Some might have seen this inquiry on that other app, but repeated here for more helpful info as I am new to forums and seeking some friendly advice. Working through buying a used van and wondering what's best for the inside dining area. So many vans seem to have cafe style table and seating but this seems rather restricted. Is this because most people eat outside? Advice please on club U shaped lounges, L shape and front or rear lounges? Do the side club lounges eat into cooking space?
On another topic, why do so many vans have such limited payloads of around 400kg? Fill the water tanks and add another battery and a bit of gear - not to mention the liquid which already sits in the hot water service and toilet - and you already are pushing the ATM and GCM limits. Are these vans mainly the older models or does nobody give a hoot about towing regulations and road safety? What are the better vans for payload? Crusader seems to offer good alternatives here. Any others?
If you look at the tyres fitted, the axle loads on plate, the correct tyre rating on plate, you can apply to manufacturer for an upgrade. I recently did the sums on our tandem pop top and got an upgraded plate from 2300 to 2550 as axles were rated to 2900, chassis and general construction is certainly up to scratch.I did a weighbridge reading after fitting new plate and was well under at 2430. As to why they " low plate them" who would know?
Some manufacturers keep the ATM low so to give the buying the public the impression that the van may be towed legally with a less than suitably rated tow vehicle. This difference between the Tare weight and the ATM is quite often overlooked in the excitement and, confusion, during the purchase of a van. It can be even worse as far as diminished payload is concerned if purchasing second hand and the previous owner has added a bunch of goodies like solar panels extra water tanks extra spare wheels and any other accessories.
On the dining Q it will depend on the floor plan and the need for seating numbers at meal time. If you are on your own a cafe dining are would be suitable. If you have kiddies then I would opt for more of the club lounge type dining but it will come down to the effects of the layout on the functionality of your van. I am on my own and a my cafe dining is fine but if the weather is good I eat and cook outside most of the time. I may sit and read the paper or the internet at the cafe dining table but I will be honest and most dining areas are OK for short stints at the table but downright uncomfortable for a longer term at being seated.
If considering a van take the whole family to view it and sit in it and assess its ability to seat and house you in comfort. If second hand have it weighed on a weighbridge before purchase to assess the accurate tare weight so that you may calculate the TRUE PAYLOAD and the ability for your vehicle to LEGALLY tow the van when fully loaded
-- Edited by Iva Biggen on Thursday 14th of March 2019 09:03:12 PM
have had 3 types of dining , café seating, L shape seating and now have U shape seating across the rear of the van (some vans have it at the front) and the U shape wins by a mile with us. It also make a very comfortable spot for watching TV. The café seating was the worst and would not even consider it again.
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Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
Thanks everyone for the helpful comments on both questions. Its nice to get good advice from people who have experience in these areas - and being grey nomads we all know it doesnt stop there! Still looking for our good used van. Theres so many on the market - just have to weight up all the variables against bang for our buck. Thanks again but keep the comments coming. Most appreciated.
As with villatranquilla, we have the u shaped Club Lounge, ours is across the front of the van, with the kitchen in the centre, and then east/west bed and ensuite at rear.
We find this to be the best use of space, giving us a lot of area around the kitchen/lounge area.
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
As with villatranquilla, we have the u shaped Club Lounge, ours is across the front of the van, with the kitchen in the centre, and then east/west bed and ensuite at rear.
We find this to be the best use of space, giving us a lot of area around the kitchen/lounge area.
We now have a similar layout in our Jayco. I replaced the standard table with one that can rotate and move sideways as well as up and down. Has improved access to the seating!
G'day Terry,
I see you are new to the forum - welcome & I trust you'll find lots of answers to your queries - now & in the future.
Regarding your weight question, do a "Search" on the Forum & look for weights, ATM, Ball Mass, etc. You'll find plenty to keep you reading for some time!
If you're after something that can carry weight & providing your car can tow it legally, you have to start looking at spending "Big bucks" or going back to a camper trailer. (SUV campers can carry around 550kg). Nominally a tandem van can carry 400-475kg & a single axle can carry 300-375kg. The latter weights are for vans with shower/toilet facilities.
Everyone "gives a hoot about safety" these days - if you're over & have a prang, your insurance company might not be very friendly. And that's after the "Scalies" have had their bite!
It all gets complicated as we all want bigger vehicles loaded with accessories before we add the van with lots of "goodies" added. Remember the ball mass has to be included with the load on the vehicle. Tare weights of the car & van are as they are delivered TO the dealer. What you add to them to make life comfortable AFTER comes off your load.
Enjoy carrying your tooth pick & hanky in your van & asking your partner to walk, LOL!
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
As with villatranquilla, we have the u shaped Club Lounge, ours is across the front of the van, with the kitchen in the centre, and then east/west bed and ensuite at rear.
We find this to be the best use of space, giving us a lot of area around the kitchen/lounge area.
We have ordered our new van based on the same layout. taken us 6 vans in 10yrs to alleviate the club setting. Bench seating front, (U), kitchen, West East bed and en suite in rear.
Thanks again all repliers. I think we have it sorted out now. As for van weights, I reckon Im across all of that having read so many posts. Looks like Im going on a diet as theres no way the poodles will get left behind! Happy trails to all.
