If you got a new caravan, what would you have different?

Gerty Dancer · Guru

If you got a new caravan, what would you have different?

ParamountCruiser · Senior Member

KFT wrote:

We definitely would have armchairs instead of the café lounge we have now. we have had vans with L shaped, café and a separate lounge that was not long enough and now would only consider armchairs.

Yes would also go with the above.

Also would have a domestic split system airconditioner instead of the noisy inefficient caravan type and a grey water tank.

Would also have a diesel heater installed at build time instead of adding it later like we have.

Load capacity would also be increased to a realistic figure of a minimum of 700 - 800 kgs up to a 1,000 kgs if possible.

-- Edited by ParamountCruiser on Saturday 9th of November 2013 08:14:02 PM

Baz421 · Guru

Wouldn't change much as we planned the interior for 2 years before it was built and like it.

Have king singles and cafe seating, ensuite at rear, NO FRONT WINDOW (big tick) as this allow more storage at bedheads.

Wife has been hinting at armchairs and foldaway table as grandkids a bit big now to sleep in cafe seating space (folds to double).

I like the look of the new fibreglass exterior on rigs as they would be easier to wash.

Last thought - better quality roof vents.

-- Edited by Baz421 on Saturday 9th of November 2013 10:19:21 PM

Triple333 · Veteran Member

Gerty Dancer wrote:
Was thinking about our caravan, and how we'd chosen the layout and fittings carefully, basing our choices on what we thought we'd need or want, and what we had learned from other's caravanner's comments.
We wanted to be able to go off-road, into the bush, camp in remote places in comfort and safety. Well, we found the caravan's not really capable of doing rough bush tracks, and we have settled to staying on the tarmac with a few incursions into National Parks, and staying more often in caravan parks. As we get a bit more mature we are content with this sedate mode of travelling.
But had we chosen a van with this kind of travel in mind we would have had an on-board shower/toilet!
Also we'd choose a different layout, have found we don't like the L shaped dinette as much as we expected.
And I would say "No" to the window behind our bed as you cant prop pillows against it to sit up in bed reading/watching telly.
What alterations would others make if you upgrade?

well, I have a Jayco Sterling pop top. with shower over toilet. Its been great. I'm going to change it for a diff brand that I'm looking at that has the tv ariel on the outside under the awning for starters and an external 12v for my laptop blogs, rather than the other side of the van. I'm looking at changing it for a shorter van with full height, with a full, if squishy ensuite so my feet dont get wet in the night when using the toilet after showering.
The upgrade has gas bayonet as standard for my weber, picnic table, better suspension and better storage. And much, much more. And I think its a better made van. And the fridge/ freezer is seperate and huge. But I'm ok with the L shaped lounge, cos its just me. But this company that I'm looking at have swivel chairs. .
Have u been to Jayco recently? I was there yesterday and they have some good upgrades.
however, The van im looking at is not Jayco, only 16ft long (interior) and has anti sway, stone guard, jerry can holders etc. All as standard.
They are quoting me on a non off road van, but it has simplicity suspension, with a 2" raise, so not off road but will handle dirt roads and its got a 5 year warranty that dirt roads will cover. Equally, I took my Jayco in places that it shouldn't have gone, but it went there. Cos i took v slowly.
My only issue is the bed.... I'm going to ask if the chassis can be 30cm longer, but I bombarded the sales guys today, and now want to speak the owner who actually builds them.
Also, as I intend it to be my home, I want a gas heater and a slide out generator drawer.
I may change my mind when I get the quote.... but in all honesty, their off road demon was what attracted me in the first place. But my Prado wont tow it. My modified van will.....
Just a thought.

-- Edited by Gerty Dancer on Saturday 9th of November 2013 04:51:49 PM

-- Edited by Triple333 on Saturday 9th of November 2013 10:03:44 PM

KFT · Guru

Mrs KFT and I were only talking about this the other day when we were sitting in the van having breakfast and watching TV during a 5 hour blackout at home.

We definitely would have armchairs instead of the café lounge we have now. we have had vans with L shaped, café and a separate lounge that was not long enough and now would only consider armchairs.

one of the disadvantages is where do you put the stuff(batteries, LPG heater, electrical panel) once you get rid of the seats with storage under?

we are pretty happy with the current layout with the ensuite at the back.

