Beth I hope you didn't misinterpret my previous post! I was actually pre-empting those who come out with statements like "wouldn't touch a (insert name of vehicle) with a barge pole" or "(insert name of vehicle) is the only way to go"
cheers,
Jim
No, not at all Jim. Although, I wouldn't touch a Jackaroo with a barge pole.
Just joshin ya!
-- Edited by Beth54 on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:32:53 PM
Gerty Dancer said
06:32 PM Jun 6, 2012
The Mazda BT50 would do it too... and gives the option of using the ute back for carrying/storing things you mightnt like in the back of a station-wagon type vehicle. eg. gas bottle or even jerry can of fuel.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:33:37 PM
BohemianGypsy said
12:24 AM Jun 7, 2012
Can anyone assist me with this one please? As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.
Thankyou in advance for any help given.
Regards
Michelle
Beth54 said
12:29 AM Jun 7, 2012
Hi Michelle. I missed the welcome party on your other thread, so welcome from me too.
As for the your tow vehicle, in my humble opinion, for a van that size, you can't go past a Land Cruiser.
I'm sure the blokes will have more to say.
Cheers!
jimricho said
01:13 AM Jun 7, 2012
Agree with Beth but don't dismiss a Nissan Patrol either. For that size van you're in Landcruiser/Patrol territory. Diesel is the preferred option for towing but don't discount a petrol job if the "up front" saving is significant.
Treat "with a grain of salt" any recommendation that heavily promotes one type of vehicle and dismisses all others.
Beth54 said
01:19 AM Jun 7, 2012
jimricho wrote:
Agree with Beth but don't dismiss a Nissan Patrol either. For that size van you're in Landcruiser/Patrol territory. Diesel is the preferred option for towing but don't discount a petrol job if the "up front" saving is significant.
Treat "with a grain of salt" any recommendation that heavily promotes one type of vehicle and dismisses all others.
Yes, I should have mentioned the Patrol too Jim. Sister and son have Patrols, brother has a Land Cruiser. I've been brainwashed!
jimricho said
01:25 AM Jun 7, 2012
Beth I hope you didn't misinterpret my previous post! I was actually pre-empting those who come out with statements like "wouldn't touch a (insert name of vehicle) with a barge pole" or "(insert name of vehicle) is the only way to go"
cheers,
Jim
gst said
01:39 AM Jun 7, 2012
I must say that if you can get a good Land Cruiser second hand or a good patrol as long as they can tow 3000kg with a 180 /220 ball unless you you buy new $$$$$$$$$ myself I'm running a patrol and a 1994 Windsor Statesman Royal.
Yuglamron said
01:46 AM Jun 7, 2012
Hi Michelle,
I have a mate who drives an F350 4x4 7.3 litre diesel who uses the maxim."It's better to drive a big engine at low revs than a small engine at high revs' He tows a 36' 5th wheeler and gets good consumption figures because it's a diesel and a low revving engine with loads of low end torque.
Less wear and better economy on the whole.
I am not saying go that big but towing a largish van it would be better to have a decent capacity diesel.Landcruiser and Patrol both hit the mark in that respect.
Just my two bobs worth.
Safe Travels
Dougwe said
01:54 AM Jun 7, 2012
"Ken Thomas" DUNWURKUN, has just got himself a new Ford Ranger with canopy fitted and is a real nice unit indeed, he tows a large CV. You could find him on here and maybe introduce yourself via a PM, he is very helpfull and full of great advice. You will find him on here as "Ken Thomas".
Dougwe said
01:56 AM Jun 7, 2012
Ooops, forgot to mention that the Ford Ranger is similar to the Mazda BT50 mentioned by Gerty Dancer. I THINK the BT50 has a higher tow capacity though, I stand corrected on that though.
signwilson said
02:23 AM Jun 7, 2012
depends on the van weight but 100 series 4.2 turbo cruiser has the best tow rate for an automatic I love mine
Keith19837 said
02:34 AM Jun 7, 2012
BohemianGypsy wrote:
Can anyone assist me with this one please? feet As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.
