Hi all I haven't been on here for a number of years for various reasons non very interesting haha, hope everyone is well.
Originally I had an Avan Sportliner that I towed with my Suburu. I sold the Avan after moving to Qld but am now back in Vic and thinking this time I will look for a camper van as my current cars not big enough to tow a van. New vans are financially out of my reach so looking for tips on where to look and what to look out for with a 2nd hand camper van. I'm in no immediate rush to buy. Thank you
-- Edited by gillyb on Sunday 11th of March 2018 10:49:39 AM
Possum3 said
04:51 PM Mar 11, 2018
Gillian, You will find some very useful tips and advice on the Caravan Council of Australia website www.caravancouncil.com.au/
gillyb said
05:11 PM Mar 11, 2018
Thank you so much for that Possum3 much appreciated it can get very confusing
Izabarack said
05:50 PM Mar 12, 2018
Are you going to travel solo or with a partner, Gill? My Transporter has a flat floor all the way to the back and swivels under both seats. I have a mid height fibreglass top and value being able to stand with a straight back, although my head touches the ceiling. I have room enough for a king single when going alone and a standard double if my partner is with me. Double sliders and a hatchback give me lots of options for getting in and out. Tow bar and 2000Kg towing capacity give me the option to tow the boat. Roof (solid, no pop top) is big enough for a kayak and solar panel and a step ladder. Best bit about my campervan is that parking is easy to find and being able to get into bed without going outside on those dark and stormy outback nights.
Is that the kind of discussion that is helpful?
Iza
hako said
10:48 PM Mar 12, 2018
Can you give an indication of what price range - high above 50K...medium 20 - 50K or low sub 20K ?
I've looked in the sub 20K market and found the best value for money is to buy an ex-backpacker/working tourists campervan - you see quite a few fore sale around fruit growing areas like Gatton or Stanthorpe and the best way to find one is through Gumtree or on Facebook. They won't have flush toilets or showers but will sometimes have a porta potti/shwr tent/sleepiong gear/pots pans etc thrown in. These ones go for under $10K
Good Luck.
C00P said
11:08 PM Mar 12, 2018
Quality of the canvas should be high on your priorities. We have an old campertrailer (which we bought second-hand) with very good quality canvas and it withstood heavy rain at Windjana Gorge for several days without ever getting a drop inside.
it's a fairly basic camper with a little kitchen on the tailgate, one large drawer, a battery, a gas bottle, and an awning. Overall it cost us about $6,000. It's been around the lap once (Gibb River Road and most of the side tracks, all the way into the Bungles for 3 days, Kakadu, etc.) and to a number of other camping events. We towed with a Subaru Forester and an old Series III Land Rover (even less HP than the Subaru).
You don't have to spend $20,000 to get a fairly competent camper trailer. But whatever you buy, make sure the canvas is heavy duty.
Cheers
C00P
gillyb said
10:37 AM Mar 13, 2018
Thanks COOP but its a camper van that I'm looking for not a camper trailer as I no longer have a vehicle powerful enough to tow so decided to go for a campervan this time around maybe a toyota hilux
gillyb said
10:44 AM Mar 13, 2018
Thanks Hako I'm looking at around $30k but found many of them have rather large milage especially the ex rental ones that there seems to be quite a lot of. They do seem to give a 12month warranty with them though but do they fall to bits after that lol as I'm def not mechanical minded. I guess I'm like most people and looking for that bargain that doesn't exist haha but I will keep looking
gillyb said
10:54 AM Mar 13, 2018
Thanks Izabarack thats very helpful. I will be travelling solo so I like the swivel seats idea as I would like to be able to go from the drivers seat to the back without going outside & vice versa for safety reasons. Financially not sure this will be an option though haha. I was thinking pop top only so it will fit under my carport, did you have any reason for opting for the hard top, I was hoping for suggestions on what to look for & what to avoid. Have you found your transporter reliable, I've been looking at the VW & Toyota Hi Ace so am interested in a comparison of the 2.
Also Iza without trying to sound dumb what are sliders?
Thank you so much for you info
-- Edited by gillyb on Tuesday 13th of March 2018 11:02:03 AM
hako said
04:34 PM Mar 13, 2018
If considering VW or Toyota be aware that VW parts and service will be more expensive than Toyota - millions of Hi-Aces have been sold over the years and like Holdens they can be repaired by any mechanic with no need for fancy equipment. Possibly steer clear of any front wheel drive vehicle as they can slip badly on grassy/muddy surfaces. I prefer petrol over diesel due to low maintenance costs e.g. oil change needed twice as often on most diesel engines.
Search Gumtree, Trading Post and Ebay for "Campervan and motorhome to get a feel of what's on offer.
