The tow weight and ball weight capacity of the Hilux will be the limiting factor. 17'6" - 18' will probably be about it's limit depending on the brands as some are of heavier construction that others. So you can most likely forget separated toilet & shower and have to settle for a Combo toilet/shower unit. As you're going to be on the road full time the payload allowance used by many manufacturers (Especially the Euro styles) won't be anywhere near enough to cater for your needs.
I would suggest you'll need a payload allowance of not less than 550Kg. the more the better, but remember the Hilux is limited to a laden tow weight of 2250Kg and you'll have to watch the weight of anything you put in the tub as it will be easy to exceed the vehicles GCM.
However if you decide on a Euro style van like the Jurgen's then weight shouldn't be a problem, but note that these type of vans generally carry a lot less water than most Oz designed vans and have very limited payload allowances.
Taking the above info on board an updated tow vehicle (Diesel) may be in your best long term interest, then you can choose an appropriate van to suit your needs without having to worry about size and layout to much.
If you don't require a shower van or would be happy with an external shower (That way you still get hot water on tap) a van of 16' - 17'6" may very well suffice.
Best of luck, Ozjohn.
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Retired Engineer, Ex Park Owner & Caravan Consultant. Holden 2.8 Colorado - Roma Elegance 17'6" Pop Top. Location: Mornington Peninsula Vic.
I just had a quick look at the Jurgens (interested because a friend is about to pick up his new one) .. Seems like it just fits into the required weight parameters and carries a reasonable 120L of water.
Might be a bit close to the max capacity of the tow vehicle though.
I agree that a good approach might be to look at upgrading the tow vehicle first, to open up your options.
I for one, prefer around 21'6" & ensuite caravan set ups for long term use.
(Jurgens) Lunagazer J24 Series Caravan
Technical Data
Berths
4
Body Length
6325 mm / 20'9"
Overall Length
7400 mm / 24'3"
Overall Width
2350 mm / 7'9"
Internal Width
2200 mm / 7'3"
Overall Height
2770 mm / 9'1"
Internal Height
1910 mm / 6'3"
A.T.M.
2150 kg
Tare Weight
1750 kg
Towball Weight (approx)
140 kg
Specifications
Strong engineered galvanised chassis
Strong light weight composite walls
Moulded front & rear panels
AL-KO independent suspension
2 x 4.5kg gas bottles
Jockey wheel
InsuIated walls & roof
External annex light
Front travel bIanket / shield
Corner steadies
Mains water tap
LED external marker lights
Rollout awning
Water filler & mains pressure
External access to internal storage
240 mains inlet / outlet
Large lockable easy access boot
Large roof hatch 700mm x 500mm
Dual axle / electric brakes
AL-KO stabiliser coupler
Oversize double bed (1900mm L x 1500 mm W) or 2 x single beds
Ensuite (shower / vanity / cassette toilet) or bunk beds
Hard wearing vinyl floor
Washable wall covering
Colour co-ordinated upholstrey
Flick mixer tap (hot & cold)
120 litre water tank with gauge
3 burner gas / 1 burner electric stove top / gas grill
Thanks for the words of wisdom,Guys. Appreciated.
I'm not in a position to upgrade my tow vehicle so I have to go
with what I've got. Valid point though, bigger & diesel would be nice.
The 16 foot size is the neighborhood I was thinking so I
think I'm on the right path.
I'll be sure to keep the weights in mind.
