Hi all! I have thoroughly enjoyed lots of information and discussions on the forum, so thought it was about time for me to join! I'm "almost" retired, have bought the tug (a VW Touareg) and am now making the agonising decision of which caravan to buy - wood or aluminium frame, sandwich panel or clad, second hand or new...the list goes on. The only definite is a caravan (not pop-up) around the twenty foot mark, and we need the larger ~180L fridge for my wife's medications. Any advice folk can give to an absolute newbie from Perth (WA) will be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the forum Ian - lots of info that's for sure.
Check out the Get Together section on the forum - there is a meet up at Seabird, WA, if you would like to come for the meet up or just for the day, you would be made most welcome.
Contact Sue - the hostess at Seabird - she will give you details.
Take care - jules
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
G'day Ian and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit. Caravans are such a personal choice I don't like giving advice. Having said that if you are near Bayswater feel free to pop in and check our van out. Can highly recommend the Seabird meet up as another option. Many of the folks there will be full time nomads and are very helpfull.
Gday Ian we welcome you to the forum and hope you enjoy your time with us and also out in the big Playground.
The choice of a caravan as I am sure you are aware is a personal thing and it changes from time to time based on how you plan to use it.
My suggestion would be to seriously consider a second hand van whilst you try caravanning and work out what you want and need in a van that way you don't suffer the initial drop in value of a new van and you can update to a new one after a few trips.
We travel in a 21' van with full en-suite and find it has enough room and comfort even on our longer journeys, there are plenty of 21' vans around with both double bed and ones with singles, hope you find a good one.
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
Thanks to everyone for the welcome and advice! I'll keep looking - and possibly try hiring a caravan for a week's trail run. In Perth they are around the $750 mark, so not too expensive.
As a side note, it took me about six months to choose the second hand caravan, I finally purchased
It also took me about six months to choose the second hand motorhome I now have
(The boss wanted something for the cat, to walk from the front to the back, so that it would not be lonely, or cramped in the towing vehicle)
And it's welcome from us two 2 Ian
Join in where you can add something to this great forum
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)
Thank you to Woody and Tony as well - I shall certainly add my tuppence worth if I can! We have been looking for probably twelve months - and getting a bit concerned about the negative comments over some of the popular brands out there.
On a related issue, any recommendations for new or near new/secondhand - and whilst I am at it, from a dealer or private?
