House sold!!!..... looking for the 'perfect for us' van!!
vkgreenie said
03:32 PM Dec 4, 2012
Hi Buffy
We are not experts in van selection, however if we win lotto, and had our time over again, we would choose a full van rather than a pop top.
Definately, definately shower, toilet, hot water service and an external shower to name a few. Make sure a slide out for a BBQ and generator. BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG fridge / freezer 180 lt at least. Make sure all lights and various power points are 12 volt LED. Absolutely reclining chairs.......we have them in ours. Took out the L shape super uncomfortable, so called lounge. Try sitting in those for a couple of hours, and see how your rear end, neck and back feels. If you are doing extended travel and living in your van..........dual wheels with no argument.
I prefer the kitchen over the wheels, evens out the weight, and the newer models with a centre door.......that's a personal choice. I like the bed up the front, again a personal thing. Just watch out for ball weight, big thing with insurance companies with this 10% rule, and get your van weighed before you hand over any cash. Just remember most vans are weighed empty, and allow 400 kg extras. When you consider gas, water, clothes, food and everything else, doesn't take long to chew up 400kgs.
Also Buffy this is a boy thing, but just remember how much clothing weighs, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! and do you need it all.
Also check your car for towing capacity. For example if your manual and advertising guff say 3.5 tons towing for example, check out what the capacity is for towing once you start loading up the tow vehicle. You will be surprised how quickly the allowable towing capacity reduces. It can be a mine field when trying to marry up car and van. These forums are full of vans that are not compatible with cars and visa versa. Check all entries I am sure that will help.
Have noticed of late, many couples have the camp 2 burner stove with grill and do all their cooking outside...makes sense to me. We have an extra gas bayonet towards the back of the van, that accesses the gas already on the draw bar. That saves carring another gas bottle. Also an extra wind and sun break, which gives a bit of pricacy and protection from the wind and sun.
It is the old KISS (Keep It Super Simple) method. If you want to free camp as most of us do, the setting down, and setting up period when you get to your destination, you want as minimal effort as possible
Buffy talk to many people, there are lots of helping hands here.
Send me a PM if you want, if we can help you any more. Feel free to check out our blogs @ http://theretroroamers.blogspot.com which will then give you the opportunity to go to our most recnt posts @ http://theretroroamers2013.blogspot.com.au
Cheers and beers
VK Greenie
-- Edited by vkgreenie on Tuesday 4th of December 2012 03:35:38 PM
leevin said
10:15 PM Dec 4, 2012
Hello Buffy, We spent over 2 years researching caravans. We are very happy with our 'van. At the end of our search & a few caravan shows, we actually settled on the brand/dealership we first visited all that time ago! We sat in one of their basic demo 'vans and reworked our plan around that (advice on what not to fit was a great help). We sold up everything and this is our house/home for now. We have been travelling since 28th June this year and have not had a problem with this caravan.
-- Edited by leevin on Tuesday 4th of December 2012 10:16:24 PM
buffy61 said
10:16 PM Dec 4, 2012
So.... it is beginning to feel real now. House is unconditional. Money will be in the bank in new year.
Time to seriously start looking for that caravan.
So many to look at tho!!! Any advice?? Hints??
Are there likely to be any deals after the holidays are over and people are selling?
Or you just got to do the legwork until one jumps out at ya!!!!???
I like the layout of the UK vans but dont like the plastic interiors!! Anything out there that is tougher but has the lounge area at the front?
Want to be able to recline as we watch TV in the evenings!! Those L shape dinettes dont look too comfy!!!
Buffy
Big Gorilla said
02:49 AM Dec 5, 2012
Are you set on a caravan or would you consider a Motorhome ?
grill n chill said
03:18 AM Dec 5, 2012
Very good post vkgreenie, thankyou.
deb-gary said
03:43 AM Dec 5, 2012
vans end up being individual for all of us but we didnt like l shaped lounge either so we made sure we had a bi fold table and at end of seat put a fold down foot rest either side so we can stretch out and watch tv if not watching on bed(cause when we do i fall asleep real quick) we also have gas bayonet which is as mentioned very handy and make sure your outside tap is on the door side of the van so if you stop at side of road you dont have to watch traffic if getting water for dog or anything else.anyhow just a cpl of thoughts good luck!
Jack Mac said
04:44 AM Dec 5, 2012
I have to admit that I've done this exercise many times.
You think one minute that I'd like this type of rig then you think of something else.
My only suggestion for what it's worth (probably not much given the wealth of experience out there). Decide what you're comfortable towing or driving and set that as your parameters and go from there.
Good luck,
Jack
deadlyprincess said
05:41 AM Dec 5, 2012
Nothing beats leg work!! Check them all out over several weekends, not in a day, main drama of the caravan shows is that what you see is not what you get as they are optioned up for the show (and upped price). take a note book and pen and on the manufacturer brochure circle what you like and cross out what you dont.
