We are about to move (up?) from our little Avan Aliner 3C to something not too much bigger but with an ensuite - the older we get the more we need to...
We are both retired now and thinking about some longer journeys that will probably see us try to do a bit more free camping rather than caravan parks. We will tend to stay on sealed or "good" dirt roads. There are so many vans/hybrids/campers to look at!
We have come across a brand call Oz Star. They are a Chinese van fitted to an Australian chassis. Does anyone have any experience with these van? I like to know what you think. We are a fair way from their depots so we haven't seen one in real life but are planning to do that next week.
I haven't heard of the Oz Star brand but I just had a quick look at their website out of general interest. I did note the following:
*the load capacity was not very high for the larger vans (there's a lot of vans around with the same issue),
*some of the electrical items are from brand names that I haven't heard of (maybe parts/service issues later on),
*foam mattresses instead of innerspring (I find foam mattresses hot and uncomfortable),
*they don't know how to spell 'drawers'
*one of the van photos on their website seemed to show a bow either in the overhead lockers or the ceiling as the gap was inconsistent. *some models had electric displays and power points located quite close to the sink. Warranty period was not specified so that may be something to consider. Note; I lost a lot of money thanks to a sub-standard caravan sold by a shyster dealer some years ago so I am very critical and suspicious.
Back in 2014 I was researching vans and had been speaking with the manager of 'GoldStar' caravans in Adelaide by phone a few times. I was in regional VIC. He had me really interested and their website made the selection look good. So, I decided to fly over and take a look. A mate was also interested, he was near Adelaide so met me at the airport and we went around to the caravan yard together.
As we approached the vans my interest started to get a little less. I had arranged to meet the manager and he would show us around etc. He wasn't there and no one knew anything about our visit. The only person there said just look around and he can help us from there. The first van had a door hanging off a cupboard, a couple of drawers wouldn't open, the sliding door into the ensuite was hanging off track. The overall finish was terrible in and out. The second van had visible problems as well. The third, not worth talking about. These were new vans. We went to talk to the still only person and the office lady just arriving there, he wasn't interested so we left never to return. The manager rang the next day saying he was sorry to miss me but forgot I was flying over and was out with a friend having a coffee. Yep, great service. Why even admit that? The vans were terrible. At the time.
If the company is still around, I hope they have changed for the best and that manager gone.
Certainly put me off Chinese vans. Shame too as to see them on the road they look the goods.
I ended up getting a van built to my specs in Melbourne. Even that van had a few problems after I got it and the company was gone after 12 months. So I didn't choose all that good did I? The van is great now and I love it and in it 24/7.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Welcome to the Forum Orio.
The original Chinese imported vans were really not up to spec, if the van you have in mind is truly built on an Australian made chassis from a reputable Australian manufacturer and not made from ("Chinesium") you may have a chance of getting value.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
I personally wouldn't buy one of their caravans based on the customer service I received from one of their employees in Sydney. I went on their website to look at their caravans which looked ok. I decided to call them and arrange an inspection and was met with the rudest foul mouthed woman when I asked if there were any additional photos I could see before I came down to look at the caravans. She proceeded to tell me to "come down and take my own photos because I'm not walking out of the office and taking them". She then yelled some profanities before hanging up.
