I've read some very useful posts on the topic, but a lot were a few years old and maybe some things have changed.
I'd really value some advice from members here, as Pat and I are very new to this.
Like totally new!
Perhaps if I outline what we are looking for, you could take shots at my logic or thinking?
Which would be really helpful
We recently hired a 2 berth Campervan to see if we liked the whole travel with your house thing.
We did! 10 days Sydney - Brisbane - Bourke - Sydney
Even the toilet dumping duties were easier and cleaner than I expected! (Cassette toilet)
Planned Use
Day trips and long weekends out of Sydney.
Maybe 4 or 5 times a year 7-10 day trips further afield.
Just the 2 of us. No 'big trip' or anything at this stage.
We be mainly on sealed roads, but a few kms on 'good' dirt roads here and there.
Can't see us ever driving where a 4WD would be needed!
What we liked about the Campervan?
It was a 2 berth Fiat Ducato.
Loved the permanent bed and small dinette, no need for bed converting each day.
Shower, toilet, kitchen, aircon.......everything was just what we needed.
The 'walk through' from the cab was a huge plus. As it rained a lot.
Really liked the size. Perfect for us.
Able to pull into the Coles carpark, park in a car spot, to pick up supplies.
For us at least, I think a larger 'motorhome' would be a real disadvantage.
We didn't feel we needed more space anyway.
Though the other way, a Toyota Hiace would be too small.
Budget.
I'm reluctant to buy a new van.
Firstly we can't really spare the cash, and secondly, it is likely to be parked on the street.
I just figured I might be less upset if an older van got damaged in some way!
We are looking at ex rental vans, but hard to find anything under $80k.
These tend to be KEA Nomad 2+1 ex rentals. 2017/18 models.
Are the high prices due to the market demand during Covid?
Or have they always held their price well?
It would be nice to find something, a bit older maybe, in the 50-60k range.
Perhaps I'm dreaming?
Maker/Brand?
I really liked the Fiat we rented, but I read a lot here about.......
Cost of maintenance / spares?
Front wheel drive not being good.
Though we drove on really steep roads (wet concrete 30% slope) and sodden grass in the pouring rain just prior to the floods, and it performed really well.
The switches for traction control, and hill climbing seemed very effective.
The other obvious choice is the Mercedes Sprinter variants.
I like the KEA layout 2+1, it's rear wheel drive, has a dinette, and so we could make the aft double bunk 'permanent'.
These two seem to be the most popular chassis.
Though I see a few VW, Fords and others.
I'm probably going more on the layout though, rather than the 'van' underneath it.
Hence the Fiat (Sandpiper) and Mercedes (Nomad) factory layouts.
We really like these layouts
I've looked at lots of DIY conversions, and some look amazing, but I'd rather go for a factory conversion I think.
Some of the DIY ones might have really suited the owners, but not a broader market perhaps.
Like no shower/toilet?
Choice.
So our logical choice, seems to be heading towards a factory conversion (ex rental) Mercedes Nomad.
Unless the wise members here think that the Fiat Ducato is still worth a look?
I'm yet to try the Mercedes but will rent one soon to try it out.
Any feedback or advice would be gratefully received.
Rob and Pat
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:26 PM May 9, 2022
In the size you are considering, I suggest the Mercedes would also be my pick.
Ex rental will get you on the road at reasonable price with something that works, but the conversions tend to be relatively heavy (= cheaper) as water and luggage capacity is a secondary concern, as is the total life of the conversion. Check the tare weights and maximum axle and GVM weights very carefully. You could probably do better with a non ex rental.
Cheers,
Peter
86GTS said
07:34 PM May 9, 2022
We hired a Kea in 2019 for 25 days, it was a nice unit.
We particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz diesel.
It was relatively new, but despite its newness it had been used & abused.
We've looked at changing from towing a caravan to buying an ex rental but feel that they are not good value.
They also have to be connected to a 240V power source every few days which is a restriction to where you can go.
IanSch said
07:03 AM May 10, 2022
We have a Mercedes camper from Trakka. I was a bit concerned that the batteries would not last for more than a couple of days before needing to be recharged if the weather was bad and the solar did not get a chance. Trakka advised that if this was to happen then just run the vehicle at idle for a half hour and the batteries would recharge. I was unsure if this was good idea so I asked Mercedes if it was. Their answer was that no harm would be done if it was for the half hour i.e. the engine was up to running temperature. I have used the option once in the six years I have had the van. We were at Lake Lascalles in wet weather and the batteries went low. I ran the engine at idle and all was great again. Normally I can get three or four days use from my set up before they need a recharge. Note we do not have gas as I opted for diesel cooking. So fridge runs on 12V when we are camped.
RoboLB said
11:04 AM May 10, 2022
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
In the size you are considering, I suggest the Mercedes would also be my pick. Ex rental will get you on the road at reasonable price with something that works, but the conversions tend to be relatively heavy (= cheaper) as water and luggage capacity is a secondary concern, as is the total life of the conversion. Check the tare weights and maximum axle and GVM weights very carefully. You could probably do better with a non ex rental. Cheers, Peter
Good points Peter. many thanks.