Thankyou in advance for any help given.
Regards
Michelle
This is a topic which causes a fair bit of friendly debate. I'll give you the short version so I apologise to all those who may wish to point out some areas of dissent. However, I'm speaking from a legal standpoint here in Victoria. (Similar rules apply throughout most of Aus, check with your local authority) Firstly, you will need to know what the weight of your caravan is going to be when it's loaded. This means the tare weight of the van plus your luggage, bedlinen. extra batteries, water and so on. (Often these weights are not included when the manufacturer or dealer add 'extras' over and above the 'base' unit) etc for use when you're travelling. Then you need to find a vehicle that can legally tow that weight. You must then know the tare weight of your tow vehicle plus it's compliment of passengers and wahtever else you are carrying. The two vehicles (tug and tow) must not exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Mass. (Also known by other names such as Combined Vehicle Weight etc. Obviously the larger tugs can legally (and practically) pull greater weights than the smaller tugs. As some on this forum point out, it is better to have the extra horses up your sleeve than having an engine that is on it's weight limit. Some years ago, VicRoads ran an operation on the Hume Highway in Vic where they pulled up everyone towing a van, trailer etc and put them off the road for exceeding the G.C.V.M. This included falcon wagons pulling double horse floats and mid sized 4WD with large vans etc. It caused a huge uproar but VicRoads were technically and legally in the right. Work out your van weight and add the extras you'll want to carry. (Load your car with the stuff you'll be taking and take it to a weighbridge). Make a short list of the tugs that can pull that weight (vehicle specs) and give yourself a bit to spare. Then pick the tug that you like over the others. I am not a Toyota, or a Nissan or anything else 'man'. I drove most of the 4WDs in various live away courses I've done and for my Department over a period of years. I found they all had their pros and cons. For a van of approx 24 feet, you're going to be hard pressed legally and practically with a mid sized tug. This leaves you with the big B.M.W. (big bucks), Range Rover (big bucks) Porche Cayenne and V.W. Toureg (still big bucks), or the Totoya L.C. or Nissan Patrol. This means that unless you have big bucks then Toyota or Nissan are the more practicle options. If you are off roading, scratches etc will happen. The cost of repair for Toyota and Nissan, whilst not cheap, will be less than the B.M.W. Range Rover etc. Long vans should also be treated with respect due to 'pendulum effect' caused by weighty objects at the extreme front or rear (extra gas bottles etc). A heavier tug will help with the 'pendulum effect' (but not negate it) moreso than a lighter unit. For what it's worth.
gst said
03:50 AM Jun 7, 2012
Well put Keith19837
Keith19837 said
03:54 AM Jun 7, 2012
gst wrote:
Well put Keith19837
Thanks Gst. I know there's a whole heap more but I figure I've already committed an 'information overload' problem and did want to keep 'waffling. I'm waffling here, aren't I? Still waffling about 'waffling'.
gst said
04:38 AM Jun 7, 2012
Thats ok as long as it makes sense you can waffle on as much you like.
Cruising Granny said
05:13 AM Jun 7, 2012
The Ford F250 or Chev equivalent might do the job. The V8 diesel with lots of grunt and turbo and with 4x4 option. Once again it will come down to dollars and sense. Yes I mean sense. Do you have to house family are is the van for 2 of you? A 24-25 ft van is a jolly big caravan. Good luck in your hunt for the van and tug to suit you. Welcome from me too.
BohemianGypsy said
08:08 AM Jun 7, 2012
gst wrote:
I must say that if you can get a good Land Cruiser second hand or a good patrol as long as they can tow 3000kg with a 180 /220 ball unless you you buy new $$$$$$$$$ myself I'm running a patrol and a 1994 Windsor Statesman Royal.
