Small <span class="highlight">caravan</span>

Submitted: Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 14:42
ThreadID: 110628 Views:4837 Replies:11 FollowUps:9
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Currently have a hard floor camper. Wanting to get away from having to pack up wet canvas and having the worry of strong winds damaging the canvas. Looking at mates with vans when in less than ideal weather conditions has me considering a small caravan.

Any recommendations for a small caravan for 2 people appreciated.

Not interested in true offroad capability - but a bit better than just bitumen would be ideal.

Basic/simple unit OK - no need for internal toilet or shower (these probably wouldn't fit in a small one anyway).





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Reply By: Gronk - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 14:52

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 14:52
A crossover type van sounds like it would suit you fine..

We went from a KK camper to a Lifestyle AT10......inside 110 ltr fridge...queen size innerspring matteress and a small fold out table......that's it..

Outside slide out kitchen and the option of an external slide out fridge if desired in stead of the internal one..

Depends on whether you want a small van like the Lifestyle or a larger type like the masses ??
AnswerID: 543785

Reply By: Member - Wildmax - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 15:40

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 15:40
We are going the crossover route as well - from a TVan to an AOR Eclipse; still small enough to tow easily, and in this case very well set up for off-road travel - but no canvas to worry about when the weather turns bad. It has both an internal and external kitchen, but external shower and space for portable toilet accessible from either inside or outside. Well worth a look.
Wildmax
2018 Hilux and Black Wolf 210 tent - for the outback tracks less travelled
Formerly an AOR Eclipse and a TVan

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Reply By: Member - wicket - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 15:56

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 15:56
how about a teardrop van
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Reply By: brushmarx - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 16:12

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 16:12
We purchased an A Van Cruisliner for a bit more room than the base model. The sales blurb says you can do a one person 30 second setup, and this was proven correct. The bonus in the low height when towing giving less wind resistance, and even just to have a coffee break all that is needed is to undo two clips and a quick lift and wall positioning has the roof up and full access to the fridge, stove and seats.
Queen size bed in one end and the table folds down for a wide single, but there are different configerations offering different layouts.
There is a model for dirt roads that is slightly beefed up.
Reasonably light weight and a good tow, well insulated, good array of windows.
Could be an option for you.
Cheers
I'll get there someday, or die wanting to.

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Follow Up By: Lee B1 - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:00

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:00
There are a few of the Driftaway "Little Robin" vans out there if you are on a budget. 10', 12' and 14' seem to be the common sizes. Made from mid 90's to 2000's. Rear entry, electric brakes and around the 590 kg. Stop push up the spring loaded roof and you are ready if you don't want to un-hitch. Compact but very easy for most cars to tow. Fits under most left up doors.
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Reply By: Member - Megan and Kevin D (AC - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:30

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:30
We are happy with our 14' poptop Goldstream Explorer RV which replaced our soft floor camper trailer.
Megan
AnswerID: 543795

Follow Up By: AlanTH - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 19:28

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 19:28
You may well be happy but the Cook and I certainly aren't. Had to take the retailer to Consumer Affairs WA and Goldstream to the small claims people. They then paid our claim for new wheels and various expences immediately.
Absolutely no back-up from them or GD in WA without this action.
Problems ranged from shoddy curtain material which was eventually changed ....new replacement set sent to us tightly wrapped into a bundle with creases everywhere but that shows their attitude to customers after they've got your money.
Tyres wearing out, shocks failing, pelmets falling off and bad attitude of retailer...."get out of my yard" was what we were told by the original owner.
That was to us as 3rd time customers and over 100 grand spent. Goldstream couldn't even be bothered answering e-mails.
All reasonable now though as we eventually found the cause was crap Chinese wheels buckled beyond balancing causing vibrations through the van.
All documented so they can't argue about it.
Check those wheels out as no maker seems to think it's important to balance or even check them.
AlanH.
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Reply By: 671 - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:35

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 18:35
“Basic/simple unit OK - no need for internal toilet or shower (these probably wouldn't fit in a small one anyway).”
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You might be surprised. I found this little thing on the net recently while looking for something else.http://www.carsontrailer.com/subs/toy-hauler-trailers/rv-trailer-sport/travel-trailer/ka-kalispell.html I don’t know it there is anything like it in Australia but it could be worth asking a few van dealers . They sure have packed a lot into 10 feet.
AnswerID: 543797

Reply By: Evan 1 - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:31

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:31
We did the same and purchased a 12ft rear door poptop caravan and it is great, easy to tow, enough comfortable room to be stuck inside if the weather is really bad, and really easy to set up, dont even have to pop the roof to sleep in it.
We also bought a tent to have on hand if we want to go really offroad.
Cheers
Evan
AnswerID: 543801

Follow Up By: Krooznalong - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 14:08

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 14:08
Evan - would you please advise what you bought ie brand/make?
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Follow Up By: Evan 1 - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 14:55

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 14:55
It is a viscount gazal which has had some strength enhancements made by the previous owner for durt road travel.
There are several makes around.
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FollowupID: 830897

Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:54

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:54
There have been many and varied suggestions, probably based on the proposers own rig. You have left out a vary important specification.

