18' Series Made decision to buy an Expanda!

Lozza T

Lozza T

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Deal is done. 18.58-1 OB is on order!
Thanks to all the tips and advice on this thread we have decided to go the Outback. And I am excited that we did!
I got all the extra options listed above as well as the 2nd battery, upgraded to the Drifter Panel, bed end storm covers, extra 2 x 12V internal points and ESC!
Delivery late October. Family are really excited!
Thanks again everyone.
 
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Lozza T

Lozza T

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Thanks @bigcol
Before the mods, I will need to sort out a few things first.

1. Electric brake control. I have spoken to Steve from SS Electrical (who has been mentioned on this forum) and he seems switched on but also is all over wiring up the Discoveries. Apparently there is a flickering rear light problem on the Discos and the LED light on the van.
As I have the 2 car option (Triton & Disco) I kinda like the idea of been able to choose between the 2. So Steve has recommended the IQ Primus where I can do the wiring on both cars and and just have the 1 control unit the can change between both vehicles. About $1160 to do both. I have cheaper quotes but concerned that they may not know how to deal with the Disco issue.

2. Side Mirrors. I think I like the Milenco Grand Aero. Really cheap and looks like the reviews are positive. Again, I can change between the 2 cars.

3. Annex. Options? Australian Wide Annex. Initial quote online is quite expensive. Over $2800. Looking at other options? Considering Alpine Annex?

4. Tool Box. Didn't consider this initially, but after seeing a few here I am thinking may be a good idea? Or do I do a trip or two first and see how I go with storage?

5. Reversing Camera. Is this necessary? I reverse my boat quite easily into any position and have not had a need for assistance but the van is obviously much bigger. Does any get this done thru the dealer? Ebay has many options around the $200 mark which I reckon I could manage to install? Or am I better off getting the professional to install it? I could get my 8 year fello to be my eyes.

6. Sway bars? Necessary?

That's enough for now!

PS. Always open on tips on planning trips!!!
 
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dagree

dagree

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My thoughts on your queries @Lozza T

Lozza T said:
Before the mods, I will need to sort out a few things first.
Click to expand...

1. Either the Tekonsha IQ Primus or Prodigy options will be OK.... They have multiple setting savings so can be setup to suit each vehicle and setup at the press of the button without the need to reset everything.
2. Mirrors? Not sure about the Milencos but have heard good reports about them.
3. Annex Options. We paid a bit less than your quoted price two years ago for an Australia Wide one and very happy with it. Local quotes were similar or more expensive but advise you to make sure you look at quality and build before commenting.
4. Tool Box? They are brilliant! But agree with your thoughts and do a few trips and see how you go without one. It saves us carrying a lot of gear on the van floor or back of Prado and that gear is now already packed ready to go!
5. Reversing Camera? Have one on ours but use it while driving to see who/what are behind us and not for reversing. All wiring goes under the van from hitch to rear bumper so was an easy install.
6. Sway Bars? Or do you mean Weight Distribution Hitch? Both have their merits but it does all depend on individual setups. You may find the Triton needs them and the Disco won't and vice versa! As for WDH systems my preference/recommendation would be YES as they put more weight back onto the front wheels of the tow vehicle and improves the feeling of steering and braking. Unfortunately due to our setup we can not fit one so ended up upgrading the Prado's suspension to suit.

Lozza T said:
That's enough for now!
Click to expand...
I'm sure there will be more ;)

Lozza T said:
PS. Always open on tips on planning trips!!!
Click to expand...
OH I am sure some on here will certainly give you some tips ;)
 
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bigcol

bigcol

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Lozza T said:
is all over wiring up the Discoveries. Apparently there is a flickering rear light problem on the Discos and the LED light on the van.

About $1160 to do both. I have cheaper quotes but concerned that they may not know how to deal with the Disco issue.
Click to expand...

yes, thats a big problem if you wanted to go the "cheaper option" having NO lights would spoil your day if Mr Plod catches you
knowing how to fix the lighting for the Disco is a big bonus

Lozza T said:
3. Annex. Options? Australian Wide Annex. Initial quote online is quite expensive. Over $2800. Looking at other options? Considering Alpine Annex?
Click to expand...