The trouble with that gst is that to get a good second hand Land Cruiser or Patrol with low mileage is still costly and probably more than I can afford. I might have to re think our choice of van size??? Bugger!! That is going to suck because I needed more room to sit while cooking etc due to knee pain. Thanks for your advice though gst.
Regards, Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Thursday 7th of June 2012 08:08:59 AM
BohemianGypsy said
03:01 PM Jun 7, 2012
Beth54 wrote:
Hi Michelle. I missed the welcome party on your other thread, so welcome from me too.
As for the your tow vehicle, in my humble opinion, for a van that size, you can't go past a Land Cruiser.
I'm sure the blokes will have more to say.
Cheers!
Hi Beth thankyou lol for the welcome and for your advice on vehicle choice. To buy a secondhand Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol is costly unless I want one with huge miles on it that is lol. Will have to look into this further I feel.
Regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:03 PM Jun 7, 2012
jimricho wrote:
Agree with Beth but don't dismiss a Nissan Patrol either. For that size van you're in Landcruiser/Patrol territory. Diesel is the preferred option for towing but don't discount a petrol job if the "up front" saving is significant.
Treat "with a grain of salt" any recommendation that heavily promotes one type of vehicle and dismisses all others.
Yes Jim we were looking for diesel for sure whichever vehicle we chose. I want an automatic but Ray says with a 4WD its better to get a manual. Which means I don't get to do too much driving because of my knees and that sucks lol. Thanks for your advice Jim.
Regards, MIchelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:05 PM Jun 7, 2012
Gerty Dancer wrote:
The Mazda BT50 would do it too... and gives the option of using the ute back for carrying/storing things you mightnt like in the back of a station-wagon type vehicle. eg. gas bottle or even jerry can of fuel.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:33:37 PM
Oh Gerty will have to look into this one as I have not seen this vehicle at all yet. Many thanks for your advice.
Regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:12 PM Jun 7, 2012
Yuglamron wrote:
Hi Michelle,
I have a mate who drives an F350 4x4 7.3 litre diesel who uses the maxim."It's better to drive a big engine at low revs than a small engine at high revs' He tows a 36' 5th wheeler and gets good consumption figures because it's a diesel and a low revving engine with loads of low end torque.
Less wear and better economy on the whole.
I am not saying go that big but towing a largish van it would be better to have a decent capacity diesel.Landcruiser and Patrol both hit the mark in that respect.
Just my two bobs worth.
Safe Travels
Hi Yuglamron,
Hmmm have lots to think about here I reckon. I did think about the F250 so might look into that. I don't think they come in duel cab though do they? Because sometimes we will be taking my daughter and grandaughter for a couple of days away at a time while getting used to living in a van etc. Might check that out today.
Thankyou for your advice though, very much appreciated.
Regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:13 PM Jun 7, 2012
Dougwe wrote:
"Ken Thomas" DUNWURKUN, has just got himself a new Ford Ranger with canopy fitted and is a real nice unit indeed, he tows a large CV. You could find him on here and maybe introduce yourself via a PM, he is very helpfull and full of great advice. You will find him on here as "Ken Thomas".
Thanks Doug I might look him up then. Will also check out the prices of the Ford Ranger too. Thanks for the advice.
Regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:14 PM Jun 7, 2012
signwilson wrote:
depends on the van weight but 100 series 4.2 turbo cruiser has the best tow rate for an automatic I love mine
Might push this comment towards my hubby as I want an automatic lol. Thanks for your advice.
Regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:16 PM Jun 7, 2012
Keith19837 wrote:
BohemianGypsy wrote:
Can anyone assist me with this one please? feet As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.
Thankyou in advance for any help given.
