TD5 110, Caravans and "Nomading"

[scott oz]

I can hardly wait to become a “Grey Nomad” and the kid’s recon I’ve already made a cranky old “B”. Told them that's the nicest thing I’ve been told, tear in eye.

So my five year plan is to prepare/maintain my 2001 TD5 110 as our (boss and me) primary touring vehicle. And this includes towing a caravan.

I’ve towed a Jaco Dove with my former TDI 200 Disco and it had no problems. However for the “Grey Nomad” look I’ll be looking at a 20ft caravan, with one of those little pop roof extensions to keep height down.

We hope to do extended stays (one place) hence I don’t like the canvas side camper trailer.

Basic specks of the van will be
Double bed
Shower/toilet
Love air con if available.

Being also told I’m a “tight old B” I’m thinking of buying an old caravan and doing a fitout. I’ve been advised that I need to make sure the chasse is not rusted out, generally the structure is sound and the shower/toilet is already in. I can do the relining/fixtures, plumbing, wiring, etc.

The caravan is not for “off road” but will act as a “base”. But we will not always be in caravan/camping grounds hence the 12/24 shower toilet.

So I’d be interested in your views on how you believe the TD5 will handle a caravan I’m likely get. And looking at older vans what brands would you look for and any indication of $ for a renovatable caravan.

[Heggs]

Scott, I did a similar thing I have a TD5 2003 110 and I tow a 16 foot Vicount caravan. I looked around at near new and couldn't fint a layout that suited without going custom made (to much money), so i purchased a 1978 model that was in good nick body wise and refit the inside to suit my needs and tows well. July 2008 was the first trip we went from Perth up to the pilbara and then back down the coast and a few roads around the place 7000km trip with out a problem. great fun my daughter loves it she has her spot all set up in the front and my wife and i have a double down the back, small kitchen and table/chairs in the middle, the fridge runs on 240/gas (will freeze on gas) and i have 240/12 volt lighting so i can camp out with comfort. no toilet that could be next on the cards I think

[scott oz]

Bump

[justinc]

Scott,

Some of the older vans are built way better than the modern stuff. I would agree with Heggs, buy an older robust one, and do your own fitout. At least it will be done with care and even if it is a little more than buying late model, at least it'll have the configuration that you want/ need. 20ft sounds ideal, I wouldn't go smaller than 18ft if planning long trips away being 'nomadic'.

that is exactly our idea for later on, enjoy!:)

[Blknight.aus]

the TD5 will handle it no dramas.

do yourself a big favor make your first stop an auto specialist and have them do a full flush of the trans and then fit a bigger cooler then mosey on over to adelade, pay tombie a visit, compliment him on his bikes or whatever the hobby of the moment is, open a beer and ask him to work his magic on your ecu.

edit, ID aim for an 03/04 TD5.

[dmdigital]

Aircon would be wonderful! We're about to spend 3 months travelling with our Kimberley Kamper, but given half of this is down south in winter, heater might be on the cards.

[bblaze]

Aircon would be wonderful! We're about to spend 3 months travelling with our Kimberley Kamper, but given half of this is down south in winter, heater might be on the cards.

we run one of the burners on our cook top for a heater on those cold nights, then when snuggled in bed it dont matter
cheers
blaze

[p38arover]

Having just done 6 weeks touring with my wife, I think that doing a grey nomad thing would destroy a good marriage!

[cewilson]

Not when your wife is ex army transport corp :)

[Disco300Tdi]

Would anyone contemplate towing a 20' caravan with a 98 auto discovery doing the nomadie trip for 4 weeks?

[Blknight.aus]

yep, but I wouldnt want the auto personally.

if the auto hada good history and decent cooler fitted I could probabley be convinced into it.

but then I do cape york trips in 30+ year old landrovers (and I've been invited up again)

[Grumndriva]

Would anyone contemplate towing a 20' caravan with a 98 auto discovery doing the nomadie trip for 4 weeks?

We tow a 20 foot dirt road van at almost 2.6 tonne with a 99 V8 auto and love it.

Why do you ask?

[Disco44]

Would anyone contemplate towing a 20' caravan with a 98 auto discovery doing the nomadie trip for 4 weeks?

It will handle it but my preferred length is 18 foot, I found that 20 footers were just to long.