Are Golf Savannah Caravans any good offroad
Submitted: Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 14:37
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Member - Jimsutt (NSW)
I have been looking at a Golf Savannah 499 caravan, they seem to suit my requirements and would like to know how good they are offroad.
Cheers
Jim
Reply By: Aussie1 - Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 15:03
Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 15:03
It will of course depend on your definition (or planned surfaces) in terms that you mean of off road.
AnswerID:
638847
Reply By: Member - Jimsutt (NSW) - Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 17:32
Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 17:32
Corrugated roads and rough tracks.
AnswerID:
638850
Follow Up By: Member - Bigfish - Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 18:27
Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 18:27
From their website...
With the Savannah independent coil
suspension, heavy duty electric brakes, slide out fridge, solar panels, two jerry cans holders, all your outdoor needs have been catered for. Internally this comfortable van boasts unique anti jam smooth operation integrated blind and fly screen system, gas/electric hot water service, gas stove, microwave oven, innerspring mattress, windup roof antenna. *NOTE: Extra care must be taken on unsealed roads as damage caused by potholes or corrugations is not covered under warranty.
So how the hell can they be called off-road vans????
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917668
Reply By: RMD - Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 18:38
Monday, Dec 20, 2021 at 18:38
Jim,
Are you familiar with the type and look/features of the
suspension??
Besides build quality, the
suspension will largely dictate the performance and ride the van achieves over corrugations. I looked at a Golf van, may have been a 499, not sure, but it had very thick small dia coil springs which to me seemed contrary to suppleness and smooth over corrugations. Maybe ok, but just my assessment of the
suspension.
It also had way more ball weight that what I would like, possibly normal for the weight with modern designs but that taxes the vehicle chassis, towbar and rear
suspension and axle more. Best to be familiar with some of those features and concepts.
AnswerID:
638851
Reply By: Ozhumvee - Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021 at 06:57
Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021 at 06:57
I looked after a friends Golf 499 van after her husband passed away and while the chassis and
suspension were of reasonable quality the rest of it wasn't at all suitable for rough road travel.
Golf is actually made by Avan.
The underside of the floor wasn't coated or protected in any way, the wiring was an abomination with a christmas tree of wiring connected to both positive and negative terminals of the battery, some circuits were unfused and those that were had inline fuses in the wiring, no fuse box!
The wiring all consisted of red/black twin individually run to each appliance or light with no protection anywhere they were exposed underneath the van and all stapled individually under the floor!
The first trip of about a 1,000kms mostly on the highway with about ten kms of forestry roads both tyres rubbed through the PLASTIC mudguards and filled the cupboards and storage bin with dirt and water. Avan initially denied any problem until I went with her and pointed out that they had better replace both tyres as
well as the mudguards as the inside of the tyres were grooved from the tyres rubbing on the edge of the floor and the mudguard. Avan's cure was to hack a bit of the floor away and stretch the mudguards inwards away from the wheels, the replacements were still PLASTIC.
The solar never worked despite three visits to the dealer until I found the staple that had been put through the wiring and replaced the non functioning solar regulator.
It seemed to keep water out but dust sealing left a lot to be desired and after going over every seam and hole through the floor with sealer it wasn't too bad.
There was no protection for any of the underfloor plumbing wiring etc.
They look the goods but you would be better looking elsewhere.
AnswerID:
638865
Follow Up By: Frank P (NSW) - Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021 at 09:53
Wednesday, Dec 22, 2021 at 09:53
Pretty much the same as my Avan camper which preceded my
Kimberley Karavan.
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917690
Follow Up By: Member - Jimsutt (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 23, 2021 at 11:48
Thursday, Dec 23, 2021 at 11:48
Thanks guys for all your thoughts, I think I might steer clear of this van.
Now looking at a New Age Mata Ray 16 ft van, what's your thought on this one.
To me it seems to be more rugged and suitable for outback travel.
My present van is a Goldstream Crown and it's virtually unbreakable, has a few small problems but have solved most. Love the Crown but due to age (83) it time to get something easier.
Cheers
Jim
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