Regards
Michelle
This is a topic which causes a fair bit of friendly debate. I'll give you the short version so I apologise to all those who may wish to point out some areas of dissent. However, I'm speaking from a legal standpoint here in Victoria. (Similar rules apply throughout most of Aus, check with your local authority) Firstly, you will need to know what the weight of your caravan is going to be when it's loaded. This means the tare weight of the van plus your luggage, bedlinen. extra batteries, water and so on. (Often these weights are not included when the manufacturer or dealer add 'extras' over and above the 'base' unit) etc for use when you're travelling. Then you need to find a vehicle that can legally tow that weight. You must then know the tare weight of your tow vehicle plus it's compliment of passengers and wahtever else you are carrying. The two vehicles (tug and tow) must not exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Mass. (Also known by other names such as Combined Vehicle Weight etc. Obviously the larger tugs can legally (and practically) pull greater weights than the smaller tugs. As some on this forum point out, it is better to have the extra horses up your sleeve than having an engine that is on it's weight limit. Some years ago, VicRoads ran an operation on the Hume Highway in Vic where they pulled up everyone towing a van, trailer etc and put them off the road for exceeding the G.C.V.M. This included falcon wagons pulling double horse floats and mid sized 4WD with large vans etc. It caused a huge uproar but VicRoads were technically and legally in the right. Work out your van weight and add the extras you'll want to carry. (Load your car with the stuff you'll be taking and take it to a weighbridge). Make a short list of the tugs that can pull that weight (vehicle specs) and give yourself a bit to spare. Then pick the tug that you like over the others. I am not a Toyota, or a Nissan or anything else 'man'. I drove most of the 4WDs in various live away courses I've done and for my Department over a period of years. I found they all had their pros and cons. For a van of approx 24 feet, you're going to be hard pressed legally and practically with a mid sized tug. This leaves you with the big B.M.W. (big bucks), Range Rover (big bucks) Porche Cayenne and V.W. Toureg (still big bucks), or the Totoya L.C. or Nissan Patrol. This means that unless you have big bucks then Toyota or Nissan are the more practicle options. If you are off roading, scratches etc will happen. The cost of repair for Toyota and Nissan, whilst not cheap, will be less than the B.M.W. Range Rover etc. Long vans should also be treated with respect due to 'pendulum effect' caused by weighty objects at the extreme front or rear (extra gas bottles etc). A heavier tug will help with the 'pendulum effect' (but not negate it) moreso than a lighter unit. For what it's worth.
WOW Keith, this is a really big answer with lots of excellent info so I might print this one out rather than write down the points as I did for the other comments. Thankyou so very much for your input Keith it is very very much appreciated.
Warm regards, Michelle
BohemianGypsy said
03:18 PM Jun 7, 2012
Keith19837 wrote:
gst wrote:
Well put Keith19837
Thanks Gst. I know there's a whole heap more but I figure I've already committed an 'information overload' problem and did want to keep 'waffling. I'm waffling here, aren't I? Still waffling about 'waffling'.
No Keith no such thing as information overload in my book and I can waffle with the best of them lol so don't stress about that one. It was good sound advice and that is what I asked for.
BohemianGypsy said
03:24 PM Jun 7, 2012
Cruising Granny wrote:
The Ford F250 or Chev equivalent might do the job. The V8 diesel with lots of grunt and turbo and with 4x4 option. Once again it will come down to dollars and sense. Yes I mean sense. Do you have to house family are is the van for 2 of you? A 24-25 ft van is a jolly big caravan. Good luck in your hunt for the van and tug to suit you. Welcome from me too.
Hi CG,
When we do the big trip it will be just Ray and I but whilst getting used to the van and towing something larger than the trailer lol we will be taking our daughter and little grandaughter for smaller trips with us. And yes for me it will come down to $$$. The reason for the bigger sized van is for comfort as I am no size 8 Barbie and also require a chair or stool to sit and cook and iron etc which is probably why I am looking for a van with a front kitchen rather than galley style because I will be out of the way then and not in the main walkway.
Thankyou for the advice CG and also the welcome *grins*. It's a nice place here.
