I want to start this by saying I am not the world expert on buying and using caravans. However I would like to share some of the things we did in picking a caravan for us and how we use that van. BTW our caravan is our home, we live in it 24/7 and drag it all about the place when we can.
First. About 6 years ago we were both employed in good well paid jobs. I was teaching and my wife a counselor in job network. We were watching the box one night when an article on new retirees (grey nomads) was presented. Our ears immediately pricked up and the item had our full attention. This is what we want to do was the conclusion. We both love the outdoors and living in a caravan was no big deal.
We investigated caravans at shows, sales lots and forum such as this. I purchased the "grey nomad 101" series from Sid Whiting, this helped a great deal in some dos and donts. Although I have a few issues with what Sid has said for the most its a pretty good basis of caravan knowledge. Next we started to talk with caravan sales people. I guess Im lucky because I was a salesman just after I left the airforce so I could cut through most of the BS some of these folks spoke. Some wanted me to sign up on the spot, others a lot better and actually helped us in our choice.
The important factors for us in picking a caravan had nothing to do with brand or reputation. We looked at expensive vans and cheap vans. Our decision was based on safety, comfort, towability, appliances etc. I decided that a solar panel and extra battery would do us well because we do a lot of free camping, also 2 water tanks and comfortable living areas. We have no regrets as to the van we picked to live in.
I had ESC from Al-Ko fitted, yes it does cost a bit BUT the safety factor it brings is worth every penny. Also purchased a weight distribution hitch, this makes towing a lot easier and safer in my opinion.
We had a few issues with the caravan but between myself and the dealer all issues were fixed up.
Now we drag our van all over the place. On the first distance trip I had to see how the van behaved with various speeds. The best speed for me and the van is between 80 and 90KMPH. Now this speed will be sure to pee off a few other road users, however I have found that most will be patient and pass when its safe.
I fitted clearview mirrors to the car, again expensive but oh so good to use, no wobbles at all. Just extent the mirrors when ready to go. How simple is that? I also fitted a rear view camera to the back of the van. I picked the wireless type, have an antenna on the camera and a receiver antenna on the car. A great add on for safety.
A few days ago I purchased a good quality dash camera. With the amount of litigation for road accidents going on I decided the video is gilt edged evidence in a prang (not that Im expecting a prang in the future). We also have a generator and an inverter for the morning coffee and electric blankets on a cold free camp.
I keep the water tanks filled when towing, lowers the C of G, I turn off the gas bottles and empty the lines before a drive, my wife and I walk around the van, check lights, hatches, handbrake and connections we BOTH do this to check each other.
The rest of the story is one of great joy and camping in comfort as we trek about this wonderful country. One day we will depart this earth and be gone for a long time, in the meantime our lives are filled with glorious scenery, endless roads and peaceful rest.
I wish you well in your shopping, never be afraid to try stand on the shower floor or sit on the dunny, its well worth knowing you wont fit well before buying the van.
Take care.
Cupie said
03:04 PM Jul 18, 2016
Well written & sage advice.
(sage = wise, judicious, experienced .. the word fits)
Ge said
04:04 PM Jul 18, 2016
Well written, very enjoyable.
Thanks from Ge.
Blues Man said
04:14 PM Jul 18, 2016
Thank you Phil C. We don't have a caravan but what you said makes perfect sence.
Blues man.
Dougwe said
04:46 PM Jul 18, 2016
On ya Phil. You forgot to mention to make sure you look at that "rear view camera" when backing mate :))
Phil C said
05:33 PM Jul 18, 2016
Dougwe wrote:
On ya Phil. You forgot to mention to make sure you look at that "rear view camera" when backing mate :))
Yes Dougwe, that bloody tree. Lmao
Bruce and Bev said
05:54 PM Jul 18, 2016
OK Phil - lets hear about the tree..........nothing like a bit of humiliation on a site like this.........LOL
goldfinger said
05:57 PM Jul 18, 2016
Many thanks Phil..great advice....like you we chose the lesser of the weevils...be time poor and relatively rich/earning.....or time rich and relatively poor/ earning wise...we chose the latter..and have unfortunately witnessed mates pass before their time...always intending to make the break/ties that bind/root us to one spot.....but now never can/will.....a quiet spot somewhere..we find we can almost tolerate hearing the steady stream of bad world news...without it causing a likely stroke...when we keep hearing events beyond our own control...
