Coromal or Avan?

Stratman77 · Senior Member

Coromal or Avan?

graeme c · Senior Member

Hi

I have an Avan Frances, I have travelled around 15000k in it half way around the lap clockwise from Wollongong, it has travelled well with a number of minor issues mainly flimsy screens detaching, if going this way get a better awning than the prostor, see if you can get a weight upgrade, sorry don't know anything about coromal.

Stratman77 · Senior Member

Thanks, Graeme. One of the features we love about our old Rhys HT is the amount of bench and cupboard space. In order to get an ensuite, almost all 17' and 18' new vans have virtually the same floor plan and very little of both those things. And the Rhys is only 16.5'!

The Jurgens are nice, but around $10,000 more - and still have little bench space. We can't afford (or tow) a 20' van, but even in these we find limited bench space.

Oh, well. Maybe someone can also tell us how to manage with 2 square feet of benchtop!

Regards

Desert Dweller · Guru

As an Avan owner for the past three & a half years I'd say definitely buy the Coromal. You'll give yourself a big pat on the back for a good decision in the future. LOL.
Agree that the Jurgens are very good.

WobblyNut · Senior Member

G'day Chris . We had a smaller Coromal , but found it a touch too small.

Went back to the same dealer to talk about a larger van . He offered a

pretty good deal . I drove home , told the 'ministry of finances', we went

back up the next day . Craig told 'm o f' deal , on either of 2 vans . I wanted

the dual axle 17' , she wanted 2y older ac single axle . Air-con won . But both

were Coromal . We looked at Jayco earlier , before going to original Coramal .

We have Enjoyed our Coromal "experience" , even though the furtherest we

have gone is a 1,000k & back & through Sydney , I hardy felt it on th hook.

Coffs 4X4 , Caravan & Camping is on this w/end . You could talk to the boys

at Perkins caravans there. I'm going , minus van.

Spydermann · Senior Member

Looked at lots of small vans with a loo over the last few weeks. The vans that impressed me were Jurgens. After a second look last week, I'm off to potentially get a Sungazer J1901 today. Been tossing up between a J2205 & J1901. For a variety of reasons, I'm going for the smaller one. For what you get, they are not that expensive. Wanted 2 single beds and these 2 Jurgens are the only ones with decent sized beds.

Vans can tend to be like cars. The small base model is well priced, but options add a lot whereas the next one up may have most of the options as standard.

There are some good bargains on new 2014 plated vans at them moment as dealers appear to want to move them before June 30th (EOFY).

The Minister of Finance & Fun has given the blessing to go for another look today.

Treecrest14 · Senior Member

Gday Chris

We currently have a Coromal 542s (with separate shower n toilet across the back). I have a preference for single axle as then the van can be turned within its length in our back yard!

Very happy with it. Previously had a Jayco Expanda, but found the roof top getting too heavy to put up n down. Also having to make the bed each time you relocated is not the easiest. It had a combined toilet/shower, so we looked for the separate ones.

To give us more space inside we always remove the table and use lap trays if eating inside, otherwise we like to eat outside.

I've added an extra battery, Solar, diesel heater and inverter. Also upgraded the water tanks as we like to free camp as much as possible. Because of the extra weight, just upgraded its AGM by adding elec break away and suitable tyres.

Haven't had any experience with Avan!

Happy searching and enjoy whatever you prchase.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Chris. Ive got a 19'6" Supreme and plenty of room, but realize this is not what you are looking for weight wise.

There have been posts here fairly recently about the problems people are having with NEW Avans.

Suggest you search by that title here and then contact those with the problems to find out whats going on with them. Previously Avans had a good reputation.

The search option (just in case you don't know) is at the top of this page - in the centre of the screen - in the blue stripe running across the screen width - and sorry if Im telling you something you already are well aware of

Coromal has a fairly good reputation, but like all 'vans nowdays it seems to depend on which labourering team (craftsman - haha) is building key features and if it was on a Monday when theyre still on another planet

snapper49 · Senior Member

Have a 2007 coromal corvair 5.11 has done with me probably 30000k and I haven't been able to fault it
did upgrade the water tank from 60 to 90 litres and fitted a diesel heater and solar panels
About to fit a grey water tank very happy

Pejay · Guru

We have the Coromal Element 632 with ensuite at the back (20'8") and am extremely happy with it. At present on a trip in Nth Qld and cannot believe the number of element vans we have seen travelling the hi-ways and by-ways up this way. It also handled a trip down to Victoria & SA in Mar/Apr as well. Can't fault a thing with it.

