Not all long ago I introduced Barry the triton ute and our Jayco Eagle. The Eagle was our introduction to the world of caravaning "To see if we liked the experience". Well we didn't like it, we loved it!
In the past 12 months we did a number of trips from weekenders to a week away. I know that doesn't compare with some of you guys out there but hey you got to start somewhere.
When we bought the Eagle we heard stories of a number of people buying one and within 12 months they had upgraded. "Not us!" we said. Well *blush* it turns out we didn't even last the 12 months .
We loved the camper and accepted the compromises and some of its short comings. We had no intention of changing it ..... until ..... the day we went to the Camping & Caravan show in Adelaide. We went with no intention of buying anything at the show except for maybe some weird new gadget for the "van".
Having had the Eagle for a while we had formed some idea of what our "ideal" van would be. Enter the "Bullet"... we stuck our noses into this little gem on display and immediately fell in love with it, to say it ticked all the boxes (but one) for us would be an understatement. We didn't put a deposit on it straight away, heaven forbid "that would be rash". Plus I needed to find out the height clearance for our carport to see if it would fit. But when we returned to look at it for the 3rd or 4th time they knew they just about had us hooked and in the boat ...... Long story short, when they threw in an airconditioner (the last box) we leapt into the boat.
We had a couple of weeks of fun and games going thought the selling of the Eagle process, and after a number of enquiries from near, far and further, we sold it to a young couple 2 streets away. Yes we took a hit financially with the sale but it's nice when we got what we wanted without losing too much for it and they were thrilled picking up such a good buy.
Nice new van Kendo, hope you have many happy travels in that one!
A bit of a trap those Caravan and Camping shows, you wouldn't be the first to go to one with the intention of not buying anything but ended up doing so anyway. I resisted the temptation this year as I knew I would come home with something!
You'll have a lot more comfort and easier set up with the new one!
Well we have had our first trips away with the Bullet and we are very happy with our new pop top.
The first time out was just a quick shakedown trip for one night about 50km down the coast. It was worth the trouble as we found some bits and pieces that needed a tweek here and there. Just little things like the mattress being too hard to sleep on ( a trip to Clarks rubber and a sponge top fixed that one), the mattress didn't want to stay put on the bed when traveling, so a cheapie flat strap ratchet tie down fixed that. I wasn't happy with the table setup for travelling with the table top sitting on top of a single pole acting like a pendulum, so that is removed and put on top of the mattress under the flat strap while we travel. The wires behind the TV looked like someone had thrown a plate of spagetti against the wall, some work with a soldering iron, tape and plastic ties fixed that. All in all just small bits and pieces that you never see at home but become very evident once away and living in it.
Last week we took "Barry and the Bullet" up to Mannum on the river for 4 nights. All the little tweeks worked well and we had a great time.
All went well towing the Bullet. A little heavier than the camper we had but no issue towing it at all. I even tried to see if it could fly!...well *blush* I didn't do it deliberately. You see...there was this railway crossing...and well I didn't see the "40kph hump sign"...and well you see I was doing about 90kph at the time (I had slowed from 100kph you know!!)...and well all of a sudden things got very exciting as we launched off the crossing.. I swear I had all 6 wheels off the deck at the one time. Apart from all the cloths hangars coming off the rails in the wardrobes at the back of the van no damage done. The hitch has been tested and it did it's job and a very important lesson learnt. "Slow down for railway crossings and expect it to be bumpy even if you don't see the sign".
I have been pleasantly surprised with the people you meet in caravan parks, I haven't seen a grumpy person yet (Hmmm...something to do with not being at work I suspect). Many helpful suggestions like "don't park your car there mate, the galahs roost in those trees at night" OK thanks mate (and I didn't move it did I ). Well the next morning I came out and it looked like it had snowed..ON MY UTE!! I'm sure the buggers eat bitumen. The hose wouldn't move it and I have been scrubbing my finger nails for days now. uughhh!
Well Mannum is a pleasant place to visit and the river can be spectacular at times. We had a great time and are already planning our next trip.
). Well the next morning I came out and it looked like it had snowed..ON MY UTE!! I'm sure the buggers eat bitumen. The hose wouldn't move it and I have been scrubbing my finger nails for days now. uughhh!
