What is the best feature of your van that you would not be without
jbrinks said
06:03 PM May 25, 2014
We are starting to look at a new van , around the 20-21ft with full ensuite and washing machine. Trying to get some help before we get totally confused looking at so many different vans. Would appreciate any help if you can give us an idea what you like about your van and what is worthwhile having. Thanks for any help
villatranquilla said
06:29 PM May 25, 2014
our last van was 20' and I hated the ensuite - across the back just inside the door - felt it was part of the kitchen. An earlier van had the ensuite at the bedroom end with an e/w bed - liked that layout much better. Also dislike the layout where the bed is just inside the door - no privacy. Our current van has shower and separate loo in the middle of the van on the way to the bed. The seating is club style across the back just inside the rear door - love this layout. But generally only available in larger vans though Jayco do one in about 20' I think.
I also don't like the slide-out BBQ/hot plate as I don't like cooking against the van, and it can't be moved if its windy. Its also too high and takes up a lot of space where it slides into a cupboard. Will be removing it in the near future and replacing with a portable model.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Sunday 25th of May 2014 06:38:31 PM
Landfall said
06:44 PM May 25, 2014
The ensuite without a doubt with a great shower, followed closely by the built in heater.
Ken
D and D said
06:53 PM May 25, 2014
We have a split system, domestic air conditioning system that is fantastic. Low power use, quickly heats or cools the van, is whisper quiet inside the van and pretty quiet from the outside. I haven't seen too many vans with these fitted and I really don't understand why.
reeb51 said
06:53 PM May 25, 2014
Rear ensuite, separate shower and toilet, cafe style seating.
_wombat_ said
07:04 PM May 25, 2014
wheels
ozjohn said
08:17 PM May 25, 2014
Club Lounge and Truma E2400 LPG Heater. Ozjohn.
blaze said
09:31 PM May 25, 2014
the wife
cheers
blaze
jbrinks said
09:46 PM May 25, 2014
very smooth Blaze
Cupie said
08:50 AM May 26, 2014
reeb51 wrote:
Rear ensuite, separate shower and toilet, cafe style seating.
Agree.
Our layout has the kitchen, lounge & table near the front entry, then a 'partitionable' east west bedroom with the rear ensuite.
On my wish list is a pair of recliner chairs with a view of the bedroom TV.
I also don't like cooking against the van wall or under the awning. I prefer my separate set up of a double burner propane bbq on a roll up aluminiun slat table. Has a bbq cover & hooks for utensils.
wanderers said
09:51 AM May 26, 2014
Have to agree with d n d about aircon, our other is the slide out draw fridge on the outside (don't need to go inside then to get drinks leaves inside fridge for food) and the slide put bbq. Every ones needs are different so find what you need.
Aus-Kiwi said
04:57 PM May 26, 2014
the ensuite...Although stove, fridge, sink, bed, motor would be hard to go with out !!
Oh did I say the Mrs..
Olley46 said
05:40 PM May 26, 2014
The wife wouldn,t do without the Oven and the ensuite and me the Club lounge,and the car to tow it,bloody hard to push,and a bitch to stop going down hill.
Lance C
pambaz said
06:54 PM May 26, 2014
We have a few best features, aircon, shower and toilet , comfy bed, outside shower,outside drop down table on the side of the van, hot water system and us.
aussietraveller said
07:13 PM May 26, 2014
Definitely the en-suite with a good size shower and separate loo and vanity also ranking very high is the opportunity to go any where we want and stop when we want.
villatranquilla said
08:43 PM May 26, 2014
drop down outside table , solar panels and an extra water tank
grae and deb said
09:36 PM May 26, 2014
our jason recliners if your van is just for 2 of you , beautifull , ours are at the front of the van , our little loungeroom beautifull !
aussie_paul said
09:54 PM May 26, 2014
grae and deb wrote:
our jason recliners if your van is just for 2 of you , beautifull , ours are at the front of the van , our little loungeroom beautifull !
