And a BIG welcome from me to. Your choices are going to be wide and varied, i am not going to tell you how to suck eggs !! so to speak as you been there and done it in the past.
Big differece though in towing an A-van camper, or a full shower van ??
Maybe decide on your Vehicle !! then get the van to suit. Or decide on the Van, and get vehicle to suit ??
Best of luck whatever way you choose to go dazren.
-- Edited by dazren on Wednesday 23rd of May 2012 09:04:06 PM
I discovered this website today, and after a brief look around, I signed up. About 5 years ago my wife and I sold the van and 4WD (big mistake!!). Now we are in the process of starting over again as we miss travelling this big land. We will need to buy a new vehicle and van to realise our (not so new) dream. Past vehicles include 4Runner (not so good), Nissan Patrol (petrol), and Land Rover (turbo-diesel). We intend to buy a van in the 16-17' range, about 1400kg+-, so there is a large range of vehicles to choose from.
I would be interested to hear from any folks who have experience with some of the new turbo diesel mid-size soft roaders, eg Kia Sorento, Territory etc. My preference is Toyota, but there is no denying the price advantage of some of the smaller vehicles. All comments gratefully received. Pint. (as in milk bottle... my Dad's nick name for me that just stuck).
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I don't care if it's not pretty; If it's well engineered and screwed together, it's fine!
Hi Pint and welcome from me, enjoy here and out there.
I can't say much about your request but I'm sure plenty here will come forth with great ideas and suggestions. I have a Avan Camper and Toyota Prado (Gas/Petrol) and love both.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
The Avan Cruiseliner is on our (fairly large) list of possible purchases. My wife (Judith) is hanging out for a shower van, so still lots of discussion to happen yet.
Pint.
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I don't care if it's not pretty; If it's well engineered and screwed together, it's fine!
Good afternoon folks, Thanks for the welcomes, they are much appreciated. We are looking forward to exploring the website and hope to pick up lots of interesting information, and maybe to pass on some of our own experiences as well. The Avan camper is in the mix due to storage issues at home, but I have an understanding daughter and son-in-law with a yard, so that issue appears be solved. Also good to see some manufacturers building vans in the 16-17'6" range with shower / toilet included (Judith is well pleased). We have decided that the tow vehicle must have a minimum tow capacity of 2500kg (I like a reasonable safety margin), so Prado, Pajero, even Territory diesel are in the mix. We are heading off to Victoria next month and will call at some of the manufacturers to see how they put their vans together (I like to know what's under the skin). Thanks again and take care. Pint and Judith.
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I don't care if it's not pretty; If it's well engineered and screwed together, it's fine!
Good thinking Pint. Welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your stay. Your thinking is spot on in my opinion. The vehicle has to be up to the job - power to weight ratio etc. Checking out the construction of a caravan might be a bit scary. Make sure, if you order a custom built van, that they build it to your specifications without taking short cuts. eg. Aluminium or steel frame, proper insulation in walls and roof, correct suspension and tyres. I've recently heard of "custom built" vans being short changed by installing insulation in the roof, but leaving the insulation out of walls. Shonky. I'm sure you'll be on to it. Have fun, stay calm and enjoy your travels.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
And a BIG welcome from me to. Your choices are going to be wide and varied, i am not going to tell you how to suck eggs !! so to speak as you been there and done it in the past.
