After not having a van for 30 years, about to embark on a lot of touring around Australia again. Looking for recommendations for a smaller van for a single. One with a good size bed am towing it with a new Toyota Fortuner. Would like to keep it simple and reasonably lightweight. Would like it to be able to go on formed dirt roads. Budget $30,000.
Possum3 said
07:04 PM May 6, 2022
That price point puts you in the market for a second hand unit about 15 years old - I would be looking at small Corromal and Jayco pop-tops with combo toilet/shower.
Charlesontheroad said
07:56 PM May 6, 2022
Any particular model you would recommend
86GTS said
04:19 AM May 7, 2022
Possum3 wrote:
That price point puts you in the market for a second hand unit about 15 years old - I would be looking at small Corromal and Jayco pop-tops with combo toilet/shower.
With respect you should be able to do a fair bit better than that.
We have an 11 year old Avan Erin Mk2 17ft caravan in good condition because we've looked after it from new, its only worth around $22,000.
Possum3 said
07:50 AM May 7, 2022
Units with bathroom/ensuites are commanding around $10k more than units without those features
-- Edited by Possum3 on Saturday 7th of May 2022 07:50:57 AM
DMaxer said
08:40 AM May 7, 2022
Hi Charlesontheroad, welcome to the forum. I travel mostly solo and my van is just on 18 feet with a shower and toilet combo. I find this an easy van to tow behind my Isuzu as it weighs about 2.2 loaded up.
I know when I was looking to buy my van I travelled around my home state of NSW and also into Victoria and found that any van from a dealer was approximately 25% more than from a private sale. I guess you may get a warranty from a dealer but with a bit of looking about there are some good buys on the private market. Vans have been more expensive of late with supply delays but as the travel restrictions ease there will be more around and at better value.
My advice is don't buy too big, buy privately, get either the NRMA or a caravan repairer to look over it before purchase and be patient. Go for a drive within about 100km radius of your base especially around regional towns. There is usually a place where people park their cars and vans with a for sale sign showing. Be patient. Just remember how difficult it is to sell something when you are the seller. The price being asked is not what the seller expects to get.
You should get a pretty good van for the money you are spending.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Saturday 7th of May 2022 08:43:19 AM
Aus-Kiwi said
09:28 AM May 7, 2022
Often you can pick up a van or motorhome that has been
Owned by people that custom make things to suit them
keeping it modern also . Older is not necessarily rubbish ! I often amazed how well kept some are !! Weight would be one thing to keep in mind . Happy safe travels !!
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:02 AM May 7, 2022
The best caravan for a single is a campervan or smaller motorhome. :)
Cheers,
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
10:35 AM May 7, 2022
Have to agree with Pete . One unit is far better security etc .,
Buzz Lightbulb said
11:06 AM May 7, 2022
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
The best caravan for a single is a campervan or smaller motorhome. :) Cheers, Peter
Of you have a campervan or motorhome you might want to consider towing a very small vehicle for those times that you don't want to pack up the home to go sight seeing or to the shops. Something like the Toyota iRoad:
Peter_n_Margaret said
11:15 AM May 7, 2022
Buzz Lightbulb wrote:
Of you have a campervan or motorhome you might want to consider towing a very small vehicle for those times that you don't want to pack up the home to go sight seeing or to the shops. Something like the Toyota iRoad:
Unless the motorhome is excessively large, you will not need to tow anything.
Towing increases the cost and reduces the places you can go.
Cheers,
Peter
Moose2 said
12:45 PM May 7, 2022
For a single person a motorhome or campervan just makes so much more sense than towing a caravan.
DMaxer said
12:53 PM May 7, 2022
I guess it is just a personal choice. I find that I can park the caravan and then travel around in the 4WD without having to pack everything up. There have been times when I have placed the caravan in lock up storage and then taken off for a few weeks in the 4WD.
I like the freedom the 4WD gives me.
Gundog said
02:41 PM May 7, 2022
There is a big downside to a campervan or motorhome, is if stop for a period to discover the locality, you need to pack everything up if you want to go any where.