Regards, Michelle
gst said
06:13 PM Jun 7, 2012
I would keep looking around you can still get some good 10yr old good Land Cruiser second hand or a good patrol that will do the job at the right price my van is only 19ft and I've had daughter her partner and two grand children traveling from Darwin to Perth, with the annex up and blow up mattress we could sleep and live ok so you do not always need a big van.
Keith19837 said
07:09 PM Jun 7, 2012
How long did it take most of you to make your decisions on what vehicle and what van if I may ask?
Michelle
Hi Michelle, shorter answer this time. I spent about 12 months looking into Motor Homes before deciding on what general type. I then spent another few months watching prices on various car sites etc to get an idea on prices, availability of spares/second hand parts. I made a short list and checked out same. I sorted the wheat from the chaff and got my diesel mechanic brother to assist with final selection. All up about 18 months. With my (then brand new) dual cab ute I spent less time but a similar process. One thing I did not consider fully is the amount of room in the back seats of a dual cab ute. Whilst it was fine for kids, I found out a couple of years later that it was not so good for teenagers/adults. To my mind, that as this is perhaps the second most expensive item you will buy, it's really worth taking your time. I think you said you're recuperating from some surgery, use the time to have a good look at what's out there to suit your tow requirements, comfort levels, passenger consideration, budget and longevity of your purchase. 4WD or large 2WD on FWD chassis etc. For what it's worth.
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Thursday 7th of June 2012 07:09:52 PM
BohemianGypsy said
09:44 PM Jun 7, 2012
gst wrote:
I would keep looking around you can still get some good 10yr old good Land Cruiser second hand or a good patrol that will do the job at the right price my van is only 19ft and I've had daughter her partner and two grand children traveling from Darwin to Perth, with the annex up and blow up mattress we could sleep and live ok so you do not always need a big van.
Yes I think I will just keep looking for a while gst because it is all starting to do my head in a tad lol and that ain't easy to do. If it was just me I would go for a much older vehicle as long as it had air conditioning and could tow the van she would be good to go but hubby wants one with low mileage and that is where we are coming up against a stone wall. Because they are such good towing vehicles they maintain their price to some extent, trust me I have done nothing else for the past week but look and look and then look some more at vehicles and vans. I know this is a huge decision but at 55yrs old and hubby at 60yrs old sitting around for a year or two is wasting precious time. I am the quick thinker, quick decision maker and Ray is really slow and methodical in making up his mind sometimes this is good and sometimes it can drive me to distraction hehehehe. I know that the decision I make today can affect my tomorrow and that has the possibility to make it a crappy day but sitting around waiting to choose is driving me bonkers.
How long did it take most of you to make your decisions on what vehicle and what van if I may ask?
No, not at all Jim. Although, I wouldn't touch a Jackaroo with a barge pole.
Just joshin ya!
-- Edited by Beth54 on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:32:53 PM
The Mazda BT50 would do it too... and gives the option of using the ute back for carrying/storing things you mightnt like in the back of a station-wagon type vehicle. eg. gas bottle or even jerry can of fuel.
-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Wednesday 6th of June 2012 06:33:37 PM
Can anyone assist me with this one please? As I sain in another post we are now looking seriously for our caravan and 4WD and the van I would like would be between 24-25 feet so what sort of 4WD would we require to tow a van of that size, approximately of course I know there are a lot of factors to come into it of course but ball park would be good.
Thankyou in advance for any help given.
Regards
Michelle
Hi Michelle. I missed the welcome party on your other thread, so welcome from me too.
As for the your tow vehicle, in my humble opinion, for a van that size, you can't go past a Land Cruiser.
I'm sure the blokes will have more to say.
Cheers!
Treat "with a grain of salt" any recommendation that heavily promotes one type of vehicle and dismisses all others.
