I understand, this is not an easy question and there is no one single answer for this and I'm not looking for one. Also, I'm not looking for 'its a personal choice' answer, because I understand that too. What I'm after is a realistic and 'general' view from you guys that have a long experience with vans. Situation is, we have a van which is a 2015 model, good condition, comfortable, I've been doing little odd jobs on it and to truly get it where I want, I want to spend another $7k to $8k and update things like AGM to Lithium batteries, reverse camera, new shocks , new TV antenna setup and those type of things. Is it realistic to assume that we could get another 10 years out of this van, again being general and assume general maintenance is kept up ? Or, is it more realistic that some major items will need to be replaced ? things like aircon, fridges and the like ? I ask because I'm trying to decide whether to spend the 7 to $8k on this van or upgrade and buy a new van and have something that should last the next 10 years ok ? again assuming we maintain and look after it. Interested in your opinion if you have van experience and have had to make similar decisions. Cheers
With the industry becoming more aware of correct towing and loading weights, the first thing to check would be to make sure that your rig meets the requirement's for load and towing. If that is all good you can start from there.
If you like the van - tinker with adapting things - There is no reason why any van (even stick and tin) can't last 40 - 50 years - I have a 20ft Viscount Supreme built early 70's in shed - no corrosion, no rot - Like veteran cars if they are maintained and looked after they can go forever.
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If you like the van - tinker with adapting things - There is no reason why any van (even stick and tin) can't last 40 - 50 years - I have a 20ft Viscount Supreme built early 70's in shed - no corrosion, no rot - Like veteran cars if they are maintained and looked after they can go forever.
I agree. If looked after and quality mods done then is no need to get the latest gee whiz overweight van. Good idea going lithium. Saves a lot of weight and allows more higher powered accessories to be used..i.e..coffee machine. Good lithium will also last a long time. Just because something is newer does not mean it is better. In fact your van is probably a lot lighter than new ones.
If you like the van - tinker with adapting things - There is no reason why any van (even stick and tin) can't last 40 - 50 years - I have a 20ft Viscount Supreme built early 70's in shed - no corrosion, no rot - Like veteran cars if they are maintained and looked after they can go forever.
I agree. If looked after and quality mods done then is no need to get the latest gee whiz overweight van. Good idea going lithium. Saves a lot of weight and allows more higher powered accessories to be used..i.e..coffee machine. Good lithium will also last a long time. Just because something is newer does not mean it is better. In fact your van is probably a lot lighter than new ones.
With a lot of emphasis on good!
Cheap lithium often can't supply the amps for high current equipment.
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Stick with what you have and know ....and is paid for. Updates and maintenance should only be incidental costs in the overall scheme of things. Updates that you do yourself can often use better quality fittings/parts than would be in a new van . Vans last a long time if not mistreated.
Whenarewethere wrote:With a lot of emphasis on good!
Cheap lithium often can't supply the amps for high current equipment.
As with most things in life,with Lithium batteries,you get exactly what you pay for.I've got 540ah Victron,with 5kw Victron inverter,and my van has no gas appliances at all.Running 2.5kw AC,microwave,air fryer,fry pan,hot water jug etc etc,I have never run out of power.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 11th of August 2021 06:24:18 PM
Is it realistic to assume that we could get another 10 years out of this van, again being general and assume general maintenance is kept up ? Or, is it more realistic that some major items will need to be replaced ? things like aircon, fridges and the like ? I ask because I'm trying to decide whether to spend the 7 to $8k on this van or upgrade and buy a new van and have something that should last the next 10 years ok ? again assuming we maintain and look after it. Interested in your opinion if you have van experience and have had to make similar decisions. Cheers
If you keep it for another 10 years then it will still be a couple of years younger than ours is now. I am keeping my van as I have not seen a modern one with cupboards at the foot of the bed that accommodates our summerweight clothing. It has had a fair bit of maintenance including the resealing of all the windows and doors.
The fridge is still the original. It has only had one replacement 20 V element. However, I have had the installation improved to increase the efficiency, including the raising of the top vent to get it into the correct position. The 230 V charger is still the original. The solar controller has been replaced. I am onto the third AGM battery, (the first failed prematurely.) The BP solar panel is still working efficiently. The cook does not use the gas cooktop much but the microwave oven is a replacement. At this stage dwindling cash reserves will assure that the van will have to last for the rest of our vanning life.
If you have a van that is comfortable then I see no reason to replace it. It may seem like you are putting quite a bit of money into the maintenance but then if you are comfortable with what you have then the cost is probably worth it. The maintenance will be cheaper than continually changing vans..
One of the things to watch is your loading allowance. When you keep your van for some time the load you are carrying will increase a bit. Have your van assessed to upgrade the ATM. I replaced the axle under ours with a heavier one to achieve a 2 tonne ATM and a load carrying capacity of 500 kg. With a full 80 litres of water, we use most of that500 kg.
-- Edited by PeterD on Wednesday 11th of August 2021 07:38:11 PM
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Thanks very much for some great insights and ideas. Its giving me greater confidence in building on what I believe is a good foundation and also good to know it can last a long time if well looked after. Cheers
One of the things to watch is your loading allowance. When you keep your van for some time the load you are carrying will increase a bit. Have your van assessed to upgrade the ATM. I replaced the axle under ours with a heavier one to achieve a 2 tonne ATM and a load carrying capacity of 500 kg. With a full 80 litres of water, we use most of that500 kg.