Why not consider Greens Lake as your/the 'catch up/rendezvous' location....many Nomads know where it is and we can make whoopeeeee !.without getting in any others way......like kids at their first camp all over again....Hoo Roo
Hey Jim said
07:25 PM Jul 18, 2016
Hi PHIL,
Horses for courses. We went down the same road. However having our camper trailer for 13 years we new what the new van had to have as a must have.
Lambie = Shower/ toilet.
Myself= The independent suspension, Clearance, plus the extended draw bar = 300mm, plus that Diesel heater.
Plus the Air Pot to keep Lambies cuppers up to speed all day.
A good post Phil.
We are ready to roll at the end of this week.
Regards Jim & Lambie
Bushpie said
07:41 PM Jul 18, 2016
Thanks Phil for your write up.....we are in thearly stages ....and have plenty of time ahead to make the decision....I am leaning towards all that you have mentioned.
It certainly will be a difficult choice as there is so much to consider and so many to choose from.........the mind boggles.
Keep on enjoying your choice and the playground out there..........1338 days to go
Cruising Cruze said
09:39 PM Jul 18, 2016
Hi Phil
Thanks for sharing that whit us
I agree with you on the speed 80/90 is a good speed
Cheers John
GarrynLyn said
08:33 AM Jul 19, 2016
Spot on, Phil. Pretty much the same as us. When we started looking, we had a fair idea of what we wanted and looked as much as we could, also taking into account the info we had picked up on van forums. Had a heap of salesmen trying to convince us to buy something heavier, more expensive, and longer than what we really wanted.
In the end, we found one that ticked all the boxes, and even though we have had a few 'glitches',we would still buy the same van again.
Happy travelling, mate.
Garry
Phil C said
10:15 AM Jul 19, 2016
Thank you all for the positive comments.
The tree story goes like this.....
I was backing into a free camp at Kimba SA, didnt see the low branch but the side of the caravan did a few gouges and dings later we had to make a call to CIL.
All fixed now.. and a lesson learnt... BTW thanks Dougwe for the reminder.. next.. the handbrake mystery.
Cheers
Vince said
07:57 PM Jul 19, 2016
Thank Phil for a great introduction to your life on road.
I am very interested in the reverse camera, wireless, and hoping you might point me in the direction to find it.
I have looked at a few that need to have wires run and was hoping one day they make one where you don't.
Appreciate any info.
Cheers
Vince
rayaroundoz said
11:36 PM Jul 19, 2016
Great info there Phil. That's what I love about this forum, so much wise and useful information. We all make mistakes but by learning from others we can make "informed" mistakes.
Hey Bushpie you are 8 days ahead of me. I've got 1446 days to go. So much to learn...........
rayaroundoz said
11:37 PM Jul 19, 2016
make that 108 lol
Phil C said
04:52 PM Jul 20, 2016
Vince wrote:
Thank Phil for a great introduction to your life on road.
I am very interested in the reverse camera, wireless, and hoping you might point me in the direction to find it.
I have looked at a few that need to have wires run and was hoping one day they make one where you don't.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/7-LCD-Rear-View-Monitor-Wireless-Night-Vision-Reversing-Camera-For-Bus-Truck-/311553285419?hash=item488a05dd2b:g:Y70AAOSwKtVWzCyv this is the one I got..
Appreciate any info.
Cheers Vince
Gday Vince.
Would you believe I got mine from ebay. The only thing I had to do was run 12 Volts from the back of the fridge to the camera via conduit etc.. works a treat.
Cheers
-- Edited by Phil C on Wednesday 20th of July 2016 05:03:06 PM
Dougwe said
05:27 PM Jul 20, 2016
Now there's the answer to why you found that tree bigP. You were looking at a treat not the screen :))
Graeme said
12:33 AM Jul 21, 2016
Phil,
Enjoy your post and responding to your offer.
