We have been reading the forum now for the last 3 or 4 months and have found all the information very helpful, so we thought we would join and ask for some assistance and advice.
We are purchasing our first caravan and are totally confused. So far we are interested in the Safari Delta 19' 6" the Royal Flair Designer Series 19' and the Crusader Tourline 18' 6". All have unique selling points and we realise it is personal choice, however any information regarding these vans would be extremely helpful. We have a Prado so the tow is 2,500kg so we are looking at van tare weights of around the 2,000kg.
Van: Still looking
Tug: Toyota Prado 3.0 diesel
Sue
Dougwe said
03:28 PM Jan 14, 2013
Hi Sue and welcome from one Prado owner to another, enjoy here and out in the Playground, and,
B-T said
05:07 PM Jan 14, 2013
I do not know either of the models you are looking at. Some general advice.... do not get distracted by the glossy finish inside or out. Take anything the dealer states with a big pinch of salt - to me dealers are just an additional cost impost between the factory and the customer. The first place I look at with a caravan is to crawl underneath and look at the quality of work down there where it cannot be seen. Is everything well protected and secured out of the way of stone damage - qual;ity of the construction etc. The next place to look is inside the dark cupboards and under the sink - looking for the same issues. Pull out a drawer, turn it over ans see how it is made... screwed and glued or just a couple of staples?
The most important thing is to look how well it is engineerred and talk to as many experienced owners of that model as you can.
John
If you are interested I have produced a DVD - over 33,000 words and many many images called "Planning your first caravan puchase" $30 post free - email contact themacks1@bigpond.com
RosieW said
05:46 PM Jan 14, 2013
Welcome to the forum!
spida said
06:22 PM Jan 14, 2013
You buying new or used? If used check for water stains, see if the seals around the toilet/shower are tight. I had heard that used is sometimes better as the bugs have been ironed out.....:)
neilnruth said
01:46 AM Jan 15, 2013
Welcome from us too. We can't help you because our car and van are much smaller but the above advice is very good so far.
Scorpio said
07:43 PM Jan 15, 2013
Thank you for your help and advice and we look forward to some memorable moments.
chicken said
10:23 PM Jan 15, 2013
Hi Newby. We have a Crusader Inspiration 21ft and love it. Had a few issues with washine machine and oven, but all fixed without any problems. In regard to the way the van has been built, it is very solid. We have been in some very heavy rain without any problems of leaks. Cupboards close beaufifully. When travelling van sits very well on the road. It is quite a heavy van, but your car should do the job very well. All in all we are very pleased with the result.
Also, welcome to the site. From Chicken.
valnrob said
10:45 PM Jan 15, 2013
Welcome from us too, Newby. Choose wisely. Have fun
Hi everyone,
We have been reading the forum now for the last 3 or 4 months and have found all the information very helpful, so we thought we would join and ask for some assistance and advice.
We are purchasing our first caravan and are totally confused. So far we are interested in the Safari Delta 19' 6" the Royal Flair Designer Series 19' and the Crusader Tourline 18' 6". All have unique selling points and we realise it is personal choice, however any information regarding these vans would be extremely helpful. We have a Prado so the tow is 2,500kg so we are looking at van tare weights of around the 2,000kg.
Van: Still looking
Tug: Toyota Prado 3.0 diesel
Sue
The most important thing is to look how well it is engineerred and talk to as many experienced owners of that model as you can.
John
If you are interested I have produced a DVD - over 33,000 words and many many images called "Planning your first caravan puchase" $30 post free - email contact themacks1@bigpond.com
Welcome to the forum!
Hi Newby. We have a Crusader Inspiration 21ft and love it. Had a few issues with washine machine and oven, but all fixed without any problems. In regard to the way the van has been built, it is very solid. We have been in some very heavy rain without any problems of leaks. Cupboards close beaufifully. When travelling van sits very well on the road. It is quite a heavy van, but your car should do the job very well. All in all we are very pleased with the result.
Also, welcome to the site. From Chicken.