your money - How could they possibly be trusted to comply with any Warranty obligations.
Experts on caravan Forums often have a specific "Donkey to Flog" so listen to their advices but you must temper the advice so given. Ask owners of caravans at camping sites and caravan parks as to what they would buy again and what they wouldn't.
The Belmont Bear said
08:37 AM Aug 15, 2021
We received notice this week that delivery of our new van has been pushed back another 4 weeks due covid affecting the supply of chassis, fridges and toilets. I'm guessing that whatever you order you will need to be prepared for a long wait and it will probably be a bit longer than what they tell you when you sign up. The other problem we are now going to have is selling our current van during a lockdown which by the way its looking could go on for months. Noel I am 5'11" and we have ordered a 6'4" Queen pillowtop mattress which was an option the standard size was a 6'2" pillow top queen, I think that they just add some sort of a bolster that makes it 2" longer.
BB
Radar said
08:51 AM Aug 15, 2021
The Belmont Bear wrote:
We received notice this week that delivery of our new van has been pushed back another 4 weeks due covid affecting the supply of chassis, fridges and toilets. I'm guessing that whatever you order you will need to be prepared for a long wait and it will probably be a bit longer than what they tell you when you sign up. The other problem we are now going to have is selling our current van during a lockdown which by the way its looking could go on for months. Noel I am 5'11" and we have ordered a 6'4" Queen pillowtop mattress which was an option the standard size was a 6'2" pillow top queen, I think that they just add some sort of a bolster that makes it 2" longer.
BB
Hi BB.
I an a bit old school, at home we like to rotate our bed once a month, so it wears the bed out evenly.
In the caravan I can only flip it as of the sharpe at one end.
With a pillow top will you be able to rotate or flip?
The Belmont Bear said
10:36 AM Aug 15, 2021
Radar wrote:
The Belmont Bear wrote:
We received notice this week that delivery of our new van has been pushed back another 4 weeks due covid affecting the supply of chassis, fridges and toilets. I'm guessing that whatever you order you will need to be prepared for a long wait and it will probably be a bit longer than what they tell you when you sign up. The other problem we are now going to have is selling our current van during a lockdown which by the way its looking could go on for months. Noel I am 5'11" and we have ordered a 6'4" Queen pillowtop mattress which was an option the standard size was a 6'2" pillow top queen, I think that they just add some sort of a bolster that makes it 2" longer.
BB
Hi BB.
I an a bit old school, at home we like to rotate our bed once a month, so it wears the bed out evenly.
In the caravan I can only flip it as of the sharpe at one end.
With a pillow top will you be able to rotate or flip?
I never thought of that but you are right Radar no flipping or rotating but maybe we will only use it for a fraction of the time that we would use the one at home. The one at home is also a pillow top and we can only rotate that one as well.
Thanks to everyone. Great advice.
Might keep saving and get a new Goldstream pop top.
As indicated I won't be parting with any cash for well over a year.
Radar said
07:52 PM Aug 16, 2021
The Belmont Bear wrote:
Radar wrote:
The Belmont Bear wrote:
We received notice this week that delivery of our new van has been pushed back another 4 weeks due covid affecting the supply of chassis, fridges and toilets. I'm guessing that whatever you order you will need to be prepared for a long wait and it will probably be a bit longer than what they tell you when you sign up. The other problem we are now going to have is selling our current van during a lockdown which by the way its looking could go on for months. Noel I am 5'11" and we have ordered a 6'4" Queen pillowtop mattress which was an option the standard size was a 6'2" pillow top queen, I think that they just add some sort of a bolster that makes it 2" longer.
BB
Hi BB.
I an a bit old school, at home we like to rotate our bed once a month, so it wears the bed out evenly.
In the caravan I can only flip it as of the sharpe at one end.
With a pillow top will you be able to rotate or flip?
I never thought of that but you are right Radar no flipping or rotating but maybe we will only use it for a fraction of the time that we would use the one at home. The one at home is also a pillow top and we can only rotate that one as well.
BB
I am really battling to just turn the mattress one end to the other. Its days are numbered,.
erad said
09:46 PM Aug 16, 2021
Have you considered a van with single beds? We have a 16.5 ft Jayco Poptop, and it has one bed which is nearly 7 ft long, the other is about 6 ft. The big advantage (apart from not killing ourselves when it is hot) is the space between the beds. It is about 2 feet wide, and makes it a lot easier to move beside the beds. My wife has all sorts of extra padding on the mattress as well - for padding but moreso for extra insulation. I just use the standard issue bedding which I find quite comfortable. We both really like the arrangement.
