Exploder replied:

I know squat about van’s LOL

but
I would recommend staying away from the 3.0Ltr Patrols even the newer ones, the last thing you want is to have a trip cancelled cause of a blow engine (No matter how good the new ones apparently are).

Stick with a 4.2 turbo diesel in Patrol form for proven reliability and the knowledge it will get you there.

Just my 2 cents.

Keith_A (Qld) replied:

Hi Des - Both subjects get pretty involved - some thoughts on vans:
1. The vehicle specs decide what you can tow. The 2 important specs are weight it is rated to tow, and rated down weight on the tow ball or hitch.
2. Most vans need an electronic brake controller fitted to the car. (Aprox $300).
3. The market can be looked at in three tiers : Mass production makers (eg Jayco); Small market players (Coromal; Traveller, Avan etc); High end quality (Bushtracker; Kedron).
4. Most manufacturers make on-road and off-road models. The offroad models generally have stronger chassis, and sometimes stronger frame and internals.
5. The word Off-road means different things to different people. Some consider off-road to mean graded forestry tracks. Others use the word to mean Cape York, or Central Aust cattle property tracks rarely graded with creek crossings etc.
6. You get what you pay for. If you can afford $70k to $80, the high end units are the way to go. If you need to balance the budget, the small market players have to add value or quality to compete - so you generally get value for $.
7. We paid $30k for ours (2nd hand); a friend recently paid $10k for a 20yr old unit, and it will probably go most places ours goes.
8. Some people are comfortable with minimal camping, while some like higher levels of comfort to enjoy the experience. Different folks, Different strokes.
Our current unit is a Coromal offroad Poptop (Pioneer Corvair) - 16.7ft single axle. Weighs 1800kgs; ball weight 200 kgs. We prefer offroad camping, so take our own toilet and shower etc.

Before you spend your $, perhaps hire several vans first, and discover your needs/likes. Best suggestion - join a 4wd club, where most have vans or campers.......................Keith.

deserter replied:

Keith - thanks for that good advice. I have refined my search on the site a bit and see there is plenty of previous comments. Trouble is there is as many cons as there is pros on certain brands. Your Coromal gets a number of good mentions - but Coromal as a company gets canned a fair bit for quality and after sales support.

Exploder - your comment surprises me - I understood the problems have been comprehensively fixed - and there doesn't seem to be any adverse comment on the later models on any of the forums ?

billv replied:

It depends on how much money you have in the pocket, but if you want to spend a modest amount, say,up to $35,000 and you want quality inside and outside, a Golf is a good way to go for a top quality second-hand van. As far as towing is concerned, a 4.2 diesel, turbo or not, and Patrol or LandCruiser is my pick, but Pajeros have an excellent name, diesel that is. But if you've got $100,000 or more to spend, well that's another question. 3l or 2.8l Patrols may well be OK but I've heard of a lot of problems with motors. Good luck. Narrow down you're question and you'll get more info particularly if you start talking money.

disco1942 replied:

For your tow vehicle have a look at the Hyundai Terracan. You will get a new one with the tow pack for the cost of a one year old something else - you will also get a 130,00km/5 year warranty. The petrol model has been around for some years and the diesel for over one and I am yet to see any negative comments on the caravan forums. Check out the specs on www.hyundai.com.au/terracan_intro.aspx

PeterD

billv replied:

Deserter, re your reply concerning van price and 4.2l Patrols. You will get an excellent van for 25/30,000. We have a Golf, 17'6" full van with shower/toilet etc, now about 13 years old and a lovely van, and gives us totally trouble-free travelling. Should last for ever the way Golfs are built. Can't understand your friend's fuel consumption of 22l/100km with a 17' Roadstar behind a 4.2 Patrol unless he was into a heavy headwind. We have a 4.2l non-turbo Landcruiser, done 240,00kms and never misses a beat. Without the van about 11l/100kms, with the van (on flat country) about 14l/100kms. Concerning Terracans, I too have heard very good reports about them (diesels) as towing vehicles but care should be taken not to expect them to handle as much as a Patrol or Landcruiser. I wouldn't tow anything heavier than about 1600/1700kg on the road with a Terracan. But I'm very conservative and believe that vehicles towing caravans shouln't be belting along the highways at 100 plus km/hr. About 90 is my speed. Good luck. Take your time in deciding. By the way, I think you maight be a bit hard on Coromals. Both friends and family have lthem and swear by them. Not as good as Golf of course.