I think most caravans perform well these days. European vans are probably the best balanced vans you can get. They have far less weight at the ends than Oz style vans (No heavy bumper bars with spare wheels at the rear. No large boots at the front that you can load with heaps of weight. Kitchens always in the middle.) Their weight distribution is such that can be safely towed with a lower ball weight percentage which is ideal for these new soft roaders with a 2,000 kg tow capacity but only a 150 kg ball load. To me their draw back is the low clearance in relationship to their length. Also they seem to have beds that convert to day sitting areas. Alternately the larger ones have separate beds that you can not get around to make up them up easily. These limitations don't suit me but a few million Europeans don't seem to mind. If you don't then I think you will get a bigger van for a light weight tug than if you purchase an Oz style model Despite the lower clearance you will get to most of the places around Oz with it. You will just not be able to get into a few bush camps where there is a ditch to negotiate. You will not be able to tackle a lot of the gravel roads but on the other hand there a lot of Oz vans that won't.

I did hear that an Adria Queensland agent had gone into liquidation, more info by clicking on this link;

http://www.caravanningnews.com/  

If you haven't bought yet I would be inclined to buy Jayco or Coromal or other Ozzie brand that have been around for awhile.



-- Edited by VHW on Thursday 12th of August 2010 01:30:24 PM

VHW wrote:

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I did hear that an Adria Queensland agent had gone into liquidation, more info by clicking on this link;

http://www.caravanningnews.com/  

If you haven't bought yet I would be inclined to buy Jayco or Coromal or other Ozzie brand that have been around for awhile.



-- Edited by VHW on Thursday 12th of August 2010 01:30:24 PM

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My sentiments exactly.   
With the money that is NOT going into our country roads you will need a van that can handle a bit of rough stuff.

 

try sitting on the toilet in an Adria before you buy, if you can wrap your legs behind your head, fine

Thanks for the replies people,we really appreciate your input and you have all given us stuff to consider. At least it has a toilet, but as STAN 747 points out our legs at 65 years are not as flexable as they once were.