Our latest acquisition

[Chops]

Well, there's a few here who know whats been happening over the last few months, but I thought I'd quickly share what is primarily the last stage of our overall plan. There's still a few more "phases" to go so to speak, but ultimately, this is the last acquisition we have to have before the grand tour. [bigsmile]

So, behold, our new "New Age Blue Diamond 21' Caravan. This will be our home during our travels, and some exploratory weekends etc prior to leaving.
She's a bit tight to get up beside the house, but,, I can happily say my first go was a success,, we'll see how that transpires during the course of our being here [bigwhistle]

I'll put up some more pics when I return after dinner [wink11]

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Cheers, Chops and Leeanne.

[grey_ghost]

Looks absolutely fantastic!! When you leave on your magical travels, have an awesome time!!! [emoji1303]

[cripesamighty]

Nice work with the reversing!!

[Roverlord off road spares]

Well, there's a few here who know whats been happening over the last few months, but I thought I'd quickly share what is primarily the last stage of our overall plan. There's still a few more "phases" to go so to speak, but ultimately, this is the last acquisition we have to have before the grand tour. [bigsmile]

So, behold, our new "New Age Blue Diamond 21' Caravan. This will be our home during our travels, and some exploratory weekends etc prior to leaving.
She's a bit tight to get up beside the house, but,, I can happily say my first go was a success,, we'll see how that transpires during the course of our being here [bigwhistle]

I'll put up some more pics when I return after dinner [wink11]

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Cheers, Chops and Leeanne.
Chops ya just had to go one better than Rangieman's recent acquisition. Chris will tell ya size is not important. [bigrolf]

[muddy]

looks good mate when are you going to take it for a trial run up our way?

[V8Ian]

looks good mate when are you going to take it for a trial run up our way?
When Chops finds Burleigh Heads in the Melways. [bigrolf]

[Chops]

Dinner took a while [bigwhistle]

So, a couple of pics of the inside, she has an island bed,, cause we're not quite that old yet [tonguewink], also has an on-suite,,, with washing machine even, a whole two kilo's worth,, jocks and socks will be right I guess [bighmmm], only to be used at parks etc when on mains I guess. A microwave,, not sure when we'll use that, but life on the road will dictate what we do in that area I suppose,, parks again for use of that. Aircon of course, again, in a park, although, we'll be able to run it all with the genset we'll get.

You'll notice the couch/table sits rather close to the kitchen, thats because it slides out as a unit. Once this is out, it just opens up the van like like there's no tomorrow. It only moves out about 2', but makes a huge difference to the space side of things. Being light colours it feels open and airy, which is important as we'll be in it for a long time,, we're talking years here, if all goes well. There will be times depending on where we end up, we may rent out a flat or a small house or something, but ultimately, its home.
Overall, we're very happy with the outcome,,, probably not everyone's cup of tea, but it suits us, and should make a good "home" whilst we travel around.

Looking forward now to a few trips around Vic and NSW whilst we test her out and get her sorted with what we need to pack.
One of the biggest disappointments with all these vans is the low weights you can carry. At around 400Kg total carrying capacity, it doesn't really hold much, especially when you think you can be carrying anything up to about 200Lt of water.
So we have to think about quite a few things, a bit of trial and error I guess, and quite a few trips to the weighbridge [bigwhistle]131358131359131361131362131363

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Nice van,, those disability handles come standard? [bigwhistle]

[Chops]

We'll be up QLD way late next year,, at which point the old guys will have use for the handles,,,, Pedro [wink11]

[Homestar]

Looks great mate - do you still want me to russell up a small inverter genset for next weekend to try a few things out?

[Chops]

Looks great mate - do you still want me to russell up a small inverter genset for next weekend to try a few things out?


Yes please 😁
Ive got one I'm looking at to buy in a few weeks, but certainly I'd like to see what else is out there. I'll be in touch.

[The ho har's]

Nice van,, those disability handles come standard? [bigwhistle]


We'll be up QLD way late next year,, at which point the old guys will have use for the handles,,,, Pedro [wink11]

He wont be up here anytime soon pedro. He has been saying they will come for years it for years

Mrs hh

[Chops]

Our maiden voyage, in our now, full set-up. Very pleased with it,, she should serve us well whilst we travel around the country.

[Chops]

A long weekend is almost upon us,, can’t wait.
It’s been 12 months since our last weekend away, far to long.
For those that will be at our Victoria’s “Winter Wombat” weekend,, we’ll see you there. 👍😁

[Pedro_The_Swift]

What generator( a sooky thing indeed)... did you decide on?

[austastar]

Hi,
Nights should not be too wintery in there.
Cheers

[Saitch]

Hi,
Nights should not be too wintery in there.
Cheers

I'd still be going a diesel heater if South of the Tweed.[smilebigeye]

[Chops]

Haven’t bought a “sookie la la generator” yet, but when we do, it’ll be the Honda (?? something 🤔).
We’ve got a diesel heater,, 👍😁😁
We should be nice and toasty warm 😉

[Homestar]

There will be plenty of diesel heaters running this weekend I think. Mine will be too. [emoji106]

[V8Ian]

I'd still be going a diesel heater if South of the Tweed.[smilebigeye]
Is that a typo Steve? Did you mean to type Flinders? [biggrin]

[DiscoMick]

That's a nice looking van. Can I ask the weight and towball down force?

[Chops]

That's a nice looking van. Can I ask the weight and towball down force?


Thanks,, total weight is just under 3.5 when fully loaded, not 100% sure on the exact TB weight at present, but about the 240 mark when the tanks are full. It’s actually a bit light on, so I need to recheck a few things and make it right soon. When the water is transferred into the waste tank, she can get a bit edgy in high gusty winds I discovered 😳. Easily sorted, but would be better not to have to think about it at all 👍

[DiscoMick]

Thanks,, total weight is just under 3.5 when fully loaded, not 100% sure on the exact TB weight at present, but about the 240 mark when the tanks are full. It’s actually a bit light on, so I need to recheck a few things and make it right soon. When the water is transferred into the waste tank, she can get a bit edgy in high gusty winds I discovered [emoji15]. Easily sorted, but would be better not to have to think about it at all [emoji106]Thanks. Didn't mean to be nosy. Just curious.
Your Disco should handle that fine, I imagine.
Is it right that your D4s payload is about 700kg? Also that the first 150kg of towball is not counted in the payload, so if the towball was 250kg then it would only mean the payload of the vehicle has to be reduced by 100kg?
Just trying to understand this stuff and am unfamiliar with the D4's numbers.
Is the dust sealing good in the van?

[RANDLOVER]

I'm glad to see you are getting some use out of the van, Chops (& Mrs Chops) with a lot more to come. A neighbour in our street has something similar, but it only moves on the occasional school holiday.