caravan size
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 16:27
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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.
Reply By: Member - Patrick (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 16:58
Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 16:58
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
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Follow Up By: geralee@tadaust.org. - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:58
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:58
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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Follow Up By: Member - Patrick (QLD) - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:02
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:02
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
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Reply By: Eric Experience - Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 22:44
Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 22:44
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.
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Follow Up By: lbudgie - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:30
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:30
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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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:18
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:18
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'.
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Reply By: flower - Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 23:24
Saturday, Feb 03, 2007 at 23:24
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..
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Wingwang - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:44
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 15:44
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
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Reply By: Jimbo - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:52
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 20:52
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.
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Follow Up By: geralee@tadaust.org. - Monday, Feb 05, 2007 at 21:34
Monday, Feb 05, 2007 at 21:34
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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