Hi, we are new to this, and are starting to look at different rigs, and what they have to offer. Have seen and was impressed by a van made by JB Caravans, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with these vans. The one we liked had all the items that were on our list, and the price appeared reasonable. Appreciate any comments.
Dougwe said
01:23 AM May 30, 2012
welcome from me Countrytech, enjoy here and out there.
I reckon if it ticks all your boxes and you are happy with it and it is in good nick, don't hang around too long cos it might go else where.
Oh, just be careful of wombat holes when moving around this site.
brickies said
01:58 AM May 30, 2012
I don't know what a wombat holes has got to do with a Newbie 1 st post , Welcome Countrytech you are doing the right thing by having a list of needs and try to meet all your wants , everybody thinks their rig is the best we all like different thing take your time and get it right do google search for info on brand name
dazren said
01:59 AM May 30, 2012
And another big welcome fro me to countrytech,
You are doing the right thing by asking, However don't get bogged down with the hunting, buying a Van is like buying a mobile phone deal, in other words a complete, confusing, bl--dy nightmare, I looked at heaps of them and only got confused, until I said to the Mrs, thats it !! we are going to buy the next ''well known brand of van '' that meets are requirements.
which we did and have been very happy, after about 7 trips so far, it's a 19ft Lotus Sprint full ensuite, So the only advice i can give is stick to thewell known established brands, with a good reputation for after sales service.
So good luck with your hunt, it will work out, and you will be happy. dazren
PS. I agree with the warning that Dougwe gave you, BEWARE of the Wombat holes, ???????
Countrytech said
03:08 PM May 30, 2012
Thanks for the welcome, from you all.
Your advice is appreciated, and I'll watch out for the Wombat holes. I guess they will be obvious if one appears.
Dougwe said
07:32 PM May 30, 2012
You will not miss them (him) Countrytech.
briggspc said
08:49 PM May 30, 2012
Warm welcome Countrytech, are you after NEW or SECOND HAND?
Countrytech said
11:18 PM May 30, 2012
We would prefer new, because when looking around there does not seem to be much difference in price for vans up to 3 years old. An ensuite is on the list, as well as no second lounge area, as there are only two of us. I have been advised to go for a 6in A frame ( for a 19ft ) and a mid entry, which puts the wheels further back.
We are at the 'serious' looking stage, and certainly do welcome any assistance. Our plan is to use free camps where possible, on our way round.
neilnruth said
03:30 AM May 31, 2012
Welcome Countrytech. Happy choosing. We bought a second hand old van so can't help you, sorry.
briggspc said
04:31 AM May 31, 2012
Ok! yes new can be good if you have the money and we were in the same boat as you, depends on the tug you are going to pull it with but we fell in love with a 24 ft Jayco Westport and every one that we have come across have told us (what a great van)They don,t make them like that any more,
We are very happy as its got the lot, we still look at the new ones and must say they are nice
Countrytech said
05:02 AM May 31, 2012
Yes I guess that new is first choice, but comes down to the cost. We have a Triton so are limited to 2.5 t. Something around the 18 to 20ft is desired.
brickies said
03:19 PM May 31, 2012
Take your time get it right the first time , We went for new had to wait 4 month for the build the wait was worth it we have what we wanted
deb-gary said
06:49 PM May 31, 2012
it is an individual choice but we have ordered an On The Move Tornado from nambour in qld .we did a lot of looking and question asking and we are very happy with choice it is approx 19'6 with an ensuite air cond and plenty of other extras build quality is excellent has plenty of extras(some we added) cost was 55500 feel free to ask any questions cheers and good luck!!
Cupie said
07:58 PM May 31, 2012
briggspc wrote:
Ok! yes new can be good if you have the money and we were in the same boat as you, depends on the tug you are going to pull it with but we fell in love with a 24 ft Jayco Westport and every one that we have come across have told us (what a great van)They don,t make them like that any more,
We are very happy as its got the lot, we still look at the new ones and must say they are nice
Ditto from us & our 21'6" Wesport. Travelled >180,000km & still going well on all original running gear & breaks (except tyres of course).
