We are a couple just retired about to begin looking to purchase a caravan so thought I would throw it out to all you experienced caravaners . I have a prado 2500 kg towing capacity so I am looking for something from 18 to 20 foot (used ), what are the pro's and cons of pop tops and single axel vrs duel axel. We would look at something with shower/toilet or combo ?.
Off road is not anticipated at this point in time but we are keen to free camp a bit hence the shower/toilet.
Will preface these comments with-- we tow a pop-top single axle "dirt-road" van with a Prado.
A pop-top is actually heavier because of the construction required, however there are benefits in reduced wind drag, also fits into the car-port at home.(?) I don't know if they are any cheaper than a full van, also there's more storage available in a full van in those cupboards around the top.
Twin axles are heavier than single, but if your van is over 17 feet, you'll get twin axles. And independent suspension like the simplicity is heavier too, but if you are going to free-camp you will need to consider clearance under the van as some campsites are not nice smooth tarmac but very ordinary ground.
We discovered too late that fibreglass cladding is heavier than aluminium.
I so agree that you will be glad to have a toilet/shower, as we don't, and regret that decision.
Try to keep below the 2 tonne GVM to give the Prado a bit of spare oomph for uphills.
Very best wishes to you as you go through the process of making this vital choice!
Keep in mind if you want and island double, single beds. As we get older the climbing over to get into bed looses the romance. I would suggest tandem axles but make sure you get load sharing. Makes for a much smoother and safer ride.
Keep in mind if you want and island double, single beds. As we get older the climbing over to get into bed looses the romance. I would suggest tandem axles but make sure you get load sharing. Makes for a much smoother and safer ride.
hi crosso
by any chance your not from gosford are you
any ways im no expert or a drip but iv been around a few vans and have my own pref . and at the moment were helping a m8 buy one so here goes my bit (not wanting to start an argument )
imo
front door / less dust and i have this theory if you drop over a rock or log that would be the first contact point
island bed / caution here east west doubles some have a section of mattress that folds up through the day because you cant walk round it properly specially if its near the wheel inner guard and if you get up through the night and have to walk round the foot of the bed it becomes a bit of a drama to find your way past it .
the rest of the inside is all about your liking layout and such. but also a few things to look at here are
water stains they sometimes warn you of leaks well mostly warn you of leaks but maybe repaired look at the joins in the ceiling and around the windows mostly .a full fibre glass shower is ima the best as there are no joins to leak .
venture into the boot now really check this spot out all the way round the door press on the inside walls and funny as it sounds take a good sniff and think if it smells mouldy its probably because it leaks and leaks could mean rot in the frame . as it could do around windows and other parts .
now this might sound a bit extreme but if its from yard get a weigh bridge check done and go with them . i did and found out it could only carry 120 kgs and thats not much. and get someone to look at the mechanical side of it i didnt till i got it home and it had a bodge road worthy done and to top that of the gas cert was also bodge to so a lot of care must be taken here.
i dont really know what else to say only happy hunting and i hope i didnt put you of because it is a great way of life even if were not there full time yet
Thanks mr glassies no not from Gosford eventhough I was there today just up the road in the beautiful Lake Maquarie. Thanks for the tips, at this stage all tips are appreciated. Have my thoughts on a few types, are we allowed to mention types on here if so I will throw them up later and get some feed back.