I would have the same label on the van though.

frank

Meredith · Senior Member

Presuming that we had the same basic budget and weight limit there is very little we would change after using the van for the past few years. Would probably not have a front window as we had some issues with it leaking and the solution means we will never open it again. Otherwise would get the same basic layout, things we chose that we hadn't had previously and now wouldn't be without are island bed, cafe seating, ensuite and full oven.

Kantiki · Senior Member

I dream about recliner chairs and a full ensuite. We have the combo and I am very grateful but gee I wish they would come up with more comfortable seating. Sometimes I think I should just pull out the lounge and use my comfy camp chair.

Grams · Guru

After having lots of second hand vans all our married life. We both knew what we wanted and liked. So when we went looking for the perfect van we found it after liking about 3 vans at a caravan show and deciding to go to a caravan sales yard.

Our van is an Island Star Opal, it's brand new. It was a van already made up, but it had everything we wanted...shower, toilet, Tri-fold table, bench seats, full fridge, oven, grill and microwave, under seat draws, and heaps of cupboard space. There are night lights all through the van, it has solar panels, batteries and is totally self sufficient.

There is nothing on the van we would change, it has everything we would have asked for.

Grams

GaryKelly · Guru

I know I'm gonna miss my fav armchair when I hit the road, but those camp chairs are pretty good. Anyway, life is a compromise and I'd rather change the view from my backyard at will than worry about an arm chair.

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Same layout but bigger fridge, solar set up, more storage, bigger boot, and .... No... That's enough.... Oh, maybe a full van.

Bunkerbob · Senior Member

For a start, what a great thread Gerty Dancer. Well thought out and some wonderful responses.

We bought a second hand that looked like new thanks to the previous owners. 22' inside, left side kitchen, full oven, 220 litre 12v only Waeco fridge/freezer. Full ensuite in the rear, separate shower, toilet, 5kg Wash Machine.

Because I am tall (6'4" in the old), we would like another 4" headroom but because SWMBO isn't tall (4'10" in the old) we would need the light switches to be on the wall, not the lights.

Also L shaped lounge - Out. No front window as SWMBO wants an east/west bed and the front would become wardrobe/drawers. We fitted a diesel heater so that would come pre-fitted. We are 120kms west of Esperance and even now, November 9, it was 16 degrees and we had the heater on.

Also shelves in cupboards. Get rid of the clear plastic skylights. While they let light in they also let heat in. Would prefer Monsoon style hatches.

Also, what about 240volt outlets on the right hand side so the computer can be plugged in.

Would also probably not be the brand we brought. Quality is good but to get after sales service or advice, forget it, easier to get a pizza without cheese, if you get my subtle clue to the van make.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

only one thing I would change, I want a much younger Mrs W biggrin

OK I'm now going back down my hole. biggrin

oldbobsbus · Guru

Bunkerbob wrote:

Would also probably not be the brand we brought. Quality is good but to get after sales service or advice, forget it, easier to get a pizza without cheese, if you get my subtle clue to the van make.

Is there some rule here about mentioning brand names of things you are not happy about ??????

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

oldbobsbus wrote:
Bunkerbob wrote:

Would also probably not be the brand we brought. Quality is good but to get after sales service or advice, forget it, easier to get a pizza without cheese, if you get my subtle clue to the van make.
Is there some rule here about mentioning brand names of things you are not happy about ??????

No, not that I know of, after all it is your opinion of a brand or product, somebody else may have their own opinion on the same brand or product and it may not be the same as yours, each to their own.

Ontos45 · Guru

In another forum I'm in....Land Rover Australia..... there were complaints about a certain camper trailer and even though the brand not named, enough information to glean who made them. Resulted in lawyers and written letters to the Web Master threatening legal action etc. All reference to the trailer had to be deleted. Seems we not allowed to speak our mind or we get slammed for defamation.

Peter

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

I can see the point so that means we cannot have an opinion.

Wonder what Cindy would say on this topic.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

If anybody is interested in knowing "Which Brand?" you can always pm the poster, then its not in the public Domain. Surely Cindy couldn't be sued for private comments between members.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Ontos45 wrote:
In another forum I'm in....Land Rover Australia..... there were complaints about a certain camper trailer and even though the brand not named, enough information to glean who made them. Resulted in lawyers and written letters to the Web Master threatening legal action etc. All reference to the trailer had to be deleted. Seems we not allowed to speak our mind or we get slammed for defamation.

Peter

Had similar issues on another car forum .. They stuck it out as there was a few lawyers on there.. If its true and can be substantiated ??

There's no problem!! Trouble is these companies rely on legal B/S to get away with it..

