New Expanda 16.49-3OB

[Billrw136]

Well, as arranged I collected our new van on last Thursday. Then spent 3 nights at White Sands Caravan Park, Huskisson. Poured with rain Friday night. I was not happy but then thought - what better test re weatherproofing of a new van? It came through with flying colours - the tiniest amount of moisture on one seam at one end.

Problems - at delivery the number plate light globe needed replacing - light to left of door would not turn off (immediately replaced) - stove would not light (fixed immediately) - some silicone traces in shower area (have to look hard for these - will be easily sorted) - alignment of door to shower/toilet not perfect (but did not notice for 2 days) - not a big issue and will be sorted at service. Otherwise everything seems excellent esp. considering cost of van.

It towed well behind Discovery 3. Inner spring mattresses brilliant - they come in 3 sections - we have removed the very narrow outside strip to make bed making easier and also to keep bed side away from canvas. My wife loved being able to open bed end flap to look out at the trees (just like when we had the camper trailer). On board toilet great when rain bucketing down outside - I have to empty it though!

Overall so far very happy - anyone collecting new van make sure you pick the brains of the dealer - spent nearly 3 hours getting ours.

Regards to all

Bill

 

[Jim and Tab]

well done bill hope you get heaps of enjoyment out of your van
we also got a 16-49-3 love it to bits
but the deal with the wife was if we get the tiolet model wife has to empty it
so far its still a deal
cheers jim and tab

 

[cruza driver]

A great model Expanda but I may be a bit biased too we also removed the small section of the inner spring matress it really isn't need either we found.
Be sure to update us of your travels.

Like Jim and Tab said about the toilet, that is our arrangement too, :whistle:

 

[Moto Moto]

Congrats on the van

They all have their little niggling issues, but once sorted, its happy travels.

 

[Billrw136]

I will post a few photos tomorrow, hopefully, for those interested.......

Moto Moto I was anxious that I would have many more issues than we have (what we have are very minor) after haunting these Expanda forums! I enjoy seeing photos of other folks vans and the mods they have made.
The build quality of our van seems better than a lot that we viewed in dealer yards.

Bill

 

[NissPat]

Congrats on the new van Bill, as you say all these a re very minor and easily fixed.

 

[chartrock]

Congratulations Bill. Most of the forum members have had good experiences with their vans but the odd ones do have their problems. Hopefully all will be fixed soon. :violin:

 

[Billrw136]

Some photos.......

 

[cruza driver]

I remember when mine was as that clean underneath :thumb:

Plenty of clearance with the simplicity suspension too.

 

[Billrw136]

I remember when mine was as that clean underneath :thumb:

Plenty of clearance with the simplicity suspension too.

Yes - lots of clearance except when trying to do the right thing by others - went too close to garden bed (trying to give others room) while leaving van park and ripped off step!!!! I was not a happy chappy!!!
Ah well - not to worry........

 

[Bushman]

Welcome to 16-49-3 ownership :rockon: Looks good

Must have been a hard hit to rip the step off

Nice spot at White Sands, stayed there a few year back, but noticed they have since done some upgrades

 

[Billrw136]

Welcome to 16-49-3 ownership :rockon: Looks good

Must have been a hard hit to rip the step off

Nice spot at White Sands, stayed there a few year back, but noticed they have since done some upgrades

Yes, it is nice at White Sands - never been there before - I would hazard a guess that a lot of sites are now cabins. Re step - in my wisdom I managed to line up step with hefty log poking out from garden bed - I'll take it off - if I can't bash it back into place I may just leave it off and have a portable step sitting inside the door for when we stop.
Looking forward to next year when we can hopefully take the Expanda away to the bush at some time. We want to get off the beaten track a bit like we did with our camper.
Cheers
Bill

 

[achjimmy]

Van looks great. Wrotten luck with the step Bill, at least they bolt on now, Iam pretty sure our old expanda the step was welded on.

 

[Billrw136]

Picked up a new step at local Coromal dealer for $68 on the weekend - van is now back in good shape!

 

[mfexpanda]

Picked up a new step at local Coromal dealer for $68 on the weekend - van is now back in good shape!

I bent mine on the murray and had to replace it . :nod:

 

[Billrw136]

Off to Mittagong on New Years Day for a week - my wife is doing art thing and using the van - we can't wait to get it on the road again! Hope I can get it out of the garage - refer other post re getting it in the garage!

We are hoping to use van at least once a month and landing 2 week trip in July next year with a few friends (including son and his wife in our old camper trailer) down the Darling - Bourke etc - can't wait......

Happy New Year everyone!