Member - Tony G (ACT) replied:

The Coramal (?) Seka will fit the bill and cover all your requirements. Two of our friens both have this van and use them off road and are very happy with them.

I think the model is the 500 series.

Member No 1 replied:

"This is the list I have come up with:
Either a new or used"...is there something else?...hahaha...
hope i am not offending

ev700 replied:

Maria

The quickest way to sort your own requirements and layout and get the low-down on on the best value for money is to: firstly, rent a van or cabin in one of the tourist caravan parks; and secondly sally forth around the park and chat with van owners.

The substantial majority of people are most forthcoming on the pros and cons of their vans (unlike discussing cars!) and will set you on the right course. Again, if you're driving past a park and you notice some vans of the type you think you will like, stop and make discrete enquiries of the owners.

The easiest way to end up confused and with a potential lemon is to start off at a caravan show or in dealers yards.

Just a couple of further tips, check the towing specifications of your vehicle and remember that the van loaded cannot exceed these.

Common poptops like Jayco and Coromal are common because they represent good value for money.

Remember you have to store the van when not in use.

Have fun
EV700

Notso replied:

If you have an active caravan club in your area, get onto them too as there is a huge amount of knowledge in some of the members.

Nav 8 replied:

I would like to make one comment with regards to layout. If you buy a single axle van as you would with a 16-17 ft think about a rear kitchen as this is is a heavy area and if situated at the front puts a lot of weight on the tow hitch. Ball weight is an important factor and can also limit the load you can carry in the vehicle.
Regards Nav.

maroni replied:

we are in the same situation, i have done what others have suggested on here that is asking people with vans, i alot will tell you the one they have is the best, but most will tell you the faults , that theirs has. we also did this when buying our camper trailer.we also have gone to caravan and camping shows and had a good look. also i think depends how long you are going to be on the road for and how much you can afford to spend.for me if i was travelling for awhile i would have all the comforts of home, it does get cold out there and hot so airconditoner a good idea,and ofcourse depends if you want on or offroad van.
think middle kitchen or back kitchen maybe a better idea(weight being the prob} but i know others have their own ideas on that. i would also have island bed much easy to make.
ah thats just my opinion
i sure someone will shoot me down
cheers for now

Keenycruiser replied:

A full van is a lot better than a pop-top because of the extra cupboard space plus you can get a roof a/c instead of using room under the seat and a cupboard for the a/c. A pop-top is good if you have a low carport to store it but that's the only advantage. My daughter has a Coromal Seka, off-road van and it has been nearly everywhere an off-road trailer will go.
It's 17' twin axle with hot water, a/c, bunks, island lift-up bed and they have not had a problem with it. I would recommend Coromal everytime even though I've got a Windsor Statesman.

gertie replied:

We too had to make this decision a couple of years ago. We were going to get a getaway & traded in our windsor onroader on & offroad poptop. Unfortunately he was joined by viscount(nsw) & the van we got from them gave us so much grief on our first big trip (so many things fell off & out & cracks appeared) that we ended up trading it in on a Roadstar full van 19ft.It has been great & there is really some great vans out there-our friends have an offroad Regal & it was great on our trip--just do your homework,listen to exp caravaners & not salesmen & stay clear of Viscount if made in the nsw factory (we are not the only ones that have suffered--made the news & court)

TroopyTracker replied:

Maria,
Head over here for more info-

Site Link

Good luck
Matt

Member - Patrick (QLD) replied:

Also try the folowing site.

link text

Member - AVA 191 (QLD) replied:

Hi Maria,

We spent a full day at the Brisbane Caravan Show, comparing all the offerings, side by side, one after the other, then revisiting the ones we had earlier picked out as possible contenders. We found it necessary to do this legwork, to come up with the best possible compromise.

Even if you go 2nd hand, you still get to compare various features and brands side by side. This will make it easier when you surf through the "for sale" columns.

We went pop/top style also, for ease of storage (in standard size garage) and ease of towing i.e. less weight, less wind resistance. Ours is an Avan Cruisliner which is too small for your spec's.

Happy hunting.

MP replied:

Hi Maria,

Once you've done you homework, consider buying an older van in good nick. You can then test it out in the real world. If you're then really happy with the set up, upgrade to a more modern or new unit. My outlaws did this, decided they enjoyed caravaning, sold the old van at a profit, and now have a better unit. Good luck.

Mark

Steve replied:

You will get much better ventilation in a pop-top than a full van as well as it being lower and less wind resistance when towing. Although you don't get as much cupboard space high up, (the cupboards are not as deep) you still get the shelf space on top that you don't get with a "full van". An island bed is good in that hubby won't have to crawl over you when he needs to get up at 3 a.m. for wee wees. A used one in good nick is good. Like 4x4's, they've often had a lot of extras added on by previous owners. Off roaders are quite a lot dearer but more robust. you need to decide whether you need one - and bear in mind they are not as manouvreable oof-road as a camper trailer. Annexe is good if you need the extra room (family or just a couple?) Whether you are likely to stop in one spot for more than just a few nights. What climate you will be travelling in mostly. Some more info about yourself and intentions would help.