Stratman77 · Senior Member

Hey, thanks everyone for your great contributions. The game has now changed slightly. With the Avan comments we had - in spite of being happy with our old one - we have taken the Avan off the list and it's now between the Coromal and the Eldiss. We have been offered a superceded Eldiss at an extremely good price at the show today, and it has the best interior, warranty (by a mile) and features we've seen so far. It's a bit more than our budget, but an awesome van at an amazing price.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Chris. Congratulations !!! Enjoy your new home. Remember, there is always demand for retired sparkies and computer techs to do small (not back breaking) jobs right across the country and you will be able to pick up more cashies then perhaps you made when you worked (legally tax wise) full time lol

Peter1059 · Senior Member

Hi Guys

Just for me but is Eldiss Vans imported or made in OZ, I remember reading somewhere that some insurance companies won't insure imported vans because of the delays of spare parts coming from Overseas. If this is the case it may pay to check with Ins Co prior to signing any Docs.

I really hope I haven't rained on anybodies parade but as they say it's better to be safe than sorry.................. I think I read this on a condom packet

Peter

Stratman77 · Senior Member

Thanks, Bruce and Peter! I seem to find that I have to fix something almost everywhere we stop! I'm thinking of hanging up a little sign - 'If it's broke I can probably fix it at mate's rates'. And thanks for the tip, Peter. I've read lots of customer reviews on the Elddis and there have been no comments about insurance, but I will ring APIA and check it out. There is an official Australian agent on the Gold Coast and they claim to have a considerable service network which is good work after just a few short years in the country. It's a good point, though and I will ask some more questions before we commit ourselves.
Also, my avatar is not a true image of our current van!
Regards

WombatDave · Member

Hi Stratman77,

We have a 2010 AVan Owen, very pleased with it, so was somewhat taken aback that you have dropped AVan from your wish list. Have to agree with another poster that the Prostor Awning is a liability, having just changed ours to a Dometic 8300. When we where looking to up grade our Millard van we looked at Coromal and Jurgens as well as AVan. We found the Coromal though very nice was expensive and I was concerned with the size of the A frame metal considering the weight of the van, it looks a bit light on. The Jurgens slipped off the list when we looked and tested the bed!!, which left us with the AVan Owen, what finally clinched it was we where offered a demonstrator at a very attractive price.

Notice you have been looking at Elddis, would also suggest Bailey would be worth a look. Would also suggest if you are considering these UK vans check how the awning is attached, it's often sail track right around the edge of the van. Also unless they have been specifically constructed for the Australian market they may not have a fresh water tank.

Lots to consider, have fun

Dave

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

We have just been through an exhaustive appraisal of most of the various caravan brands and types out there, but had very specific requirements in mind that removed a few from the equation.

While we are extremely unlikely to ever use the van in a situation that would require a four wheel drive type, ground clearance and the solidity of the A frame was of prime importance to me having struck problems with that in a previous van.

The next non negotiable requirement was a reasonbly roomy ensuite, with a separate toilet not the combination type that is in so many vans.

While Lyn wanted kitchen bench space, a good sized fridge, a bed that could be accessed from both sides to avoid having to climb over and awaken your partner, plenty of storage space, and of course comfortable seating that suited both of us, because sooner or later you will have to get away from the mossies when it gets dark.

Then of course we both had to like the look of the van both inside and out. Not forgetting value for money!

It was certainly difficult to fulfill all of those requirements in a used van in good nick, but we finally settled on a 20 ft 2010 Jayco Sterling that appears to tick all the boxes, but I guess we won't know for sure until we have lived in it for at least three months.

Cheers, Tom

-- Edited by greyhoundtom on Wednesday 10th of June 2015 06:23:29 AM

JayDee · Guru

Being an owner of a Coromal Princeston 653 22ft. semi off road, we also notice the large no of new Coromal vans with the green trims.
Our van has served us very well. We have added my littler personal touches to suit us. The tare is around 2200 with atm 2800. So our Cruiser has no issues towing this unit.
If your budget allows I would make sure you get the right ensuite kitchen and bedding configuration. I wish we had the foldaway dinette setting, as it would have given us more room.
We spent a lot of time and even set up a spread sheet on many of the vans prior to our purchase.
But the coromal I would rate as 8 out 10.
Jay&Dee

Stratman77 · Senior Member

Hi, everyone. We have considered carefully all the issues raised by the members in this thread, and the relative benefits/features of the Elddis and the Coromal. The final decision was difficult as both vans would have served our needs well and the Coromal has had all positive remarks here, but the Elddis (being the new kid on the block (relatively) has no comments at all. Therefore, I had to even up this discrepancy by researching credible reviews (like the NRMA etc.) and reports from Elddis owners as well as a thorough study of the Elddis manufacturing process and reliability tests. One thing they offer which is hard to dismiss is the 10 year warranty on the exterior shell against water or dust penetration or loss of shell integrity. I could go on ad infinitum about the major changes they have made to the models they produce specifically for the Oz market. The Interior of the Elddis is much roomier but I will concede the shower is smaller. In any event, the Elddis came out in front and we are awaiting delivery and a new awning to be fitted. The only significant thing that (in my opinion) that Elddis have not included in their Australian vans is 'free camp friendliness'. That is not a major problem as I had to make significant modifications to my Avan to address this issue, but for those who are not capable of DIY mods it could be an expensive extra. Thanks to all who took the time to contribute.
Regards