Oh yes .. warm welcome CountryTech .. is that perchance a 'Telstra Country Tech'
deb-gary said
09:49 PM May 31, 2012
my mistake the caravn we have ordered is an Option rv Tornado
Countrytech said
12:55 AM Jun 1, 2012
Hi Cupie No not Telstra but a tech with copiers/printers
Its great to get this info and we will certainly take the advice to try to get it right the first time. Even if it means waiting not too long though
pricey43 said
01:59 AM Jun 1, 2012
Hi Countrytech,
We are currently waiting on delivery of our new Retreat Hamilton.
I suggest that as you think of, or are told about, something to have in your van, right it on a list. When it comes to ordering your van it is very hard to remember everything.
We came back from our second visit to the factory yesterday and still came up with, ' I forgot to ask about'.
This is our third van and we have been researching for 3 years before we made our decision.
Hi, we are new to this, and are starting to look at different rigs, and what they have to offer. Have seen and was impressed by a van made by JB Caravans, and am wondering if anyone has any experience with these vans. The one we liked had all the items that were on our list, and the price appeared reasonable. Appreciate any comments.
welcome from me Countrytech, enjoy here and out there.

I reckon if it ticks all your boxes and you are happy with it and it is in good nick, don't hang around too long cos it might go else where.
Oh, just be careful of wombat holes when moving around this site.
And another big welcome fro me to countrytech,
You are doing the right thing by asking, However don't get bogged down with the hunting, buying a Van is like buying a mobile phone deal, in other words a complete, confusing, bl--dy nightmare, I looked at heaps of them and only got confused, until I said to the Mrs, thats it !! we are going to buy the next ''well known brand of van '' that meets are requirements.
which we did and have been very happy, after about 7 trips so far, it's a 19ft Lotus Sprint full ensuite, So the only advice i can give is stick to the well known established brands, with a good reputation for after sales service.
So good luck with your hunt, it will work out, and you will be happy. dazren
PS. I agree with the warning that Dougwe gave you, BEWARE of the Wombat holes, ???????
Your advice is appreciated, and I'll watch out for the Wombat holes.
I guess they will be obvious if one appears.
You will not miss them (him) Countrytech.

I have been advised to go for a 6in A frame ( for a 19ft ) and a mid entry, which puts the wheels further back.
We are at the 'serious' looking stage, and certainly do welcome any assistance. Our plan is to use free camps where possible, on our way round.
Ok! yes new can be good if you have the money and we were in the same boat as you, depends on the tug you are going to pull it with but we fell in love with a 24 ft Jayco Westport and every one that we have come across have told us (what a great van)They don,t make them like that any more,
We are very happy as its got the lot, we still look at the new ones and must say they are nice
Something around the 18 to 20ft is desired.
it is an individual choice but we have ordered an On The Move Tornado from nambour in qld .we did a lot of looking and question asking and we are very happy with choice it is approx 19'6 with an ensuite air cond and plenty of other extras build quality is excellent has plenty of extras(some we added) cost was 55500 feel free to ask any questions cheers and good luck!!
Ditto from us & our 21'6" Wesport. Travelled >180,000km & still going well on all original running gear & breaks (except tyres of course).
Oh yes .. warm welcome CountryTech .. is that perchance a 'Telstra Country Tech'
Its great to get this info and we will certainly take the advice to try to get it right the first time.
Even if it means waiting not too long though
Hi Countrytech,
We are currently waiting on delivery of our new Retreat Hamilton.
I suggest that as you think of, or are told about, something to have in your van, right it on a list. When it comes to ordering your van it is very hard to remember everything.
We came back from our second visit to the factory yesterday and still came up with, ' I forgot to ask about'.
This is our third van and we have been researching for 3 years before we made our decision.
Happy Researching.