Dear all, I will shortly be joining you - retiring on the 2nd of July
We have just seen an off road Kokoda caravan - Battalion. Looks great and we are persuaded by the affordable price (otherwise it will have to be a second hand off road van). We know that they use contract manufacturers and they also use wooden frames. We have read the previous opinions on this forum.
Does anyway have any actual experience with these vans?
Thanks for all your help
Peter
MaryJane said
06:25 PM May 3, 2014
Hi Peter,
I am looking forward to responses re Kokoda.
But to go off track a bit, yesterday, I was again looking at Coronet RV (Melbourne). I've been looking at their vans for over 12 months and I'm impressed. They have just brought out new interiors, huge improvement, and will accommodate anything ie gas heater, diesel heater, genny slide out, washing machine slide out, bbq slide out, recliners v cafe seats etc.
They have a 5 year warranty and are reasonably priced for off road or black top. Just a thought ;) they will build just about any configuration you want.
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 02:50:03 PM
ozjohn said
11:16 AM May 4, 2014
If you have a look at the Compliance (VIN) Plate on the van it will reveal the manufactures name. You can then ask questions on that brand. Don't know who's building the Kokoda at the moment as they have used a few different manufactures since their launch a few years back. OJ
Stefdogs said
05:07 PM May 4, 2014
MaryJane wrote:
Hi Peter,
I am looking forward to responses re Kokoda.
But to go off track a bit, yesterday, I was again looking at Coronet RV (Melbourne). I've been looking at their vans for over 12 months and I'm impressed. They have just brought out new interiors, huge improvement, and will accommodate anything ie gas heater, diesel heater, genny slide out, washing machine slide out, bbq slide out, recliners v cafe seats etc.
They have a 5 year warranty and are reasonably priced for off road or black top. Just a thought ;) they will build just about any configuration you want.
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 02:50:03 PM
Hi MJ to be frank with you I am tired of looking. Do they make off road vans and how do you find their pricing?
Stefdogs said
05:10 PM May 4, 2014
Hi Ozjohn
they are made by Kingdom caravans. I haven't researched them yet because I only just found out. Kokoda vans only give a one year warranty.
peter
MaryJane said
10:41 PM May 4, 2014
Stefdogs wrote:
MaryJane wrote:
Hi Peter,
I am looking forward to responses re Kokoda.
But to go off track a bit, yesterday, I was again looking at Coronet RV (Melbourne). I've been looking at their vans for over 12 months and I'm impressed. They have just brought out new interiors, huge improvement, and will accommodate anything ie gas heater, diesel heater, genny slide out, washing machine slide out, bbq slide out, recliners v cafe seats etc.
They have a 5 year warranty and are reasonably priced for off road or black top. Just a thought ;) they will build just about any configuration you want.
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 02:50:03 PM
Hi MJ to be frank with you I am tired of looking. Do they make off road vans and how do you find their pricing?
Yes, I hear you, I'm tired of looking too. Yes, Coronet make off road,and the standard off road comes with many extras as standard. they build on site, will accommodate all my fussy needs , from interior to suspension, and they are well priced, in my opinion. But I don't know your budget.
But IM Off to Olympic tomorrow, and Campbellfield next week for numerous dealers. It's tiring but I want to get it right. It's a big outlay.
Check out their website, they are small business, but i keep going back.
Good luck,
MJ
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 11:28:01 PM
ken thomas said
02:10 PM May 5, 2014
Hello MJ
Have sent you a PM
Ken
ken thomas said
02:20 PM May 5, 2014
Condor Caravans are a man'f of various brands including Condor, Champion,Grant Tourer, Aussiestar and have also made Kokoda
I have a Champion which to me is well build and handles very well behind the car
They are at 24 Capital link drive Campbellfield
Ken
ozjohn said
07:27 PM May 5, 2014
ken thomas wrote:
Condor Caravans are a man'f of various brands including Condor, Champion,Grant Tourer, Aussiestar and have also made Kokoda I have a Champion which to me is well build and handles very well behind the car They are at 24 Capital link drive Campbellfield Ken
I was under the impression Condor went under late last year, but then again I have known to be wrong on many occasions. Personally for my money I can do a lot better than some of the brands being bandied around. And Grant Tourers are again being built by Royal Flair.
