New to the group, looking at purchasing a new 16.49-4

[Laurence]

H all
New to the caravaning concept and looking for some information before purchasing an expanda.
We have a Family of 4, wife plus 6month and 3 yr old. Camping around the coast is starting to get a bit challanging so looking for a better base for us. Was ready to look at geting a 17.56-1 but come across the 16.49-4 yesterday, looks to be what we were after. Would be interesting to find out what people thoughts are on some extras, what to look out for and the benifits of the outback model, as we are looking at doing some bush camping and spending some time around eildon.

good to here your ideas!!!

 

[Doogle]

Hi Laurence,
Welcome to the forum.
To help us with your queries, perhaps you can provide a little more info.

What challenges are you facing with camping and what are you looking for in a van?
The 16 series will be a bit shorter and lighter than the 17 series, so i guess it depends on how much room you need,what vehicle you are towing with etc...

As was mentioned recently in another thread, the Outback model gives you more ground clearance under the van etc, but does not necessarily mean "offroad model", though it is designed more for the offroad experience....but more gravel/dirt roads than full-on offroading.
Some people see Outback and think this means Offroad (to every extent).

If you can provide some more info i'm sure you'll have loads of people here willing to offer great advice.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Laurence]

thanks Dave

We are looking at getting a van to give us a bit more protection to the elements and also make it a bit easier to set off at the last minute and have our camp set up quickly.

We were looking for a van that will give us a place to sleep and prepare meals, with enough room to be able to stay inside for a few hours if the weather does not treat us kindly.

The vehicle to tow it has not been purchased yet, the 99 Rodeo I have is getting a bit long in the tooth so was looking at getting a used 2WD D-Max twin cab. I believe they have a 2.5 tonne tow

Being outdoors is our goal so we where not looking to take the whole house so have not taken to much concern for to many luxeries in the van. We got the feeling from speaking to people last time we were camping and the dealers that the A/C seems to be something that is very commen on a van and not getting it may be a dsadvantage if selling in the future.

So far we were thinking of getting the following added to the van.

16.49-4 Outback model

A/C wall mounted to save on cost

Rear gas point to run BBQ

150 lt Fridge

Extra Battery

Privacies

Awning

Items I was consideing as they said it needs to be done in production are

radio stereo
roof mounted arial
external picnic table

If anyone has some feedback either way on the items it would be appreciated.

thanks, Laurence

 

[cruza driver]

G'day Laurance

Thats a nice list of extra's that is similar to ours.

We have the roof mounted aerial which works well and is one less thing to carry and store as well as setup when needed.

The outside table is also handy to have under the awning and comes on handy for those road side stops to prepare a snack

 

[achjimmy]

Welcome

Yep,the 99 Rodeo won't handle it. They will pull 1800kg legaly but the tow ball download wont, 120kg By memory. The other thing the outback offers is ground clearance, which comes in handy at service station gutters etc neither mind actually offroad? The 150l fridge is great and so is the other options you mentioned.

Good luck

 

[chartrock]

Welcome to the forum, Laurence. Your list covers most necessary items but you may want to think about a microwave which is not much use while bush camping but is a very useful extra if 240v available. How about solar panels, either fitted to the roof or as a stand alone? You may want it wired for solar even if you don't get it fitted immediately. Good luck with your choices.