Hi All , The Missus (Linda aka ToolBox) and I Tony are about to Hit the Road but  need any Advice on the Type of Caravan  that would be Best on the Road. (by that I mean are there any out there that we should steer clear of). We are selling up the House  and Intend to travel This Mighty Country of ours. Any Advice on this Adventure would be Greatly Appreciated.


                           Regards GloveBox and ToolBox

-- Edited by GloveBox on Wednesday 14th of April 2010 01:04:39 AM

The best suggestion I can make if you can make it go to the Sydney Caravan and Camping Show or the Brisbane one in June and confuse yourselves totaly. Caravans are really a personal choice but if you are touring Australia and going of the bitumen and you will stay away from the lightweights. Also do not make a descision at the show go hom with the paper work and discuss your options as there are so many. Salesmen are a pushy pain in the bum.

 Hirea van and do a trip in it for about 2 weeks this way you will know what you want/need. And whilst traveling have a look at other rigs in van parks and camping spots because this is where the learning curve is the greatest.


Attached is a pic of our rig at Narrandera 5 mile area.

I would agree with onedodger, go to the yards see if you can see anything you like. After that see if you can hire a similar model and try it out. We had 2 vans before the one we now have luckely we did not lose on the resale but would still change over if the markets had not been so hard on us, but that another story. You did not mention your tug for towing but you need to balance the rigs. Roy

Welcome! You just asked a question only yourselves can answer.
New or used? onroad or offroad? full or poptop? size?, ensuite?. then you choose a brand. You will find  people with good & bad opinions on most brands as unluckly there are lemons made in no matter what brand or product you buy.
Choose the right one from the list above then find one with all the fittings you want or at least options to install the fittings you want, have it checked over thoroughly by someone in the know then just keep your fingers crossed.
Good luck
Jon

Hi Glovebox & Toolbox Welcome to the group - I'm also pretty new and like you have been looking at vans and rigs too as we have plans to do the big lap and then ease into retirement with regular trips all over this magnificent country. It is mind boggling, because there are so many options, but it seems to me you need to decide on the type and style of van that suits you and then work out what sort of vehicle you will need to tow it. We spent a week at Easter camping and talking to various people and it's amazing what you learn from them - mostly about what not to do. I'm like a giant sponge, absorbing other peoples experience and opinions and starting to form my own view of what will work best for me. Everyone is different and what suits me - probably wouldn't suit others quite as well. I look forward to gaing more of the wisdom of those of you who have been "doing it" for a while.

This is a great site to get lots of information. You will need to sort out what it is you really want. My advice, no matter what you get, make sure the bed is comfortable. You can last a few days in a bad bed, but for long term travel you will need a good rest. Most other things can be adjusted or some little appliance bought, but the bed would be my priority. Have a great one and keep us posted. I cant wait to be doing the same thing.

Much will depend on where you intend to go, and it makes sense to 'try before you buy', as we also were advised.

Despite that advice, John & I jumped in head-first, after doing a lot of research on the web and at caravan & camping shows, sold up everything and had a 5th-wheeler built for us in Brisbane (Southern Cross Caravans) -- at least partly on the basis of their beaut chassis, with 4-wheel independent trailing arm suspension and airbags. We've not regretted it as yet, having travelled from Brisbane to Adelaide and then to Perth and around parts of WA, but we don't intend to take our house off-roading, either: we have a 4WD with a tent and all necessary bits on top, and can make trips away from 'home' whenever we feel the urge.

So, while the 5th-wheeler is more stable for towing, it still depends on what you expect from your new home.

Andrea