Once again, many thanks for the really interesting and informative replies!
I wish there was a way to reply individually because pretty much everyone has said something of value to me. Cheers for that! ð
Yes, this will be my 'starter' van... no point in spending heaps on getting something I can't manage on my own (as a 'beginner'), or I find I don't like the design of (etc) and getting disheartened.
I feel quite 'intimidated' at the thought of towing a big (over 16') van, so baby steps I think :)
Thank you! ð
Aus-Kiwi said
12:43 AM Jan 7, 2017
When you get one . Practice - practice reversing van into a position you would at camping ground etc . Try it with your mirrors . Looking down each side of your car ..
Yabbietol said
03:12 PM Jan 7, 2017
We started caravanning with an Avan Cruise liner and which is a solid wall pop up, single axel weight about 1200kg fully loaded, towed very easily and was good for camping in caravan parks and the odd national park. It had no shower or toilet which was the main reason for changing vans, it was also not very off road, so destinations were limited.
Retiring meant we had a lot more time to travel. After a lot of research we ended up with a 16' Single axel Kedron. This is a fully self contained off road van and weighs 2.5t fully loaded. It also tows really well. We did consider a duel axel, but to save weight and to be able to get to more remote places we chose a relatively small, but capable quality single axel van. A choice we are really happy with the safety and handling of many modern single axel vans is better than many older vans, due to better suspension,better brakes and better design.
1. Whatever van you get, single or double axel, get fitted Stability Control (either Alko ESC or Dexters version), cheap insurance at $1500 (also good discount on CIL insurance each year) 2. Do a tow ed course (about $600 for two people with your own van), helps you become familiar with your van and helps to get rid of bad habits. 3. Get a quality tyre pressure monitoring system for both van and car, this will give you much peace of mind and they can also measure wheel temp (which is useful in case of brake or bearing problems). They will often give you a warning of a problem before it becomes an issue. 4. Change your van tyres every 5 to 6 years no matter how much tread they have, tyres have a limited life, the rubber breaks down with time. If you buy second hand check the age of the tyres.
Think about starting small with a van till you find out what type of caravanning you like, some people never go anywhere but caravan parks, others free camp, others only use National Parks and most mix these options up a bit. No van is perfect for all types of caravanning, the choice of van is a very personal thing and what suits one person does not suit another. The best thing we did was start with a small cheaper van before getting our long term caravan. It gave us a lot of useful experience, which helped us decide on what we wanted in the long term in our caravan.
-- Edited by Yabbietol on Saturday 7th of January 2017 03:13:32 PM
macka17 said
09:18 PM Jan 7, 2017
Hi.
Coromal built over there.
Pity you so far away.
Determined to start small. DON'T go under 16ft6in..
That little extra 6 in makes a lot of difference internally
Go for END lounge. NOT a dinette.
And have or install, preferably 2 x 60\80ltr water tanks under.
One keep for drinking with HAND pump to sink (you don't use as much water that way)
Porta Potti inside. shower tent either ON side of van or free standing. Toilet in during day.
Battery or two. Panel or two on roof with decent regulator inside.
Rollout awning on door side. Try to find van with 12\240v fridge over 3way.
I carry 80ltr Waeco in Ute tray. (too large but what I had from prev rig.)
Caravan Parks and Travelling are getting quite exxy nowadays.
Ability to stay away from costs is a nice thing
Van park once/twice week
for top up. Cleaning, charging, everything.
Change internal lights to LED. AND buy a small generator.
I wouldn't spend money on all those controlling external systems.
Just load properly. Good tyres. Checked daily when travelling.
and keep weights inside limits.
WELL inside if poss. OR buy a bigger tug.
What you towing with will control a lot??.
and do plenty of reading on loading and balance ... OF BOTH.
I personally believe a WDH.. is necessary on ALL rigs.
Including my old 16 ft 6 inside off roader 1.7ton.
Just buy the lighter one 500\750.
I have one in shed if you come this way. CQ.
Check round ALL window frames and internal wall corners for leaks.
If bad. Unless money real good. Walk away.
You could be up for frame renewal.
I usually buy a tin of heat reflective paint and clean then paint the complete roof b4 starting.
Covers both cooler inside. and any chance of leaks in roof seams.
Have fun
We'll ALL give more mixed advice. SORT and discard to suit.
macka17 said
10:52 PM Jan 7, 2017
Hey Eaglemax.
Just a little diversion.
Those Cork tiles.
Just finished cutting and placing t'ween rain
last coupla days.
Once moisture gets out of air. I'll glue them down.
Di wrapped. and soft on feet too.
Think I may number them on backs as I lift up,
To stick down again in correct spots.
