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Post Info TOPIC: Returning to Caravaning
AlexB


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Date:
Returning to Caravaning
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Hi

Now well retired, I am looking forward to purchasing a small caravan for solo trips.

40 years ago I towed and lived in a 20' Viscount for a number of years, now

looking forward to a much smaller van.

What appeals to me is the 10 foot MG "Little Sports" as it suits the 2.5 litre

pretend SUV that I have.

As this will be a new build, would appreciate and comments of users of this van

The price quoted seems very good for a pop-top compared to any of the campervans

available.

Any horror stories or faults found would be appreciated

Thanks

Alex



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Dougwe


Chief one feather

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Welcoem to the gang Alex, enjoy here and out in the playground.

I hadn't heard of the van you asked about so asked my good friend MrG and he had the answer for me, as usaul.

Nice little van for sure. I have met a few people in my travelles that have similar vans but 12 and 14ft. They have all loved them and most were couples. Still married too, even in souch a small space.

That said, if you have a small space and there is more than one person, you work to a system and routine. All is good then and everyone are happy campers.

You are only one, so can only bump into yourself. You can then tell yourself to be more carefull next time.



Keep Safe on the road and out there.



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Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
AlexB


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Thanks Doug for the quick reply

I had looked at this small van when the manufacturer was previously "Driftaway"
Now renamed to MG Campers.

Could only find one trip report for the van from years ago

Yes as being only solo - I am my worst enemy inside one.

Looking forward to buying one and spend a week/s away

Will check out the free campsites to see what is available, hopefully near
a river or stream for fishing.
regards
Alex

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Cadpete


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G'day AlexB and welcome to the forum.  Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit.  Hope your van works out for you.

Pete and Marion



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AlexB


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Hello Pete and Marion

Thank you for the tips regarding the forum, diligently searching through them picking

up all sorts of information that I had forgotten and new ones.

Really looking forward to trips "out there" later once I have the van.

Most friends on retirement are going overseas - why? as we have some of the best

locations in the world here.

Until I have the van, will be going on trips checking out some of the free camping locations

within 500- 600km that look to be ideal, eg  a spot just 4km west of Kangaroo Valley village on the river.

regards  Alex



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the rocket


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Hi alex, welcome. Enjoy retirement



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AlexB


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Thanks Rocket

I am looking forward to getting on the road spring/summer and enjoy new places

Alex

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Tony Bev


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I hope that it is not too late for me to also say, welcome to the forum AlexB

As you have had no replies to your question, it may pay to copy and paste your post, into the General Forum

Unfortunately not many people look into this part of the forum

I hope that you find the van you are looking for, and that you have many happy road trips in it

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Tony

It cost nothing to be polite
AlexB


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Posts: 35
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Thanks Tony for the welcome.

Sorry for the delay but have been traveling in country NSW without a caravan

I will ask again for advice on the van I am interested in as you suggest

regards

Alex



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AlexB


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Well - I have gone & done it.

Purchased a new van - the Jayco 13.42 with single bunks.

Ordered in December and delivered 3 weeks ago and VERY happy with the build.

Despite comments on the Lemon forum, I have checked out everything possible

and the build was immaculate, from cabinetry to electrical fittings.

Optioned for extra water tank, 160 watt solar panel, hot water & external shower

and axle under the springs for extra clearance on gravel roads to free camping spots.

 

Pajero Sports towed it well on the way home from Sydney

Look out for JJ#1215 on the road

Alex

cropped.jpg



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Dougwe


Chief one feather

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Well done Alex. Nice looking rig and I tell you that for free.

I also noticed you went away from your original thoughts of the MG "Little Sports"





Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

__________________

Live Life On Your Terms

DOUG  Chief One Feather  (Losing feathers with age)

TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy

DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV  (with some changes)

 
Aus-Kiwi


Guru

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Welcome and great your out there . Just do it ! Take it easy . Yea (I know )been told that for years ? Lol

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Whats out there
AlexB


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Posts: 35
Date:
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Hi

When it was time to order a van, the manufacturer of the MG little sports had disappeared

Next closest option was a small van from Olympic - Not on the Lemon list as many others

and good reports, their 12' rear entry van was almost identical to the prior manufacturer.

Further searching identified the Jayco 13.4' van similar in price with many extras as standard.

Still lightweight and perfect for a solo traveler - that it was "IT"

Looking forward to the test run to Lake Conjola and then Qld.

Alex



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AlexB


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Follow up on the new van

I did the trial run to Lake Conjola with a friend just for an overnight to see how the van towed and what set up was like.
Other than a little pogoing over suburban bumps the van towed fine, and cannot recommend highly enough the van park,
surgical clean amenities, site next to the lake and only thing was I forgot was my fishing rod.

Next trip was to my sons wedding in Qld, hoped to rest on roadside stops, WHAT ROADSIDE STOPS???? only provision
for Semi's and major highway works & diversions. Made it a long 19 hour non stop trip to get to Melaney.
Van towed perfectly, stable as B doubles passed at speed, 12l/100km @ 90 - 95kph so happy.
Lovely 3 days in Qld in the van while 15 others slept in the house LOL. 16 hour return trip.

Now time to get away again - a couple of nights at the Bendeela free camp during the week for fishing

Son has moved to Tassie - Means a 5 week trip down there, just a few hours with him and then all the lakes
that have TROUT waiting for me LOL.

So glad I bought this van - it is perfect for my needs
Alex
BTW - Purchased an extra 100AH battery, a extra fold up 120 watt external solar panel, 12 volt fans for over the beds, diesel heater in case it snows,
even with the extras and larder and both water tanks full - still have a 180kg allowance to max weight.



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