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caravan size

Submitted: Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 15:27

geralee@tadaust.org.

We are going through the very difficult part of selling our home to go on the road, we have at the moment a 14ft avan, but would like to go bigger as it will be our home for a long time [we hope].our car a ford falcon au series 3 is excellent for this van but will it be ok for a larger one.can anyone suggest what a realistic size we would need to tour as well as live in.
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AnswerID: 219469   Submitted: Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 15:58

Member - Patrick (QLD) replied:

I'm sure that you will recieve a number of excellent replies on Exploroz that will assist you in your planning. In addition to this fine site you should also try the Caravaners Forum and TouringOz sites. Many of their members are currently living the dream that you are planning for and would be well siuted to offer additional advice.

Try groups.msn.com/Caravanersforum/ and Site Link

Good luck.

Patrick
Every day's a great day
Reply 1 of 5
FollowupID: 480248   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 14:58

geralee@tadaust.org. posted:

thanks for info we are finding it vey daunting as you have a lot of worries , are you doing the right thing as you also have the very negative people who are telling us we are mad. So we are trying to find people who have done this themselves and perhaps a bit of insight as to how to go about it. i suppose its the fear of the inknown.but we are getting to the age it is now or never.will look at the site.
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FollowupID: 480269   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 17:02

Member - Patrick (QLD) posted:

Is that you question on the Carvaners Forum as it certainly has received excellent info to date. If not, the timing is dame good!!

Looking for a van, take your time, talk to as many people as posible, get sick of looking at vans, take a photo of the things that you both like as it will all become confusing if you don't. Look, prod, check out the construction process and above all things enjoy yourselves. There is so much information out there you will really get involved the process.

Last point, make sure that your towing vehicle matches the van you choose, ball and towing weights are vital in safe caravaning.

Good luck to you as you start your adventure.

Cheers, Patrick
Every day's a great day
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 219551   Submitted: Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 21:44

Eric Experience replied:

geralee.
Most travellers start of with a car and van and soon change to a motor home.I suggest you save the expense of the car and van and go straight to the motor home even if it is a second hand one. Its the constant battle with the van and repairs to the overworked car that cost you time and money ,so the motor home based on a truck chassis just keeps going and going ends up cheaper and more relaxing. Eric.
Reply 2 of 5
FollowupID: 480244   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 14:30

lbudgie posted:

i have just one questionon the motor home which might be relevant as my fatherinlaw i also pondering this ,
after parking the motor home in the carivan park and setting it up eg awning extended ect, what do you do if the boss wants to go out for diner or something? you know those situations that are too far to walk? do you pack up do the drive go back and set up again? have considered bikes but they are an active 70 yo and not interested in bikes of any configuration.Towing a second car, well then you are still towing something, then have two vehicle services to deal with.
thanks in advance
Paul
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FollowupID: 480271   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 17:18

Motherhen posted:

We always thought that an all in one unit would be the way to go, but as we got older, decided caravan was the way to go. Although it usually follows us to all manner of places, the flexibility of the 4wd plus caravan, as well as the extra room (unless you go huge) makes it the wisest choice.

I have toured Europe and UK in a motor van with my family years ago, as well as been tenting, and camped on a canvas covered tray of Landcruiser. All OK when young and agile. For long term, i would choose a caravan 18' - 20'.
Mataranka
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FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 219558   Submitted: Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 22:24

flower replied:

Hi,We have a 20ft.caravan with shower and toilet, any smaller van and you will feel too closed in. we like abit of space, where you can move around without having to disturb one another,Its going to be your home for a long time, so go bigger, that`s what we did. Our van is towed by a Nisson Patrol, with a turbo, which gives it plenty of pulling power.We also carry a genarater with us,so you always have power if you park in the bush or by the river.Hope this bit of information helps..cheers..
Reply 3 of 5
AnswerID: 219686   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 14:44

Wingwang replied:

there is a good post Choosing a new caravan looks to me full of good info and going to print it out as we are looking for a new van for many years travel
Reply 4 of 5
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AnswerID: 219751   Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 19:52

Jimbo replied:

I'll try to answer your question, ie what to tow with a Falcon?

I'm guessing the the tow limit of the Ford will be about 1700 kg. This will limit you to about a 16 foot van. Our latest addition is a 16' Jayco Freedom and weighs 1220 kg dry. Fill the water tank, gas bottle and fill the van with everything you choose and you'll be at about 1700 kg.

Our van may or may not suit your needs (it's not for sale LOL) but we chose the single bed model which also has a dinette and couch.

We went the single beds for 2 reasons:
1. The double beds in most vans are only 4'4" and we're accustomed to a Q/S bed at 5' wide. We would be uncomfortable in a small double.
2. The single/twin beds open up a lot more space and give the van a very open, spacious feel. They also offer extra seating when guests arrive.

We have packed all our stuff into the van with space to spare. When I talk stuff I mean porta dunny, Coleman HWS, shower tent, shadecloth to lay out beside the van, wall for the awning, outdoor table and chairs, chainsaw, generator, extra gas bottles, 2 jerries, a swag of spare food and grog etc etc etc.

This is all without putting anything in the car.

And the van is quite spacious enough. Let's face it, you spend most of your time outside. When it gets too hot or cold, we jump inside and turn the aircon on.

Hope this helps,

Jim.
Reply 5 of 5
FollowupID: 480590   Submitted: Monday, Feb 05, 2007 at 20:34

geralee@tadaust.org. posted:

thanks jimbo for your imput i am not sure what towing weight is , but will check ,we are going to the caravan & camping show in Adelaide end of this month so will have a good look around, plus we have started looking in caravan yards and will take a camera as it is very confusing there is so many different styles to choose from. we are also looking at single beds as i am sure it is more comfortable. it seems you can carry a lot of gear in the caravan so that will help a bit. All we need now is to get an idea of how to start getting ready for an entirely new way of life. [very scary]
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