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

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.

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..

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

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.