First thing I think you should do is have a list of the things you want to , off road , free camping , what are the comforts you want in a van , will it be a camper , poptop or a full van,do you need a 4x4 how heavy will your van be then choose a tug to tow it
freehazzas said
01:43 PM Aug 13, 2010
wow look at all us newbies, must be something in the water, either that or we have just all woken up to a 'real life' he he
Some good advice there, maybe think about are you doing it full time, or just long breaks. That helped us decide on the type of van we needed.
Pam said
04:17 PM Aug 13, 2010
caravan camping shows are a great way to get ideas.
welcome to all the newbies too
GrumpyOne said
07:59 PM Aug 13, 2010
Hey there Len & Barb,
Just thought I 'd chuck my 2 bobs worth woops sorry 20 cents worth in.....
I was looking at various diesle tugs a couple of years ago as I was planning to travel with my then missus, we looked at all the vehicles on thne market including the then new Great Wall, Mahindra and the whats now known as DMax.
After much deliberation and research the missus found my new tug, which at $30k drive away is much better value than anything else on the market.
I bought a 2007 Ssangyong Actyon dual cab 2l common rail turbo diesel, tows my 4.4m tinny nicely but then its only about 600 -700kg's tops. I have a seen a couple of these on the road now an they were towing largish vans without any apparent trouble.
I have put about 50k on the clock so far and have had no problems at all, it has comfortably carried 5 adults from Townsville to Cairns and back and has done a few trips between Sydney and Townsville. Average fuel economy has proven to be about 10l/100km which gives about 650k's to a tank with 10l reserve.
At about $30k drive away they are well worth consideration especially when you are looking at $60k plus for a Toyota or Nissan or a Mitubishi which have half the comfort and features.
I may add that the crash tests results for the Ssangyong is quite good also.
Hoo Roo Happy Days
Cheers
Grumps
gunadoo said
10:51 PM Aug 13, 2010
Gday Len and Barb..I too am a relative new-comer to this way of life(and loving it)As others have mentioned..you need to know what you'r requirements are,make a list..off-road ,black top,sleeping arrangements,..the list could be endless but you need to see in front of you what you want..then go to shows,talk to people,read forums,surf the net,research,research,research,and then once you have it all worked out,you'll still be confused. It took me about ages to get to a stage where I thought I knew what I wanted,and then realised I still needed to modify,change,adapt..but I'm on the road permanently and loving every moment, and you will too..just be prepared to adapt and learn as the journey progresses. Have a marvellous time out here,and hope we can meet up at some stage..Currently in Darwin at Hidden Valley Cp til 19/08,then they're kicking me out..told me they only booked for 21 days..a shame cause I'm here for 8 weeks or so..I love the Territory!!
Len and Barb said
02:09 PM Aug 15, 2010
-- Edited by Len and Barb on Sunday 15th of August 2010 02:11:41 PM
Len and Barb said
02:11 PM Aug 15, 2010
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your reply.
We will be needing a medium sized van with a few comforts, don't need shower
but a good size double bed with storage is a must.
Also we think a full sized annexe with side covers would be essential.
How do you find the Pajero overall especially fuel consumption?
I think it is only held back by the Mitsubishi badge otherwise as good as Toyota and Nissan.
Cheers - Len
Len and Barb said
02:19 PM Aug 15, 2010
Hey Gunadoo - David,
Don't blame you wanting to hang around NT it's a great place.
I have been just about everywhere with my old job as a TV cameraman and Darwin was always a good time. My wife however was always holding the fort and missed out....so now it's her turn and I am more than happy to tag along.
Hope to meet you somewhere one day!
Cheers - Len and Barb
Len and Barb said
02:22 PM Aug 15, 2010
Hi Grumpyone,
I guess one day we may find out why you call yourself Grumpyone.
Thanks for the info re the Tug I will check it out.
I have a Pajero.......what size poptop.........new or second hand..??
I just bought a goldstream mini caravan.12ft........Goldstream make a 14ft offroad called an Explorer.
http://www.goldstreamrv.com.au/products/poptop_explorer.php
Dave
It took me about ages to get to a stage where I thought I knew what I wanted,and then realised I still needed to modify,change,adapt..but I'm on the road permanently and loving every moment, and you will too..just be prepared to adapt and learn as the journey progresses.
Have a marvellous time out here,and hope we can meet up at some stage..Currently in Darwin at Hidden Valley Cp til 19/08,then they're kicking me out..told me they only booked for 21 days..a shame cause I'm here for 8 weeks or so..I love the Territory!!
-- Edited by Len and Barb on Sunday 15th of August 2010 02:11:41 PM
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your reply.
We will be needing a medium sized van with a few comforts, don't need shower
but a good size double bed with storage is a must.
Also we think a full sized annexe with side covers would be essential.
How do you find the Pajero overall especially fuel consumption?
I think it is only held back by the Mitsubishi badge otherwise as good as Toyota and Nissan.
Cheers - Len