Hi,

Does anybody have any tips on what type of caravan we should buy?   We want to go to caravan parks as well as free parking near the river banks.

Full van toilet shower, 21ft second hand and we have a jeep grand cherokee, looking at around between $40,000 & $45,000

that budget should get you a reasonably late model van with ensuite. Find out the towing capacity of your tow vehicle, also what the towbar is rated to take (overall capacity as well as ball weight capacity)

 Just head to a caravan yard and wander through the plethora of vans, find a layout you like checking for water leaks on the lining especially around windows and where the walls meet ceiling and floor. Then check, weights especially ball weight, don't just take the dealers word, ask them to use ball weight scales and watch for the result. Then come back to the forums and do some research on the brand you chose then negotiate a price that's a few thousand $'s less than the asking price. Arrange insurance before you drive out the gate with van in tow.

Layout is really a personal choice thing. I hate vans where the door is at the foot of the bed, café seating eats into the floor space and I prefer a separate toilet and shower - but that's just me and others no doubt love that layout.

Take your time and don't be pressured - as most vans are mass produced if you miss out on one another one will be just around the corner.

-- Edited by villatranquilla on Sunday 15th of February 2015 12:44:38 PM

-- Edited by villatranquilla on Sunday 15th of February 2015 12:47:14 PM

Newish Grand Cherokees will tow just about anything you can find. They have a 3500kg tow rating and a 350kg ball weight allowance. Older Jeeps may not have quite this much so check your model before you fall in love with a van. Your budget will cover a late model van, private sale, thinking Jayco because they are well known and have an aluminium frame. A van that already has a grey water tank fitted could be an advantage, as would be a solar panel with battery. Generators are fine but have drawbacks, like noise, set up time and cost. Batteries with LED lights and 12volt appliances are the way to go. You will need to carry more water than you imagined, and two gas bottles are always better than one. Don't rely on your Jeep for charging batteries, your van should be set up as a stand-alone house and the resources in the Jeep for emergency use only.
If you find a van that hasn't been set up for free camping, you should check a few van repairers to find out how much it will cost to add the extras you need. It's always possible, only the price varies.
Keep in touch with your quest, and keep asking questions. That way all the forum members will have something to argue about!

Bruce and Bev wrote:

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theres heaps to buy privately and if you google "caravans for sale" - you will find heaps of used ones. Buying privately will save you at least $5-8K than buying 2nd hand from a dealer.

Just remember that private buyers are either 1) desperate to sell and underprice the van to move it quickly b) over price their van to stupid prices c) most you can knock down $2K or so from their asking price. Its always a good idea to take it to an established caravan repairer and get it checked.

In Perth, WA (like most state cities), there is a large repairer who has been in business for years and he and his staff do a lot of pre-purchase inspections (including gas and electrical, as well as structural). You can either take the van to them or they will go to the van. Cost varies depending on inspection level required - but generally $200-$300 - a good investment

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 The pre inspection by someone who knows what to look for is the best piece of advice your likely to get:)..Secondly i would take my time and read owner reviewes or go to owner forums of particular Van you may be looking at to suss out common faults with particular make..

If all goes well then take the Van for a short tow and see how it tows behind your tug:)...

Thank for your input.

liz795 wrote:

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ty for all the input .
just bought a new van, spent another 20 grand more than we wanted.(but what the heck) we only live once..
got a supreme executive 2100, ens wc shower get it in october or november, what we got.
2/120 solar, 2/100 amp batt, full annexe, pullout barbie fully automatic oyster sat rear camera with sound
i was so proud of myself thought i had it all covered for free camping. WRONG, now a mate tells me i will need a invertor, perhaps upgrade the charger to 35 amp ,perhaps a generator,
iam sure you will all tell me what else i need, probably cost me another 2000

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 Liz, we have been on the road now for 36 1/2 years and have not found the need for an inverter.

Hi Liz,

My wife and I are pretty well where you are as well - recently brought a caravan  (as first timers) and havn't used it much as yet.  We took a caravan towing lesson asnd reckon it was money well spent - basically protecting our investment by learning to reverse it correctly etc.  I would suggest you try it out for just a weekend, even if it's in your own yard - it will show you what YOU need rather than what others tell you .  We did this for for one night and had trouble sleeping from the noise the fridge made, but around 6am I realised that it wasn't actually the fridge but extra fans installed by the previous owner to improve the air flow for the fridge.  I could actually switch these off seperately so there was no noise (and less power draw)! However the fans improve the fridge efficiency during the day when the solar is charging the batteries in our 'van

All the best in your new adventures

Pete&Maz 

liz795 wrote:

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Hako i think it might be a good idea to take a few lessens, it wont hurt
Dunmowin 36/half years whooooooo were thinking 3 months at the time lol .About the inverter, i really dont now what i need , but we will before we get out van
thats why iam asking, And the best people to ask are the ones ON THE ROAD.
i have a lot more questions. i am getting exited already , but we still have to wait 8 months approx

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Whoopsie! slip of the fingers.  should have read 3 1/2 years