After looking and researching like you a dozen brands, campers, vans. I have like you also settled for a 2014 19"6" Starcraft outback with similar bells and whistles. that a very descent young couple have spent plenty on, used little and dropped
plenty, I am towing with a 2014 3 lt. prado. which copes nicely. The van choices just got too difficult and lack of experience didn't help, also starting to feel like a "mushroom".
Hitching up drops the drawbar approx 60mm.The van seems to ride and tow well to 100 kph. best at 90k to 95k.
In your opinion would weight distribution of levelling bars be necessary or of assistance.
As you know the bulk of the van storage is under the bed which is in the front of the van, doesn't assist for weight distribution.
"Will keep an eye out for a rear camera"
Dougwe said
10:39 AM Jul 21, 2016
Welcome to the gang Graeme, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just to sneak in with a comment before bigP (Phil) comes back to you, if I may. I put an extra leaf both sides rear springs and gave extra strength plus raised the back about 50ml. I am also thinking of upgrading rear shocks to assist even more. I don't use WDH as my Tug and Den perform well without and is just a tad bigger than yours.
Back to you bigP.
Phil C said
11:34 AM Jul 21, 2016
Graeme wrote:
Phil,
Enjoy your post and responding to your offer.
After looking and researching like you a dozen brands, campers, vans. I have like you also settled for a 2014 19"6" Starcraft outback with similar bells and whistles. that a very descent young couple have spent plenty on, used little and dropped
plenty, I am towing with a 2014 3 lt. prado. which copes nicely. The van choices just got too difficult and lack of experience didn't help, also starting to feel like a "mushroom".
Hitching up drops the drawbar approx 60mm.The van seems to ride and tow well to 100 kph. best at 90k to 95k.
In your opinion would weight distribution of levelling bars be necessary or of assistance.
As you know the bulk of the van storage is under the bed which is in the front of the van, doesn't assist for weight distribution.
"Will keep an eye out for a rear camera"
Gday Graeme and welcome to the best forum on caravans and grey nomadism.. Woaaaa big words for a Thursday, hey Dougwe?
Sounds like your weight distribution is a bit low. Suggest you measure the no caravan distance from flat ground to each of the tops of mudguards write them down, then hitch up ready to tow and re measure, if the rear has greater than 20mm difference then you may need WDH, as Dougwe says an extra leaf in the tugs springs may assist.
I strongly suggest you take the van to a technical specialist caravan dealer and see what they have to say. You dont have to buy anything, but an extra opinion may assist you in sound investments.
I put a weight distribution hitch on as a precaution and safety measure, when applied it lifts the A frame upwards and "balances" the forces applied to the back wheels of the tug vehicle by distributing the tow ball weight to the front wheels. Try standing on the towbar and see how far the back of your tug drops (that depends on how heavy you are.. mine drops a lot lol). So far, touch wood, my WDH has performed without blemish. Now I know these darn things cost a bit, however I am of the opinion they work well and make towing a bit easier and safer.
Take care, and enjoy the lifestyle.
-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 21st of July 2016 11:39:00 AM
Barryh said
01:12 PM Aug 1, 2016
Great read Phil. Thankyou as a new Caravan Owner. Have done a couple of small trips ( one week and then a fortnight ) to get used to the setting up / towing and other head scratching that comes with a new caravan / first timer !! we are planning on leaving the central coast of NSW 1st week in November and doing an extended trip of around 6/8 weeks ( south into VIC )before returning home and sorting the house out ( renting ) before setting of perm / long term. My question to you ( and other experienced nomads ) is regarding 'planning'. Where do I start for permanent travel with regard to planning ???. I am the sort of person that will drive out of the house with a target for my first stops for the first few weeks and then just wing it from there !! So aside from heading north from Sydney ( anticlockwise ) next autumn/winter and avoiding the parts of the country when the weather is worst in that area should I be looking at areas in more detail ? Obviously finances will be sorted and we will have an income to fund our travels. SO Can we plan as we go or have a more detailed itinerary before we leave. Thanks to all for any responses and advice Barry
Gday all,
I want to start this by saying I am not the world expert on buying and using caravans. However I would like to share some of the things we did in picking a caravan for us and how we use that van. BTW our caravan is our home, we live in it 24/7 and drag it all about the place when we can.
