We went to our first caravan show on the weekend so many choices!
Any expert advice not to touch, must haves?
We will be heading out in about 12 months.
We welcome any and all advice to us wee novices !
Cheers Rog and Gab
Ps  Carn't wait it s exciting

Do have a big look around before you buy ,sit on all seating and dinning areas to make sure you fit around the table image living in the space ,work out wether you want shower and toilet if image have a shower in the space , we have friends who brought one with shower and toilet and only use the toilet shower to small the best van to buy is the one you like yourself i dont think there is much between them only layout and only you will know what right for you. when you think you have found the idle van , go back a week later and have a second look with fresh eyes if you listen to to many people you will go nuts everybody has different wants and needs and thats great

Take your time! Think it through. Discuss it over and over and over again. Get it clear in your mind, because when you really start looking you can be bamboozled by choice. Check out all sources and types of vans. Layout, structure, the size you might think you need. How long will you be on the road? Will it be for short trips or long ones? What do you expect of your van? What will you be towing it with? How much do you want to spend? What towing experience do you have? Solid top or pop top? One axle or two? When you have it clear what you will need, then go and look for it. Then it's all about what fits your needs, if you fit in it, awning or annexe? There are so many options, but it always comes down to what you want, what you need, and how much you want to spend. New or used is also another option. Some used vans have only done a couple of trips and then it's no longer needed for all sorts of reasons. Also check out the manufacturers. They may be building a custom van for a customer who has cancelled the order. Some used ones have added extras you don't have to install and pay for. Also check out websites for new and used, caravan trader and ebay. I'm glad I'm not doing it anymore. Good looking but don't forget to have fun. It should begin with happy memories.

1. Buy second hand, try it out and then you will have a better idea of what suits you before you spend all of your cash and trade it in or up-grade. 2. Where you want to travel will also affect what you need.....black top, dirt roads.... 3. You get what you pay for, if you buy wisely. Cheers, Peter

I'd agree with buying secondhand, there are a lot around at a good price, take a look on ebay, or trading post online (trading post paper is no more!!!!) R.V. point, sunday papers as well as the van yards expect to pay a "premium" from van yards roughly 15% markup you could also hire one for a while as far as type goes, what vehicle have you got, where do you want to go, how long are you going to be out, how much luxury do you want you must answer all these yourself before you start to think about a van, size will be a factor as well, can you confidently tow it???

I think It's best to buy a near new van because from talking to people who have bought new vans they more often than not end up with teething problems like leaking when it rains then have the hassles of returning it for repairs. Check inside all overhead cupboards for signs of leaks (if you want maybe after a rainy day or 2) If It's going to be your home you have to imagine it as your home so think of storage for a year & comfort when relaxing inside like on a rainy day when you have to be in it for a long time. Is the bed big enough and comfortable? Camping away from 240v power? then solar panels may be an option. Size of van depends on the size of the tow vehicle. I recommend getting Australian made as they are built to handle Aussie roads plus better for spare parts pus repairs with luck can be cheaper. If you want to visit & camp in 4WD accessible nat park spots then more money will get you an off road caravan, or, leave your caravan somewhere, take a tent & go off exploring for a day or 2. Wise to first make a list of things you want in & on your van first & take it shopping with you. Don't forget that you may end up spending more money on extras after the caravan is bought like on a generator which may be up to $2000, plus fitting to your tow vehicle an extra deep cycle battery & anderson plug(carry's the extra power needed to run the fridge when driving), plus maybe a Haymen Reece Hitch tow system to drive with more stability, utensils,linen,tables& chairs, GPS etc,etc,etc Best of luck Jon

We just upgraded from a 25 yrs old 14ft pop top to a 17 ft pop top a couple of years old (Jayco Freedom).  Yes with second hand vans you can strike a few dramas with leaks and worn bits that dont appear until you have signed on the dotted line.   I have found a switch that for the life of me I can not figure out what it does.  It was installed by the previous owner and I didn't think to ask him at the time.   We were also very limited as to the type of van due to me being 192cm short (6'4") and most vans, including pop tops,  being designed for the 'average' citizen.  It would appear that said average citizen is somewhat under six feet tall.   I have many a bruise on my forehead from looking at vans.  The light fittings are the worst.   Good luck.

Well done! Good for you. That switch could have something to do with changing power from battery to 240v, or if you look in the cupboards nearby there may be something in there which needs a switch. It could also be for a fan behind the fridge. Take the vents off outside and check it out. Is there a prize for the right clue? And I don't there are too many vans built for long people. Have fun. Oh, call in for coffe anytime, but keep your head down.

I found a switch on my Penguin that had escaped my attention.It is located on the edge of the roof and contacts with the edge of the caravan proper.My conclusion is that it is to turn on/off the power when the roof is wound either up or down.Any other Penguin ownwers have an idea.Good luck with your Van,my Jayco so far has not given us any real problems,the only one being the flyscreen mesh detatching from one of the windows.Cheers.Ibbo.

if the switch is up very close to the roof then my guess would be "isolation switch" for the workings of the roof, turn it off and try lifting the roof

Try hiring a few vans and give it a suck it and see . No good if you buy one that only meets part of your needs. The comment on toilets and showers is a good one, some are poor excuse for either and a bucket and a hose would serve you better. Second hand is good option they normally come with a lot of extras like pole carriers, second spare wheel , maybe a annex or sun screen , second gas bottle , pre-wired for solar, internal /external LED lights, external water taps and many other odds and ends that can cost a mint to retro fit to a new one .