We only travel in a car with a 500kg payload. I have weighed every last item down to the mobile phone cable. We carry about 65L of water.
It is a real battle to stay within the payload & looking at the car loaded it never looks remotely like a full car.
Two people take up about 145kg of that payload. So only 355kg left. That doesn't go far.
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50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
If you like the van - tinker with adapting things - There is no reason why any van (even stick and tin) can't last 40 - 50 years - I have a 20ft Viscount Supreme built early 70's in shed - no corrosion, no rot - Like veteran cars if they are maintained and looked after they can go forever.
Stick and tin still, unfortunately, represents a large percentage of the market.
I understand, this is not an easy question and there is no one single answer for this and I'm not looking for one. Also, I'm not looking for 'its a personal choice' answer, because I understand that too. What I'm after is a realistic and 'general' view from you guys that have a long experience with vans. Situation is, we have a van which is a 2015 model, good condition, comfortable, I've been doing little odd jobs on it and to truly get it where I want, I want to spend another $7k to $8k and update things like AGM to Lithium batteries, reverse camera, new shocks , new TV antenna setup and those type of things. Is it realistic to assume that we could get another 10 years out of this van, again being general and assume general maintenance is kept up ? Or, is it more realistic that some major items will need to be replaced ? things like aircon, fridges and the like ? I ask because I'm trying to decide whether to spend the 7 to $8k on this van or upgrade and buy a new van and have something that should last the next 10 years ok ? again assuming we maintain and look after it. Interested in your opinion if you have van experience and have had to make similar decisions. Cheers
Rob,
Without knowing the ratings and Weights of your van it is difficult to give you a sensible answer.
Having said that, if you really like the van and you can remain legal, then spending the money is an investment in your lifestyle so go for it!
Not the advice you would expect from a dealer but there you go!
One word of warning, if you spend $8000 on your van it will not be recoverable in the short term if you decide to sell or trade.
My previous caravan (purchased second hand), was a 1974 model
I last used it for a round Australia road trip, in 2013/2014
I will therefore assume, that a year 2015 caravan, would last more than another 10 years
In my opinion, spending another $8,000 on your 2015 caravan, to upgrade it to your specs
Will be a lot cheaper than, purchasing a newer caravan, minus your trade-in value
I am in the some or very similar situation, the right hand is telling me to replace our caravan and the other hand saying just buy a new mattress.
Ours is Dec 2012 model, we have had it since Sept 2016 with a 2750 gvm most compatible newer model caravans are heavier for a starter which would mean replacing our tow vehicle.
A couple of things I will need to replace shortly are water heater and not far behind that the A/c, not much change out of $5000 plus the bed which is a must do. It has a some scratches on the lower paint work and the transfers are looking a little sad up close perhaps another $3000 spent over next 12 months.
I am in the some or very similar situation, the right hand is telling me to replace our caravan and the other hand saying just buy a new mattress.
Ours is Dec 2012 model, we have had it since Sept 2016 with a 2750 gvm most compatible newer model caravans are heavier for a starter which would mean replacing our tow vehicle.
A couple of things I will need to replace shortly are water heater and not far behind that the A/c, not much change out of $5000 plus the bed which is a must do. It has a some scratches on the lower paint work and the transfers are looking a little sad up close perhaps another $3000 spent over next 12 months.
Bugger! I think I may just keep it.
Hi Ralph.If you plan to replace your AC,you might like to consider Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2.5kw reverse cycle.Only about $700.Mine sits on the drawbar,with the cassette (?) mounted on the side wall of the van.Lot cheaper and more efficient than the old van AC I had.Good disel heater that does both hot water and air is under $2000,so all-up price a lot lower? ( Not a lot "cheaper" because the price costs nothing) Cheers
I am in the some or very similar situation, the right hand is telling me to replace our caravan and the other hand saying just buy a new mattress.
Ours is Dec 2012 model, we have had it since Sept 2016 with a 2750 gvm most compatible newer model caravans are heavier for a starter which would mean replacing our tow vehicle.
A couple of things I will need to replace shortly are water heater and not far behind that the A/c, not much change out of $5000 plus the bed which is a must do. It has a some scratches on the lower paint work and the transfers are looking a little sad up close perhaps another $3000 spent over next 12 months.
Bugger! I think I may just keep it.
Hi Ralph.If you plan to replace your AC,you might like to consider Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 2.5kw reverse cycle.Only about $700.Mine sits on the drawbar,with the cassette (?) mounted on the side wall of the van.Lot cheaper and more efficient than the old van AC I had.Good disel heater that does both hot water and air is under $2000,so all-up price a lot lower? ( Not a lot "cheaper" because the price costs nothing) Cheers.
Hi Yobarr
Not a bad idea with the a/c, good thought, that would bring my overall height down to be in that lower category and be charged at a lower rate on the Sydney tollways which in general I do trice a year.
I will be looking into the heater and hot water service, that is a must do.
So you save twice. Tolls & cheaper air conditioning.
I have a 2.5kw Daikin in an investment property. The 2.5kw units are very good. If you have the spare power you can wind them up or if low on power run them at a low setting, or they work really well used as a dehumidifier. So pretty low energy consumption.
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Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!
50L custom fuel rack 6x20W 100/20mppt 4x26Ah gel 28L super insulated fridge TPMS 3 ARB compressors heatsink fan cooled 4L tank aftercooler Air/water OCD cleaning 4 stage car acoustic insulation.