SWMBO paid $2600 I think last year (or year before) for ours - 16'........ I would have rang them up and got them to come out to measure and quote, sometimes its because your face to face you get a better deal than online order form

Lozza T said:
4. Tool Box. Didn't consider this initially, but after seeing a few here I am thinking may be a good idea? Or do I do a trip or two first and see how I go with storage?
Click to expand...

yeah, play it by ear (if you have longer draw bar, not a hassle) see if you want / need to move stuff to make it easier / more convenient

Lozza T said:
5. Reversing Camera. Is this necessary?
Click to expand...

meh, depends on you & your abilities, but
it gives you warning if some knob is sitting on your clacker while you are towing (some people think they can get better economy by sitting up your date - really only works over 120kms per hour I have found)
and sometimes it just makes it easier getting into the spot you are wanting........

Lozza T said:
6. Sway bars? Necessary?
Click to expand...

this one is a long ongoing - open ended - topic
try a few times without - if you can borrow some try them, then decide


Lozza T said:
PS. Always open on tips on planning trips!!!
Click to expand...

well, I always work on max of 600kms per day travel - some people more, some people less, depends on you, and whats to see at what distance
also depends on where you are going
concentration while towing is one stress that has NEVER been worked out sufficiently to give a definitive answer to
 
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Lozza T

Lozza T

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dagree said:
My thoughts on your queries @Lozza T



1. Either the Tekonsha IQ Primus or Prodigy options will be OK.... They have multiple setting savings so can be setup to suit each vehicle and setup at the press of the button without the need to reset everything.
2. Mirrors? Not sure about the Milencos but have heard good reports about them.
3. Annex Options. We paid a bit less than your quoted price two years ago for an Australia Wide one and very happy with it. Local quotes were similar or more expensive but advise you to make sure you look at quality and build before commenting.
4. Tool Box? They are brilliant! But agree with your thoughts and do a few trips and see how you go without one. It saves us carrying a lot of gear on the van floor or back of Prado and that gear is now already packed ready to go!
5. Reversing Camera? Have one on ours but use it while driving to see who/what are behind us and not for reversing. All wiring goes under the van from hitch to rear bumper so was an easy install.
6. Sway Bars? Or do you mean Weight Distribution Hitch? Both have their merits but it does all depend on individual setups. You may find the Triton needs them and the Disco won't and vice versa! As for WDH systems my preference/recommendation would be YES as they put more weight back onto the front wheels of the tow vehicle and improves the feeling of steering and braking. Unfortunately due to our setup we can not fit one so ended up upgrading the Prado's suspension to suit.


I'm sure there will be more ;)

OH I am sure some on here will certainly give you some tips ;)
Click to expand...


Thanks for the advice Dagree on the electric brake controllers and the Annex.
I do have the extended draw bar so i will wait and see.
I will consider the rear camera and you are right, it would be very beneficial knowing whats going on behind while driving!
Re: sway bars / WDH. I will wait and see. I did upgrade the Triton suspension with Ironman Performance foam cell and lifted the rear by 50mm and the front by 40mm.
Thanks for the info!
 
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Drover

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Wow, thats big $$ for the brake controller set up........one controller and 2 wire harness.

Rear camera, I find a 90 deg cam wired on the rear is great, the reversing cams are 120 deg and you can't see whats behind until they are 2 mts away, I use mine as a rear view mirror on all the time, wouldn't leave home without it as I can see the DH's tucked in behind. www.brashimports.com.au

Wait till you do the odd trip before expending the $$$$ on an annex or a tool box, the annex is heavy as well and in a lot of cases the shade screens are just as good, see if you need a tool box less weight is always good, plus you need to see how much room over your drawbar your tug wants when turning, too big a box and you loose a lot of turn or the back of your tug.

Swaybars/WDH see how it sits and have someone who knows what their on about, (not van salesman) check out how the rig sits, more than likely will need them as Dags said.

Mirrors for swapping around I'd go the truck mirrors as I don't care for those that hang off the tug mirrors.

Hold on the spending on stuff until you see what you really need after a couple of runs otherwise you will end up with a pile of stuff you never use.
 
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Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

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Lozza T said:
Thanks @bigcol
Before the mods, I will need to sort out a few things first.

2. Side Mirrors. I think I like the Milenco Grand Aero. Really cheap and looks like the reviews are positive. Again, I can change between the 2 cars.
Click to expand...

I've been using the Milenco's for 2 years now, never had them fold back, never had one fall off, can see in them fine with minimal vibration. I'd recommend them as a great low cost option, especially when swapping between vehicles.
 
