New caravan for family trip

might pay to hire one first.
as a weekend trip away, and see if your happy with it..
the 300 or maybe less on hiring, is cheaper than loosing 3grand trying to sell it and needing a bigger size.
sister recently bought a 2nd hand one, flamingo, had a electric heater installed, same as a house one, and wondered what the hell..
left it in, and we used it over at port stevens in sept trip, a heater is a great idea..
the jayco flamingo is the minimum ideal size for a young family of 4people .... 2kids age 5.
and i sat inside for company, dinner, chats.. slept in my swag outside..

great vans!!

Hi Tracey,

Weve just got(ordered) a Jayco 17.55.5sh but its the outback version. It has only 2 bunks and I dont think there is a Jayco pop top thats got three bunks. Some the other Jayco varieties prob do.

Cheers Wilko

Hi Tracy,
We have had a jayco flamingo for our last trip to cape york. Great van but we got tired of setting it up and packing it away when it was damp. We also only had one child then. Despite some people's opinion I believe the jayco's are just as good as all the other mass produced vans on the market.
Fuel economy will be a little harsh in a kluger with a full size van but its worth it not having a heap to set up each time you move camp.
We have just taken delivery of our new supreme with twin bunks and love it. No more setting up just find a camp ground level it up and it's all done. We have solar, compressor fridge ect so hope to free camp as much as we can.
We start our round trip in may and can't wait.
Just remember that all the advice from these site can not make up for just getting in a van and seeing how it feels. It needs to feel right for what you intend to do with it. With kids storage space is a big issue. Also consider a full bathroom. We looked at heaps of combined shower/toilet vans but they just felt to cramped. Cost a little more to get seperate but it's so much easier with the kids.
Good luck with your decision with so many choices and styles available it's never easy.

Check the weights for the Kluger VERY carefully. Don't forget ball weight and the load allowed in the vehicle when towing. By the time you load up a van with gear for five people and a few comforts like Aircon you may be too close to the limits for comfortable or safe travelling. The capacity of your tug will impose the limits of the type and size of van you can consider. travelling.
Caravanning with kids can be a wonderful experience for all concerned or a misery! Life improves greatly if each kid has some space for their own gear/toys so plan storage carefully. Scooters or bikes can give them an opportunity to let off steam and meet other kids when you stop. An annex can be a pain to erect at each stop but gives valuable extra living and play space, especially in poor weather and you will meet some of that.
A bathroom is wonderful but is unlikely to fit your weight and storage requirements.If you can't have a bathroom make provision for a porta potti for those night time dashes which are no fun in rain and dark!
When planning your trip don't be too ambitious. The aim should be to have a great time and come home with a happy family looking forward to the next trip. The places you miss this trip will be there for another time. Distances and travel times look much shorter on a map when you are comfortably at home! We found a good rule was to work out a possible route then either double the time or halve the distance. Too many long days in the car with three kids will take a toll! Take it easy and have fun! Enjoy your planning! Lynne

Hi Tracey,

I realise this is over your budget and people will slam anythign that is not Aussie due to parts etc etc...but you could also take a look at a Bailey. They have $4M worth of spares in Australia apparently.

I have just purchased an Ancona (2012) and very happy with it. It has 3 bunks, full & separate toilet & shower. You can leave the front bed set up if you want (which is what we'll do as I also HATED setting up the beds all the time!). It is only 13000 - 1400 kgs so can be easily towed by your Kluger I believe.


Anyway, just some food for thought for you! :-)


Here's one for sale:


http://www.canterburycaravans.com.au/for-sale/Caravans/BAILEY-AUSTRALIA-PEGASUS-ANCONA-18ft-8/M4Q8CP/details


Regards,


Alan

If the caravan seems too expensive and difficult the suggestion of a camper trailer is well worth considering. This is where most of us started. Towing is not a real issue and you can carry a decent amount of gear. Also, when set up you can have more room than a van and kids can enjoy helping set up. The camping experience would be a great part of the trip. A trailer is easily parked if you want to take a break in a cabin.

Although travelling by car and using cabins all the time sounds cheaper than buying a van there are traps with this plan. A van that is reasonably well cared for can be sold after the trip if you like and you will get about two thirds of your money back (maybe more) or it can be kept for future holidays. However the biggest cost for five people travelling will be food. In a trailer you could carry a stove and equipment to prepare at least some meals. You could fit a portable fridge in the car if other gear is in the trailer. Unless you can prepare and carry you own meals, snacks and drinks you have to buy these as you go. This will cost much more than cabin hire.
In many places you will be at the mercy of dubious service station cafes and take aways - not a healthy or pleasant option for several months travel!

You have a lot to think about so take your time and do all sums carefully! Enjoy the process! Lynne