Hi grae and deb, due to being disabled after a fiery aircraft accident I spend 80% of my waking hours in my comfortable lounge chair. We are wanting to change out the club lounge in our 24" Jayco Sterling for individual lounge chairs. I still have to spend the same time seated while travelling so am seriously looking at options. Any chance of some pics?
Aussie Paul.
KFT said
10:55 PM May 26, 2014
For us the things we would not be without are
the ensuite
the gas heater
the aircon
outside drop down table
outside storage locker for the chairs and tables
storage locker with slide out for the genny
mesh and tap on the A frame
rollout awning and shade side/end walls
footrests at the end of the café seating
solar set up
the front loader washing machine
satellite TV
Things we don't have that I would like
a 12v light at the front and back of the van
an outside 12v outlet
a separate pump and tank for drinking water
a grey water tank
at least a 600kg load capacity
recliner chairs instead of fixed seating
frank
Rip and Rosie said
08:28 AM May 27, 2014
single beds
Bryan said
08:45 AM May 27, 2014
Gone are days when the essentials were
swag
eskie for beers buy food on the way
couple of mates
Oz Gypsy said
11:28 AM May 27, 2014
Our lounge chairs. We both have bad backs and could never sit on bench-style or club-style seats. Our rig was designed and built for just the 2 of us, and the lounge chairs mean all the difference to our comfort.
A large bathroom with separate shower and toilet is a must as well. And the diesel heater - could not do without that in the southern winters.
NeilandRaine said
12:39 PM May 27, 2014
Something that does come in handy is a cloths line, be it a bit of rope tied to the awning or the most common, the fold up cloth line.
gwb said
03:40 PM May 27, 2014
Ensuite, washing machine and slideout for the extra space.
Geoff and Bev
the rocket said
04:32 PM May 27, 2014
definitely the onsuite. If I built my own caravan I would have vinyl right through. The carpet in the bedroom is annoying.
Santa said
04:35 PM May 27, 2014
Have to agree with Blaze, my wife, every thing else is just a luxury.
New Wanderers said
11:33 PM May 27, 2014
For us our van will have,
Semi off road caravan
All LED lighting
Rear ensuite with front loading washing machine
Cafe style seating with foot rests
12 volt / 240 volt fridge
Gas 240 volt hot water system with ducted heating
All drawers in the kitchen in kitchen tidy
Queen size bed
TV connected to ceiling speakers
Generator box and tunnel boot
Front tool box
Tap on chassis
External gas connection
Awning
External table
External shower
Grey water tank
2 X 100 amp batteries
3 solar panels
I think that covers it.
Good luck with your choice :)
Cupie said
07:58 AM May 28, 2014
New Wanderers wrote:
For us our van will have,
Semi off road caravan All LED lighting Rear ensuite with front loading washing machine Cafe style seating with foot rests 12 volt / 240 volt fridge Gas 240 volt hot water system with ducted heating All drawers in the kitchen in kitchen tidy Queen size bed TV connected to ceiling speakers Generator box and tunnel boot Front tool box Tap on chassis External gas connection Awning External table External shower Grey water tank 2 X 100 amp batteries 3 solar panels
I think that covers it.
Good luck with your choice :)
Great list .. you have about covered it all.
For us we would choose (in addition) ...
3 way fridge
Air Con
Recliner lounges
Microwave/convection oven
Water & sullage hose carriers underneath - rear access
plumbing accessory mini tool box behind rear spare tyre
Unlikely that WE would ever use the external shower or off road capabilities though.
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 08:00:20 AM
jbrinks said
09:54 AM May 28, 2014
Wow thanks so much for everyone's replies my list is getting quite long but has definitely given us some ideas and what to look for so we are off this weekend with our check list
Gerty Dancer said
09:08 PM May 29, 2014
Some of the best things about our van are..
My partner!