I might look at some non ex rental.
Though I'm tending to avoid DIY conversions.
RoboLB said
11:12 AM May 10, 2022
86GTS wrote:
We hired a Kea in 2019 for 25 days, it was a nice unit. We particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz diesel. It was relatively new, but despite its newness it had been used & abused. We've looked at changing from towing a caravan to buying an ex rental but feel that they are not good value. They also have to be connected to a 240V power source every few days which is a restriction to where you can go.
I think we were lucky with our rental. it was almost new.
But I always worry we'll get a ragged one!
I actually bought a small generator (2.5kva) so we could stay off grid. That worked well.
Wouldn't it be the same wit a caravan though? Having to be hooked up to power every few days? (if no generator) Or maybe you have lots of solar?
But glad to hear you liked the Benz. We'll have to try one.
RoboLB said
11:16 AM May 10, 2022
IanSch wrote:
We have a Mercedes camper from Trakka. I was a bit concerned that the batteries would not last for more than a couple of days before needing to be recharged if the weather was bad and the solar did not get a chance. Trakka advised that if this was to happen then just run the vehicle at idle for a half hour and the batteries would recharge. I was unsure if this was good idea so I asked Mercedes if it was. Their answer was that no harm would be done if it was for the half hour i.e. the engine was up to running temperature. I have used the option once in the six years I have had the van. We were at Lake Lascalles in wet weather and the batteries went low. I ran the engine at idle and all was great again. Normally I can get three or four days use from my set up before they need a recharge. Note we do not have gas as I opted for diesel cooking. So fridge runs on 12V when we are camped.
Nice to hear, thanks. I might look at a Trakka.
As previously mentioned we took a small genset. Though didn't need it much as we hooked up to power every 2-3 days.
I would definitely keep that as a backup, though 'neighbours' on non powered sites might not be impressed with a genset running too long. THough it is really quiet.
If we manage to buy our own campervan, I'll certainly look at adding extra solar.
Geeco said
05:27 PM May 10, 2022
You appear to be on the right track I believe layout is the most important point to consider. For the amount of use you have indicated a used vehicle would make financial sense. The market at present is "pricecrazy" due to a shortage of new vehicles. As a result the prices have gone through the roof. My motorhome has increased in price by $40k, that is close to gouging. End result is you will pay more. My suggestion is to try & buy a non rental example as most exrentals have not been treated kindly.
msg said
08:19 PM May 10, 2022
My experience with an ex rental.
I purchased a three yr old KEA ex rental in 2011 with about 80,000 kms on the clock. Its a Ford Transit.
120,000 ks later, I've had no issues. Its never let me down. Exceptionally low maintenance costs. I've worn out tyres but never even blown out or had a flat one. Haven't needed NRMA Complete care roadside assistance. Though will keep it up.
Bit ragged? Don't think so.
We've completed the big lap and visited some of the most remote parts of Australia. Lots of dirt roads.
I have increased my solar from the original specs. I don't need a generator and can park up for long periods. or as long as my water tanks last. The solar just keeps going.
You don't need another means of transport. Trust me. I've managed without for ten years.
You can literally, just stow all the loose items inside, turn off the gas and go.
-- Edited by msg on Tuesday 10th of May 2022 08:24:06 PM
RoboLB said
06:21 PM May 18, 2022
86GTS wrote:
We hired a Kea in 2019 for 25 days, it was a nice unit. We particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz diesel. It was relatively new, but despite its newness it had been used & abused. We've looked at changing from towing a caravan to buying an ex rental but feel that they are not good value. They also have to be connected to a 240V power source every few days which is a restriction to where you can go.
Yes the connecting to power every few days might be an issue.
But isn't that an issue with a Caravan too?
RoboLB said
06:22 PM May 18, 2022
Geeco wrote:
You appear to be on the right track I believe layout is the most important point to consider. For the amount of use you have indicated a used vehicle would make financial sense. The market at present is "pricecrazy" due to a shortage of new vehicles. As a result the prices have gone through the roof. My motorhome has increased in price by $40k, that is close to gouging. End result is you will pay more. My suggestion is to try & buy a non rental example as most exrentals have not been treated kindly.
I've read some very useful posts on the topic, but a lot were a few years old and maybe some things have changed.
I'd really value some advice from members here, as Pat and I are very new to this.
Like totally new!
Perhaps if I outline what we are looking for, you could take shots at my logic or thinking?
Which would be really helpful
We recently hired a 2 berth Campervan to see if we liked the whole travel with your house thing.
We did! 10 days Sydney - Brisbane - Bourke - Sydney
Even the toilet dumping duties were easier and cleaner than I expected! (Cassette toilet)
Planned Use
Day trips and long weekends out of Sydney.