Good Luck.
gillyb said
04:55 PM Mar 13, 2018
Thank you Hako thats great advice I can now concentrate on looking for a petrol toyota and rule out others so makes it a little easier for me. Now just to find the right one
Izabarack said
05:14 PM Mar 13, 2018
gillyb wrote:
I like the swivel seats idea
did you have any reason for opting for the hard top
Have you found your transporter reliable, I've been looking at the VW & Toyota Hi Ace so am interested in a comparison of the 2.
what are sliders?
I installed the swivels myself. I wanted two for when the partner comes with me. The standard seats are comfortable enough to sit in an watch TV and the swivel arrangement just about doubles the floor area in camping mode. I bought the swivels online and passenger side only needs four bolts out, those bolts then attach the seat to the swivel,then four new bolts, supplied, to attach the swivel plate to the seat pedestal. I have also installed a battery and inverter and DC to DC charger under that seat so taking the seat out was going to happen anyway.
My VW is an ex-ambo Four Motion. Mate drove one in NSW for years so I had had a play in his company vehicle for a test. Don't want pop top because I am installing a diesel heater and air con and want the containment. Friend has a pop top and his advancing age has made it a bit of a struggle to put up and down. I would go with the hard top again because it is a more simple arrangement and I have a fixed bed at floor level. Some of the pop tops want you to sleep up in the extension and I did not want that. If looking at a pop top, I suggest you try spending half and hour inside and also take a nap.
Accessing stuff from inside, like when raining lots outside, can be difficult in some set ups.
The transporter has been very reliable. Have the 7 speed auto box with the uprated fluid and love it. Gear changes are smooth as. I don't flog the vehicle anyway so happy with reliability. Good economy and has been know to sit on 180 KPH for several hours, Singleton Ambo station to Royal North Shore. Mine is a twin turbo diesel and has the same power, pretty much, as my DMax. 30,000k between oil changes. I do have a tow bar fitted and it will tow the caravan without any issue. We use the campervan as our second vehicle.
Not sure if this relates to all Hi Ace but most I have seen have a bar or barrier behind the seats. You lose the space available with swivel seats and it is hard to get between position and the back. Will be something for you to check out. Hi Ace vehicles seem to be the vehicle of choice for older single travellers, usually female, so I would not discount them. Just not for me and I did seek out the VW with purpose.
Sliders are the sliding cargo doors so celebrated by the Wizzbangers owners. The sliders are the single item that causes much angst in some fellow campers. Backpackers are famous for sliding and banging all night long. There is a Wizzbangers Facebook site you might want to join for lots on info on campervan life.
You might also check out any potential buys for self containment status. Free camps everywhere if self contained. Not hard to uprate to self contained but a bonus if already done.
Happy hunting.
Iza
-- Edited by Izabarack on Tuesday 13th of March 2018 05:21:03 PM
gillyb said
09:18 AM Mar 14, 2018
Thanks Iza I have joined the Facebook 'Wizzbanger' group its amazing how we can still learn something new everyday haha. I'm starting to get a little confused now between the Toyota and the VW there seems to be pros & cons for both brands I will try and find somewhere to have a test drive but I think because of my budget I'm not going to have to be too fussy. Thanks for your info & advice it will come in very handy
Izabarack said
10:08 AM Mar 14, 2018
gillyb wrote:
........... there seems to be pros & cons for both brands
You have that right!!!! Sometimes it comes down to price and availability. Plus, close enough is better than never getting around to acquiring a vehicle because you want perfect.
Have you gone out to nearby Free Camping sites, for a look at what others are using/driving. Most people will be very willing to show you around their pride and joy. Be careful though, my experience is that it is easy to get someone talking but sometimes more difficult to get away
Iza
hako said
02:22 PM Mar 14, 2018
Be aware that "Wizzbangers" can be made silent - you can fit nylon runners and rubber bumpers making door closure virtually silent. I've done this on a Ford Transit using heavy duty wheels/runners from the hardware.
Always more than one way to skin a cat.
Good Luck.
gillyb said
07:12 PM Mar 14, 2018
hako wrote:
Be aware that "Wizzbangers" can be made silent - you can fit nylon runners and rubber bumpers making door closure virtually silent. I've done this on a Ford Transit using heavy duty wheels/runners from the hardware. Always more than one way to skin a cat.
Hi all I haven't been on here for a number of years for various reasons non very interesting haha, hope everyone is well.
Originally I had an Avan Sportliner that I towed with my Suburu. I sold the Avan after moving to Qld but am now back in Vic and thinking this time I will look for a camper van as my current cars not big enough to tow a van. New vans are financially out of my reach so looking for tips on where to look and what to look out for with a 2nd hand camper van. I'm in no immediate rush to buy. Thank you
-- Edited by gillyb on Sunday 11th of March 2018 10:49:39 AM
Is that the kind of discussion that is helpful?