A decent full size caravan with Shower and Toilet with sufficient room to more around if the weather becomes a bit unfriendly. I'd say a minimum of 18 ft, for me thats too small ours is a 25 ftr and wouldnt purchase anything smaller, if I were buying another van.
Caravaning dosnt mean you have to give a bit of luxury.
msg said
04:54 PM May 7, 2022
How much room does one person need?
With only one person, you do do not need room to let another pass.
Sitting down watching TV doesn't take up a lot of space.
Having everything you need within 3 or 4 steps is great.
You do need room for a good large bed.
Sufficient space around you so you don't bang your knees and elbows.
Sufficient space to stand up normally to move around and not having to avoid banging your head.
Luxuries?
Decent size Bathroom. Once again needs to be big enough so you don't knock you elbows washing.
Air Conditioner, Fridge, Stove and sink. Microwave oven. Airconditioner. TV Sound system. Internet. Diesel Heater. Washing Machine.
Cupboard & Storage space.
Decent amount of onboard water and inbuilt grey water tanks.
fully self contained with solar energy. and lithium battery system.
Advantages:
Easy to pack up and move. Minutes only.
Can park in most ordinary size car parks.
Easy to drive. ergo Less stress.
Will handle most outback gravel roads.
Uses about 10ltrs/100ks diesel.
Travels at highway speeds safely
Disadvantages:
3 meters high. Need to be careful of overhangs and low bridges.
Limited storage space. Can't fit a generator or extra gas bottles. (only ever need to fill gas bottles at begining of a 3 month trip.) Everything runs on 12v solar except for the cooking burner.
Limited to 100ltrs fresh water and 80ltrs grey. Additional bottled water can be added.
Break downs can be a pain. But are so no matter what vehicle you drive. NRMA Complete care. They will provide accommodation and taxi to a certain amount if they can't get you going. Can also stay in Caravanpark or motel unit if necessary.
All this is possible in a vehicle (cargo van) 5.2mtrs long.
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:12 PM May 7, 2022
Gundog wrote: There is a big downside to a campervan or motorhome, is if stop for a period to discover the locality, you need to pack everything up if you want to go any where. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And that can take 3 minutes instead of half an hour. One of the major benefits of not towing anything.
And if you want to secure your spot, leave your free standing fly and mozie proof shade behind.
This one was big enough for 6 to sit around a large table to eat.
Yes. I prefer to be able to leave the caravan and just drive around in the car. I would find it irritating having to park a motorhome, but no doubt I could get used to it.
Bottom line=there really isn't a "best" that suits everyone....
I think the information about bathrooms costing more is accurate. There are a lot of vans without bathrooms, not as many with. You'll have more options if you choose not.
My last van was tiny, but I could fit a portapotti. Being alone, it wasn't an issue doing that, if you can do without a shower, or use a shower tent.
My "new" van is a Jurgens Sungazer. I think it ticks a couple of your boxes, it's very comfortable for one person, bathroom is fabulous, really good shower. You can convert the single beds to a double. It's not an off-road van though, so I wouldn't be jiggling it over a lot of dirt roads and they are going for more than your budget. Also, the manufacturer is in liquidation so spare parts in future might be an issue.
Buzz Lightbulb said
12:14 PM May 8, 2022
hufnpuf wrote:
DMaxer wrote:
I guess it is just a personal choice.
Yes. I prefer to be able to leave the caravan and just drive around in the car. I would find it irritating having to park a motorhome, but no doubt I could get used to it.
Bottom line=there really isn't a "best" that suits everyone....
I think the information about bathrooms costing more is accurate. There are a lot of vans without bathrooms, not as many with. You'll have more options if you choose not.
My last van was tiny, but I could fit a portapotti. Being alone, it wasn't an issue doing that, if you can do without a shower, or use a shower tent.
My "new" van is a Jurgens Sungazer. I think it ticks a couple of your boxes, it's very comfortable for one person, bathroom is fabulous, really good shower. You can convert the single beds to a double. It's not an off-road van though, so I wouldn't be jiggling it over a lot of dirt roads and they are going for more than your budget. Also, the manufacturer is in liquidation so spare parts in future might be an issue.
