we are looking for a caravan with a shower and toilet. don't want anything longer than 16' because of access to the front yard. I know it may be on the small size compared to others. I would like to know what people like and don't like as far as brands go. I have seen them priced from $39k to $60k. We will be going to the show at Brisbane in June but would like to see what others think of different brands first and what to look for. Tow vehicle is a Territory but don't want to pull more than 1.7 tonnes.
New Age have a great 16', really good storage and layout. Well built also. I am not sure about your tow weight though with them, certainly worth checking out. Had I decided to go caravan and tug, it is the one I would have chosen, went MH instead though.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
The Avan Aspire 499 is worth a look - ATM 1550 kgs and under $40k - has a rear double bed to one side and combo shower/toilet in the back corner beside the bed.
Regards, Brian
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Wondering about ShortNorth ? - Short North is the railwayman's nickname for the NSWGR main line between Sydney and Newcastle
Ours is a 2001 model 16' Jayco Freedom pop top, twin beds and toilet and shower in the back corner, weighs about what you want, we tow with a Falcon, car and van weigh app the same and is very stable towing. We did not get a hot water heater fitted, that would add to the weight, and this model has two 58 litre water tanks, I always tow with them full, for extra stability.
We had a few warranty issues when new, but Jayco always willingly arranged for the repairs. I believe the new vans are much better made anyway. Ours came with clear plastic pipes connecting the tanks and plumbing, which soon became black with algae, and had to be replaced. That's one thing you could check before buying.
The pop top is well engineered for ball weight etc, and tows beautifully. We are happy with the room in it for two people, my only wish is we could have had a bigger fridge.
When we ordered it Jayco made a few modifications that we requested, air con, extra power points, tile floor, no carpet, one other leading brand would not do those changes so they missed out on a sale.
Ours is a 2001 model 16' Jayco Freedom pop top, twin beds and toilet and shower in the back corner, weighs about what you want, we tow with a Falcon, car and van weigh app the same and is very stable towing. We did not get a hot water heater fitted, that would add to the weight, and this model has two 58 litre water tanks, I always tow with them full, for extra stability.
We had a few warranty issues when new, but Jayco always willingly arranged for the repairs. I believe the new vans are much better made anyway. Ours came with clear plastic pipes connecting the tanks and plumbing, which soon became black with algae, and had to be replaced. That's one thing you could check before buying.
The pop top is well engineered for ball weight etc, and tows beautifully. We are happy with the room in it for two people, my only wish is we could have had a bigger fridge.
When we ordered it Jayco made a few modifications that we requested, air con, extra power points, tile floor, no carpet, one other leading brand would not do those changes so they missed out on a sale.
We agree with you Middo. We put a limit of 2 tons on the van we wanted to buy although the Prado can tow 2.5 tons. There were a couple of salesmen who had really nice caravans, but missed out on a sale because they aggressively and even rudely insisted on trying to sell caravans heavier than our chosen limit.
Be prepared for those cowboys, and stick to your guns! The lighter van tows easier and you use less fuel.
That AVan one mentioned had the shower but we would have to live outside all the time - to make room for the shower they certainly cut down on room to move.
I note the Roma is actually called 'Punto'. Looks good if you want a full height caravan.
-- Edited by neilnruth on Sunday 13th of April 2014 03:17:00 PM
Hi Middo, well I can agree with Gerty here .We too have a 2013 StarCraft 16.0 ft
double bed with an ensuite at the rear. Our tug is a 2010 Territory duel fuel unit only done medium trips at the
moment ,but the better half and I very pleased .
"Doc"
That AVan one mentioned had the shower but we would have to live outside all the time - to make room for the shower they certainly cut down on room to move.I note the Roma is actually called 'Punto'. Looks good if you want a full height caravan.
No, it's actually called a 'Pinto'. I have a brochure sitting in front me as I type. 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.
