What to Buy !!!

[McGirr]

Well with our new lifestyle change we are looking at changing our camping style to yes , maybe, an off road Van. We are in our early days of doing the homework and will need to visit shows etc to see what is out there.

Our days of canvas are over and would prefer something more comfortable with shower and toilet. Budget will be max $70k and just looking at what's on offer its very hard to decide what is value for money. The idea is what ever we buy its to be compact in a sense but not too small where we can't move inside, good storage, be self sufficient where we camp, not too heavy, be able to tackle the Kimberley etc and we can just pull over with very little set up.

Looking at the hybrids they seem too small and for the prices, some I can't justify, as I can get an off road Van for the same price. Example below

http://www.sydneyrvgroup.com.au/new-caravans-app/c403-nova-terra-sportz-16ft6-offroad

As mentioned we are in our early days and need to actually look at the range out there. Naturally the weight being towed needs to be considered and curious what people who have purchased or looking to purchase their thoughts.

Mark

[Bird]

Looking at the hybrids they seem too small and for the prices, some I can't justify, as I can get an off road Van for the same price.

I thought I was the only one thinking that...
Nova looks nice.. but still expensive .

[Hoffy]

Try the Golf Savannah range, 449 or 499.

[McGirr]

Try the Golf Savannah range, 449 or 499.

Thanks, will add them to our list.

Mark

[evolution]

What was the van that was at Yackandandah?  Dam that was a nice van and we'll priced if I remember correctly. 

Cheers
Evo

[Bird]

What was the van that was at Yackandandah?  Dam that was a nice van and we'll priced if I remember correctly. 

Cheers
Evo

yea it was,... thats Darcy7's... hes now sold it to upgrade !!!!

http://www.rivercaravans.com.au/eliminator.php

[evolution]

Jeeze that didn't last long. How the he'll do you upgrade from that? It had a tv outside haha

Cheers
Evo

[BTMNDR]

McGirr, you've described our Australian Offroad Quantum. And it's done the GRR, including Mitchell Falls & Bungles, etc. etc. 

$76k new in 2009.

[fuji]

Hey Mark
Have a look at JCOJs van. I think he's done the homework for his. Its a nice looking van too and I think it would tackle most stuff that you are talking about. If you like let me know as Evernew is in my policing area ten minutes from home and I can always pop in and get some brochures etc. john's van is 16 feet long.

Wayne

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=38111.msg617349#msg617349

[Isuzumu]

Get yourself a good second hand Jayco Outback (Rusty would be able to sort that for you ) and have this done to it, We will e on the GRR in June and think it will not be a problem.
We paid under $40k for a two year old Sterling that had done 3000K, suspension and two 140 watt panels and two 120 gel batteries $12000 sus with DO35 hitch was $10000 of that.

[Redcherokee]

We have a Grove 16 from Billabong with off road suspension.   Sounds like the sort of thing you are looking for.  We still haven't taken ours anywhere properly off road, but plan to this winter.

The setup time is a big difference.  Breaking camp in bad weather is also a big plus.  As is the comfort level - just having every thing in drawers and cupboards like at home feels very civilised.  However, you will notice the difference in towing.  Definitely slows you down and not as manouverable.

[McGirr]

We have a Grove 16 from Billabong with off road suspension.   Sounds like the sort of thing you are looking for.  We still haven't taken ours anywhere properly off road, but plan to this winter.

The setup time is a big difference.  Breaking camp in bad weather is also a big plus.  As is the comfort level - just having every thing in drawers and cupboards like at home feels very civilised.  However, you will notice the difference in towing.  Definitely slows you down and not as manouverable.

That's the style we are looking being a single axle, bathroom at the rear and bed at the front. Expect the towing to be slower compared to a camper but we have all the time in the world 

Cheers for the info.

Mark

[edz]

Pretty flash sort of unit too those Grove's ..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxACAgBSmHQ

[dales133]

Build one, you can get the pannels cnc'd that just all glue together then fit it out how you like.
If i had 70 to spend I'd never buy one your just throwing money away.
It's alot simpler to build a full size composite van than do what I'm doing and even something like I'm doing with modifications to suit your needs is feasable

[Redcherokee]

Pretty flash sort of unit too those Grove's ..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxACAgBSmHQ

The new glossy interior is very swish, though I worry less about damaging our more traditional timber veneer look.

[GeoffA]

That's the style we are looking being a single axle......

Come on Mark, you know you want too......

[DarWen]

Hi Mark,  I done a delivery to these guys today http://rhinocaravans.com.au/ might be worth a look.  Regards Darren.

[McGirr]

Hi Mark,  I done a delivery to these guys today http://rhinocaravans.com.au/ might be worth a look.  Regards Darren.

Thanks Darren.

Mark

[jk]

Stop messing around Mark, this is what you and Penny need.......................you know you want one 

[McGirr]

Stop messing around Mark, this is what you and Penny need.......................you know you want one 

That would be great. Saw something similar to this at Ayers Rock. The tyres would cost a fortune.

Mark

[edz]

http://www.greataussieadventure.com.au/Unimog-Specs     .here ya go .

[xcvator]

The tyres would cost a fortune.
Mark

But you wouldn't have to carry too many spares 

[glenm64]

North Coast Camper XLT  fit a whole lot into a 15ft van, 2.1m high x 1.950m wide. I'm dealing with Jeff at the moment and nothing is a problem with them,we're looking at a 14ft XL custom design making it 2.050 wide with an east west bed giving us another 0.5m inside. They arent charging anything extra for a custom design. Have a look on their facebook page it shows lots of different vans. Their own website is a bit underwhelming in its photos.
Cheers Glen

[McGirr]

After discussions with our new friends, Peter and Sue,  here at Warburton we have decided to look at fibreglass built vans. Peter has designed and built caravans for years and his knowledge is excellent. They have a Seachange Van, model 595. It has all the features we want. He went over the Van from head to toe explaining what to look for and what not to. He designed a number of their models.

http://www.seachangecaravans.com.au


We are still deciding to go single axle or double. Again we need to look at other brands in April 2016 when we head to Cairns and Brisbane. For the same price of hybrids we can get a bigger Van, same features. Yes the weight will be more but not much more and it suits what we are want to explore the country over the next 10 years. We are in no rush when traveling. We were considering hybrids such as lifestyle etc but they would be too cramped and having a mattress that bends in half is not what we want. Time will tell but we are getting close to the design and style we want. Gee I am 55 this year, I need some comfort. 

Mark 

[Hoffy]

They are nice (seachange caravans). I like the 420 as it still has an outdoor kitchen.