We have a 17' Poptop with ensuite. We (two people) find it large enough for us. I think the smallest MH or caravan that meets one's needs is good in that it's easier to handle, costs less fuel and is better for the environment.
Before COVID-19, we intended to ablute in the available facilities but we decided that using our own ensuite gave us less chance of catching COVID-19. So far so good.
Dougwe said
01:26 PM May 8, 2022
G'day Buzz,
For what it's worth, when I use public showers in a CVP I now spray undiluted Metho over door, handles, walls, taps, shower head and floor (only takes a minute), let rest for a minute while standing away due to fumes then happily use shower knowing it is safer than when I went in. I have also wiped down same areas with a Metho soaked disposable cloth before today as well. I use a disposable glove when doing it that way.
Sure makes me think what I showered in before Covid was invented. I have always worn thongs in public showers anyway.
I spose we could put on a HAZMAT suit.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 8th of May 2022 01:27:50 PM
Derek Barnes said
04:31 PM May 8, 2022
We love our 13 foot long Golf 390 pop top. Separate shower and toilet rooms, everything within easy reach, 140 litre fridge, 180 litres fresh water, 90 litre grey water tank, big queen size fold out bed, 240 watts solar on the roof with 180 Ah of battery power. Easy to tow at less than 2 tonnes and easy to park being so short. You dont need anything bigger! A single person could easily put it up. I dont know how much they cost second hand but every so often they come up on second hand caravan sale sites.
Charlesontheroad said
05:45 PM May 8, 2022
Thank you will check them out online.
oldbloke said
05:58 PM May 8, 2022
IMO a van is better, so you can drive about in the tug.
However, I've seen MHs with rechargeable electric bikes mounted on the rear. Seemed to me a very good idea. And they now have a pretty good range.
Buzz Lightbulb said
11:18 AM May 9, 2022
oldbloke wrote:
IMO a van is better, so you can drive about in the tug.
However, I've seen MHs with rechargeable electric bikes mounted on the rear. Seemed to me a very good idea. And they now have a pretty good range.
My only beef with bikes is that one gets sweet when it rains.
Warren-Pat_01 said
07:02 PM May 10, 2022
Charles, one suggestion I often make would be to visit a caravan park or two, walk around, observe & ask questions of owners that have something like you are looking for.
When we had our tent trailer, it was common for owners to share that sort of info - most people had different ways of overcoming issues.
Also have a look at the various manufacturers' forums.
TSR said
09:08 PM May 10, 2022
I just bought my first van. An Avan Ray 402 pop top. No ensuite but it came with a porta-potty, external shower and shower tent. It's light, tows well and has everything I need as a solo traveller. All I need to do now is get out of the driveway and go somewhere...
Aus-Kiwi said
09:45 AM May 11, 2022
A well designed camper trailer is another option ? I find them popular from central Aust and north . Due I guess to distance traveling and warmer climate ? A single would hardly need to put annex out if stopping overnight or short time ?? Theres so many options, lifestyles!
Hylife said
09:48 PM May 30, 2022
The Fortuner is quite a formidable 4x4 tow rig. Basically a Hilux with a wagon body instead of a ute tray.
I have towed my near 3 ton van (see avatar on left) with mine for 4 years over 100,00km and it performs admirably.
Prior to this van I towed a 1,500kg 16 foot Jayco poptop (1996 Westport) with modified suspension (rotated drop axle (4 inch lift) and upgraded leaves and shockers fitted) over the Birdsville Tk, the Gibb R Rd, the Old Savannah Way from Roper to Normanton, and to the tip of Cape York and back, as well as a half lap up the middle and then around WA and back to Vic.
Handled brilliantly. (busted U-bolt only drama whilst we owned her)
You can pick them up still, or the later version (Freedom) for $15-20K
-- Edited by Hylife on Monday 30th of May 2022 09:53:28 PM
After not having a van for 30 years, about to embark on a lot of touring around Australia again. Looking for recommendations for a smaller van for a single. One with a good size bed am towing it with a new Toyota Fortuner. Would like to keep it simple and reasonably lightweight. Would like it to be able to go on formed dirt roads. Budget $30,000.