The Belmont Bear said
11:22 PM Aug 16, 2021
The van we will be selling is 21'6" with single beds and we think its a great layout in terms of the extra floor space for changing and also the extra storage areas but at 5'11" I am lucky to have an inch to spare and I reckon I would be struggling if I happened to be 6'. I'm sure there are other single bed vans that have longer beds but the Retreat has full height robes at the foot end and a front boot so it governed how long they could make them.
The new van we are waiting for is being built to order so we were able to change whatever we wanted, one thing we asked was to cut back the depth of the small dressers on either side of the queen bed to give us more room to get in and out and when making it..We also asked them to install triangular shaped cupboards against either wall at the foot end of the bed to make up for the lost storage.
BB.
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 16th of August 2021 11:23:57 PM
Eaglemax said
11:46 PM Aug 16, 2021
I've got a good tip. So many discussions on forums about carrying bicycles but few remedies. If you order a caravan request a wide but not high hatch similar size to a boot hatch so you can store your bikes under your bed. Fold up bikes even better. A friend has a Toyota coaster long version with the side access door for wheelchairs and uses that to access under the bed for 2x folding bikes. Tony
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Monday 16th of August 2021 11:47:49 PM
Bas + Eve said
02:52 PM Aug 17, 2021
Download Caravan and Camping Sales app. There is quite a few for sale.
deverall11 said
04:41 PM Aug 18, 2021
Hi Noel,
We are about to put our caravan on the market. A bit bigger then what you stated but here is a quick description:
Built: Golden Eagle - same as Paramount.
Size: Hitch to bumper 30 foot - about 23 inside
Dual Axle - tows safer then single. Less prone to tail wag
Built in 2014, has travelled 5000km. As new, all the fittings etc
are identical to what you would purchase now. Only difference is colour.
It is our own floor plan design. Very functional and roomy.
All included in the sale: hitch including WDH, front load washing machine, ropes, pegs, mats, cutlery etc.
All you need to do is load your clothes and food, decide on destination,
hitch up and go.
This is a VERY brief description of the van. Have many pictures.
Was purchased in 2014 for just under $100,000. We are asking around $60,000.
I'd better apologise for starting this topic already as I know everyone will have their own opinion. (differing)
I'm looking to buy a van in a year or so. My budget is around $75,000 (give or take) and need some advice because there are just soooo many brands out there.
Here are 'MY' specifications:
Single axle around 15-16 foot - maybe a tad longer. Pop top probably suits best. My tug is a Prado.
I will be on grid 80% of the time but will want to do some free / 'solar panel' camping too. (No aspiration to do Gibb River Road or Tanami).
I'm 6 foot so a Queen bed is needed.
Happy to cook outside all the time. Happy to have one of those shower thingys on the back / outside.
Like riding bikes so would be to have something on the front of back that will hold 2 bikes.
Ummm, what else do I need to tell you?
Thanks for your two bobs worth!
Noel
Good luck in your quest. Two things to consider.
Firstly the waiting time for a new van or motorhome is about 12 months ATM. We know, our motorhome is due next month after ordering in January.
Our first van was a Jurgens Jyndabyne, great poptop van with a full bathroom PT2260 (I think)
Good luck
Glenn
Thanks Glenn. I do like the Jurgens.
I forgot to say I'm prepared to look at vans that are a few years old.
Cheers
I don't know if Compleat Campsite still are operating, but they have a van like that or did have a couple of years a go. And their are a few genuine aussie makers of same, it will just take a while to find them. Campertrailers Australia magazine, has a fair few of them in the mags every year, but also just google it, make sure you put au after your request. Otherwise, their are a lot of Chinese made ones, that are not too bad in their construction, cost about $50k or their abouts MDC is one off the top of my head.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Saturday 14th of August 2021 08:01:45 PM
Jayco have a couple of "toy haulers" in their range but the shortest is 17' long.
Do your homework carefully, check in caravan parks & ask owners of similar out fitted vans about their choices. Check with groups such as The Caravan Council to find out any defects, etc. Second hand vans (I'm on our second) - check them out well both inside, outside & underneath before parting with your cash. There can be nightmares with both new & second hand units.
