Hi there. Brand new to this forum today and hoping I can get some feedback from anyone using (or has used) an Eco Tourer in their travels! We were at the caravan and camping show at Flemington the other day doing some research on which type of van to buy and this one took our fancy. Obviously the best way of finding out just how they really perform is through asking anyone who has that knowledge. We are newbies to this whole thing but really looking forward to getting to see this country of ours. We would anticipate some short trips to start with to get used to things. Any feedback about pros and cons on the Eco Tourers would be appreciated. Thank you and looking forward to being a part of this forum.
When we were looking for a van I did check out the Eco Tourer at the Canberra show. I liked the way the roof lowered to reduce the wind resistance - at the time we had a Jayco Swan - and the fact it had solid walls - unlike the Swan! But I thought that the interior was a little cramped. The en suite version particularly so. The final thing that decided me against one was that the seating and dining table was what was called 'cafe type.' That is, a small table with two opposing single seats.
My brother at that time had a 15-foot van with the same type of seating. Apart from having visitors (I know, almost no one enters other peoples vans; but we are talking about family) it would be virtually impossible to be able to watch TV.
That said, about a year ago there were TWO Ecos across from me at the Geelong caravan park. Chatting with them they both stated they were very happy with their Ecos. When they left the packing up was very quick - tuck the wall panels in, slip the cordless drill extension into the socket and down came the roof.
Anyway, for us it was the restricted seating that put us off - that might not be a problem for you.
I have often thought that there would be a market for a larger version of the Eco Tourer - say another metre or two. That would give all the room anybody would need.
We looked at Eco Tourers but for us they were just too expensive so we settled for an Avan Cruiser - almost half the price. However, the ensuite in the Eco Tourer we would give our eye teeth for, plus the tiny envelope they shrink to for travel really is clever. I'd reckon on rough roads they'd hold together better than Avans.
I just put "eco-tourer forum" into Google and got heaps of good hits on real-life experiences with the van.
I have a friend who has one, Solo Traveller and he is happy with it, have met others who like us when we had a PopTop if you wish to have a cup of tea or coffee on the road you have to wind the dam thing up. Would not have other than a Hardtop (Full Caravan).
When we had the Pop Topwe had to put it up and down 4 times a day, morning, lunch, afternoon and finally at night which was the last straw, may not bother you at first but just think about it.
Thanks to everyone who has replied and I appreciate your feedback. Definitely given me some things to think about. There will be just the two of us using the van mostly and we don't have any children, so the cafe table will actually work well for us. We also liked that it folded back, thus increasing space in the van when not in use. Good point about needing to lift up the roof each time we want a meal or a cuppa! Definitely something that could become annoying! It looked pretty quick and easy when it was being shown to us but if the weather is bad, it might just become a tipping point. It's interesting that no one using an Eco tourer has responded yet, wondering if that is just that there are not many of them out there? Again, thanks very much for your comments. They have been really useful.
A family member of ours looked at buying one but decided against it. They've been around for a long time but you rarely see one on the road. Don't they only have one dealership in Springvale VIC!
__________________
Cheers Desert Dweller.
Our land abounds in Natures gifts. Of beauty rich and rare.
The importer is based on the Gold Coast. Last I heard they are imported from China and are a good quality unit albeit a tad expensive.
We've had a couple of late model used ones and they sold very quickly and no trouble with them after sale.
