Will an 80's-90's used caravan do the job?
Submitted: Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 10:18
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Angie M
We are still very much in the planning and dreaming stage of our future journey but just wanted to get an idea of what experienced travellers have to say on the capabilities of an older style Caravan.
We have a very limited budget and are looking at caravans under $10,000.
Are we dreaming?
We want to take our time and see as much of Aus as we can.
Going off road and accessing those harder to reach
places, but we dont plan to go along any roads which wouldn't be advised with only one 4x4 vehicle.
We are looking at a late 80's - early 90's model toyota landcruiser to pull our caravan. With expentidture on the vehicle being under $10,000 also.
We will be travelling with 2 kids.
We are really only interested in taking a caravan, perhaps a pop-top... but not camper trailers, campervans etc. In regards to the pop-top option we only want minimal added not, not a van with majority pop-top (if that makes sense?)
Will an older late 80's/early 90's, hopefully 4 berth caravan under $10,000 take us along unsealed roads, even slightly rougher??... we are willing to park the van and tent it to see other out of carvan range locations!
Thanks!
Reply By: petengail - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 10:30
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 10:30
We have a 89 Viscount Sea Breeze pop top. Paid $9,500 for it through the Trading post. Very happy with it. It is in very good condition. Saw plenty in dealers in not as good condition for up to $15,000. We have probably towed it about 8,000 klms. Would not hesitate to set off around the Aust in it tommorrow. Having said that, have only towed it about 400k on dirt roads. When you find what you want it may be a good idea to have it checked out by a reputable caravan repairer. Hope this helps.
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448168
Follow Up By: Angie M - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 10:37
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 10:37
Thanks for the advice. Its great to here from someone who has one of these older caravans, it seems most of the folks on here have lovely newer models which just isn't a realistic option for us!
As long as we get it checked out to make sure its structurely sound, hopefully we wont run into too many issues!
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Reply By: Snoopyone - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 12:16
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 12:16
Just as an aside the costs of travelling will outstrip the cost of your rig.
For extended travelling and staying in Van parks you could allow about $1 per K travelled
This allows for some sightseeing trips and includes fuel and servicing costs.
Can be done for less by staying in free camps of course.
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448170
Follow Up By: Angie M - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 12:51
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 12:51
I have always free camped, and plan to do as much of the same while travelling Aus. It sounds like we might have to stay in some parks in top touristy place which will be pretty exxy, but hopefully the majority of
free camping will allow the budget to stretch for those 'luxury' times.
We are looking at a budget of $100 a day. So hopefully that will be comfortable enough for us. Though I am wondering if I should start a new fund for 'admin prices' for some of the must do experiences?? any thoughts?
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Follow Up By: Snoopyone - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 13:15
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 13:15
Horizontal falls but 4 would be $2000+
Bungles can go in on your own or similar for fly in day trip.
Geike
Gorge was good and not expensive
Katherine Gorge was good cant remember cost.
Ularu $50 for 2 adults for 3 days. U 16 free
Lots of
places to see for free but lots of nothing in between that chews up fuel.
We spent $12000+ plus on fuel for 2 years.
.
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Reply By: Member - Michael P (QLD) - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:20
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:20
Hi.
Caravan mechanicals are generally fairly basic & can be maintained with a fairly limited mechaniclal know how. Just be fairly wary of the structure of the van.
To buy a used van full of dry rot could kill your bank balance. If you dont know what to look for I would suggest scouting around your local area for possibly a backyard caravan repairer,& see if you could get him to
check out an intended purchase for a reasonable fee.
Dont be put off by the negatives As You get the time have a look around & do a bit of research. Take Your time & You will find somethig suitable.
Mike
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:55
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:55
Hi Angie, we have toured extensively around Oz , including the outback, in a rig
that cost less than $20k, & have had no serious issues. Admitedly we towed a
camper trailer & not a caravan, but I'm sure you can find a good van in your
budget...provided you are capable of sorting the wheat from the chaff...or have
the
services of someone who can. Same with the tug. We chose a low k 2000
Jackaroo, petrol, & if you can find a better proper 4WD wagon for the money.. then buy it...but you must know which one. Just be patient..do plenty of research,
seek good advice, make comparisons. Even if you need to pay for expert opinion
in the way of inspection, etc, you will be way in front if that leads to the purchase
of a sound van & tug. Good luck with it...& hey...it can be done..be positive &
enjoy...cheers...oldbaz.
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Reply By: snailbait (Blue mntns) - Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:57
Monday, Mar 14, 2011 at 16:57
Hi Angie M
The main items you should look at is the smell if it smells it could be that it leaks .
The brakes are very important. Don't chose a small van with 4 of you you need at least a van which you can give you some space. Do do
the springs and the bearings. also look for rust some of these older vans have been on site a beaches and could be full of rust . I would look for a van that is registered. The tyres should be replaced if they are over 5 years old as the could give you grief
Happy hunting
Terry
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