First. About 6 years ago we were both employed in good well paid jobs. I was teaching and my wife a counselor in job network. We were watching the box one night when an article on new retirees (grey nomads) was presented. Our ears immediately pricked up and the item had our full attention. This is what we want to do was the conclusion. We both love the outdoors and living in a caravan was no big deal.
We investigated caravans at shows, sales lots and forum such as this. I purchased the "grey nomad 101" series from Sid Whiting, this helped a great deal in some dos and donts. Although I have a few issues with what Sid has said for the most its a pretty good basis of caravan knowledge. Next we started to talk with caravan sales people. I guess Im lucky because I was a salesman just after I left the airforce so I could cut through most of the BS some of these folks spoke. Some wanted me to sign up on the spot, others a lot better and actually helped us in our choice.
The important factors for us in picking a caravan had nothing to do with brand or reputation. We looked at expensive vans and cheap vans. Our decision was based on safety, comfort, towability, appliances etc. I decided that a solar panel and extra battery would do us well because we do a lot of free camping, also 2 water tanks and comfortable living areas. We have no regrets as to the van we picked to live in.
I had ESC from Al-Ko fitted, yes it does cost a bit BUT the safety factor it brings is worth every penny. Also purchased a weight distribution hitch, this makes towing a lot easier and safer in my opinion.
We had a few issues with the caravan but between myself and the dealer all issues were fixed up.
Now we drag our van all over the place. On the first distance trip I had to see how the van behaved with various speeds. The best speed for me and the van is between 80 and 90KMPH. Now this speed will be sure to pee off a few other road users, however I have found that most will be patient and pass when its safe.
I fitted clearview mirrors to the car, again expensive but oh so good to use, no wobbles at all. Just extent the mirrors when ready to go. How simple is that? I also fitted a rear view camera to the back of the van. I picked the wireless type, have an antenna on the camera and a receiver antenna on the car. A great add on for safety.
A few days ago I purchased a good quality dash camera. With the amount of litigation for road accidents going on I decided the video is gilt edged evidence in a prang (not that Im expecting a prang in the future). We also have a generator and an inverter for the morning coffee and electric blankets on a cold free camp.
I keep the water tanks filled when towing, lowers the C of G, I turn off the gas bottles and empty the lines before a drive, my wife and I walk around the van, check lights, hatches, handbrake and connections we BOTH do this to check each other.
The rest of the story is one of great joy and camping in comfort as we trek about this wonderful country. One day we will depart this earth and be gone for a long time, in the meantime our lives are filled with glorious scenery, endless roads and peaceful rest.
I wish you well in your shopping, never be afraid to try stand on the shower floor or sit on the dunny, its well worth knowing you wont fit well before buying the van.
Take care.
Well written & sage advice.
(sage = wise, judicious, experienced .. the word fits)
Thanks from Ge.
Thank you Phil C. We don't have a caravan but what you said makes perfect sence.
Blues man.
Yes Dougwe, that bloody tree. Lmao
Why not consider Greens Lake as your/the 'catch up/rendezvous' location....many Nomads know where it is and we can make whoopeeeee !.without getting in any others way......like kids at their first camp all over again....Hoo Roo
Hi PHIL,
Horses for courses. We went down the same road. However having our camper trailer for 13 years we new what the new van had to have as a must have.
Lambie = Shower/ toilet.
Myself= The independent suspension, Clearance, plus the extended draw bar = 300mm, plus that Diesel heater.
Plus the Air Pot to keep Lambies cuppers up to speed all day.
A good post Phil.
We are ready to roll at the end of this week.
Regards Jim & Lambie
It certainly will be a difficult choice as there is so much to consider and so many to choose from.........the mind boggles.
Keep on enjoying your choice and the playground out there..........1338 days to go
Thanks for sharing that whit us
I agree with you on the speed 80/90 is a good speed
Cheers John
Spot on, Phil. Pretty much the same as us. When we started looking, we had a fair idea of what we wanted and looked as much as we could, also taking into account the info we had picked up on van forums. Had a heap of salesmen trying to convince us to buy something heavier, more expensive, and longer than what we really wanted.
