Thread: Oh - what to tow!

new or second hand? and budget?

my next tailer will either be a cross over at least so that I can still get off the beaten track a bit.

a mate of mine has a single axle bush tracker........

I have read a few good things about evernew........they custom build to your needs

goingbush on here has trackmaster.....although pretty sure its a poptop

its a mine field out there............good luck with your search

Mrs Pedro and I have been discussing this very thing,,
heres our list of must have's

The table must have windows on all three sides(so must be at an end)
The gas stove must have controls at the front.
The stove must not be next to a wall on either side.
Single beds due to better utilization of space.
Combined shower/toilet.

Gavin my old Golf is twenty years old and does not sway, even when provoked, consequently I am a big fan of fully independant suspension.
I think full indy is like air suspension,
until you try it you'll never know,,

I would have thought 20 ft on a single axle is a bit of a stretch ?

Originally Posted by pop058

I would have thought 20 ft on a single axle is a bit of a stretch ?

It is. Single-axle vans normally top out at 17-18 ft. Think about all that weight on only one pair of springs, wheels, tyres and bearings.

Stephen.

Be wary of the Jurgens vans. They use an unusual brake system. My sister's is off the road as the distributor can't/won't get any parts in for them. Left them stranded on a holiday when the brakes collapsed and couldn't get any parts.

Hi Gavin

X2 stephenf10's comment. Anything of the size you are contemplating will have to be tandem.

You should find a nice layout that will work for you both in the 20-22ft range.

It's about time we caught up for a beer and I can show you over the Windsor I tow. It's a 19.5 ft tandem and I have a pretty god handle on the weight of what I carry inc gen set solar panels etc. Also if I recall correctly can be fitted with a shower toilet instead of the double bunks that mine has.

I'd also suggest the 2 of you visit a few yards and get a feel for layouts and get an idea of features vs budget.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Guys.

Part of the reason I started this thread is that I'm just about researched out as far as looking goes, now need to talk to the gurus. I've been on the net for months, checked many yards, used to live in Baravans as a "slightly younger" exploration/survey worker in the WA bush 45 plus years ago and have a few mates/aquaintances with various styles.

I agree a single axle will realistically max out at about 18 foot, but did see one that size that was interesting.

Preferred budget about $50K/ few years old as don't like paying depreciation.

Pedro, we also have a pre-requities/preferences list, but its a lot longer than yours GRIN! And she only travels 5 star.
Oh the trials and tribulations.

Steve will take you up on that, but will have to bring SWAMBO.

not-quite-a Rant ahead!!


most newish, "somewhere around 20'" vans are cut from the same cloth,,
island beds at one end and the "bathroom" at the other.
every.single.one.

important areas? well yes, but just how long can you spend in a bathroom? and dont get me started on island beds!
what you need in a van is walk-around space, bench space, and lots of windows to look out of when its raining.
You also need to think about where you want people to enter your van(or just peek into the open door),, do you want them to enter next to your bed? next to the bathroom? or the lounge area?
again with the "same cloth" thing the manufacturers do it next to your bed or the bathroom,, no alternatives are offered.
Everything in life is a compromise,,
in a van everything below 25-30 feet is a matter of deciding what aspects of the van are most important to you both.

and then you have to find one


Ps, If none of the above bothers you, Lucky You!