OJ
-- Edited by ozjohn on Monday 5th of May 2014 07:29:40 PM
MaryJane said
08:11 PM May 5, 2014
In my next life, I'm going to be a caravan builder.... Another day spent trawling vans. Olympic were nearly there, but the new models have this massive step over into the shower, and the sales guy didn't know gas heaters existed, so I wasn't able to get a ball park price... Plus he thought I was mad when I said no seating required just a big open floor space and fold out table!
Kokoda tomorrow... Sorry Peter if I've hijacked ur starting thread...
ken thomas said
11:53 AM May 6, 2014
ozjohn wrote:
ken thomas wrote:
Condor Caravans are a man'f of various brands including Condor, Champion,Grant Tourer, Aussiestar and have also made Kokoda I have a Champion which to me is well build and handles very well behind the car They are at 24 Capital link drive Campbellfield Ken
I was under the impression Condor went under late last year, but then again I have known to be wrong on many occasions. Personally for my money I can do a lot better than some of the brands being bandied around. And Grant Tourers are again being built by Royal Flair.
OJ
-- Edited by ozjohn on Monday 5th of May 2014 07:29:40 PM
Hello OJ
It was Champion caravans that went under and they were made by Condor
I was at Condor last week and they had a bad year last year but are now back on track and they are building for ian Grants,
as well as their own brand and also Aussie star
Ken
Hydeeeho said
06:58 PM May 7, 2014
So do Avan only warranty for 12mths
-- Edited by Hydeeeho on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 07:00:31 PM
Stefdogs said
07:46 PM May 9, 2014
Hi MJ
any opinions following your visit ?
MaryJane said
06:42 PM May 10, 2014
Peter,
I didn't get to Kokoda, I wandered over to Campbellfield And was totally wowed by Safari, the Delta model (Trounce Caravans). Spent nearly 2 hours there. Kris, the sales guy was brilliant. I actually could not find a fault when I looked at all of their vans. And trust me, I'm very fussy. They would even build on an aluminium chassis to keep the tare down.
Then I went to Supreme, good too, affordable. But I'm fairly sure I'm going with Safari. They are bringing in new models over the next month or so, I will be watching, but I will check out Kokoda sometime, although I'm tired of looking ;) however I'll keep looking, just incase!
MJ
Stefdogs said
08:44 PM Aug 5, 2014
Dear all
many many thanks to all who replied with helpful hints. My apologies for not responding earlier but got really busy finalising my job and heading for retirement.
I have decided on a Retreat off road van made in Melbourne. The manufacturer has actually taken it to the Gibb River Rd so at least it has some pedigree. So far the order is going well. Price was good. Warranty is 2 years and that was a major clinching point for me.
I will update you when I actually get it. The first trip is on formed roads from Sydney to Gulf of Carpentaria. This should help me understand the van a little better and when I return to Sydney maybe decide on some extras.
I will keep you guys posted but thanks to all
Peter
Plendo said
08:58 PM Aug 5, 2014
EXCELLENT CHOICE Peter, we have a Retreat, and have spoken to many other owners of Retreat vans, and i have yet to find anyone who does not love their Retreat, and the support they receive from the Retreat dealers, in particular LRV in Croydon (VIC) and Teralba (NSW).
We have a Brampton sitting on Control Rider independent suspension, and it tows brilliantly.
ozjohn said
04:09 PM Aug 6, 2014
Plendo, Great choice Mate and always good to see the old back pocket nerve didn't sway your choice. OJ
Dear all, I will shortly be joining you - retiring on the 2nd of July
We have just seen an off road Kokoda caravan - Battalion. Looks great and we are persuaded by the affordable price (otherwise it will have to be a second hand off road van). We know that they use contract manufacturers and they also use wooden frames. We have read the previous opinions on this forum.
Does anyway have any actual experience with these vans?
Thanks for all your help
Peter
Hi Peter,
I am looking forward to responses re Kokoda.
