Caravans, which brand is good?

Jimbo

We have a 20' Regent cruiser series 3. Its 2003 an we purchased it 2nd hand in october last year for $40k.

We've had three trips in it so far and have no complaints. It was little things like piano hinges on all cupboards, and a very good standard of workmanship in general that convinced us to buy.

Its got every thing you have mentioned plus lots of other items like aircon and 2 9kg gas bottles and 2, 85amp batteries etc.

Get them to have a look in caravan trader it has some very good 2nd hand vans.

Regards Bob

Hi Jimbo,

Can we change the question around to "value for money"

I'm going through the same thing at the moment. I have no interest in dunnies or showers, just something with a bit of comfort to get me to the starting point of what I want to do.

I've used swags for most of my working life and frozen my butt off...... I'm getting smarter in my old age.

Have a look at www.rvmaa.com.au/manufacturers.html (sorry for the dead link).

At the end of the day money, use, and personal preference will decide the outcome.

Regards

Kim McFarland
Phone/fax (03) 97821702
Mobile 0409213403
e-mail kimmc@satlink.com.au
Bus Phone 97055467
Bus e-mail kmcfarland@casey.vic.gov.au

I will assume they had vans before because if they haven't they might be better off hiring a few.

I put Phoenix number 1.

Roadstar, Boroma, Trackmaster are all excellent quality.

They need to be very specific about such things as towball weight GVM and so on. Many people get caught with a van too heavy for the vehicle and no two 18' vans are the same. Do not rely on the saleman to advise on such matters and remember that extra 'toys' mean a lot extra weight..

Notwithstanding what I have said about Phoenix and so on it is a fact that the vans like Jayco have a big following and retain good re-sale values.

It is probably worth getting an aluminium frame rather than a timber frame because a leak will not cause rot.

Having had 'quality' vans I am not sure how long it would take to get the 'extra' wear to justify the much higher acquisition price.

EV700

In July 2004, 3 people were killed when the vehicle suddenly diverted to the right hand side of the road into the path of a B-double semi that was overtaking them. The Coroner's inquest was released yesterday and he exclusively blamed the design of the caravan. Although the van was 400kg overweight, the main problem was with the location of the wheels being too close to the front of the van. Load equalisers were not fitted but the coroner said it would have made no difference.
He went on to say that many caravan designs were at fault.

Not sure how we mere mortals interpret the warnings to look out for but obviously buyer beware

Hi Jimbo,
If you post that same question here you most likely will recieve lots more informative answers, makes good reading for you and/or Ma and Pa aswell.

Avagoodn
Pezza

Hi Jimbo

Folks have just dragged a royal flare around aust and loved it. little smaller, about 16.6ft but was very comphy. When i go home i stay in it cause it is the only thing with aircon at home haha

ADs

Jimbo, See attached photo of my rig. We have travelled a fair bit with it and believe that the Coromal product is robust and good value. The advantage of a pop top is on fuel economy and ease of storage. Both of these are important in the long run. Think closely about the need for a shower - If staying in Parks they are not really required!

goodday jimbo
what sort of tow vehicle????
we are toying with putting our van on the market only 2 yr old has all the above with solar

steve

We had a good look around, BT, Barooma, Kedron etc always thought that it would be a BT until we really got into it ended up with the Phoenix and can't fault it, we are just about full timers so wanted a fair bit in it, the Phoenix is not cheap but that’s up to the buyer you only get what you pay for and the job is first class, and the van will go anywhere that any other van will go no matter what anyone tells you.
Regards
!MPG:17!