Happy hunting!
Request the actual dimensions of the mattress do not rely upon a description eg. queen or king.
A queen size bed is not a standard queen size bed in a caravan.
Check the size of the bed and then double recheck the size of bed.
It was my biggest mistake buying our caravan with a queen size bed, our previous caravan had a very comfortable double and was longer I got sucked by the words "queen size".
Very few caravans have beds that can accommodate a person over 5ft - 10in. Twin beds does afford the luxury of having one larger bed and one smaller - the main reasoning behind short beds is the space required for entry on left hand side.
Quality caravans are expensive and above your specified pricing - Consider a good second hand van manufactured by Trackmaster, Evernew, Kedron, Explorex. Warranty is a Legal Requirement by Australian Consumer Law (not a piece of paper boasted about by a caravan salesman.
Caravan Salespeople are usually spruikers working on commission so their versions of truth is so tempered. Do not under any circumstance pay large deposits directly to Caravan Manufacturers, ensure it is lodged with a bank or solicitor - If the manufacturer cannot afford to build a caravan without your money - How could they possibly be trusted to comply with any Warranty obligations.
Experts on caravan Forums often have a specific "Donkey to Flog" so listen to their advices but you must temper the advice so given. Ask owners of caravans at camping sites and caravan parks as to what they would buy again and what they wouldn't.
We received notice this week that delivery of our new van has been pushed back another 4 weeks due covid affecting the supply of chassis, fridges and toilets. I'm guessing that whatever you order you will need to be prepared for a long wait and it will probably be a bit longer than what they tell you when you sign up. The other problem we are now going to have is selling our current van during a lockdown which by the way its looking could go on for months. Noel I am 5'11" and we have ordered a 6'4" Queen pillowtop mattress which was an option the standard size was a 6'2" pillow top queen, I think that they just add some sort of a bolster that makes it 2" longer.
BB
Hi BB.
I an a bit old school, at home we like to rotate our bed once a month, so it wears the bed out evenly.
In the caravan I can only flip it as of the sharpe at one end.
With a pillow top will you be able to rotate or flip?
I never thought of that but you are right Radar no flipping or rotating but maybe we will only use it for a fraction of the time that we would use the one at home. The one at home is also a pillow top and we can only rotate that one as well.
BB
Thanks Guru!
Oops - Possum
Might keep saving and get a new Goldstream pop top.
As indicated I won't be parting with any cash for well over a year.
I am really battling to just turn the mattress one end to the other. Its days are numbered,.
The van we will be selling is 21'6" with single beds and we think its a great layout in terms of the extra floor space for changing and also the extra storage areas but at 5'11" I am lucky to have an inch to spare and I reckon I would be struggling if I happened to be 6'. I'm sure there are other single bed vans that have longer beds but the Retreat has full height robes at the foot end and a front boot so it governed how long they could make them.
The new van we are waiting for is being built to order so we were able to change whatever we wanted, one thing we asked was to cut back the depth of the small dressers on either side of the queen bed to give us more room to get in and out and when making it..We also asked them to install triangular shaped cupboards against either wall at the foot end of the bed to make up for the lost storage.
BB.
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Monday 16th of August 2021 11:23:57 PM
I've got a good tip. So many discussions on forums about carrying bicycles but few remedies. If you order a caravan request a wide but not high hatch similar size to a boot hatch so you can store your bikes under your bed. Fold up bikes even better. A friend has a Toyota coaster long version with the side access door for wheelchairs and uses that to access under the bed for 2x folding bikes.
Tony
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Monday 16th of August 2021 11:47:49 PM
Hi Noel,
We are about to put our caravan on the market. A bit bigger then what you stated but here is a quick description:
Built: Golden Eagle - same as Paramount.
Size: Hitch to bumper 30 foot - about 23 inside
Dual Axle - tows safer then single. Less prone to tail wag
Built in 2014, has travelled 5000km. As new, all the fittings etc
are identical to what you would purchase now. Only difference is colour.
It is our own floor plan design. Very functional and roomy.
All included in the sale: hitch including WDH, front load washing machine, ropes, pegs, mats, cutlery etc.
All you need to do is load your clothes and food, decide on destination,
hitch up and go.
This is a VERY brief description of the van. Have many pictures.
Was purchased in 2014 for just under $100,000. We are asking around $60,000.
Regards,
Larry