In the end, we found one that ticked all the boxes, and even though we have had a few 'glitches',we would still buy the same van again.
Happy travelling, mate.
Garry
The tree story goes like this.....
I was backing into a free camp at Kimba SA, didnt see the low branch but the side of the caravan did a few gouges and dings later we had to make a call to CIL.
All fixed now.. and a lesson learnt... BTW thanks Dougwe for the reminder.. next.. the handbrake mystery.
Cheers
I am very interested in the reverse camera, wireless, and hoping you might point me in the direction to find it.
I have looked at a few that need to have wires run and was hoping one day they make one where you don't.
Appreciate any info.
Cheers
Vince
Hey Bushpie you are 8 days ahead of me. I've got 1446 days to go. So much to learn...........
Gday Vince.
Would you believe I got mine from ebay. The only thing I had to do was run 12 Volts from the back of the fridge to the camera via conduit etc.. works a treat.
Cheers
-- Edited by Phil C on Wednesday 20th of July 2016 05:03:06 PM
Phil,
Enjoy your post and responding to your offer.
After looking and researching like you a dozen brands, campers, vans. I have like you also settled for a 2014 19"6" Starcraft outback with similar bells and whistles. that a very descent young couple have spent plenty on, used little and dropped
plenty, I am towing with a 2014 3 lt. prado. which copes nicely. The van choices just got too difficult and lack of experience didn't help, also starting to feel like a "mushroom".
Hitching up drops the drawbar approx 60mm. The van seems to ride and tow well to 100 kph. best at 90k to 95k.
In your opinion would weight distribution of levelling bars be necessary or of assistance.
As you know the bulk of the van storage is under the bed which is in the front of the van, doesn't assist for weight distribution.
"Will keep an eye out for a rear camera"
Just to sneak in with a comment before bigP (Phil) comes back to you, if I may. I put an extra leaf both sides rear springs and gave extra strength plus raised the back about 50ml. I am also thinking of upgrading rear shocks to assist even more. I don't use WDH as my Tug and Den perform well without and is just a tad bigger than yours.
Back to you bigP.
Gday Graeme and welcome to the best forum on caravans and grey nomadism.. Woaaaa big words for a Thursday, hey Dougwe?
Sounds like your weight distribution is a bit low. Suggest you measure the no caravan distance from flat ground to each of the tops of mudguards write them down, then hitch up ready to tow and re measure, if the rear has greater than 20mm difference then you may need WDH, as Dougwe says an extra leaf in the tugs springs may assist.
I strongly suggest you take the van to a technical specialist caravan dealer and see what they have to say. You dont have to buy anything, but an extra opinion may assist you in sound investments.
I put a weight distribution hitch on as a precaution and safety measure, when applied it lifts the A frame upwards and "balances" the forces applied to the back wheels of the tug vehicle by distributing the tow ball weight to the front wheels. Try standing on the towbar and see how far the back of your tug drops (that depends on how heavy you are.. mine drops a lot lol). So far, touch wood, my WDH has performed without blemish. Now I know these darn things cost a bit, however I am of the opinion they work well and make towing a bit easier and safer.
Take care, and enjoy the lifestyle.
-- Edited by Phil C on Thursday 21st of July 2016 11:39:00 AM
Great read Phil. Thankyou as a new Caravan Owner. Have done a couple of small trips ( one week and then a fortnight ) to get used to the setting up / towing and other head scratching that comes with a new caravan / first timer !! we are planning on leaving the central coast of NSW 1st week in November and doing an extended trip of around 6/8 weeks ( south into VIC )before returning home and sorting the house out ( renting ) before setting of perm / long term. My question to you ( and other experienced nomads ) is regarding 'planning'. Where do I start for permanent travel with regard to planning ???. I am the sort of person that will drive out of the house with a target for my first stops for the first few weeks and then just wing it from there !! So aside from heading north from Sydney ( anticlockwise ) next autumn/winter and avoiding the parts of the country when the weather is worst in that area should I be looking at areas in more detail ? Obviously finances will be sorted and we will have an income to fund our travels. SO Can we plan as we go or have a more detailed itinerary before we leave. Thanks to all for any responses and advice Barry