"upgrading" to a van. Expanda or rapid??

[86gav]

G'day guys,  the wife has decided we need a van,  I sort of agree.  I've got long service coming up and want to do half a lap or so. Our lifestyle camper has served us well the last twelve months but we are after something better suited to living on the road.

I am torn between a Windsor rapid 592s or a Jayco expanda 17.56-2.  Budget is around 45k and I have found several good used examples of both.  A well used but good condition and really well kitted out 2010 rapid and a 2012 expanda that is like brand new. I am leaning towards the rapid at this stage,  but the Jayco is a little cheaper and prettier to look at.

I would be very interested to hear our opinions.

Thanks
Gav

[Benduro]

Much better bed set-up/pack-up in the Rapid as well as better quality (thicker/not see through) canvas which negates the need for bed end flys.
Design allows for wet pack-ups without effecting the bedding.

I have a Coromal Transforma MT450 which has the same beds as the Rapid but with a lower tow height.

Hope this helps

[achjimmy]

The canvas is fine on the expandas, but the design of the rapids beds are better for wet pack up for sure, probably better for wet allround. But be warned rapid beds are not as sturdy if your kids are a tiny bit feral. The bases bend as witnessed many times at van parks. Also make sure you fit the beds, Expanda, rapid beds are not the biggest going around

For 45k you would almost get a new van with some serious haggling,certainly the Jayco. How many do you wanna sleep. I just got out of an Expanda because we only need 4 berth and have found a great floor plan in a poptop that works and is  a 17ft van. Certainly looking at the dealers the expanda types vans are not as popular as they used to be. Good luck.

[86gav]

Thanks guys,  need to sleep 5, the wife and I and 3 kids 6 4 and 2. The Jayco 17.56.2. Seems to fit the bill but I am a little concerned about the build quality.  From what I've seen so far there is absolutely no comparison between the 2 in that regard.

[Marschy]

Have a look at the second hand market. There are some seriously good bargains out there. If you are cashed up you should be able to knock $1000's off the asking price.

My wife is a hard bargainer, she gave the dealer we bought our van from a price $5K below his asking price, stuck her hand out to shake on the deal and said we can transfer the money immediately. He umed and ahhed a bit then shook on it.

No waiting for 6 months for something to be built either, which was a huge plus.

Cheers, Marschy

[Swannie]

Hi Gav, any reason why your not considering a Jayco style camper?

Swannie

[86gav]

Mainly because we want a toilet and shower

[Swannie]

Mainly because we want a toilet and shower

Fair enough, and I agree with you there. I was parked near a bloke last weekend with a rapid, he upgraded from an expanda. He said he was happy with it but was also happy with the expanda and in hindsight should not have changed. I personally like the rapid
Swannie