But to go off track a bit, yesterday, I was again looking at Coronet RV (Melbourne). I've been looking at their vans for over 12 months and I'm impressed. They have just brought out new interiors, huge improvement, and will accommodate anything ie gas heater, diesel heater, genny slide out, washing machine slide out, bbq slide out, recliners v cafe seats etc.
They have a 5 year warranty and are reasonably priced for off road or black top. Just a thought ;) they will build just about any configuration you want.
Their website is www.coronetrv.com.au
Cheers,
MJ
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 02:50:03 PM
If you have a look at the Compliance (VIN) Plate on the van it will reveal the manufactures name.
You can then ask questions on that brand. Don't know who's building the Kokoda at the moment as they have used a few different manufactures since their launch a few years back.
OJ
Hi MJ to be frank with you I am tired of looking. Do they make off road vans and how do you find their pricing?
Hi Ozjohn
they are made by Kingdom caravans. I haven't researched them yet because I only just found out. Kokoda vans only give a one year warranty.
peter
Yes, I hear you, I'm tired of looking too. Yes, Coronet make off road,and the standard off road comes with many extras as standard. they build on site, will accommodate all my fussy needs , from interior to suspension, and they are well priced, in my opinion. But I don't know your budget.
But IM Off to Olympic tomorrow, and Campbellfield next week for numerous dealers. It's tiring but I want to get it right. It's a big outlay.
Check out their website, they are small business, but i keep going back.
Good luck,
MJ
-- Edited by MaryJane on Sunday 4th of May 2014 11:28:01 PM
Have sent you a PM
Ken
I have a Champion which to me is well build and handles very well behind the car
They are at 24 Capital link drive Campbellfield
Ken
I was under the impression Condor went under late last year, but then again I have known to be wrong on many occasions.
Personally for my money I can do a lot better than some of the brands being bandied around.
And Grant Tourers are again being built by Royal Flair.
OJ
-- Edited by ozjohn on Monday 5th of May 2014 07:29:40 PM
Kokoda tomorrow... Sorry Peter if I've hijacked ur starting thread...
Hello OJ
It was Champion caravans that went under and they were made by Condor
I was at Condor last week and they had a bad year last year but are now back on track and they are building for ian Grants,
as well as their own brand and also Aussie star
Ken
So do Avan only warranty for 12mths
-- Edited by Hydeeeho on Wednesday 7th of May 2014 07:00:31 PM
Hi MJ
any opinions following your visit ?
Peter,
I didn't get to Kokoda, I wandered over to Campbellfield And was totally wowed by Safari, the Delta model (Trounce Caravans). Spent nearly 2 hours there. Kris, the sales guy was brilliant. I actually could not find a fault when I looked at all of their vans. And trust me, I'm very fussy. They would even build on an aluminium chassis to keep the tare down.
Then I went to Supreme, good too, affordable. But I'm fairly sure I'm going with Safari. They are bringing in new models over the next month or so, I will be watching, but I will check out Kokoda sometime, although I'm tired of looking ;) however I'll keep looking, just incase!
MJ
Dear all
many many thanks to all who replied with helpful hints. My apologies for not responding earlier but got really busy finalising my job and heading for retirement.
I have decided on a Retreat off road van made in Melbourne. The manufacturer has actually taken it to the Gibb River Rd so at least it has some pedigree. So far the order is going well. Price was good. Warranty is 2 years and that was a major clinching point for me.
I will update you when I actually get it. The first trip is on formed roads from Sydney to Gulf of Carpentaria. This should help me understand the van a little better and when I return to Sydney maybe decide on some extras.
I will keep you guys posted but thanks to all
Peter
EXCELLENT CHOICE Peter, we have a Retreat, and have spoken to many other owners of Retreat vans, and i have yet to find anyone who does not love their Retreat, and the support they receive from the Retreat dealers, in particular LRV in Croydon (VIC) and Teralba (NSW).
We have a Brampton sitting on Control Rider independent suspension, and it tows brilliantly.
Plendo, Great choice Mate and always good to see the old back pocket nerve didn't sway your choice.
OJ