We have recently semi retired (work won't let us go) and now living in South Australia, now in our late 50s early 60s.
Having been living in SE Queensland for the past 9 years, decided we need to return to Caravanning to head north next winter!
Am starting to look around at options for a second hand, dual axle 18-19 foot van or poptop as we had one ...gosh.... 18 years ago and loved it.
Previous van was a Jayco Westport, and was thinking Jayco due to the great experience we had.
That was... as I mention years ago... so constructions change, and looking at the forum there's great advice on some to avoid.
Trying to stay away from wooden framed vans and go with aluminium?
We've a Ford Ranger, and taking advice from the forums, about to organise an electric Brake Controller to be fitted and have a Hayman Reece Hitch already.
Any advice to a returning vaner on the search.?
Possum3 said
07:18 AM Dec 1, 2022
Welcome to GN's FtM,
Prior to purchasing any caravan (new or secondhand) download free technical advice and checklists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ .
Timber framed vans are not necessarily bad - Timber allows the van to flex whereas bolted/rivetted/welded frames tend to fracture, composite sided vans tend to be prone to leak at joins unless very regularly recaulked - horses for courses.
The caravans with best reputations tend to be framed aluminium - Kedron, Trackmaster, Evernew, Explorex They are also the most expensive.
FromtheMount said
06:33 AM Dec 4, 2022
Thanks for the feedback Possum3.
Off to see a 2004 Jayco Heritage today.
Will use the list from the link to review.
Cheers
FromtheMount said
08:31 PM Dec 8, 2022
Still on the search... will wait till late Jan we think now to get the right van.
Hi All,
We have recently semi retired (work won't let us go) and now living in South Australia, now in our late 50s early 60s.
Having been living in SE Queensland for the past 9 years, decided we need to return to Caravanning to head north next winter!
Am starting to look around at options for a second hand, dual axle 18-19 foot van or poptop as we had one ...gosh.... 18 years ago and loved it.
Previous van was a Jayco Westport, and was thinking Jayco due to the great experience we had.
That was... as I mention years ago... so constructions change, and looking at the forum there's great advice on some to avoid.
Trying to stay away from wooden framed vans and go with aluminium?
We've a Ford Ranger, and taking advice from the forums, about to organise an electric Brake Controller to be fitted and have a Hayman Reece Hitch already.
Any advice to a returning vaner on the search.?
Prior to purchasing any caravan (new or secondhand) download free technical advice and checklists at www.caravancouncil.com.au/ .
Timber framed vans are not necessarily bad - Timber allows the van to flex whereas bolted/rivetted/welded frames tend to fracture, composite sided vans tend to be prone to leak at joins unless very regularly recaulked - horses for courses.
The caravans with best reputations tend to be framed aluminium - Kedron, Trackmaster, Evernew, Explorex They are also the most expensive.
Off to see a 2004 Jayco Heritage today.
Will use the list from the link to review.
Cheers
Still on the search... will wait till late Jan we think now to get the right van.