I'm on the verge of retirement, just bought an MUX and looking for a good second hand off road van for a few years of travelling, including some blaze aid stints.
There is a couple of things I would like some advice on, I am looking for a van around 17- 18 foot, travelling mostly solo.
Is there a disadvantage of single axle over dual ?
What are the negatives of Pop Top over conventional ?
Thanks Ian
Dougwe said
07:50 PM May 26, 2017
Welcome to the gang Ian, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I chose tandem axle because if one flat tyre there is another good one next to it until you can safely stop to sort out. I also find tandem easier to back.
I chose full van so I didn't have to set up the roof and a lttle more protection in bad weather.
My teepee is my home though.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Ian G said
07:47 PM Jun 1, 2017
Thanks Doug, I think I have settled on a van, the Golf Savannah seems to tick most of the boxes for me, just have to decide on pop up or conventional, not much difference in weight so probably go with the conventional.
When free camping what is the thing that determines how long you can stay self sufficient besides fresh water and your sanity !!
Tony Bev said
11:24 PM Jun 1, 2017
Hello Ian G
Also a warm welcome from me
Basically it is water and food, which determines how long you can stay in the one place, while free camping
Woody n Sue said
08:41 PM Jun 2, 2017
And it's welcome from us two 2 Ian G .
Although I have had neither, pop tops were out for me , you see laziness is no good unless done properly so if I'm retired n traveling n on holidays , that means ( Doug close your eyes ) no workin so no lifting of pop tops every day, I have to agree with DOUGWE's points also on wheels but they are inherently more stable also on a tandem , and for the best stability a fifth wheeler is the top pick .
Anyway it's really a personal choice whichever way you go .
Woody
Ian G said
07:20 PM Jun 3, 2017
Thanks Woody and Tony for your help.
I bought a van today, a 19 foot golf savannah not pop top but single axle, don't come in dual.
On the topic of free camping, what I was trying to establish was how long the gas lasts and 12 volt power, the savannah's usually come with 2 x 4.5 kg gas bottles but this one has 2 x 9 so I don't think I will have any issues, also has 2 deep cycle batteries and a 130 watt solar panel, so hopefully should be able to stay a week or so wherever I like.
Thanks again Ian
Woody n Sue said
08:12 PM Jun 5, 2017
Good for you IanG hope it serves you well
Woody
Cadpete said
06:00 PM Jun 7, 2017
Welcome to the forumian G. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit.
Pete and Marion
aussietraveller said
09:07 PM Jun 23, 2017
Welcome to the forum we hope you have many happy trips in the Big Playground with your new Golf savannah.
Jewel said
10:31 PM Jun 23, 2017
Welcome from a fellow newbie Ian.
Jewel
Aus-Kiwi said
10:41 PM Jun 23, 2017
Welcome. Although I have motorhome . Having hard roof means it easier to fit solar panels which help big time when free camping . Toilet,water and food is the limiting factor . Gas for cooking too .. I find one 9Kg bottle lasts 2 to 3 weeks with 3 way fridge on gas .
Hi Long time reader, first post.
I'm on the verge of retirement, just bought an MUX and looking for a good second hand off road van for a few years of travelling, including some blaze aid stints.
There is a couple of things I would like some advice on, I am looking for a van around 17- 18 foot, travelling mostly solo.
Is there a disadvantage of single axle over dual ?
What are the negatives of Pop Top over conventional ?
Thanks Ian
Welcome to the gang Ian, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I chose tandem axle because if one flat tyre there is another good one next to it until you can safely stop to sort out. I also find tandem easier to back.
I chose full van so I didn't have to set up the roof and a lttle more protection in bad weather.
My teepee is my home though.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Thanks Doug, I think I have settled on a van, the Golf Savannah seems to tick most of the boxes for me, just have to decide on pop up or conventional, not much difference in weight so probably go with the conventional.
When free camping what is the thing that determines how long you can stay self sufficient besides fresh water and your sanity !!
Also a warm welcome from me
Basically it is water and food, which determines how long you can stay in the one place, while free camping
Although I have had neither, pop tops were out for me , you see laziness is no good unless done properly so if I'm retired n traveling n on holidays , that means ( Doug close your eyes ) no workin so no lifting of pop tops every day, I have to agree with DOUGWE's points also on wheels but they are inherently more stable also on a tandem , and for the best stability a fifth wheeler is the top pick .
Anyway it's really a personal choice whichever way you go .
Woody
Thanks Woody and Tony for your help.
I bought a van today, a 19 foot golf savannah not pop top but single axle, don't come in dual.
On the topic of free camping, what I was trying to establish was how long the gas lasts and 12 volt power, the savannah's usually come with 2 x 4.5 kg gas bottles but this one has 2 x 9 so I don't think I will have any issues, also has 2 deep cycle batteries and a 130 watt solar panel, so hopefully should be able to stay a week or so wherever I like.
Thanks again Ian
Woody
Welcome to the forumian G. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit.
Pete and Marion
Welcome from a fellow newbie Ian.
Jewel