Deciding between 3 vans to buy

Mackayak · Veteran Member

Deciding between 3 vans to buy

Meredith · Senior Member

We have an Olympic which we have had since new in 2010 and we have been very happy with it. We have towed it around 100,000km so far, including a lot of gravel, and have never had any major issues. So I voted for the Olympic, though we have never had the other 2 to compare of course.

dirvine · Senior Member

I personally dont like any of them. Thats just my opinion on size and layout for me and also issues others have had with one manufacturer in particular. Assuming you are buying new, then i would also look at Dealer and Manufacturer service, reliability and back up. One brand that you mention does not have a good reputation on various web sites. Hopefully you do your homework and do not become blind sided by all the bling, promises and "great deals" that they will offer you. In the end you need something that suits you, what you consider important, and what you can live with. Others like me have different tastes and requirements, so asking us our opinions, is like asking whats the best car or tug to buy. Good luck with whatever you choose.

David

Possum3 · Guru

Just as impotant as the caravan (maybe more so) Check out Dealer on the various lists - some are sadly lacking in the case of a major fault or failure check with Caravan Council of Australia and use their checklist prior to purchase dollars being handed over www.caravancouncil.com.au/compliance-

Not to be confused with Caravan Industry Asoc. manufacturers own members patting themselves on the back.

villatranquilla · Guru

have a look at 'Lemon Caravans' on facebook - may be helpful

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Damned difficult to give advice with the simple click of a button ... especially when most (?) probably don't have personal experience with either available choice.

A bit like having to click a button between -

Turnbull;
Shorten;
Hanson.

Smiley Confused.jpg

Cheers - John

sandgrooper1 · Senior Member

John,

Now there is a list for a lemon page!!!!

Cheers AL

Bryan · Guru

sandgrooper1 wrote:

John,

Now there is a list for a lemon page!!!!

Cheers AL

I'll second that

TowBall · Veteran Member

Check out a Lotus..

Desert Dweller · Guru

villatranquilla wrote:
have a look at 'Lemon Caravans' on facebook - may be helpful

It's just a matter of how many faults each one has & how much stress you will have to go through to hopefully get them fixed up after laying down your hard earned money.

There's no such thing as the perfect caravan bought new. All three of them are reasonably OK.

Mackayak · Veteran Member

Thanks all for you replies every van has its problems and there appears to be a come thread which is similar to mine thoughts. The Olympic dealer is local country dealer and I have know of their business for over 15 years selling Olympic and one other brands so if they where not doing the right thing would not be there and they appear very genuine and helpful people. This is different to the other two, 2 hours drive good sales people but not sure of after sale service or company. So will most likely take the gamble and hope the faults can be fixed under warranty. Hope to see some of you on the road next year.

macka17 · Guru

There are still a lot of vans that are bought for the one lap then sold.

Look on net.
New devalue gone.
Most (if any) mfg faults fixed. plus usually a few spare bits.

Same with cars.

I always buy superseded or ex demo (34km) last Honda for wife.
3.5 grand off paper price.

My last 6,45 Roadstar $77k of showroom.
3 yr old Cost me $41k.
Been round 1 and 1\2 times b4 us.

14 yrs later sold for $38.5k
Never missed a beat.

You usually get next model UP for same price, with most fixes done,
If you look around.

Who really wants a new van apart for "I" bought this NEW. Syndrome.

Whoopy.
Bin there dun that. Cars and vans.

NOT really a smart financial move.

Just costs you a fair bit more for same van\car.

Personally I'd convince missus to go smaller.

That size. with that you'll end up taking. Towing with older model Toyota.
YOU will have problems with weights and the law.

A LOT are doing so. Weight wise. Already

Have fun

Mackayak · Veteran Member

macka17 wrote:
There are still a lot of vans that are bought for the one lap then sold.

Look on net.
New devalue gone.
Most (if any) mfg faults fixed. plus usually a few spare bits.

Same with cars.