The double bed
We are starting to look at a new van , around the 20-21ft with full ensuite and washing machine. Trying to get some help before we get totally confused looking at so many different vans. Would appreciate any help if you can give us an idea what you like about your van and what is worthwhile having. Thanks for any help
our last van was 20' and I hated the ensuite - across the back just inside the door - felt it was part of the kitchen. An earlier van had the ensuite at the bedroom end with an e/w bed - liked that layout much better. Also dislike the layout where the bed is just inside the door - no privacy. Our current van has shower and separate loo in the middle of the van on the way to the bed. The seating is club style across the back just inside the rear door - love this layout. But generally only available in larger vans though Jayco do one in about 20' I think.
I also don't like the slide-out BBQ/hot plate as I don't like cooking against the van, and it can't be moved if its windy. Its also too high and takes up a lot of space where it slides into a cupboard. Will be removing it in the near future and replacing with a portable model.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Sunday 25th of May 2014 06:38:31 PM
The ensuite without a doubt with a great shower, followed closely by the built in heater.
Ken
wheels
Club Lounge and Truma E2400 LPG Heater.
Ozjohn.
cheers
blaze
very smooth Blaze
Agree.
Our layout has the kitchen, lounge & table near the front entry, then a 'partitionable' east west bedroom with the rear ensuite.
On my wish list is a pair of recliner chairs with a view of the bedroom TV.
I also don't like cooking against the van wall or under the awning. I prefer my separate set up of a double burner propane bbq on a roll up aluminiun slat table. Has a bbq cover & hooks for utensils.
Have to agree with d n d about aircon, our other is the slide out draw fridge on the outside (don't need to go inside then to get drinks leaves inside fridge for food) and the slide put bbq. Every ones needs are different so find what you need.
Oh did I say the Mrs..
The wife wouldn,t do without the Oven and the ensuite and me the Club lounge,and the car to tow it,bloody hard to push,and a bitch to stop going down hill.
Lance C
We have a few best features, aircon, shower and toilet , comfy bed, outside shower,outside drop down table on the side of the van, hot water system and us.
Hi grae and deb, due to being disabled after a fiery aircraft accident I spend 80% of my waking hours in my comfortable lounge chair. We are wanting to change out the club lounge in our 24" Jayco Sterling for individual lounge chairs. I still have to spend the same time seated while travelling so am seriously looking at options. Any chance of some pics?
Aussie Paul.
the ensuite
the gas heater
the aircon
outside drop down table
outside storage locker for the chairs and tables
storage locker with slide out for the genny
mesh and tap on the A frame
rollout awning and shade side/end walls
footrests at the end of the café seating
solar set up
the front loader washing machine
satellite TV
Things we don't have that I would like
a 12v light at the front and back of the van
an outside 12v outlet
a separate pump and tank for drinking water
a grey water tank
at least a 600kg load capacity
recliner chairs instead of fixed seating
frank
swag
eskie for beers buy food on the way
couple of mates
A large bathroom with separate shower and toilet is a must as well. And the diesel heater - could not do without that in the southern winters.
Geoff and Bev
definitely the onsuite. If I built my own caravan I would have vinyl right through. The carpet in the bedroom is annoying.
Have to agree with Blaze, my wife, every thing else is just a luxury.
Semi off road caravan
All LED lighting
Rear ensuite with front loading washing machine
Cafe style seating with foot rests
12 volt / 240 volt fridge
Gas 240 volt hot water system with ducted heating
All drawers in the kitchen in kitchen tidy
Queen size bed
TV connected to ceiling speakers
Generator box and tunnel boot
Front tool box
Tap on chassis
External gas connection
Awning
External table
External shower
Grey water tank
2 X 100 amp batteries
3 solar panels
I think that covers it.
Good luck with your choice :)
Great list .. you have about covered it all.
For us we would choose (in addition) ...
3 way fridge
Air Con
Recliner lounges
Microwave/convection oven
Water & sullage hose carriers underneath - rear access
plumbing accessory mini tool box behind rear spare tyre
Unlikely that WE would ever use the external shower or off road capabilities though.
-- Edited by Cupie on Wednesday 28th of May 2014 08:00:20 AM
My partner!
The double bed