I figured I really should "tick this box" and post something up about our van.
This is our 3rd family van, we picked it up in August 2016 after ordering (to our specifications) in early May. We have a Jayco StarCraft Outback, model 22.68-1 with the following options/build spec:
'L' shaped dinette (in lieu of the more common 'café' seating/dinette)
2 bunk layout (don't need 3)
Truma gas heater
'Drifter' control panel
Antenna upgrade (sensar pro)
Additional TV with mounting bracket, antenna and power connection to top bunk
3kg washing machine
ATM upgrade (additional 150kg - total load capacity 600kg)
'Aussie Traveller' anti-flap kit and Aussie Traveller rafters (because I think they are the best quality).
The ATM upgrade was sensible in my opinion so that the laden mass should never exceed (or realistically even get close to) the ATM. Everything in the build was fitted ex-factory, so the factory-plated TARE includes all our extras. This allows us a nice safe margin for loading, and even gives me the option of fitting a 3rd fresh water tank should the need arise in future (haven't found the need yet).
This van is a 'stop gap' one for us - our son is a teenager, and while he is happy to travel with us we thought we would take every opportunity to create more memories. Realistically we'll probably only have this van for 4 or perhaps 5 years and then move it on - probably in favour of a medium sized motorhome. Our two dogs also travel with us - basically if they can't come, we don't go there. That is our choice and we don't have any regrets.
We travel year-round and Tassie weather can make that challenging particularly in winter - so something warm and comfortable was needed so that we can retreat out of the weather when needed. Whatever the weather, we needed something that could support us being essentially self-sufficient for a few days at a time when we want to go to places where there are no facilities. It can be snowing heavily and we can either enjoy playing in it outside, or be warm as toast inside, watching it fall while enjoying time together. Or when its warm and gorgeous - outside while trying to avoid getting too much of a hammering from the UV.
Anyway, that's out little family escape machine. Suits our needs for the time being.
-- Edited by ants_oz on Tuesday 17th of January 2017 08:50:19 AM
Thanks Anthony for sharing......great to see a comprehensive run down of your rig......very handy for extra tips for those in planning.
And a real challenge to future posters
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I Remember It ...............All Too Well
Wherever the four winds blow. I'm restless, I'm ready
ATM is the maximum laden mass of the trailer. That is the weight on the axles, PLUS the weight on the lowball.
When we ordered the van, we requested an upgrade of the standard Jayco ATM. As background, Jayco set the ATM at "TARE plus 450kg" for a tandem axle van with ensuite. Since the TARE is measured ex-factory, it's accurate.
We ended up with "TARE plus 600kg". So a 150kg upgrade on the payload for zero cost.