What is your budget?


PeterD
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Follow Up By: Krooznalong - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 08:46

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 08:46
Yes Peter - I did that for a reason. I wanted to get responses from all walks of life. From those received I can now make further investigations into those units that appeal.

In any event even when a poster says they want say a budget priced widget inevitably someone says they are really happy with their super luxurious super priced widget. So listing a budget is, in my opinion, to a large extent, a waste of time.
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 09:58

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 09:58
It's a pity you take that attitude. There will be a few of us waiting around to be able to give suggestions with prices around your budget.

Granted there will be those that don't read your request properly and offer way out suggestions but on the other hand you will get more suggestions around your price range.


PeterD
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Reply By: Member - Bruce and Di T (SA) - Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:59

Monday, Jan 05, 2015 at 20:59
Have a look at a Vista RV Crossover. We have one and it is fantastic in and windy weather; dry and cosy. Not only that but it will go wherever you can go with your 4WD. Outside kitchen, good storage and no canvas. We had a Kimberley Kamper but one of us hates canvas so it does everything for us.

Di
AnswerID: 543805

Reply By: Krooznalong - Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 08:48

Tuesday, Jan 06, 2015 at 08:48
Thanks to one and all for your suggestions. Quite a range of options out there. Now for some more detailed research.

BTW - wasn't even aware there was such a thing as a rear entry van so I've definitely learned something.
AnswerID: 543819

Follow Up By: Member - Fab72 (Paradise SA) - Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 11:22

Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 11:22
Krooznalong... I very nearly bought an AVan Weekender off road version with the slide out kitchen.
The missus insisted we get something with an inside kitchen. Why I don't know? We've never cooked inside. Our Jayco Swift is nothing more than a sleeping box which I now have to contend with set up/pack up time and wet canvas.

I'd be inclined to go for a 2 berth "sleeping box" that's easy to tow and has little or no set up and deal with any visitors by having an annex on hand. Top of the range off roader with all the bells and whistles retails new for around $17K .... check out the ball and tow weights!!!! Aerodynamic too.

Check them out here ....http://www.avan.com.au/our-range/campers/weekender/

Fab.
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Follow Up By: Krooznalong - Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 11:48

Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 11:48
Thanks Fab
Inside kitchen must be a girl thing. Mine will want that too.
Those Avans look "cute" but my missus would never go for it. Too claustrophobic for her.
Talking of cute - nice looking pup you have there. Pure bred?
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Follow Up By: Member - Fab72 (Paradise SA) - Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 20:51

Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 20:51
G'day Krooznalong,
Yep I totally get that. Just before we bought our Jayco I wanted "her" to come across The Simpson with me and then later a trip up Googs. I went out and bought a nice tall (almost tent sized) double swag thinking it might be enough to get her to come along...nope! My 9 yo daughter came along without hesitation but I was promptly told "I'm not sleeping in THAT thing" by the wife. Hmmm.
Hence the Jayco. Mind you, if she had her way, she would have bought a Kendron rolling palace complete with spa and beauty salon.

Yeah Dina is very pure (DNA tested at 99.6%). She was the result of a 32 hour non stop drive from Adelaide to mid way between Lithgow and Singleton and back. She's very smart and despite the hype, doesn't like the taste of small children. Thanks for taking an interest in her.

Fab.
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Reply By: Peter S ,Geelong - Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 20:24

Thursday, Jan 08, 2015 at 20:24
I am a lady travelling by myself now due to the fact my husband went and died on me bugger, We had KK first and then a Bushtrakker. I bought my self a 16" LOTUS CARAVAN Freelander with everything in it and yes you can get a toilet and shower in,queen size bed,aircon,oven,sink,hot water,big fridge 180lt,lots of cupboards, u shape dine ,solar panel,independent sup,and lots more Have a look at their site. A little heavy but only two wheels.
AnswerID: 543945

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