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Post Info TOPIC: Where to start when looking for a new van


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Where to start when looking for a new van


We have a 1997 caravan which we have been very happy with  but are now thinking we would like a new one with toilet and shower. We live in Adelaide and there aren't that many caravan yards here . Can anyone give us an idea of where to start . We are thinking of having a look maybe in Victoria or Sydney but don't know where to go Any suggestions would be appreciated . We thought we would look now and have a bit of an idea of what we want before the caravan shows come around next year and maybe order one then or are we better to order from them directly. I have heard Victoria is the best place to go to is this correct . 



-- Edited by jbrinks on Friday 16th of May 2014 10:31:30 PM

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G'Day JB,

        Depends really on what you want size wise, and what you're willing to pay. None of the Aussie built Vans are what you'd call  all that cheap, even the Jayco Silverline is up around the $70,000 now, and the Starcraft is now in the $40,000 range. When we were looking (2010/2011) we visited all the local dealers to get a feel for what we wanted in a Van, and also had a good look in Melbourne with no real luck. Found our Van at the later Adelaide show in 2011. What we have learned is that if you're after a touring van used mainly on the blacktop, then don't discount the UK built Vans there's some really good ones out there. You can book a tour of the Jayco Factory which is a bit of an eye opener, and shows you just what goes into a Van.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Mike.



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Regards,

Mike L.

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I understand there are some caravan dealers on the main north road.

have a look at what they have in stock as a starting point before you head off to Vic.

frank

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Avagreatday.

Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW



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Also a number on South Road south of Anzac Highway...

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Hi jbrinks, When we were looking we went to so many caravan yards,we were totally confused and couldn't remember what we saw, We ended up finding the one that we liked and went to the Brisbane caravan show and What do you know ......THE ONE was there!!!! we purchased a ROMA ELEGANCE and LOVE it, the after service is second to none,if we ever want to change we will go straight to ROMA.
I would suggest a trip to a caravan show..Brisbane is coming up. Good luck with finding the ONE...and dont rush when looking. Cheers

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If looking at a Jayco Silverline. I was talking to a chap at ARB while getting parts who has ordered a 22' body length with all the bells and whistles. The show "special" price was $66k. He signed with Prestige Jayco in Geelong for $57,700. Not sure if you are interested but thought it may be of interest for you.

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Ticking off the bucket list before we kick it!

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Hi Jbrinks,

We live in Adelaide and bought our Suncoast 20'6 caravan with toilet, shower and even a washing machine which I didnt really want

but now think is fantastic.  We looked all around and ended up at Camerons Caravans South Rd Daw Park they were great

really helped us with everything and after sales service was great. I would recommend them to anyone.  They also carry Bailey vans now from UK

which are really light one of our friends bought one from them and are very happy with it.

We found Jayco well priced but you couldnt really change any of the plan. Also another company stated the caravan weight on the plate but didnt say extras were

added by them example - air cond, fridge, awning so it was a lot heavier than was stated on the plate - Beware......

Fran



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You could also go to the Grey Nomads website and click on the FOR SALE link. There are usually a few MHs and caravans for sale listed. Another option is Google "Caravans For Sale"...



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We've recently purchased a new Newlands Zodiac caravan to suit our requirements after listing what we wanted in the caravan, we then then went to the caravan shows in Melbourne, it wasn't a decision that we rushed into. There are lots of caravans out there, one of the important things for us was the after sales service around Australia if we need it. Good luck with your research and decision.


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You sneaked in there New Wanderers so welcome to the gang, enjoy here and out in the playground.

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A1 Caravans 1 Kettering Road Elizaberth

Camperagent Port Wakefield Rd Parafield Gardens

Noels Caravans Salisbury Hwy Greenfields

Northland Caravans 326 Main North Rd Blair Athol

Humpback Smart caravans Port Wakefield

Australian Caravan Co South Rd Edwards Town

Coramal Caravans South Rd Darlington

Im sure there are more in Adelaide , that is off the top of my head .



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jbrinks wrote:

We have a 1997 caravan which we have been very happy with  but are now thinking we would like a new one with toilet and shower. We live in Adelaide and there aren't that many caravan yards here . Can anyone give us an idea of where to start . We are thinking of having a look maybe in Victoria or Sydney but don't know where to go Any suggestions would be appreciated . We thought we would look now and have a bit of an idea of what we want before the caravan shows come around next year and maybe order one then or are we better to order from them directly. I have heard Victoria is the best place to go to is this correct . 



-- Edited by jbrinks on Friday 16th of May 2014 10:31:30 PM


 And if you want a Retreat Caravan go to http://www.retreatcaravans.com.au/Default.aspx?pageid=6

We have ordered a Montigue smile

 

Cheers

 

Norm



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Avida are also building vans now and have a dealer in the Toyota dealership in Para Hills.

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Hmmmmm, Avida, not for me thank you.

JB, would you like to give us an idea of your budget, size of van etc? This could narrow it down maybe. In Vic you could sound out Evernew if you want a custom build.



-- Edited by Legendts on Monday 19th of May 2014 05:24:05 PM

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Cheers Jeff

Ticking off the bucket list before we kick it!

200 TTD with Evernew 22'6" and 40+ years in the oil & gas industry, now retired. CMCA Member.



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Thanks to all the replies and help you have given so far, we will start and check out those places in Adelaide that have been suggested
Our budget is up to about 60,000 I would think, give or take a bit. Do you think it is best to order eventually at a show or visiting their showroom.


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Some show prices are good, but you need to be fully up to speed on the short list caravan prices and what is included beforehand. Personally I've always done better haggling and getting extras added in for the same price. My strategy is go firmly but fairly for just the van that I've decided on. When I am ready to commit, tell them and add the "but" I would like etc, etc, etc and work a deal. Be prepared to commit ONLY when you can so you don't stuff them around or you may burn the bridge you want to cross.
Trust that helps a little.

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Cheers Jeff

Ticking off the bucket list before we kick it!

200 TTD with Evernew 22'6" and 40+ years in the oil & gas industry, now retired. CMCA Member.



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Hi we have been looking to for long time ended up at Humpback smart van in Port Wakefield , they have used vans but if you want a new one will build one that suits you, the finish product is the best we have seen. Hope this helps

 



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