WHAT SIZE VAN
Submitted: Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 01:14
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john53
HI ALL, MY WIFE AND MYSELF HAVE NOT LONG AGO PURCHASED A GQ NISSAN
4.2EFI PETROL 4WD, AND ARE PLANNING TO BUY A CARAVAN.
WHAT SIZE VAN WOULD BE BEST SUITED FOR THIS UNIT, I WAS WONDERING ABOUT AN 18FT, NOT SURE HOW IT WOULD HANDLE IT.WE HAVE HAD IT PUT ON GAS AND IT PERFORMS REALLY
WELL, HAS ANYONE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH A SET UP LIKE THIS , THANKS
JOHN
Reply By: Motherhen - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 12:23
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 12:23
Depends on type of van you want
John - we have an 18' Bushtracker which is heavy. A lightly built van should be OK with your GQ -
check specifications for allowable towing weights for you vehicle, and weights of any caravans you consider, then allow a generous margin for safety. Remember when you load you caravan, weight builds up surprisingly, including when you fill water tanks. When you load your vehicle plus the caravan, it may exceed the gross mass - I'm sure many people do. You also want to have power to spare should you encounter roads conditions such as loose sand, or water crossings, or just very steep gradients where you can't get a 'run up'.
AnswerID:
230223
Reply By: john53 - Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 23:07
Wednesday, Mar 28, 2007 at 23:07
Hi all,Thanks for the response, we intend to stay mainley on the black stuff,
The idea of an ensuite really appeals to my wife, but i think it will be hard to find too many 18ft vans with ensuite in them.NSW and SA would be our first destination
i feel, cant wait to get going.
thanks
JOHN
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Jimbo - Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 10:14
Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 10:14
John,
Jayco make a 16 foot van with ensuite. Up till 2005 it was called Freedom, now Destiny. They also do the same floor plans in a 17.5 footer which has a tandem axle. Marginally bigger inside but not worth the extra weight IMO.
The 16 is about 1430 kg dry and the 17.5 around 1600kg.
However they are not common on the second hand market. I tried to get one and they were all about $25,000 for a 2002 to 2004 model. I was prepared to pay this until I stumbled across a mint 2004 Freedom without ensuite for $19 and snapped it up. Couldn't justify $6,000 for an internal shower, (we already have a porta dunny). Also have a Coleman HWS and shower tent for
bush camping.
Having said that, I do think the next van will have an ensuite.
Another thing to consider is the bedding. Most caravan "double" beds are 4'4" by 6' long. We are accustomed to a Q/S bed at 5' x 6'6". The van doulble was too small so we went with the single bed model. This also provides extra seating and a nore open, spacious feel.
Good Luck,
Jim.
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Follow Up By: john53 - Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 22:27
Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 at 22:27
Thanks Jim,
That gives me something to think about. I might look into how difficult it is to alter an existing van to accomodate a shower and
toilet, need to do some research to see whats involved
thanks again
John
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