Then sit down and make a list of likes then contact the van manufacturer that impressed you most and send them the list for a quote.
We decided to got direct to the manufacturer rather than a dealer (middle man) and pick up and saved over $8000.00 on the on road cost. JB caravans and Blue sky are two that are happy to deal direct.
we pick up our new 21'6" JB next friday 14th. Most impressed with JUSTIN's openness and willing ness to cater for our needs and wims.
neilnruth said
05:43 AM Dec 5, 2012
Sounds to me like you need someone like the host on 'Escape to the country' .... they do the leg work while you sit and watch. Haha. No, it's good advice you've been given here and you'll find what you want. Just try not to be in too much of a hurry. (Although I realise you are on a time limit.)
buffy61 said
09:42 AM Dec 5, 2012
Wow! Thanks everyone for your replies! VK... Yep the lotto win would sure change the purchase of caravan! But alas, we will manage on the budget we have. Also agree that a pop top isn't for us. Either are single reclining chairs. Would like bench type seating area that I can lay down on to watch tv and read the iPad! Not sure we can afford to buy brand new so will have to give manufacturers a miss, but I hear what you are saying about cutting out the middle man! We intend to get the caravan before the car so we make sure we have the correct towing ratio...and yes, a weigh before handing over ,only. Where does one get a van weighed and is there cost involved? Who pays? Buyer or seller? Again, thanks everyone for your replies! Buffy
vkgreenie said
10:37 PM Dec 5, 2012
Hey Buffy
When purchasing a second hand van in Queensland, it is basically the same as purchasing a car. Must have a road worthy, plus gas certigficate. I personally wouldn't touch any van without a weigh bridge certificate, and to mine, if the seller wants to sell his product he / she should be armed with those certificates anyway all at their costs. Don't you get caught with all the running around.....to many skeletons in the cupboards.
Any public weigh bridge can weigh rigs, and yes there is a cost. But hey Buffy the onus is on the seller. Check, double check and triple check what the compliance plate advises against the weigh bridge certificate. There are some horrible stories about the spasmodic weighing of vans in the manufacturing process.....however I am in no position to verify same.
Hope that helps Buffy.
Cheers
vkgreenie
enzed said
10:29 AM Dec 19, 2012
buffy61 wrote:
So.... it is beginning to feel real now. House is unconditional. Money will be in the bank in new year.
Time to seriously start looking for that caravan.
So many to look at tho!!! Any advice?? Hints??
Are there likely to be any deals after the holidays are over and people are selling?
Or you just got to do the legwork until one jumps out at ya!!!!???
I like the layout of the UK vans but dont like the plastic interiors!! Anything out there that is tougher but has the lounge area at the front?
Want to be able to recline as we watch TV in the evenings!! Those L shape dinettes dont look too comfy!!!
We imported a 5 year old used caravan from the USA, worked out about half the price of what we would have paid in Ozz, everything included to Ozz registration. It's 21 feet and got everything, full bathroom, dining area, separate couch, separate bedroom, roll out awning, outside shower, Tv connections, gas cooking, gas heating, air con, 2 way fridge, microwave, 240v 120 v step down converter. (runs on both, plus some 12 volt lights). No plastic inside, its strongly built. We used an agent and bought off photos, but people do fly to LA and choose one from the hundreds available there. We love ours, all that's missing is your recliner but with a couch and a permanebt bed, there's plenty of reclining space. It weighs 2300 kgs empty, total full weight 2800kgs. There's paper work involved to import from the USA but for a saving of $25000, the few hours we spent on permits etc, were highly rewarded. If you want to PM me I will send you the contact person we used. We looked at the UK imports too and know what you mean about plastic interiors. Also UK layouts weren't great. The left hand entry door that was required here proved to be a real boon - lovely air flow on hot days or nights. Before buying, you need to work out exactly where the left hand door should go, and have it put in in LA. Most of our conversion was done there, and worked out cheaper because we don't have access to 'mates rates' tradies to call on. Very happy with ours.
Hi Buffy
We are not experts in van selection, however if we win lotto, and had our time over again, we would choose a full van rather than a pop top.
Definately, definately shower, toilet, hot water service and an external shower to name a few. Make sure a slide out for a BBQ and generator. BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG fridge / freezer 180 lt at least. Make sure all lights and various power points are 12 volt LED. Absolutely reclining chairs.......we have them in ours. Took out the L shape super uncomfortable, so called lounge. Try sitting in those for a couple of hours, and see how your rear end, neck and back feels. If you are doing extended travel and living in your van..........dual wheels with no argument.
