Hi everyone
We are both in our early 50s and have finally made the decision to rent the house and go on the road for a couple of years or more.
Our previous caravan was a 1973 chesney poptop (don't laugh : everybody has to start somewhere)
We have decided on an expanda 18 (1900 kg) but have not yet decided on a tow vehicle
our current vehicles are an 07 rio and an 01 sportage  Having had no dramas with either I am leaning towards a late model sorento petrol/diesel   They are rated to 2800 kg in aust but are rated to 3500 in europe.
Wondering if anybody has the same rig or has any comments regarding this choice.
We are going to look at a van on friday up the sunshine coast so may look into a few of the caravan parks to see if anybody has the same type of vehicle and or van.
Comments would be greatly appreciated
Peter and Rose thompson 

Peter & Rose.
The first thing to do is check the 'ATM' on the vans compliance plate as this is the maximum legal loaded weight of the van including water in tank(s) etc.
From there you can then consider a suitable tow vehicle.
Earlier model Sorento's had a tow capacity of 2800Kg with a max ball weight of 280Kg.
This maybe still be the same with the 3.5 pertopl motor.
However the with introduction of the smaller 2.2 'R' CRTD and the removeal of the Ladder Frame Chassis the tow woght for the 2.2 Diesel has been reduced to 2000kg with a maximum ball weight of only 150Kg.
Kia also state the the weights shown in the handbook maybe inciorrect as some Sorento;s delivered had handbooks from earlier models.
Kia recommend you check the current figures with your local dealer.
If you do decide in the Sorento I recommend that you fit the optional Hayman Reese Tow Hitch and a WDH. But with your van weight of 1900Kg (Tare or ATM???) the Sorento Diesel wont allow you enough ball weight to keep the van stable and you may have to step up to a bigger vehicle, but alas at a higher price.
Cheers, ozjohn.

ozjohn thanks for the advise extremly helpful. I am using the redbook as a guide to towing capacities but will check the type of hitch on individual vehicles. the vans towball weight is approx 141 kg and van tare weight 1895. Except for a 35kg tinny we plan to travel light with only sufficient water in the tanks for minimal use. I will also drop down and see the guys who did work on our original caravan before making any final decisions. Will probably go with a 2009 petrol model sorento Just a matter of finding the right car Kind Regards Peter and Rose

Peter & Rose
With a Tare of 1895Kg the ATM will be at least 2295Kg, but could he higher. Check the compliance plate.
The 141Kg Ball weight will be for the unladen van and will increase quite significantly when the van is loaded and the final figure will depend on what you load and how it's distributed.
However for safe towing you'll need to have a 10%+ Ball Weight which if your van is loaded to the ATM will be around 230Kg and the addition of a WDH is highly recommended.
Cheers, ozjohn.

Ozjohn Thanks again I was just starting to read an article in caravan world explaining safe towing and difference in atm tare and ball weights. You have explained it a lot better than they did. Peter and Rose

My advice would be to look at a diesel, better pulling power (torque) and better fuel economy.
Although I own  a Patrol perhaps a Hyundai oiler would be in your price range and their SantaFe is a great little softroader just check the ball and towing weights.
Also if the Dollars are not too bad a Pajero or a Prado are much better vehicles IMHO.

Hi Dodg THANKS FOR THE LOWDOWN Still haven't decided on vehicle yet Prefer to get the caravan first and match the vehicle to it. have a few friends with diesels so may go for a spin with a couple hooked up to the van once we get it. Regards Peter and rose

 Now thats the Idea.
Get the van first then match the tug.
Yep an oiler is the best way, and make sure you try the friends oilers out.

All the best with your choice.
Remember the only one that has to be pleased with your choice is YOU.

Thanks for all the comments re the 18ft jayco. We finally settled on a 2006 16ft expanda tare 1355kg atm 1649kg empty ball mass 118kg single axle The vehicle to tow is a 2009 kia sorento petrol Tow capacity is 2800kg (in aust) and 3500kg in Europe with a max towball weight of 280 kg. We have towed it only a short distance (10km) and seems to tow okay also have had electric brakes fitted. I am just wondering if there is a need to fit sway bars and/or WDH? Should I use the first trip (mid Feb) to test or bite the bullet and have these added. Cheers Peter and Rose

There are a lot of second hand expanda's out there in van yards....lot are traded in cause ppl get sick of setting up the bed every time...just my 2 bobs worth Dave

Hello all i am a newbie. I agree with dave expanda putting beds up are a real pain. We had a Eage Out Back Jayco 2009 bouth brand new sent to Birdsville, Cooper Creedk, Leigh Creek, Co[ley you name it on dirt we went putting beds up wet and pulling out is a pain. I believe you need to really think about expanda. Friends we went with had expanda sold it when we came home for that reason. But hey we have bouth new Jayco 17ft 6ins pop top single beds for easy axcess. (2010) Just love it. We pull it with a Pardo diesel 2010. We had a petrol Pajero 2007 loved a drink they canot go the lond distances like a diesel also they do not have the big fuel tanks as standard like Prado and Landcruisers have. My hubby really goes into milage, wind rsistance, resale of vechile, fuel avalibality. Most people in the real out back drive either Toyota Landcruiser,Prado, or Nissian all diesels. Does any one know of any free camping sites. Also any good caravan parks to stay at in Norther New South Wales that are a resonable price. Thanks to all. Sorrry if i have upset anyone with my thoughts. They are only advice and are our personal experiences. Safe travels. Leigh the Flee

Welcome relax.......... For free camping most of us have the Camps Australia Wide. I think No 6 is due out any day. It will give you all the info you need to know on free camping, national parks and low cost caravan parks.

Thanks Happy Wanderer much appreciated. Hope to catch up with lost of you fantastic people on the road.