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Lozza T

Lozza T

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Bellbirdweb said:
I've been using the Milenco's for 2 years now, never had them fold back, never had one fall off, can see in them fine with minimal vibration. I'd recommend them as a great low cost option, especially when swapping between vehicles.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I like the idea of being able to swap between both cars!
 
BigSkiddy

BigSkiddy

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Just noticed this thread, congratulations on the new van @Lozza T .

Did you get the external shower? If so an annex light above it is handy especially if on the driver's side. They might be still able to add it. Cost was about $80.
 
davemc

davemc

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good buy nice options list not long to go
With the Disco you cannot use WDH with the air suspension. (well recommended not to Suspension pushes up as WDH pushes down or something like that) we had no problems with the 17 or now the 22 Jayco we have.

You need to get the load for LED's to stop the flickering. Interesting our D3 it never flickered although the trailer light did not come on did not even think of it until we got the D4. When you use the blinkers with the load on it a green trailer comes on to remind you as it know you have a trailer it changes the suspension setup.

We had a IQ on the D3 no problems now a Tow Pro on the D4 takes up less knee space.

We brought some Brunsgaard mirrors for the Disco and they worked well had to get a different arm for the new D4.
on the D4 we tried some Milenco's would not fit as those stupid large Disco mirrors :) hence ordered the longer arms.
 
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Tricky

Tricky

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Welcome to the the forum. We bought a 18.58.1 around 12 months ago. Love the layout and the big fridge especially. We opted for the touring model as we use Caravan parks and don't go off road. Upgraded from a 16.49.1.

Wouldn't change anything! Enjoy.
 
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Lozza T

Lozza T

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Hi all. I have been looking at various suggestions on how to secure our vans and I have made a list from what I have learnt here on this forum.
Now I have been doing a bit of Ebay searching and I came across something very interesting. It is a Home Security Camera Trail 3G GSM MMS Mobile Phone Solar Panel Powered.

see link http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261122183574?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Has anyone heard of a product like this and its effectiveness?

You see the issue I have is that when I receive delivery of my van, I will not be able to keep it permanently at home. (TOO BIG, WILL NOT FIT IN GARAGE!) It will be stored at a family peninsula property which is basically an empty block of land that will be completely fenced off.
The property is surrounded by neighbors and the van will require an effort to maneuver it around trees etc.
I will consider having the following security measures -
  • lock drop down jacks
  • remove jockey wheel and replace with stand
  • wheel clamp
  • remove wheels (rather not for storage and hassle)
  • concrete pad under van with chain hooked around axel
  • talk to neighbor and discuss installing a surveillance system on her house and have 1 camera directed at my van
  • GPS tracker (prefer it not to get to that stage)
  • sensor lights (maybe a 12V option that can run off the van battery?)
  • or maybe this above Home Security Camera gadget??
e=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vimeltech.com.au%2FEBAY%2FSECURITY-CAMERAS%2FMAS-PIRTRAIL-30MM%2FTrailcams_01.png
 
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Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

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Lozza T said:
Hi all. I have been looking at various suggestions on how to secure our vans and I have made a list from what I have learnt here on this forum.
Now I have been doing a bit of Ebay searching and I came across something very interesting. It is a Home Security Camera Trail 3G GSM MMS Mobile Phone Solar Panel Powered.

see link http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/261122183574?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Has anyone heard of a product like this and its effectiveness?

You see the issue I have is that when I receive delivery of my van, I will not be able to keep it permanently at home. (TOO BIG, WILL NOT FIT IN GARAGE!) It will be stored at a family peninsula property which is basically an empty block of land that will be completely fenced off.
The property is surrounded by neighbors and the van will require an effort to maneuver it around trees etc.
I will consider having the following security measures -
  • lock drop down jacks
  • remove jockey wheel and replace with stand
  • wheel clamp
  • remove wheels (rather not for storage and hassle)
  • concrete pad under van with chain hooked around axel
  • talk to neighbor and discuss installing a surveillance system on her house and have 1 camera directed at my van
  • GPS tracker (prefer it not to get to that stage)
  • sensor lights (maybe a 12V option that can run off the van battery?)
  • or maybe this above Home Security Camera gadget??
e=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vimeltech.com.au%2FEBAY%2FSECURITY-CAMERAS%2FMAS-PIRTRAIL-30MM%2FTrailcams_01.png
Click to expand...

Not sure why you are shying away from the GPS tracker, its a cheap option that will lead the police to the location of your van once the scumbags get around all of the other items on your list.

The camera is OK, but all you'll see will be it leaving.
 
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