Any particular model you would recommend
With respect you should be able to do a fair bit better than that.
We have an 11 year old Avan Erin Mk2 17ft caravan in good condition because we've looked after it from new, its only worth around $22,000.
Units with bathroom/ensuites are commanding around $10k more than units without those features
Try searching at New & Used Caravans, Campers, Motorhomes & RVs - caravancampingsales.com.au
-- Edited by Possum3 on Saturday 7th of May 2022 07:50:57 AM
Hi Charlesontheroad, welcome to the forum. I travel mostly solo and my van is just on 18 feet with a shower and toilet combo. I find this an easy van to tow behind my Isuzu as it weighs about 2.2 loaded up.
I know when I was looking to buy my van I travelled around my home state of NSW and also into Victoria and found that any van from a dealer was approximately 25% more than from a private sale. I guess you may get a warranty from a dealer but with a bit of looking about there are some good buys on the private market. Vans have been more expensive of late with supply delays but as the travel restrictions ease there will be more around and at better value.
My advice is don't buy too big, buy privately, get either the NRMA or a caravan repairer to look over it before purchase and be patient. Go for a drive within about 100km radius of your base especially around regional towns. There is usually a place where people park their cars and vans with a for sale sign showing. Be patient. Just remember how difficult it is to sell something when you are the seller. The price being asked is not what the seller expects to get.
You should get a pretty good van for the money you are spending.
-- Edited by DMaxer on Saturday 7th of May 2022 08:43:19 AM
Owned by people that custom make things to suit them
keeping it modern also . Older is not necessarily rubbish ! I often amazed how well kept some are !! Weight would be one thing to keep in mind . Happy safe travels !!
Cheers,
Peter
Of you have a campervan or motorhome you might want to consider towing a very small vehicle for those times that you don't want to pack up the home to go sight seeing or to the shops. Something like the Toyota iRoad:
Unless the motorhome is excessively large, you will not need to tow anything.
Towing increases the cost and reduces the places you can go.
Cheers,
Peter
I guess it is just a personal choice. I find that I can park the caravan and then travel around in the 4WD without having to pack everything up. There have been times when I have placed the caravan in lock up storage and then taken off for a few weeks in the 4WD.
I like the freedom the 4WD gives me.
There is a big downside to a campervan or motorhome, is if stop for a period to discover the locality, you need to pack everything up if you want to go any where.
A decent full size caravan with Shower and Toilet with sufficient room to more around if the weather becomes a bit unfriendly. I'd say a minimum of 18 ft, for me thats too small ours is a 25 ftr and wouldnt purchase anything smaller, if I were buying another van.
Caravaning dosnt mean you have to give a bit of luxury.
How much room does one person need?
With only one person, you do do not need room to let another pass.
Sitting down watching TV doesn't take up a lot of space.
Having everything you need within 3 or 4 steps is great.
You do need room for a good large bed.
Sufficient space around you so you don't bang your knees and elbows.
Sufficient space to stand up normally to move around and not having to avoid banging your head.
Luxuries?
Decent size Bathroom. Once again needs to be big enough so you don't knock you elbows washing.
Air Conditioner, Fridge, Stove and sink. Microwave oven. Airconditioner. TV Sound system. Internet. Diesel Heater. Washing Machine.
Cupboard & Storage space.
Decent amount of onboard water and inbuilt grey water tanks.
fully self contained with solar energy. and lithium battery system.
Advantages:
Easy to pack up and move. Minutes only.
Can park in most ordinary size car parks.
Easy to drive. ergo Less stress.
Will handle most outback gravel roads.
Uses about 10ltrs/100ks diesel.
Travels at highway speeds safely
Disadvantages:
3 meters high. Need to be careful of overhangs and low bridges.
Limited storage space. Can't fit a generator or extra gas bottles. (only ever need to fill gas bottles at begining of a 3 month trip.) Everything runs on 12v solar except for the cooking burner.
Limited to 100ltrs fresh water and 80ltrs grey. Additional bottled water can be added.
Break downs can be a pain. But are so no matter what vehicle you drive. NRMA Complete care. They will provide accommodation and taxi to a certain amount if they can't get you going. Can also stay in Caravanpark or motel unit if necessary.
