A beginner looking for advice on buying 1st pop top van
Submitted: Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 13:16
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tony h9
We're looking at buying a new pop top van next year, which'll be our first van. It'll be mostly for my wife and I, and if one or two of the teenage sons came along, they'd bunk in an attached annexe.
Done a bit of reading and internet research on the topic, and went to Melb Leisurefest yesterday. Now we're hoping for some unbiased advice from other members.
At the moment we're looking at around 16' size, with no shwr or
toilet as we'll pretty much be using it in parks as a weekend on-siter/base
camp; plus we're planning some bigger trips in the next couple of years (Flinders Ranges/
Birdsville Track, NT, Kimberleys, Nth Qld, etc); and 1 QS bed (not Dbl) and a back up single bed on a couch.
The pop top appeals as easier to tow, and easily kept in the car port at
home.
Some questions to hand that'll refine what makes/models we start to short list are:
*Aluminium frame vs timber frame? (i'm already pretty much sold on aluminium) *What's robust enough to handle corrugated roads(e.g. Tanami Track), without going to the full on off road models.
* Single axle or double axle for safer on-road handling vs the supposed manouvreability of the single axle?
Any advice would be appreciated, both on the general specs above, and on makes to pursue further or to avoid.
Thanks, Tony.
Reply By: Steve M1 (NSW) - Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 15:48
Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 15:48
yep, as MH said, although you'd want to be happy with your 1st van, don't stress too much because no matter what, you'll almost certainly be changing it once you get a feel for vanning and it's very difficult to know without going through the experience. For instance, we would never bother with an annexe again and we have 2 x teen boys. Use a tent for them: easier and less expensive than an annexe - they still get to use the van in other ways.
Timber/alum? Some of the very best vans on the market have either. Personal choice.
You've basically answered your own question on dual/single axle.
Don't attempt the Tanami unless the van is of Bushtracker/Kedron/Trakmaster etc standard and even then, you'll probably cop some damage esp if you aren't that experienced. The other tracks you mention, without being specific should be ok.
Regarding brands? phew...how much have you got to spend and even then it's more shades of
grey than black and white. Maybe I'm wrong but I doubt you'll still have your first van for say, more than three years because you'll have discovered it's shortcomings and be looking at options and upgrades by then. You have to go through the processes of discovery through experience. Still, I'm sure there'll be plenty of recommendations. Also, try here:
http://caravanersforum.com/index.php?sid=ee7c153421934edbb1ee2ac347ec36ac plenty to keep you busy.
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Follow Up By: tony h9 - Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 16:22
Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 16:22
Thks Steve. As with the other folks offering assistance above, you've got me thinking. It seems to be consensus that your first van is a 'try out' venture, which makes the 2nd hand van purchase a good way to start out without going whole hog from the $ perspective.
Cheers.
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Reply By: ed c1 - Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 17:37
Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 17:37
hi tony,,,,the other guys seem to have you covered on most of your questions,but you seem to have missed the most important item in your van and that is the fridge.
most vans have a three way fridge which is ok for the trips you have mentioned.
the thing to remember is that three way fridges have a climate rating eg.
sn = sub normal n = normal st = sub tropical t = tropical
if you like a cold beer at the end of the day dont settle for anything less than a sub tropical or tropical rated fridge or maybe a two way fridge.
a two way fridge (12v / 240v ) would require a solar panel/s plus an extra battery for
bush camping
best of luck travel safe
ps half the fun is setting up your rig enjoy
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: tony h9 - Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:26
Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:26
Thks Ed,
I'd only just found out that a three way fridge was 240V/12V/gas. I haven't heard about 2 way until your mention of it now. There's alot more research ahead of me I can see, including
solar power and batteries.
As I've often said, a person needs a project!
Cheers.
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Follow Up By: ed c1 - Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:56
Sunday, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:56
HI tony,,
yes every man should have a shed,a project, and a dream
keeps us
young
travel safe
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