Hi everyone, I'm looking to take my first steps into caravaning in the near future, after recently selling my Delica 4WD. I'm looking at getting a smallish 90s caravan, around 17' poptop and hopefully around $10K. I'll initially be towing it on my Suzuki Vitara and it will have to be towed on gravel/dirt roads but no serious 4WDing. Does anyone have any advice, particularly on models to avoid or things to look out for? I've already read on here that the Windcheater may be one to avoid due to weak chassis? Cheers, Steve
-- Edited by Steve_H on Thursday 18th of July 2024 03:42:59 PM
Possum3 said
04:39 PM Jul 18, 2024
Welcome to the Forum Steve.
For the money that you wish to pay you should end up with something like an early 2000's Jayco Freedom, a very nice little starter van. I had a 2003 model; it went everywhere and then some, the slipper spring suspension is very forgiving on rough roads (ensure you have microwave door secured with a strap though).
I am uncertain of advising on using the Suzuki Vitara, a great little wagon - you would need to check it's legality regarding TBW, ATM, etc.
Steve_H said
06:01 PM Jul 18, 2024
Thanks Possum, I've been using the Tow Mate app and I seem to be OK with the vans I'm interested in - all around 1200kg Tare or less.
Is it the Freedom model in particular I should look at? There are a couple of Jayco Starcraft about for a good price. I'll have to see if I can dig up any specs on all the old brands and models.
Hi everyone, I'm looking to take my first steps into caravaning in the near future, after recently selling my Delica 4WD.
I'm looking at getting a smallish 90s caravan, around 17' poptop and hopefully around $10K. I'll initially be towing it on my Suzuki Vitara and it will have to be towed on gravel/dirt roads but no serious 4WDing.
Does anyone have any advice, particularly on models to avoid or things to look out for? I've already read on here that the Windcheater may be one to avoid due to weak chassis?
Cheers, Steve
-- Edited by Steve_H on Thursday 18th of July 2024 03:42:59 PM
For the money that you wish to pay you should end up with something like an early 2000's Jayco Freedom, a very nice little starter van. I had a 2003 model; it went everywhere and then some, the slipper spring suspension is very forgiving on rough roads (ensure you have microwave door secured with a strap though).
I am uncertain of advising on using the Suzuki Vitara, a great little wagon - you would need to check it's legality regarding TBW, ATM, etc.
Thanks Possum, I've been using the Tow Mate app and I seem to be OK with the vans I'm interested in - all around 1200kg Tare or less.
Is it the Freedom model in particular I should look at? There are a couple of Jayco Starcraft about for a good price. I'll have to see if I can dig up any specs on all the old brands and models.