Yes, I should have mentioned the Patrol too Jim. Sister and son have Patrols, brother has a Land Cruiser. I've been brainwashed!
cheers,
Jim
Hi Michelle,
I have a mate who drives an F350 4x4 7.3 litre diesel who uses the maxim."It's better to drive a big engine at low revs than a small engine at high revs' He tows a 36' 5th wheeler and gets good consumption figures because it's a diesel and a low revving engine with loads of low end torque.
Less wear and better economy on the whole.
I am not saying go that big but towing a largish van it would be better to have a decent capacity diesel.Landcruiser and Patrol both hit the mark in that respect.
Just my two bobs worth.
Safe Travels
This is a topic which causes a fair bit of friendly debate. I'll give you the short version so I apologise to all those who may wish to point out some areas of dissent. However, I'm speaking from a legal standpoint here in Victoria. (Similar rules apply throughout most of Aus, check with your local authority) Firstly, you will need to know what the weight of your caravan is going to be when it's loaded. This means the tare weight of the van plus your luggage, bedlinen. extra batteries, water and so on. (Often these weights are not included when the manufacturer or dealer add 'extras' over and above the 'base' unit) etc for use when you're travelling. Then you need to find a vehicle that can legally tow that weight. You must then know the tare weight of your tow vehicle plus it's compliment of passengers and wahtever else you are carrying. The two vehicles (tug and tow) must not exceed your Gross Combined Vehicle Mass. (Also known by other names such as Combined Vehicle Weight etc. Obviously the larger tugs can legally (and practically) pull greater weights than the smaller tugs. As some on this forum point out, it is better to have the extra horses up your sleeve than having an engine that is on it's weight limit. Some years ago, VicRoads ran an operation on the Hume Highway in Vic where they pulled up everyone towing a van, trailer etc and put them off the road for exceeding the G.C.V.M. This included falcon wagons pulling double horse floats and mid sized 4WD with large vans etc. It caused a huge uproar but VicRoads were technically and legally in the right. Work out your van weight and add the extras you'll want to carry. (Load your car with the stuff you'll be taking and take it to a weighbridge). Make a short list of the tugs that can pull that weight (vehicle specs) and give yourself a bit to spare. Then pick the tug that you like over the others. I am not a Toyota, or a Nissan or anything else 'man'. I drove most of the 4WDs in various live away courses I've done and for my Department over a period of years. I found they all had their pros and cons. For a van of approx 24 feet, you're going to be hard pressed legally and practically with a mid sized tug. This leaves you with the big B.M.W. (big bucks), Range Rover (big bucks) Porche Cayenne and V.W. Toureg (still big bucks), or the Totoya L.C. or Nissan Patrol. This means that unless you have big bucks then Toyota or Nissan are the more practicle options. If you are off roading, scratches etc will happen. The cost of repair for Toyota and Nissan, whilst not cheap, will be less than the B.M.W. Range Rover etc. Long vans should also be treated with respect due to 'pendulum effect' caused by weighty objects at the extreme front or rear (extra gas bottles etc). A heavier tug will help with the 'pendulum effect' (but not negate it) moreso than a lighter unit. For what it's worth.
Thanks Gst. I know there's a whole heap more but I figure I've already committed an 'information overload' problem and did want to keep 'waffling. I'm waffling here, aren't I? Still waffling about 'waffling'.
Once again it will come down to dollars and sense. Yes I mean sense.
Do you have to house family are is the van for 2 of you? A 24-25 ft van is a jolly big caravan.
Good luck in your hunt for the van and tug to suit you.
Welcome from me too.
The trouble with that gst is that to get a good second hand Land Cruiser or Patrol with low mileage is still costly and probably more than I can afford. I might have to re think our choice of van size??? Bugger!! That is going to suck because I needed more room to sit while cooking etc due to knee pain. Thanks for your advice though gst.