I prefer the kitchen over the wheels, evens out the weight, and the newer models with a centre door.......that's a personal choice. I like the bed up the front, again a personal thing. Just watch out for ball weight, big thing with insurance companies with this 10% rule, and get your van weighed before you hand over any cash. Just remember most vans are weighed empty, and allow 400 kg extras. When you consider gas, water, clothes, food and everything else, doesn't take long to chew up 400kgs.
Also Buffy this is a boy thing, but just remember how much clothing weighs, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! and do you need it all.
Also check your car for towing capacity. For example if your manual and advertising guff say 3.5 tons towing for example, check out what the capacity is for towing once you start loading up the tow vehicle. You will be surprised how quickly the allowable towing capacity reduces. It can be a mine field when trying to marry up car and van. These forums are full of vans that are not compatible with cars and visa versa. Check all entries I am sure that will help.
Have noticed of late, many couples have the camp 2 burner stove with grill and do all their cooking outside...makes sense to me. We have an extra gas bayonet towards the back of the van, that accesses the gas already on the draw bar. That saves carring another gas bottle. Also an extra wind and sun break, which gives a bit of pricacy and protection from the wind and sun.
It is the old KISS (Keep It Super Simple) method. If you want to free camp as most of us do, the setting down, and setting up period when you get to your destination, you want as minimal effort as possible
Buffy talk to many people, there are lots of helping hands here.
Send me a PM if you want, if we can help you any more. Feel free to check out our blogs @ http://theretroroamers.blogspot.com which will then give you the opportunity to go to our most recnt posts @ http://theretroroamers2013.blogspot.com.au
Cheers and beers
VK Greenie
-- Edited by vkgreenie on Tuesday 4th of December 2012 03:35:38 PM
Hello Buffy,
We spent over 2 years researching caravans.
We are very happy with our 'van.
At the end of our search & a few caravan shows, we actually settled on the brand/dealership we first visited all that time ago!
We sat in one of their basic demo 'vans and reworked our plan around that (advice on what not to fit was a great help).
We sold up everything and this is our house/home for now.
We have been travelling since 28th June this year and have not had a problem with this caravan.
-- Edited by leevin on Tuesday 4th of December 2012 10:16:24 PM
So.... it is beginning to feel real now. House is unconditional. Money will be in the bank in new year.
Time to seriously start looking for that caravan.
So many to look at tho!!! Any advice?? Hints??
Are there likely to be any deals after the holidays are over and people are selling?
Or you just got to do the legwork until one jumps out at ya!!!!???
I like the layout of the UK vans but dont like the plastic interiors!! Anything out there that is tougher but has the lounge area at the front?
Want to be able to recline as we watch TV in the evenings!! Those L shape dinettes dont look too comfy!!!
Buffy
Very good post vkgreenie, thankyou.
I have to admit that I've done this exercise many times.
You think one minute that I'd like this type of rig then you think of something else.
My only suggestion for what it's worth (probably not much given the wealth of experience out there). Decide what you're comfortable towing or driving and set that as your parameters and go from there.
Good luck,
Jack
Nothing beats leg work!! Check them all out over several weekends, not in a day, main drama of the caravan shows is that what you see is not what you get as they are optioned up for the show (and upped price). take a note book and pen and on the manufacturer brochure circle what you like and cross out what you dont.
Then sit down and make a list of likes then contact the van manufacturer that impressed you most and send them the list for a quote.
We decided to got direct to the manufacturer rather than a dealer (middle man) and pick up and saved over $8000.00 on the on road cost. JB caravans and Blue sky are two that are happy to deal direct.
we pick up our new 21'6" JB next friday 14th. Most impressed with JUSTIN's openness and willing ness to cater for our needs and wims.
VK... Yep the lotto win would sure change the purchase of caravan! But alas, we will manage on the budget we have. Also agree that a pop top isn't for us. Either are single reclining chairs. Would like bench type seating area that I can lay down on to watch tv and read the iPad!
Not sure we can afford to buy brand new so will have to give manufacturers a miss, but I hear what you are saying about cutting out the middle man!
We intend to get the caravan before the car so we make sure we have the correct towing ratio...and yes, a weigh before handing over ,only.
Where does one get a van weighed and is there cost involved? Who pays? Buyer or seller?
Again, thanks everyone for your replies!
Buffy
Hey Buffy
When purchasing a second hand van in Queensland, it is basically the same as purchasing a car. Must have a road worthy, plus gas certigficate. I personally wouldn't touch any van without a weigh bridge certificate, and to mine, if the seller wants to sell his product he / she should be armed with those certificates anyway all at their costs. Don't you get caught with all the running around.....to many skeletons in the cupboards.
Any public weigh bridge can weigh rigs, and yes there is a cost. But hey Buffy the onus is on the seller. Check, double check and triple check what the compliance plate advises against the weigh bridge certificate. There are some horrible stories about the spasmodic weighing of vans in the manufacturing process.....however I am in no position to verify same.
Hope that helps Buffy.
Cheers
vkgreenie