Hi Keef, and welcome to the mob. There are others here better qualifed than me to answer your queries, however some things that come to mind are;

Your tug sounds like it should be able to take a reasonable size van, mod you would need is electric brakes on your tug (already fitted to van side) and weight distribution hitch, but check with your tug maker first, some don't recommend them.

Make a list of what you want in a van, do you want shower/toilet, single or double beds etc, etc. Personally, I would go for one of the more popular vans on the market, Australian made for Oz conditions, a couple but not limited to Jayco or Coromal, they are best suited for Oz and spare parts and repairs/repairers are easier and lest costly than some others. You could hire a van if you wanted to get an idea of what and what doesn't suit you, although hiring is not all that cheap. If you haven't already done so, have a good look at different models at a caravan show in your State? Don't be sucked in by some of the overseas vans that look good but may not be suitable for Australian road conditions.

Look under the van if second hand for damage to the chassis or signs of accident damage, also water damage underneath. Look inside for water stains in roof, floor and inside cupboards etc. I'll leave the rest of this to our other members for their input.

Regarding spell check, google "IE Spell Check" to download free spellcheck program, then once you have it you don't need to do it again, just highlight your post after you have typed it, right click on it and choose "spell check" etc.

Good luck with the van,
Vic

Welcome to the best forum I have visited,so much good advise available here.I looked for a couple of years,many second handies,half a dozen different shows.Finally decided on a Golden Eagle 17.5 ft.Purchased at the Sydney van show in April.Liked this van for the quality of finish,plus the excellent deal offered at the show also helped.Van is currently being constructed in Vic. to our requirements.Should be delivered end July. ....Be patient Greg,be patient.
Good luck
Greg & Caz

Welcome to the Grey Nomads.
If you plan to live in your van full time while travelling and working you will need storage space and comfort, but not the kitchen and lounge room from home.
I would suggest 18ft minimum, dual axles for stability and even distribution of weight.
Only take what you use everyday at home, but halve it.
Solid tops are more sturdy and durable than pop tops, and with aerodynamic design, the wind drag is minimal. Most buy a pop top to get it under the carport at home.
Avoid Jayco. Even though the parts are easily accessible, there's a really good reason for that. You're going to need them. There are some terrible stories about warranty issues etc.
Coramel make a good van, but there are others just as sturdy and reliable. Everyone has a story, and none are perfect.
The advantage of buying used is, most modifications have been made, and when you're shopping, you can decide how many of those you'll need. Some even have bar fridges, washing machine and driers, dish washers, huge lounges, everything that opens and shuts. All weight and space considerations.
You will need more cupboard space than couches. Buy a couple of comfortable, reclining outdoor chairs for "lounging". If you need to lie down, there's always the bed.
I prefer island double or queen bed. Easy to access, easy to make. Twin beds are jammed up against the walls and not as wide as a single bed. If your van of choice has carpet, get rid of it! Lino throughout is much easier to manage, but then don't cover it with mats, as this will defeat the purpose. The annexe is essential. Entertaining, shelter, bbq, relaxing, enjoying those reclining camp chairs with a read or a cuppa and a chat.
Everyone has different stories. I live and travel in my 20ft all the time, and experience has been my best teacher. I tow with an 80 series Landcruiser, diesel 4.2 litre, 5 speed manual station wagon.
Now with the advantage of all the information the nomads can share, you choose. Good luck. Cheers Chris

An absolute must for me is a good mattress, 2 days, 2 months or 2 years on a standard supplied foam mattress can spoil any day. An innerspring is not that much more in the big scheme of things. Good luck with whichever van you buy.

regards

I just reviewed my consumption today, so it's fresh in my mind.
8 kms to the litre, or 22 miles to the gallon.
I can't convert litres per 100 kms. I'll leave that up to you.
The figures are average of towing, aircon, no towing, town and country.
I've been stuck in Cairns for almost 12 months now, and can't take advantage of the cheap fuel prices - currently 1.14.9 cents per litre in Cairns, less 4c discount.
When I arrived up here it was almost $1.80 per litre. That's my luck.
Never mind, I will be on the road again soon - I hope.
I'm happy with my mileage. Good luck with that.
I think some of the later vehicles are a bit more juice wise with better injecting and turbo.