Regards, Michelle
-- Edited by BohemianGypsy on Thursday 7th of June 2012 08:08:59 AM
Hi Beth thankyou lol for the welcome and for your advice on vehicle choice. To buy a secondhand Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol is costly unless I want one with huge miles on it that is lol. Will have to look into this further I feel.
Regards, Michelle
Yes Jim we were looking for diesel for sure whichever vehicle we chose. I want an automatic but Ray says with a 4WD its better to get a manual. Which means I don't get to do too much driving because of my knees and that sucks lol. Thanks for your advice Jim.
Regards, MIchelle
Oh Gerty will have to look into this one as I have not seen this vehicle at all yet. Many thanks for your advice.
Regards, Michelle
Hi Yuglamron,
Hmmm have lots to think about here I reckon. I did think about the F250 so might look into that. I don't think they come in duel cab though do they? Because sometimes we will be taking my daughter and grandaughter for a couple of days away at a time while getting used to living in a van etc. Might check that out today.
Thankyou for your advice though, very much appreciated.
Regards, Michelle
Thanks Doug I might look him up then. Will also check out the prices of the Ford Ranger too. Thanks for the advice.
Regards, Michelle
Might push this comment towards my hubby as I want an automatic lol. Thanks for your advice.
Regards, Michelle
WOW Keith, this is a really big answer with lots of excellent info so I might print this one out rather than write down the points as I did for the other comments. Thankyou so very much for your input Keith it is very very much appreciated.
Warm regards, Michelle
No Keith no such thing as information overload in my book and I can waffle with the best of them lol so don't stress about that one. It was good sound advice and that is what I asked for.
Hi CG,
When we do the big trip it will be just Ray and I but whilst getting used to the van and towing something larger than the trailer lol we will be taking our daughter and little grandaughter for smaller trips with us. And yes for me it will come down to $$$. The reason for the bigger sized van is for comfort as I am no size 8 Barbie and also require a chair or stool to sit and cook and iron etc which is probably why I am looking for a van with a front kitchen rather than galley style because I will be out of the way then and not in the main walkway.
Thankyou for the advice CG and also the welcome *grins*. It's a nice place here.
Regards, Michelle
Hi Michelle, shorter answer this time. I spent about 12 months looking into Motor Homes before deciding on what general type. I then spent another few months watching prices on various car sites etc to get an idea on prices, availability of spares/second hand parts. I made a short list and checked out same. I sorted the wheat from the chaff and got my diesel mechanic brother to assist with final selection. All up about 18 months. With my (then brand new) dual cab ute I spent less time but a similar process. One thing I did not consider fully is the amount of room in the back seats of a dual cab ute. Whilst it was fine for kids, I found out a couple of years later that it was not so good for teenagers/adults. To my mind, that as this is perhaps the second most expensive item you will buy, it's really worth taking your time. I think you said you're recuperating from some surgery, use the time to have a good look at what's out there to suit your tow requirements, comfort levels, passenger consideration, budget and longevity of your purchase. 4WD or large 2WD on FWD chassis etc. For what it's worth.
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Thursday 7th of June 2012 07:09:52 PM
Yes I think I will just keep looking for a while gst because it is all starting to do my head in a tad lol and that ain't easy to do. If it was just me I would go for a much older vehicle as long as it had air conditioning and could tow the van she would be good to go but hubby wants one with low mileage and that is where we are coming up against a stone wall. Because they are such good towing vehicles they maintain their price to some extent, trust me I have done nothing else for the past week but look and look and then look some more at vehicles and vans. I know this is a huge decision but at 55yrs old and hubby at 60yrs old sitting around for a year or two is wasting precious time. I am the quick thinker, quick decision maker and Ray is really slow and methodical in making up his mind sometimes this is good and sometimes it can drive me to distraction hehehehe. I know that the decision I make today can affect my tomorrow and that has the possibility to make it a crappy day but sitting around waiting to choose is driving me bonkers.
How long did it take most of you to make your decisions on what vehicle and what van if I may ask?
Thanks gst.
Michelle