Maybe 4 or 5 times a year 7-10 day trips further afield.
Just the 2 of us. No 'big trip' or anything at this stage.
We be mainly on sealed roads, but a few kms on 'good' dirt roads here and there.
Can't see us ever driving where a 4WD would be needed!
What we liked about the Campervan?
It was a 2 berth Fiat Ducato.
Loved the permanent bed and small dinette, no need for bed converting each day.
Shower, toilet, kitchen, aircon.......everything was just what we needed.
The 'walk through' from the cab was a huge plus. As it rained a lot.
Really liked the size. Perfect for us.
Able to pull into the Coles carpark, park in a car spot, to pick up supplies.
For us at least, I think a larger 'motorhome' would be a real disadvantage.
We didn't feel we needed more space anyway.
Though the other way, a Toyota Hiace would be too small.
Budget.
I'm reluctant to buy a new van.
Firstly we can't really spare the cash, and secondly, it is likely to be parked on the street.
I just figured I might be less upset if an older van got damaged in some way!
We are looking at ex rental vans, but hard to find anything under $80k.
These tend to be KEA Nomad 2+1 ex rentals. 2017/18 models.
Are the high prices due to the market demand during Covid?
Or have they always held their price well?
It would be nice to find something, a bit older maybe, in the 50-60k range.
Perhaps I'm dreaming?
Maker/Brand?
I really liked the Fiat we rented, but I read a lot here about.......
Cost of maintenance / spares?
Front wheel drive not being good.
Though we drove on really steep roads (wet concrete 30% slope) and sodden grass in the pouring rain just prior to the floods, and it performed really well.
The switches for traction control, and hill climbing seemed very effective.
The other obvious choice is the Mercedes Sprinter variants.
I like the KEA layout 2+1, it's rear wheel drive, has a dinette, and so we could make the aft double bunk 'permanent'.
These two seem to be the most popular chassis.
Though I see a few VW, Fords and others.
I'm probably going more on the layout though, rather than the 'van' underneath it.
Hence the Fiat (Sandpiper) and Mercedes (Nomad) factory layouts.
We really like these layouts
I've looked at lots of DIY conversions, and some look amazing, but I'd rather go for a factory conversion I think.
Some of the DIY ones might have really suited the owners, but not a broader market perhaps.
Like no shower/toilet?
Choice.
So our logical choice, seems to be heading towards a factory conversion (ex rental) Mercedes Nomad.
Unless the wise members here think that the Fiat Ducato is still worth a look?
I'm yet to try the Mercedes but will rent one soon to try it out.
Any feedback or advice would be gratefully received.
Rob and Pat
Ex rental will get you on the road at reasonable price with something that works, but the conversions tend to be relatively heavy (= cheaper) as water and luggage capacity is a secondary concern, as is the total life of the conversion. Check the tare weights and maximum axle and GVM weights very carefully. You could probably do better with a non ex rental.
Cheers,
Peter
We particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz diesel.
It was relatively new, but despite its newness it had been used & abused.
We've looked at changing from towing a caravan to buying an ex rental but feel that they are not good value.
They also have to be connected to a 240V power source every few days which is a restriction to where you can go.
Good points Peter. many thanks.
I might look at some non ex rental.
Though I'm tending to avoid DIY conversions.
I think we were lucky with our rental. it was almost new.
But I always worry we'll get a ragged one!
I actually bought a small generator (2.5kva) so we could stay off grid. That worked well.
Wouldn't it be the same wit a caravan though? Having to be hooked up to power every few days? (if no generator) Or maybe you have lots of solar?
But glad to hear you liked the Benz. We'll have to try one.
Nice to hear, thanks. I might look at a Trakka.
As previously mentioned we took a small genset. Though didn't need it much as we hooked up to power every 2-3 days.
I would definitely keep that as a backup, though 'neighbours' on non powered sites might not be impressed with a genset running too long. THough it is really quiet.
If we manage to buy our own campervan, I'll certainly look at adding extra solar.
My experience with an ex rental.
I purchased a three yr old KEA ex rental in 2011 with about 80,000 kms on the clock. Its a Ford Transit.
120,000 ks later, I've had no issues. Its never let me down. Exceptionally low maintenance costs. I've worn out tyres but never even blown out or had a flat one. Haven't needed NRMA Complete care roadside assistance. Though will keep it up.
Bit ragged? Don't think so.
We've completed the big lap and visited some of the most remote parts of Australia. Lots of dirt roads.
I have increased my solar from the original specs. I don't need a generator and can park up for long periods. or as long as my water tanks last. The solar just keeps going.
You don't need another means of transport. Trust me. I've managed without for ten years.
You can literally, just stow all the loose items inside, turn off the gas and go.
-- Edited by msg on Tuesday 10th of May 2022 08:24:06 PM
Yes the connecting to power every few days might be an issue.
But isn't that an issue with a Caravan too?
Good advice, thank you.