Iza
I've looked in the sub 20K market and found the best value for money is to buy an ex-backpacker/working tourists campervan - you see quite a few fore sale around fruit growing areas like Gatton or Stanthorpe and the best way to find one is through Gumtree or on Facebook. They won't have flush toilets or showers but will sometimes have a porta potti/shwr tent/sleepiong gear/pots pans etc thrown in. These ones go for under $10K
Good Luck.
it's a fairly basic camper with a little kitchen on the tailgate, one large drawer, a battery, a gas bottle, and an awning. Overall it cost us about $6,000. It's been around the lap once (Gibb River Road and most of the side tracks, all the way into the Bungles for 3 days, Kakadu, etc.) and to a number of other camping events. We towed with a Subaru Forester and an old Series III Land Rover (even less HP than the Subaru).
You don't have to spend $20,000 to get a fairly competent camper trailer. But whatever you buy, make sure the canvas is heavy duty.
Cheers
C00P
Thanks COOP but its a camper van that I'm looking for not a camper trailer as I no longer have a vehicle powerful enough to tow so decided to go for a campervan this time around maybe a toyota hilux
Thanks Hako I'm looking at around $30k but found many of them have rather large milage especially the ex rental ones that there seems to be quite a lot of. They do seem to give a 12month warranty with them though but do they fall to bits after that lol as I'm def not mechanical minded. I guess I'm like most people and looking for that bargain that doesn't exist haha but I will keep looking
Thanks Izabarack thats very helpful. I will be travelling solo so I like the swivel seats idea as I would like to be able to go from the drivers seat to the back without going outside & vice versa for safety reasons. Financially not sure this will be an option though haha. I was thinking pop top only so it will fit under my carport, did you have any reason for opting for the hard top, I was hoping for suggestions on what to look for & what to avoid. Have you found your transporter reliable, I've been looking at the VW & Toyota Hi Ace so am interested in a comparison of the 2.
Also Iza without trying to sound dumb what are sliders?
Thank you so much for you info
-- Edited by gillyb on Tuesday 13th of March 2018 11:02:03 AM
Search Gumtree, Trading Post and Ebay for "Campervan and motorhome to get a feel of what's on offer.
Good Luck.
Thank you Hako thats great advice I can now concentrate on looking for a petrol toyota and rule out others so makes it a little easier for me. Now just to find the right one
I installed the swivels myself. I wanted two for when the partner comes with me. The standard seats are comfortable enough to sit in an watch TV and the swivel arrangement just about doubles the floor area in camping mode. I bought the swivels online and passenger side only needs four bolts out, those bolts then attach the seat to the swivel,then four new bolts, supplied, to attach the swivel plate to the seat pedestal. I have also installed a battery and inverter and DC to DC charger under that seat so taking the seat out was going to happen anyway.
My VW is an ex-ambo Four Motion. Mate drove one in NSW for years so I had had a play in his company vehicle for a test. Don't want pop top because I am installing a diesel heater and air con and want the containment. Friend has a pop top and his advancing age has made it a bit of a struggle to put up and down. I would go with the hard top again because it is a more simple arrangement and I have a fixed bed at floor level. Some of the pop tops want you to sleep up in the extension and I did not want that. If looking at a pop top, I suggest you try spending half and hour inside and also take a nap.
Accessing stuff from inside, like when raining lots outside, can be difficult in some set ups.
The transporter has been very reliable. Have the 7 speed auto box with the uprated fluid and love it. Gear changes are smooth as. I don't flog the vehicle anyway so happy with reliability. Good economy and has been know to sit on 180 KPH for several hours, Singleton Ambo station to Royal North Shore. Mine is a twin turbo diesel and has the same power, pretty much, as my DMax. 30,000k between oil changes. I do have a tow bar fitted and it will tow the caravan without any issue. We use the campervan as our second vehicle.
Not sure if this relates to all Hi Ace but most I have seen have a bar or barrier behind the seats. You lose the space available with swivel seats and it is hard to get between position and the back. Will be something for you to check out. Hi Ace vehicles seem to be the vehicle of choice for older single travellers, usually female, so I would not discount them. Just not for me and I did seek out the VW with purpose.
Sliders are the sliding cargo doors so celebrated by the Wizzbangers owners. The sliders are the single item that causes much angst in some fellow campers. Backpackers are famous for sliding and banging all night long. There is a Wizzbangers Facebook site you might want to join for lots on info on campervan life.
You might also check out any potential buys for self containment status. Free camps everywhere if self contained. Not hard to uprate to self contained but a bonus if already done.
Happy hunting.
Iza
-- Edited by Izabarack on Tuesday 13th of March 2018 05:21:03 PM
You have that right!!!! Sometimes it comes down to price and availability. Plus, close enough is better than never getting around to acquiring a vehicle because you want perfect.
Have you gone out to nearby Free Camping sites, for a look at what others are using/driving. Most people will be very willing to show you around their pride and joy. Be careful though, my experience is that it is easy to get someone talking but sometimes more difficult to get away
Iza
Always more than one way to skin a cat.
Good Luck.
I might have to brush up on my handywoman skills