New car or caravan?

I would suggest you sell the caravan.
Travelling around OZ fpr Caravan Parks anything over 18 to 20 feet is a problem.
Also it can be a problem even with a larger car (more fuel, heavier towing etc).
Regards
Ted

Thanks Ted- I think that is what we will be doing.
Anyone have any feedback regarding the Jayco sterling Outback vans?

Hi....we have a similar size van and have had NO issues about getting into caravan parks at all and you should see just how average your van is when compared to some rigs that we have seen and they still get them in somewhere....after all they still want your money.
Pets are the greatest stumbling block it seems.
When it comes to a tow vehicle, you have found out, like so many of us, that because they say it can tow 3 tonne it is when you try to tow that weight that is when you really find out that the figures dont quite add up.
Sell the van?......I would say definitely not....since you and your darling are going to spend so much time on the road, a bigger van allows you more SPACE particularly if the weather turns cold and wet and you have stay inside and you wont be falling over each other.
Smaller vans may be lighter but you both might find it to cramped for the long period you intend to live in it while you are travelling around Oz.
What about a 100 series cruiser...say a 2005 model in a turbo diesel.

Sounds like you really like the van - keep it.

3 Litre Turbo Diesel Auto sounds familiar. Would it be a ZD30? - sell it.

my 2c

Malcolm

The way I look at it the car is just a means to get my 22' Supreme to where I want to be. When I get there I live in the van not the car. My two bobs worth, you have a van that you are happy with, get something that will tow it safely and comfortably so that when you get where you want you won't be too stressed and tired.

Cheers Pop

hi
i'd get an 18ft van as a bigger tow vehicle will cost you more of everything
in 1980 i did the big circuit with an 18ft tandem axle viscount with wife and 4yr old daughter and it was plenty big enough and so easy to drive around with and get in and out of parks and the cities i will never understand why people head off with these bl--dy great vans in tow, look at me !look at me! syndrome
i spent 8 months on the rd and covered 30,000km's but that 's just my opinion but you did ask
good luck and hope you make the best decision in the long run
happy travels
mazcan barry

Wanderingwilson,

Nobody seems to have mentioned the legalities of towing so, in case you don't know, the first and most important issue is the van's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), which is the maximum that the van can weigh. This is stipulated by the manufacturer and is shown on the compliance plate.

In your case, if that is more than 2500kg and I suspect it would be, you cannot legally tow the van with your current vehicle anyway. Of course, apart from that, if you feel it is too heavy for your tow vehicle, that is even more reason to change one or the other and I am with several others who have mentioned that the van is what you will live in for your trip, the towing is almost incidental, so I would change the tow vehicle...budget dependent I guess.

I have a 24' Jayco and haven't had any problems getting into caravan parks yet.

Thanks everyone for your advice. We could legally take the van within the towing rate, however we could only take our very minimum of stuff inside. Empty the van weighs 2100 and by the time you fill up water tanks (180 Litres), take the generator, some clothes, necessary kitchen items- it is overweight. We know we could take out a lot of unnecessary items, however due to us living in it for two years there are items we simply need. Also the ball weight is too heavy so we can not carry items in the back of the 4WD.
Although we love the van- we bought it for caravan parks and are now thinking we will do a lot of free camping and we think it may be too big for it.
It is a lovely van with all the mod cons but it might simply be too big for our needs.
Anyway I am sure we will make the right decision. Thanks everyone for your advice!

My opinion only but I would think you'll lose more money trading the car than the van which you wcould A get your money back or make some.

I did exactly the same.
Bought a 3.0 auto Patrol and then bought a 19ft6 van with an ATM of 2600kg.

Whilst you can tow it if its not loaded you will need full capacity travelling.

I bit the bullet and bought a 2005 Cruiser TD and couldnt be happier.

The fuel consumption is not much worse than the Patrol when towing and the comfort is 100% better.

Incidentally we have just bought a 25ft van and the extra room is unbelievable.

Just so much more comfortable.

As for van parks, yes some are a bit tight but most will take you.

Just book ahead and give them the overall length of the van like from towball to rear.

Some parks have drive through sites if you ask.

We have only missed out due to size once in 7 months and only because of bookings for the large sites ahead of us.

Couldnt imagine doing the trip in a 16ft van.

Even with an Annexe we feel cramped at times.

Cost me $23,000 to upgrade car.

Have fun