Welcome to the forum Kiwial, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Just a small warning if I may, be careful of wombat holes as you move around the forum but don't be too dazzled by them and if you are lucky you might even see a Gypsy.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Welcome to a fantastic place to get everything, info, laughs, and even a chat.
As for a van, I think every company has its good and bad points. I guess it's what you like in one brand you don't like in another. S my advice is go to as many company's you can. Make out a list of what you are after, on this list note anything about a model you did or didn't like, also note price, size, etc. then when you have all this info then sort out which one you liked best.
We went to about 7 different company's, we even went to the Caravan and Camping Show, we eventually found our perfect van an Island Star Opal. It is set up to be self contained, so free camping, plus has toilet, shower and washing machine. This is everything we had on our list, and we got it all in one van, including reversing camera and solar panels.
we have recently gone through a similar process to yourself, we deliberated for ages, we made up our mind, then considered another factor, and went back to square one. I spent three days at the Melbourne Caravan show, and in the end we made a decision, and we have ordered our van.
No matter what style of van you want, many companies will offer something similar, so it is important that you understand what is important to YOU, don't let the salesman tell you what you should be thinking (they will try).
For us we wanted a rear ensuite, front bed, with two single beds. We worked out some mechanical aspects we wanted (straight axles, and 12" brakes, roller rocker suspension, with shockers). After that it came down to storage, use of space, and quality of finish. Last and by no means least was finding a company that would talk to us about what we wanted, and would build in the modifications we believe we need (large LifePo4 batteries, a roof of solar, a large inverter charger, etc).
We then researched the companies we were considering extensively, we found the comments on the forums really helped. Also comments about how well the companies stand behind their product, and how easy are they to work with during a warranty period. We even went to the factory and looked at how they build their vans.
For us we settled on Retreat, we believe this is the right van for us.
Your needs will be different, and the companies that come to the top in your search are likely to be different.
We've just spent three months looking at vans (knew it was Saturday because I was surrounded by caravans at a display yard :)), reading forums, looking up suppliers and manufacturers on line, talking to folk who've got vans and listening to their experiences with their vans and other things, spending time on the phone as well as in person. We drew up a list of what we considered essential, what was necessary and what would be nice to have and then we started shopping between manufacturers and sales yards to see what we could get in return for what we would have to pay.
What I figured out was that everyone's different. What's essential to one person is a nice to have for another. So the first step is to figure out what YOU want. Buying a van is a big investment so you want to get it as right as you can. The other thing I learned was that this this process is one of compromise. Unless you are extraordinarily wealthy (in which case you probably wouldn't be doing this) there are inevitable tradeoffs between what you'd like and what you'll accept. That's the same with van suppliers - one will have a huge amount of space but won't cope well with offroad and vice versa another will have everything that opens and shuts but weighs more than your tug can pull and on and on the list goes.
So it all comes down to knowing what you want and then researching who can supply the closest to that at a price you can afford and also give you the confidence you need that the damn thing wont fall apart at the first sight of a dirt road :)
First decide the basics - where you want to go (road types), for how long, tar only or outback tracks, caravan parks only of free camping. List your essentials. Shower & toilet, solar and batteries, aircon, microwave, diesel heater, water storage twin or single axles. Size is important - you need to be comfortable.
I would stay with well known brands that have a sound track record. Also, do not be sucked in by a bit of propellor plate and and "Off-Road" sticker. Vans that regularly travel corrugated roads and tracks need more than better suspension and brakes, the entire fitout and all the equipment needs to be engineered to suit.
You will get your best information from experienced travellers, who tow vans on your shortlist and who have travelled extensively in the type of country you want to travel. Dealers would be the last place I would look for honest feedback.
Its a lot of work to get right, if you do not have either the time or the capacity then I guess Jayco is a pretty safe option. With over 50% of the market and one of the best warranties in the business they are doing something right.
The other alternative is to spend the $$$ and get a custom built van from a reputable dealer with a long track record for quality. You will get your money back if and when you decide to sell.
I agree with Grams. We have another brand of caravan & and it has done 13000 kms around the edge, at this stage. The tow vehicle has done 36000 kms, as we leave the caravan in a safe place (caravan park), and go sightseeing in the area. We do take the 'van on very short dirt road trips, as in 2 kms into Fraser Range Station and 10 kms into 80 Mile Beach WA. When we had the 'van built to our specs, one of only a couple of manufacturers who will do this (a few big name manufacturers will not budge from their "expert" designs!), we insisted that HD shocks be fitted. Nothing moves in the caravan when travelling (although small items in cupboards will move on any road). If and when we need to replace our caravan, we will deal with the same manufacturer. When we return to Brisbane we will be off again as soon as possible.
