Caravanning extras

What van took your fancy, we are in the same boat, went to perth caravan show was a bit confused but only really liked 3 vans that were there.For us
1.Boroma
2.roadstar
3.Traveller

Get a caravan set up with solar and 12 volt. You can be independent most of the time. Choose a 12 volt compressor fridge that can be run on 240 as well for dull days when you are near mains power. If you are going to colder climates, consider a Webasto heater - however we don't have one and so far have not needed heating (unlike the night we froze when we had the little wind up camper with slide out beds!).

The sky is the limit, or your budget.
Solar panel set up with batteries and mains charger.
12v pressure pump for water.
12v compressor fridge (Vitrifrigo or similar)
Full oven instead of just griller.
BBQ in drawer on outside.
Generator drawer & generator.
Two water tanks.
Air conditioner.
Wineguard TV antenna.
Hot water system.
Polar Air rain sensor roof hatch (closes itself when it rains)
External shower if it is not a shower van.
Wheels to match the tow vehicle ( gives you an extra spare).
Hydraulic jack/jockey wheel combo.

Add: Somewhere safe to park it when it is not being used.
And I will second the 'good mattress' very important.

I have no experience with caravanning, but can I will add ELECTRIC BLANKET!

My suggestions.....

Before you sign, check what the weights of the van will be- tare (empty weight), GMT (max loaded weight), and tow ball weight (weight of the draw bar on your vehicle towbar). Double (triple!) check that your intended tow vehicle can handle these, especially the tow ball weight, which is often forgotten. Get it in writing that these weights will be correct. Some manufactures supply a weigh bridge docket. Vans usually have a 300kg load limit (what gear you can load into it) for a single axle van, and 400 kg for a dual axle. This usually includes anything added after the van leaves the factory, and can include things the dealer might fit- gas bottles, awning, aircon, microwave, water in the tanks. The vans chassis may be rated to carry more than this, and some manufactures will plate the GMT higher at your request so you can carry more personal gear.

Get crockery, cutlery, toaster, electric and gas kettles etc., just for the van. Don't transfer your regular household gear, it is great to be able to load as little gear as possible before you go. Pack what clothes you think you will need then take at least half of them out!

Hayman Reece weight distribution system? How big is the van? You will probably need some sort of weight distribution system.

Good mirrors.

A good jack. Your caravan probably won't come with a jack, they are not required to provide one now. I carry a cheap trolley jack so I can jack right under the axle.

Will it come with two gas bottles? Before you sign try to get two bottles. With just one you will run out of gas half way through the Sunday roast :)

Now we get to the "toys". Will it come with an LCD TV? Will it come with a TV antenna? How much do you like to watch TV? A roof top antenna like a winegaurd will give good reception in strong signal areas. It is convenient but not cheap. If you want TV reception in poor areas you will need a "real" antenna, with a pole. Dick Smith has the L4024. This style of antenna gives a better picture and is cheaper but not as convenient :)
For more info on caravan antennas see HERE.

We carry an L4024, a digital set top box, DVD player, VCR, and satellite TV system!! The wife does not want to miss The Bill :) Some people just turn on the radio or play cards when there is no TV.

As you travel you will get more of an idea of what you want, what you need, and what you don't.

Good luck.

Cruiserman

a interesting mix of vans you have there.
whose time are you wasting asking.
can you afford a s/h camper trailer.