Fairly new to the vanning game and this site. I am currently selling my Freedom to buy a expander type pop top. I was all set to buy a Jayco expanda, then someone showed me a Windsor rapid. I think I like the rapid more but I'm not sure if there are other makes out there, so here's where you come in.
I'm after some advice on what to look for or faults / gains with these makes. I definitely want this type of van as I feel the room gained by bedding "outside" is great. as for type of layout, I don't know! Do I get a shower / toilet or a bunk for the newborn grandson down the track??
Are the showers/toilets in these vans good? I'm looking at buying 2nd hand for around the $30,000 mark
For $30K you could get a full size van with bathroom.... used maybe a little dated. Over the years we've found the pop up and slide out types only suitable for warm weather. We got rid of our Jayco Dove because it was too cold and drafty. We looked at pop tops and have stayed in them too but the showers just don't seem to be what we need at our age, they are also cold like the Dove was.
We are real close to retiring now and are looking at a large full size van after ruling out 5th wheelers and motorhomes and will have a heater, aircon, dunny, shower decent beds oh and a TV...
Sorry I started to ramble on then... Cheers I'm off to have a nap now.
Ok I'm going off topic here but I am interested to know why you ruled out 5th wheelers Cloak
Woody
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Well, we are not new to vanning and can never understand why anyone would buy either models of expanda, I can understand a family with a tribe of kids that need the extra beds but why else would you get an expensive tent on wheels.
The canvas/vinyl gets wet and or damp, is cold, drafty, lets in noise, heat/cold etc etc. When packing away it's a pain and leaks, mould and mildew can and will be a problem.
As said buy a full van and get the benefits of a full caravan not a the hassles of a tent, or just stick to what you have.
Gday Woody, we ruled out a 5th wheeler only because if something went wrong with the tug then it's stranded where it is until the tug is fixed whereas anyone can tow a van into town with a towbar.... Other than that we love the big American ones.
Thanks for the reply Cloak a legit reason, however for mine (1) the safety and stability of towing and (2) absolute ease of loading that is, never having having to worry about where water tanks are or how full they are or where the internal weight is put makes for ease of mind towing so long as axel weights are ok that's all that matters (3) internal room for the same overall length was a stand alone winner for fifth wheelers , having said all that I have had a semi licence since I were 19 so I am very familiar with the principle of towing a semi .
Woody
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Thanks for the reply Banjo and Cloak. We can't get a full van because of height getting into our backyard, so apoptop it has to be. I did have my heart set on a expander type but now you have made me rethink. Cold, mould etc mmmmmmmm
Ah well. back to the drawing board. :)
