Hello all,
We are half way committed to buying a caravan, now that we bought a 2012 Pajero Diesel with some after market suspention, electronic brakes, air bags in suspension etc.
Next thing to research is which caravan to buy.
One of our friends has Jayco Expanda Pop-top 16.49-3 Outback and another a Jayco Swift.
We were pretty interested in a Jayco Starcraft 17.58-3 Outback and have had quite a good look at it at the dealer.
We believe we will be using it for semi-off road use as we want to try exploring Australia a bit with the kids and in this case a toilet/shower is useful. A separate toilet/shower is ideal but open to both options.
Kids are 1, 3 and 6.
I am interested in what bunk caravan options there are out there and have come across the following so far. Also will consider second hand.
Jayco StarCraft 17.58-3 Outback
~$43,725
-Only 2 bunks (have to set table every night for 1 child)
-Good suspension
New Age Manta Ray (MR19BC SE) 3 bunks, special edition
~$62,000
-Quite a bit more expensive than the Starcraft, but much nicer inside
-Does not have as good suspension as the Starcraft OB
-3 bunks
-Combined toilet/shower
Tare: 2210kg
ATM: 2610kg
GVM: 2480kg
Ball: 130kg
Franklin Core GX-220X-W
$65,000
-Quite a bit more expensive than the Starcraft
-This van is beautiful inside!!!
-3 bunks
-Separate toilet and shows
-Does not have as good suspension as the Starcraft OB
Tare: 2231kg
ATM: 2731kg
GTM: 2550kg
Ball: 181kg
Ball weight is 181. Dealer advised we can probably order one with water tanks shifted around a bit to get it under, but when I load it, it will be more that 180kg limiting me to only be able to tow 2500kgs and not having much payload.
My favourite so far is the Fanklin, but it may be too heavy, otherwise the New Age is great (only downside is combined toilet shower, but that's not too bad).
Any comments and or other vans we should consider?
I need to discuss with the wife further about paying as much as $60k otherwise that might be off the table.
Thanks for the feedback!
We are half way committed to buying a caravan, now that we bought a 2012 Pajero Diesel with some after market suspention, electronic brakes, air bags in suspension etc.
Next thing to research is which caravan to buy.
One of our friends has Jayco Expanda Pop-top 16.49-3 Outback and another a Jayco Swift.
We were pretty interested in a Jayco Starcraft 17.58-3 Outback and have had quite a good look at it at the dealer.
We believe we will be using it for semi-off road use as we want to try exploring Australia a bit with the kids and in this case a toilet/shower is useful. A separate toilet/shower is ideal but open to both options.
Kids are 1, 3 and 6.
I am interested in what bunk caravan options there are out there and have come across the following so far. Also will consider second hand.
Jayco StarCraft 17.58-3 Outback
~$43,725
-Only 2 bunks (have to set table every night for 1 child)
-Good suspension
New Age Manta Ray (MR19BC SE) 3 bunks, special edition
~$62,000
-Quite a bit more expensive than the Starcraft, but much nicer inside
-Does not have as good suspension as the Starcraft OB
-3 bunks
-Combined toilet/shower
Tare: 2210kg
ATM: 2610kg
GVM: 2480kg
Ball: 130kg
Franklin Core GX-220X-W
$65,000
-Quite a bit more expensive than the Starcraft
-This van is beautiful inside!!!
-3 bunks
-Separate toilet and shows
-Does not have as good suspension as the Starcraft OB
Tare: 2231kg
ATM: 2731kg
GTM: 2550kg
Ball: 181kg
Ball weight is 181. Dealer advised we can probably order one with water tanks shifted around a bit to get it under, but when I load it, it will be more that 180kg limiting me to only be able to tow 2500kgs and not having much payload.
My favourite so far is the Fanklin, but it may be too heavy, otherwise the New Age is great (only downside is combined toilet shower, but that's not too bad).
Any comments and or other vans we should consider?
I need to discuss with the wife further about paying as much as $60k otherwise that might be off the table.
Thanks for the feedback!
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