I always buy superseded or ex demo (34km) last Honda for wife.
3.5 grand off paper price.

My last 6,45 Roadstar $77k of showroom.
3 yr old Cost me $41k.
Been round 1 and 1\2 times b4 us.

14 yrs later sold for $38.5k
Never missed a beat.

You usually get next model UP for same price, with most fixes done,
If you look around.

Who really wants a new van apart for "I" bought this NEW. Syndrome.

Whoopy.
Bin there dun that. Cars and vans.

NOT really a smart financial move.

Just costs you a fair bit more for same van\car.

Personally I'd convince missus to go smaller.

That size. with that you'll end up taking. Towing with older model Toyota.
YOU will have problems with weights and the law.

A LOT are doing so. Weight wise. Already

Have fun

Hi I agree and do not buy many things new the tug will be second hand. Looking at van I was going to buy secondhand but the reason I am looking at new is to make it compliant, Working with some of the manufactures you can increase axles, tiers, suspension and frame to be able you to have more weight in van so if both GVM are in the limits and your CGVM is right you are Ok I think? It would be more costly to do this to an older van and get it ATM changed or is there away that it can be done for a reasonable price. Yes I am considering a smaller van but wife is the problem and the overall tow length changes less the van length. So as a first timer and it my be our home for long stints it may be a compromise. Lots to think about.

macka17 · Guru

Hey.
just remember.
that the INDIVIDUAL Quoted on paper. MAX figures for either veh.

DO NOT PERTAIN.

When they loaded and. includes both drawbar weights.
PLUS you and wife ON the scales.

A LOT forget to add that. Could easily top 200+kg with some of us old farts.
(Me 114kg and a bit at present)

If you look at chassis rails on MOST vans. Usually around the suspension unit
mounted area..

There are basically. 2 major MFG's
there will be a number stamped in there.
(All roadstar Compass do)

THAT. is the figure YOU can update the suspension to by law.

REGARDLESS of what anybody says. THAT is the restricting factor.

THAT is what the Mfg of chassis rates it too.
before whatever any mfg adds to it on top. He built it. HE rates it.
end of story.

If you have Simplicity susp.
They a weld on unit. complete. to chassis.
With several weight ratings.

If your chassis covers next one up rating.
Just grind old one off. weld on new (sell off old).
and rewire\cable. Engineer.
Off you go.

ANY ind suspension units mostly... the same.
weld or bolt on.

Axles similar. some are springs set on H\D angle iron. with bolts\weld.

Just assemble another Heavier leaf spr\ (Brake hub...IMPORTANT IN SIZE)
set.
to (possibly) heavier angle iron. and bolt it back on.
They simple too.
Just remember to mark CENTRE of angle iron.chassis rail
to keep forward
ear weight balance the same.

PS.
It's easier to remove
eplace those units. Sans, wheels. Lighter.
Hire 2\4 x "skates" from Broons.

Independants. You have a bit of fun with alignments but doable.
Long length of string hey.
Some are a full across van assy.

2 of you. don't be scared. It's ALL mechanical. a.b.c.
Just remember HOW you took it out.
and get a decent welder. preferably ticketed.
Pay for that. the rest is just labour.

With safety.

Latest Utes are 2.5 ton MAX.

Patrol.later Landcruisers 3 ish ton.

earlier 2.5ton.

The rest Mitsi. Prado. Jeep etc. 2ish max.

I wouldn't put over 2 ton behind any SUV.

they not built (underneath) to tow.

Basically a carrying in towns machine.

Have fun.

Show missus this. and reduce her ambitions.

van size wise.

Tell her I'd hate to see you stuck on side of road

with weights and measures.

waiting for a truck to move your

Possibly....illegal van.

Have fun mate.

It's good when you got it all balanced up sweet as.

Took me best p[art of 50 odd yrs.

Safety FIRST... ALWAYS.

Weights.

