Hi Everyone,

Been researching caravans and now want to know from anyone that has a traveller or a paradise van..............the good parts and bad parts...would appreciate any comments as we are so close to buying one.  Cheers

Welcome and congratulations on your research. Looking for the van or camping gear which will suit your travelling purposes is one of the biggest challenges when setting out on this lifestyle. I have a Roma van, which has nothing to do with your options. They all have special features which suit the individual's needs. You've done well to put the questions to the other nomads. Always look for the potential for leaks, and how the van is assembled. If you think you'll be adding accessories and modification, make sure the van, and the tug are up to it. What will you be towing with? What size is the van? Where are you planning on travelling? Keep asking questions. If the place you think you may buy the van from can't answer your questions move on. Go to another dealer or outlet. Good luck with your hunt, and the eventual decision. Safe and happy travels.

I'm doing the same thing.....hunting seems endless.....plus the questions seem to get more and more.....seems worse after you find the Van you like....new .it starts with options.....interior color....then what you need for your tug.... Good luck..

Oh, decisions, decisions. That's part of the fun. Depending on how much time you intend to spend in the van, you need light bright interior to avoid that claustraphobic feeling. Plain colours also keep that spacious look. There are times it will be too wet or hot to sit outside, so it will be in the van or over to the pub to sit it out. Check everything while you can. Under the front if it's vinyl or aluminium checker plate. Check the frame, under the boot, the frame could be weak there. I've just had major leaks in the walls of my 12 yo van, despite me spreading a tube of sikaflex on almost every orifice when I first bought it. After all those kilometres between Broome and Cairns around the bottom, things have moved and shrunk. I found if the ants can get in, the water can get in. Now I wish I had a van with an ally or light steel frame. God only knows what the wood is going to be like after such a soaking. Time will tell. You'll never get everything right, and once you tow that van out of the yard and do a few k's you'll find things out about that van you never thought existed. All the best with your decision. Don't be pressured into a van you might not be happy with. Your van, your choice. Share the decisions between you.

The 'Traveller' would be my choice, it's in a whole different class than the Paradise.
ozjohn.

We own a 21'6" Traveller, its great whats more, have dealt with both the SA Traveller Dealer and the MD of Traveller in the purchase of our van and after purchase sales support, and they go out of their way to help.

Peter.
The usual, no affiliation/relatives with Traveller etc.

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Monday 3rd of May 2010 03:28:50 PM