Btw it was a purchase on good ole ebay.. Bought a motor was said to be in top nick .. Was wrong sized motor and much older than advertised..

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Gerty Dancer wrote:
If anybody is interested in knowing "Which Brand?" you can always pm the poster, then its not in the public Domain. Surely Cindy couldn't be sued for private comments between members.

me finks Cindy needs to make some enquires

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I think there was something about not mentioning names about what has been discussed above, some time back. Like not mentioning a products name in a negative way. Something like that anyway.

the rocket · Guru

club lounge (if we need a second bed, this will do it and it is the width of the van) and separate shower and toilet (full size onsuite), no oven (can get a glass one for bout $100.), kitchen in middle of van not at the front, large fridge.

Webmaster · Guru

This is a tricky area. Obviously, you would like to think that making a genuine and honest comment your experience with a particular service or product should be fine and of use to other grey nomads. However, I know that on other forums there have been issues when people have misused the system to settle personal grievances. I guess also from a company point of view they wouldn't be happy to have their whole brand 'smeared' because of one possibly highly unusual bad experience. I guess at this stage it is best to err on the side of caution in terms of naming a particular brand or company. However, I will do a little bit of research and try to find out what can be said and what can't be said. This is definitely an area where we should have a clear policy and a guideline so everyone knows where they stand. I'll get something together over the next few days. Thanks everybody.

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Hi Cindy,

maybe put it in the rules page after you have done your research

JayDee · Guru

The perfect van we could not find. I set up a check list of our requirements, and our current van, ticked most of the boxes. Missed out on a lounge area, and ok, a side extension, but did not want a Jayco. Missed out on slide out BBQ and also diesel heating system. Also outside TV. But like planning and designing a new home, once you live in it for a couple of months.... bingo... why did we not get this and that in our home.
Will watch this post for further ideas.
Jay&Dee

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Oh yes, a gas heater, why didn't we get one of those! (Gas because we already have gas cylinders and don't want to carry the diesel fuel)

Delta18 · Guru

I reckon if we built, or sourced another van it would have a ensuite with separate shower & toilet.

I would again specify the bed be raised 100mm from standard, makes a huge difference to under-bed storage room without encroaching on useable space above the bed.

Diesel heater would be included as we do carry diesel.

Split system domestic R/c air con, heaps less weight and much more efficient.

No oven or microwave, storage space instead. We have both in this van and use neither.

As much solar panels as would fit on the roof with batteries to suit.

Grey water tank.

That would do for a start.

Cheers Neil

Ontos45 · Guru

Delta18 wrote:
I reckon if we built, or sourced another van it would have a ensuite with separate shower & toilet.
I would again specify the bed be raised 100mm from standard, makes a huge difference to under-bed storage room without encroaching on useable space above the bed.
Diesel heater would be included as we do carry diesel.
Split system domestic R/c air con, heaps less weight and much more efficient.
No oven or microwave, storage space instead. We have both in this van and use neither.
As much solar panels as would fit on the roof with batteries to suit.
Grey water tank.
That would do for a start.
Cheers Neil

Every thing you stated mate except for some exceptions.

The beds yes, as it's easier to get up and down from higher beds. Beds 3 foot wide normal mattresses not 2ft 6in caravan so can use orthopedic.

Tossing up about diesel or LPG heater as with asthma diesel fumes a no, no. Trouble even re-fueling.

AirCon needs a generator if freedom camping and though we carry one don't like using except for our medical units, Nebulizer and oxygen concentrators.

No microwave but Sue likes the oven for Sunday roast and cooking cakes.

Yes, more solar power but 24VDC instead of 12VDC as wiring easies and less loses in current. Will use 24VDC to 12VDC step-down transformers.

6VDC batteries instead of 12VDC as 6VDC more ruggered.

A separate drinking water tank served only by a hand/foot pump, if you have to work for your water you use less.

Mate on here, Joe, is doing up a Coaster bus and we talk about what we would like over happy hour beers. I'm biting the bullet and going to buy a cheap off-road van and gut it, my 3rd, and design the layout to what we want. No lounges but a long breakfast bench with proper chairs etc. Also, on another thread on DIY fridges saw a unit that uses water to cool. Joe and I wondered if water got hot enough to use in shower via a by-pass valve and accumulator tank?

Just some thoughts.

Peter

-- Edited by Ontos45 on Tuesday 12th of November 2013 12:15:06 PM

Wizardofoz · Guru

Everything that I wanted in a total package but for less money! biggrin