-- Edited by macka17 on Tuesday 10th of October 2017 11:00:12 AM

The Belmont Bear · Guru

Well done guys the poster asked for people's opinion on what new van he should buy and gave a choice of 3. Already he has been lectured on rebuilding his suspension, buying a bigger tug, overloading and having his van towed home, looking for a second hand van and checking out the lemon site. I think John's advice is probably the most relevant unless you have had personal experience with these 3 brands it is only something that you have either heard around a campfire or read somewhere. I have a Retreat and someone commented on a previous post that Retreat had also been mentioned on this lemon site but my own experience is that we have not had one single issue with it since taking delivery last year. Would I recommend that you buy one probably not because it will be your own personal choice and you will need to weigh up lots of things prior to making that decision including the after sales service and it's availability. A wise man once said "opinions are like a..holes everyone has one". biggrin

Cheers BB

Desert Dweller · Guru

The above post should read ''Jayco's are like a... holes, everyone has one.

We saw this saying on the rear of a Sterling a while back. The owner must have had a good sense of humour.

montie · Guru

Dont know if anybody is interested and off topic but the founder of the lemon page is being sued for defamation in the Vic County Court.
A full transcript of the trial so far can be viewed on the Court website.

keiron · Senior Member

c'mon John,

where's the button for Tony ???

And don't forget Alan Jones either !!!!!!!!!!!!!

macka17 · Guru

Calm down Liz.
He asked for info as a non b4 user.
Some here did so. others also added a few steps to look out for. as friendly advice.
That "Maybe"... a newnbie DIDN'T know to look out for.

It's not just a buy my van, load my van, tow my van, Nowadays.
Things and weights have to coincide with rules and regulations.
Which MOST dealers do NOT mention.
THEY just want your shekels and out the gate. Byeeee.

It's known as a bit of friendly advice from others,
With a bit of "Bin ther. Dun that".

Regards

Mackayak · Veteran Member

Thanks all for your advice have put it to rest deposit paid on the Olympic very pleased with the help from dealer and confided that they will look after us. Have done a lot of Research on weights. Looking forward to getting Van Feb next year and start to do some small trips and build up to longer trips September. Will be taking some course for the towing of van. As my safety and every one on the road is important. Hope to see you on the road soon. :]

montie · Guru

Good luck with your purchase.
The towing course is an excellent idea.

macka17 · Guru

Plus practice the control of your rig. Forwards AND Backwards.
Forwards in all controlled situations.
Sway it. crash stop it. Reverse between cones.
Teaches distances, wheel alignments, and balanced control.
Jerky the wheelie. the van will sway your rear around.

Think about that on main road. and consequences. if it has some velocity behind it.

Learn to use the MANUAL lever on brake controller. Often.
Coming up to stop signs. traffic. traffic lights.

At town traffic speeds.
It WILL stop your rig by itself alone. Try it. Make it second nature.
It's your second safety feature. (first being your brain.)
You should get to point you can put thumb? whatever on it without looking.

The better YOU are.
the SAFER you are.
Have fun it's a great life. I did it, full and part time. for over 40 yrs.

PS BB.

It'd be HANSON... Surely.

Wouldn't it???.

-- Edited by macka17 on Friday 13th of October 2017 08:15:27 AM

BruDi · Senior Member

We have recently changed our Crusader X-Country for a Crusader Excalibur Duke. We had Dexter anti-sway fitted, more solar a large tunnel boot with appropriate door, a compressor 190L fridge, a Truma heater (gas) and X-Country suspension. It rides very well behind the car (200 Series), in fact we are hardly aware that it is there. We went away in it for 8 weeks recently and loved its comfort and layout. So did our small dog!

We were unable to have a shakedown trip to find any flaws. We did have some issues while away. The screen door had not been fitted properly and so we had to be careful with it till we got back. The other thing to watch for is the sliding bathroom door. If not locked down properly it will come off its runners when travelling.

When we got home we took it back to the dealer and all was fixed. It's now in storage awaiting a new trip next month.

Cheers,
Di

-- Edited by BruDi on Friday 13th of October 2017 11:18:08 AM