Hi all! We are still working but hope to be Grey Nomads by the end of the year. Where/how do we start? We know we want a caravan (not a motorhome) - what brand is the best?  We have a vehicle that can tow a 19' van (we've already sussed this out and bought accordingly) what is the best/workable layout (front kitchen - island bed / a converter lounge?   Bathroom - washing machine - do you need one or can you cope without one? Cooking utensils - what's the most useful thing to have?
Any tips - hints -  would be most appreciated - we don't want to get to the end of the year and be "flying blind"

Welcome to the forum! Your best bet would be to spend hours sifting through the topics here and read any that are of interest to you, taking care to ignore most of mine as they are considered frivolous yet entertaining.....
We could answer specific questions easily LOL....
This forum is certainly the fount of Grey Nomad knowledge...

Welcome and have lots of fun. Firstly, if you're disagreeing about anything, regroup and reconsider your needs. Most vital is to have a vehicle which will tow the van you choose to live in. Not the other way around. If you're going to live in a van full time, space and comfort are your priorities, and an awning or annexe is essential for shade, shelter, socialising and storage. Unless you're paranoid about washing in public laundries in parks and towns, a machine takes up a lot of usable storage space in the van. Many hand wash as the clothes don't get filthy, just sweaty and worn. Storage space is a priority. Once again, depending on personal choice, a shower and toilet can be very handy, especially at night or if the park is packed. I find an island bed much more user-friendly for 2 people. Couches waste valuable storage space. If you want to lie down use the bed or go out in the annexe on your favourite camp reclining chair. There is a huge storage space under the bed in most vans, the boot holds hardware, and some vans have a locker under the front across the full width of the van. Flashest, most expensive is not always the most suitable. It's a matter of need vs want. Decor can be changed so if you find a van with your preferred layout the curtains and bed spread can be changed. Rear door and kitchen is my fave layout. My current van has L shaped lounge by table mid-van. I prefer cafe' style dining, but it's not a biggy. I'm a solo nomad, towing my 10 year old 20 foot Roma with a land cruiser. I live where I'm parked and don't have a "base" home. So storage and minimalism is a priority. I could make space for a "travel partner" if the need arose. (Read profile). These are the things I look for in a rig, and I'm a very practical, no frills person. I'm sure you will get more advice than you actually asked for, so choose what you want and leave the rest. What suits one will not suit the other. Just have fun doing it. Watch others. Stay a weekend in a van park in a cabin and go around and have a look at how others do it. Caravan shows are not the best place to decide, only to look at all the options available. A salesman doesn't know what you need. Keep us posted, and never be afraid to ask questions. We all do what suits us best. Safe and happy travels and stay upright. Cheers Granny

Thanks - I'm looking for to meeting entertaining characters

Thanks - I am already trying to read everything about it to be prepared - I am also a "no frills practical person" We will go away for weekends at first but you have to get it right before then as its too late after you buy the van. We are probably going to be like you and not have a base as we don't own a home.

Hi.......I dont have a Van I have a CamperTrailer........so I cant help you there....Granny gave a lot of great advice....other things to consider.when purchasing one.....is same as I did when purchacing my CT was ...where you planning to go...example....Ok.you got a 4x4 vehicle........are you sticking to the black top.....or maybe you like to go bush.....up north..etc.....perhaps you should consider a off-road caravan..they are stronger built.......more ground clearence...etc..also..if you do....remember you will need power...be it solar or generator......batterys..etc..plus bigger water tank... just few things to consider.....happy hunting.. Dave

Welcome to the forum first of. We bought our caravan last July, and while we were looking met a lovely couple who gave us some food for thought. So on thinking about what she said our van we chose had a side kitchen. She told me a friend of thiers was cooking in the front kitchen in thier van and stepped back to do whatever it was I can't remember. Well she had the hot frying pan in her hand and fell down the stairs burning herself in the process and injuring her ankle too. Just a little thing but to me it was important enough to choose a van with a side kitchen. Cheers Ell

On the topic of kitchens; for a better weight distribution, and to reduce the "dumbell" effect, heavy things need to be located over the axles.
This is why many prefer the galley, especially the fridge, to be in the centre of the rig, with the bias towards the off-side wheels to compensate slightly for the tilt of the van on highly cambered roads.

Thank you - I suppose I shouldn't reply to everyone as they respond - although I'd like to! It will make the thread very long .
Now that's the info I need! I like the kitchen at the front but didn't think about the weight or the proximity to the door!
Thanks guys!

welcome to the forum the kitchen at the front will not affect the balance of the van nor the position of the fridge as it is compensated for in other areas such as the water container is shifted slightly back or forward, the cabinets may be repositioned the manufacturers are acutely aware of the balance of the van before sale, it is ilegal and highly dangerous to sell a van that is "unbalanced" at manufacture, it is all computer designed and weight distribution accounted for before manufacture begins I have toured a couple of factorys and seen the process first hand, very interesting the falling out the door would be a problem and one that I hadnt heard of before, mostly the layout of the van is a personal choice, you will see the one that was built for you and imediately fall in love with it I love the island bed especially if there are two, a good relaxation area inside is a must as well for those wet windy yucky days, try to envisage yourself living in the thing and doing the daily chores