Have to glue both sides and wait till tacky
(Around 20 min's.)
and if dry too much. Don't stick well. same as sticking too wet.
Hmm.
You think they'd have some out for us do-do's hey.
At least this Sika Spray has a coupla min's (apparently)
To get them right.
We'll see.
Back to post.
Eaglemax said
12:36 AM Jan 8, 2017
Thanks Macca. Well done
NannyJam said
01:50 PM Jan 8, 2017
Some awesome tips and advice! All under consideration! Thank you!!!
We started caravanning with an Avan Cruise liner and which is a solid wall pop up, single axel weight about 1200kg fully loaded, towed very easily and was good for camping in caravan parks and the odd national park. It had no shower or toilet which was the main reason for changing vans, it was also not very off road, so destinations were limited.
Retiring meant we had a lot more time to travel. After a lot of research we ended up with a 16' Single axel Kedron. This is a fully self contained off road van and weighs 2.5t fully loaded. It also tows really well. We did consider a duel axel, but to save weight and to be able to get to more remote places we chose a relatively small, but capable quality single axel van. A choice we are really happy with the safety and handling of many modern single axel vans is better than many older vans, due to better suspension,better brakes and better design.
1. Whatever van you get, single or double axel, get fitted Stability Control (either Alko ESC or Dexters version), cheap insurance at $1500 (also good discount on CIL insurance each year)
2. Do a tow ed course (about $600 for two people with your own van), helps you become familiar with your van and helps to get rid of bad habits.
3. Get a quality tyre pressure monitoring system for both van and car, this will give you much peace of mind and they can also measure wheel temp (which is useful in case of brake or bearing problems). They will often give you a warning of a problem before it becomes an issue.
4. Change your van tyres every 5 to 6 years no matter how much tread they have, tyres have a limited life, the rubber breaks down with time. If you buy second hand check the age of the tyres.
Think about starting small with a van till you find out what type of caravanning you like, some people never go anywhere but caravan parks, others free camp, others only use National Parks and most mix these options up a bit. No van is perfect for all types of caravanning, the choice of van is a very personal thing and what suits one person does not suit another. The best thing we did was start with a small cheaper van before getting our long term caravan. It gave us a lot of useful experience, which helped us decide on what we wanted in the long term in our caravan.
-- Edited by Yabbietol on Saturday 7th of January 2017 03:13:32 PM
Coromal built over there.
Pity you so far away.
Determined to start small. DON'T go under 16ft6in..
That little extra 6 in makes a lot of difference internally
Go for END lounge. NOT a dinette.
And have or install, preferably 2 x 60\80ltr water tanks under.
One keep for drinking with HAND pump to sink (you don't use as much water that way)
Porta Potti inside. shower tent either ON side of van or free standing. Toilet in during day.
Battery or two. Panel or two on roof with decent regulator inside.
Rollout awning on door side. Try to find van with 12\240v fridge over 3way.
I carry 80ltr Waeco in Ute tray. (too large but what I had from prev rig.)
Caravan Parks and Travelling are getting quite exxy nowadays.
Ability to stay away from costs is a nice thing
Van park once/twice week
for top up. Cleaning, charging, everything.
Change internal lights to LED. AND buy a small generator.
I wouldn't spend money on all those controlling external systems.
Just load properly. Good tyres. Checked daily when travelling.
and keep weights inside limits.
WELL inside if poss. OR buy a bigger tug.
What you towing with will control a lot??.
and do plenty of reading on loading and balance ... OF BOTH.
I personally believe a WDH.. is necessary on ALL rigs.
Including my old 16 ft 6 inside off roader 1.7ton.
Just buy the lighter one 500\750.
I have one in shed if you come this way. CQ.
Check round ALL window frames and internal wall corners for leaks.
If bad. Unless money real good. Walk away.
You could be up for frame renewal.
I usually buy a tin of heat reflective paint and clean then paint the complete roof b4 starting.
Covers both cooler inside. and any chance of leaks in roof seams.
Have fun
We'll ALL give more mixed advice. SORT and discard to suit.
Just a little diversion.
Those Cork tiles.
Just finished cutting and placing t'ween rain
last coupla days.
Once moisture gets out of air. I'll glue them down.
Di wrapped. and soft on feet too.
Think I may number them on backs as I lift up,
To stick down again in correct spots.
Have to glue both sides and wait till tacky
(Around 20 min's.)
and if dry too much. Don't stick well. same as sticking too wet.
Hmm.
You think they'd have some out for us do-do's hey.
At least this Sika Spray has a coupla min's (apparently)
To get them right.
We'll see.
Back to post.