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keithintassie · Veteran Member

Lightweight vans

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi Keith,

I havn't heard of the "Oscar" but I will try and Google it later, is it the "Weekender" perhaps??. I have the Avan "Sportliner" and Solo so find it is great for me. I am away with it now for at least 3 months and so far love it. You can get a Cruiseliner or similar size which is 2 berth. You don't even know there on the back of the tug. My tug is a '98 Toyota Prado 4x4.

Recoup · Guru

Keith, like Doug said ,Avan is a nice little camper ,

but have a look at the Coromal Mirage 396 ,they don't build it any more,

it would fit in to your garage no problem.

Hans

chrisnchris · Senior Member

Hi Keith
Know just how you feel as we did the same thing .we are now looking for a cheaper ( older than the vehicle we have ) but reliable and in decent condition tow vehicle with
These things are sent to try us .
Cheers

keithintassie · Veteran Member

Many thanks Chris, Hans and Doug for your input. I guess I should have said in the original post that I wasn't keen on either a "camper or pointy roof" style of beast.

I'll continue to watch with interest. With a tow capacity of 1500 kg, what van weight should I be looking for?

Cheers . . . Keith

wendyv · Guru

Have read a lot of posts on the Caravanners Forum regarding caravan weight. I think you would have to allow about 300kg for a smallish van, to cover stuff you take, plus gas, water etc weight. Therefore, you are probably looking for a van that weighs no more than 1200. If you tend to pack a lot of stuff, you may need to revise that downwards.

Because used vans may have had modifications done after new, you would be advised to check its actual weight by getting it put on a weighbridge, before you buy.

Duh · Guru

Recoup wrote:
Keith, like Doug said ,Avan is a nice little camper ,
but have a look at the Coromal Mirage 396 ,they don't build it any more,
it would fit in to your garage no problem.
Hans

I had heard that the Mirage campers had some leaking problems, so if you do look at one make sure you look for signs in corners, cupboards, roof and side areas for any water marks or dampness etc.

I am not sure if that is why they don't make them anymore...

ChrisandPeter · Senior Member

We have a Goldstream Crown

http://www.goldstreamrv.com.au/campers/details/5-crown.html

It's Tare is ~1070kg

We absolutely love it - it's easy to set up, easy to tow and the 360 views are wonderful

Of course there is a lot of canvas, but we have just upgraded from a soft floor camper so it's luxury for us!

Yeah i got a link to post correctly - finally!

-- Edited by ChrisandPeter on Tuesday 16th of October 2012 08:26:09 AM

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Looks good C and P. How does it handle strong winds, as you cant sleep with the pop-top down?

ChrisandPeter · Senior Member

Haven't had really strong winds but it has blown a bit and we have had to put the awning away, but the camper was fine.

We have only had her since May. (secondhand)

We are heading out in to the wild "blue, green, brown" of Oz in 50 days so will let you know once we have experienced more of what she has to offer!

Cheers

Chris

Cruising Cruze · Guru

Hi Mr Keith Jones

mine is 14 ft poptop and 830kg and will fit under 2.3 meter Garage door opening ( 2.2 meter without the tv aerial )

she may be an oldie but she looks like new inside

Oh btw its an Viscount Sea Breeze 89 model

and we love it not as hot as a canvas Trailor

you will walk against the right one sir just give it time

John

Crinkle and Dobbie · Member

Keith

we have just bought a Swift Caravan. The weight is 1250atm. It is fantastic. We had our first trip in it last week. The van is designed by Germans and built in the UK so it has all the latest safety items included. The Alko stabiliser and ATC(automatic traction control). It is 16ft long with seating for 4 and a lovely double bed with ensuite. It has plenty of room for two overweight grey nomads and one large standard poodle. I know that many people dont like the imports but the Swift is the number one caravan manufacturer in the UK. The price is so much cheaper that all the other caravans that we researched. smile Hope that helps.

Crinkle

jimricho · Guru

ChrisandPeter wrote:
Haven't had really strong winds but it has blown a bit and we have had to put the awning away, but the camper was fine.

We have only had her since May. (secondhand)

We are heading out in to the wild "blue, green, brown" of Oz in 50 days so will let you know once we have experienced more of what she has to offer!

Cheers

Chris

I have a similar rig, 2002 Goldstream Goldcrown (as it was known back then). No problems in a strong wind, canvas flaps a bit but nothing to cause concern. Fiamma awning not a problem (unless the wind is very strong), provided it is guyed at the corners. Is a dream to tow and ok in windy conditions due to its low profile. Mine has independent suspension and shock absorbers that help too.

Jim

Happywanderer · The Master

Have you seen Beth54's avatar, her little car tows quite easily the caravan she has. I don't know brands but if you put her name into search you will get the idea.