Sunday, Nov 18, 2007 at 22:47
hi Leanne, I'm looking at doing the same as you with slightly older kids. We too loooked at the Rapid, but notices gaps between the canvas and van where i've heard a lot of people experience insect infestation. You need to decide if you're doing any off road before buying a van, and the Rapid isn't really designed for off road, from the feedback i've recieved. We've narrowed our choice down to either a Goldstream Storm off road or a Coromal pioneer Silhouette.
Look at a lot of vans, but remember, the heavier it is the more fuel you'll use towing it. We will buy a Turbo diesel for a bit more grunt, plus, after talking to a lot of travellers, most 'bush' mechanics know how to repair them and better economy on fuel. They do tend to be a bit noisier.
Re the shower, a cheaper option thaan a built in' outside shower is a portable coleman shower unit and pop up shower tent, as
well as a porta potti. You can set them up outside the van leaving the inside space for living, particularly in bad weather.
If you have concerns re the fridge you can invest in a 3 way portable like Waeco of Engel fridge. It can stay in the $wd for accessible lunches or as a 'drinkie' fridge.
If this is your first venture into
camping, i'd probably rent a couple of vans to try before you buy. It will give you an idea what you do and don't want. Also, look at second hand. Their more affordable, and if you get half way and decide you don't like your set up, you can then trade in on a different model without losing much on the purchase price.
Re the $WD, tou need to decide how large a van you want before investing in the car as the weight of the van will rule out some vehicles. Budget is always a consideration too. You may consider dual cab 4wd too with a conopy on the back to store the extra items, like spare parts for van and tow vehicle eg fan belts, wheel bearings etc; the portable fridge, extra 12V battery, outdoor furniture etc etc. Half the fun is the research before. We are yet to do the trip but my parents are
grey nomads, and we live through them and their experiences at the moment. We are also seasoned campers, so a pop top van will be a luxury to us.
Hope this is some helps
AnswerID:
272428
Follow Up By: Member - Terry G (NSW) - Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 12:20
Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 12:20
Newbiesb
Have you actually seen these multiple insect infestations? I have spoken to lots of people with the Windsor Rapid and have never heard of the problem. In fact I have never met an owner who wasn't really happy with the overall product. I think we should really restrict our advice in replying to questions such as these to our own experience. Otherwise the
forum can become a home for urban myths. If however, you have personal knowledge of these infestations, tell us more about them and why the usual remedies wouldn't work.
tessa
FollowupID:
535754
Follow Up By: leeb1973 - Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 15:01
Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 15:01
Thank you for your reply.
I agree with your concerns re the insects getting into the Rapid but I've heard you can put a bit of foam in the corners to stop them getting in. A camper trailer isn't really what we want because we want the extra storage & the convenience of a caravan (ie quick set up). I have heard a bit about the Duet but haven't seen any here in SA so its a bit hard to compare those to the Rapid.
The portable fridge is definitely something we will be getting. What size do you use? We are thinking the fridge/freezer is the better option. We've looked at the dual cab 4wd but think it won't be too comfortable for the girls sitting on the back seats but the extra space to store spare etc is a concern. We would love a Landcruiser, as its one of the bigger 4wd's, but it will also be the family car so don't want to feel like up driving a massive vehicle to take the girls to school etc. We haven't actually test driven any 4wd's yet, that will be in the next few weeks, so we are still in the research stage.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Leanne
FollowupID:
535776
Follow Up By: Newbiesb - Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 18:01
Monday, Nov 19, 2007 at 18:01
Tessa,
My parents own a caravan
park so I get to talk to people about their cvans downfalls all the time. The 'ususal' remedies can work, however, in my opinion, a van should be designed and manufactured to keep out all the flying insects that are Rife in Oz.
Leanne, the Goldstreams aren't a camper trailer, but a pop top trailer. These set up quickly. They certainly don't suit everyone, but we feel their sturdy construction, design to keep 'bulldust' out, light interior and head room suit our circumstances. As I said, it all depends how much off road you want to do as to whether the more
well known brands will suit. A lot don't hold up to the corrucgated roads. Check with the warranty to see how far it will cover, particularly with dirt road driving.
Regards
Newbiesb
FollowupID:
535824