Caravan help please

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010 at 17:33

ThreadID: 75936 Views:2983 Replies:6 FollowUps:9

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Where to Start

This non-biased article provides a practical outline of the major features to consider when contemplating buying a caravan (new or used) and should help you settle upon your main requirements before

Marty-VIC

looking for an old cobber mate a small inexpensive caravan to tow with petrol ute. This van on Ebay looks reasonably well setup.
What is the price like and is it worth the money before I take the guy down 250km to have a look.

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Reply By: disco driver - Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010 at 21:02

Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010 at 21:02

Marty,
I paid $6.5K for a 16ft Viscount (1984) a couple of years ago but it was just a bare caravan in good nick.

IMHO and provided it checks out on inspection, no signs of water stain, no chassis rust or underfloor damage (water, dry rot etc) and reasonable vynil poptop panels and interior and that everything works, it looks like a reasonable buy at that price.

Hope it looks as good in real life.

Disco.

AnswerID: 403675

Follow Up By: Marty-VIC - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:33

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:33

Disco the guy who sounds genuine says has no leaks or damage. pics of pop top vinyl look fair. assures me everything works. with the gear fitted and Coleman hot water does appear reasonable compared to others with no extra gear.
thanks Marty

FollowupID: 673353

Reply By: Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 08:03

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 08:03

Hi Marty,
My next door neighbour has one the same. He tows it with a Subaru Forrester 2005 model, manual, with out any problems. He and his wife go for 3-4 weeks at a time. They are seasoned travelers and don't take must crap with them.
They reckon it is a good sized van, easy to tow and heaps of room for the two of them.
As Disco said, give it a good look over. looks like a good buy.

AnswerID: 403723

Follow Up By: Marty-VIC - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:36

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:36

Jon this is single guy who lives in shorts and t shirt. when gets freezing he puts on short sleeve jersey. bloody amazing he doesnt feel the cold. can see him probably taking small bag of clothes and a billy LOL

FollowupID: 673354

Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 09:08

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 09:08

Hi Marty. I too would be tempted, tho the price is a bit on the high side for its age. One thing I would want if I was considering buying the van would be to weigh the thing! Its past owners have added a lot of 'features', and, with such a small van, both the ATM and the front to back balance may need to be checked.
Also, having bought a similar aged Coromal a few years ago, without a clue about these things, it is very important the check out the chassis and running gear. I was lucky (apart from tyres that looked fine but were too old (I blew one))
Could be a pleasure for years!

AnswerID: 403730

Follow Up By: Marty-VIC - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:23

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:23

Chris owner says new springs axle and brakes
if the cobber buys would put new tyres on or check date on tyres
the added features are part of the attraction.

FollowupID: 673350

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 16:27

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 16:27

Hi Marty. Yes, I appreciate the extras are part of the attraction. But they are also part of the ATM. And it matters a lot where (front to back) these 'attractions' are located. A small, light van like this with a Tare of under 700kg would have a legal ATM of under a tonne. And two water tanks, two gas bottles, TV plus the other 'attractions' listed on the web would push the weight well up, before any food, clothes, utensils etc. are added.

FollowupID: 673365

Follow Up By: Tenpounder (SA) - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 16:38

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 16:38

Yes, I forgot the solar panels, and the annex. I suspect the van will be up to its legal ATM before anything is loaded.

FollowupID: 673366

Reply By: GUJim - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 09:51

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 09:51

This post has been read by the moderation team and has been moderated due to a breach of The For Sale/Wanted to Buy Rule

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Forum Moderation Team

AnswerID: 403739

Reply By: bruce - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 12:16

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 12:16

I know the van...if you care to email me....bruce3500@gmail.com...I can give you some details....but let me know on here if you send a email....cheers

AnswerID: 403757

Follow Up By: Marty-VIC - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:25

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 14:25

bruce email sent
do you know that actual van or 1 like it?

FollowupID: 673351

Follow Up By: bruce - Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 15:39

Thursday, Feb 11, 2010 at 15:39

Like I said ..I know THE van...it is o.k...but have sent you a return email...cheers

FollowupID: 673362

Reply By: Tadooch - Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:33

Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:33

Hey Marty,

this looks to be a good deal...

http://www.247ads.com.au/caravan/view/3181

AnswerID: 404077

Follow Up By: Member - Graeme W (NSW) - Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:56

Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 at 19:56

A 2003 Windsor Rapid for $6500 is so cheap it's either a misprint or a scam. The same advertiser also has a Ford Festiva listed that's way under market value.

Only an email address and no phone number is a worry as well. I'd be wary of a scam.

Graeme