All this is possible in a vehicle (cargo van) 5.2mtrs long.
Gundog wrote:
There is a big downside to a campervan or motorhome, is if stop for a period to discover the locality, you need to pack everything up if you want to go any where.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And that can take 3 minutes instead of half an hour. One of the major benefits of not towing anything.
And if you want to secure your spot, leave your free standing fly and mozie proof shade behind.
This one was big enough for 6 to sit around a large table to eat.
Cheaper and more versatile than an anex.
Cheers,
Peter
Yes. I prefer to be able to leave the caravan and just drive around in the car. I would find it irritating having to park a motorhome, but no doubt I could get used to it.
Bottom line=there really isn't a "best" that suits everyone....
I think the information about bathrooms costing more is accurate. There are a lot of vans without bathrooms, not as many with. You'll have more options if you choose not.
My last van was tiny, but I could fit a portapotti. Being alone, it wasn't an issue doing that, if you can do without a shower, or use a shower tent.
My "new" van is a Jurgens Sungazer. I think it ticks a couple of your boxes, it's very comfortable for one person, bathroom is fabulous, really good shower. You can convert the single beds to a double. It's not an off-road van though, so I wouldn't be jiggling it over a lot of dirt roads and they are going for more than your budget. Also, the manufacturer is in liquidation so spare parts in future might be an issue.
We have a 17' Poptop with ensuite. We (two people) find it large enough for us. I think the smallest MH or caravan that meets one's needs is good in that it's easier to handle, costs less fuel and is better for the environment.
Before COVID-19, we intended to ablute in the available facilities but we decided that using our own ensuite gave us less chance of catching COVID-19. So far so good.
G'day Buzz,
For what it's worth, when I use public showers in a CVP I now spray undiluted Metho over door, handles, walls, taps, shower head and floor (only takes a minute), let rest for a minute while standing away due to fumes then happily use shower knowing it is safer than when I went in. I have also wiped down same areas with a Metho soaked disposable cloth before today as well. I use a disposable glove when doing it that way.
Sure makes me think what I showered in before Covid was invented. I have always worn thongs in public showers anyway.
I spose we could put on a HAZMAT suit.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 8th of May 2022 01:27:50 PM
We love our 13 foot long Golf 390 pop top. Separate shower and toilet rooms, everything within easy reach, 140 litre fridge, 180 litres fresh water, 90 litre grey water tank, big queen size fold out bed, 240 watts solar on the roof with 180 Ah of battery power. Easy to tow at less than 2 tonnes and easy to park being so short. You dont need anything bigger! A single person could easily put it up. I dont know how much they cost second hand but every so often they come up on second hand caravan sale sites.
Thank you will check them out online.
However, I've seen MHs with rechargeable electric bikes mounted on the rear. Seemed to me a very good idea. And they now have a pretty good range.
My only beef with bikes is that one gets sweet when it rains.
When we had our tent trailer, it was common for owners to share that sort of info - most people had different ways of overcoming issues.
Also have a look at the various manufacturers' forums.
I just bought my first van. An Avan Ray 402 pop top. No ensuite but it came with a porta-potty, external shower and shower tent. It's light, tows well and has everything I need as a solo traveller. All I need to do now is get out of the driveway and go somewhere...
The Fortuner is quite a formidable 4x4 tow rig. Basically a Hilux with a wagon body instead of a ute tray.
I have towed my near 3 ton van (see avatar on left) with mine for 4 years over 100,00km and it performs admirably.
Prior to this van I towed a 1,500kg 16 foot Jayco poptop (1996 Westport) with modified suspension (rotated drop axle (4 inch lift) and upgraded leaves and shockers fitted) over the Birdsville Tk, the Gibb R Rd, the Old Savannah Way from Roper to Normanton, and to the tip of Cape York and back, as well as a half lap up the middle and then around WA and back to Vic.
Handled brilliantly. (busted U-bolt only drama whilst we owned her)
You can pick them up still, or the later version (Freedom) for $15-20K
-- Edited by Hylife on Monday 30th of May 2022 09:53:28 PM