Hi everyone

[Lach]

Hi everyone

Just signed up so thought I'd introduce myself. Have had an off-road hard floor camper (campomatic ranger m3) for a few years but 3 kids aged 3, 7 and 9 (2x daughters) and wife who likes getting away as long as she has a toilet and hot shower has meant the camper is too small and does not provide enough comforts.

After quite a bit of research, I have just signed a contract for a 17.56-2 outback Expanda. Key attraction were:
Smallest van I could find with internal toilet and shower
5 beds that do not require internal reconfiguring at bedtime
Only 2.5t - not too heavy.
Was impressed with finish in inspection and suspension and running gear was solid.

A mate has just left for 4 months around Aust in his and he is very happy so far.

Am pumped to take delivery which will be in October. We are planning a trip from just after Xmas till when school goes back so a good 4-5 weeks. Yet to decide if north or south. Probably depends a bit on weather.

Question, can these vans be taken on Moreton or Stradbroke islands?

My tow vehicle is a 2004 Kakadu petrol V8 landcruiser. It is in mint condition and extremely comfortable. I do a bit of 4WD'g as well so it has a few mods: colour coded bull bar and Runva winch, TJM Rock sliders, ARB pneumatic diff lock in the rear diff, dual battery with CTek management system, UHF, awning, small lift in front with diff drop kit and upgraded torsion bars, 33inch cooper STMaxx tyres on 17inch black steel rims for off road work and 31inch AT3's on the alloy rims for around town.

Look forward to contributing and getting tips re mods.

 

[Dobbie]

Sounds like you've really investigated thoroughly.

:welcome:

 

[dagree]

Welcome to the forum @Lach and a good choice in van .... Might just be a little bit biased here
You have come to the right place for advice, ideas and to allow others to convince you to spend your dollars

If you haven't already have a good look through the site and you will see most members are friendly and willing to help...... Make sure you have plenty of time as there is a lot of info to go through.

PS.... The last week of waiting is the worst

 

[Lach]

Welcome to the forum @Lach and a good choice in van .... Might just be a little bit biased here
You have come to the right place for advice, ideas and to allow others to convince you to spend your dollars

If you haven't already have a good look through the site and you will see most members are friendly and willing to help...... Make sure you have plenty of time as there is a lot of info to go through.

PS.... The last week of waiting is the worst

Cheers mate. Jayco and Toyota! Can't go wrong

 

[bigcol]

welcome @Lach
you won me with the Kakypoo - I have a Black V8 one as well (well SWMBO does) - love it to death
as @dagree said, we love to have friendly banter and swap ideas and Mods, and help you to spend all of your hard earned coin

now, back to your Van

sounds like you have done a thorough research on what you want V's what you need - good on you

now - what extras have you asked for??

 

[Lach]

welcome @Lach
you won me with the Kakypoo - I have a Black V8 one as well (well SWMBO does) - love it to death
as @dagree said, we love to have friendly banter and swap ideas and Mods, and help you to spend all of your hard earned coin

now, back to your Van

sounds like you have done a thorough research on what you want V's what you need - good on you

now - what extras have you asked for??

Hi mate. I love the Kakadu. Crossed the simmo with it earlier this year and it just ate it up!

Re the van, got payload upgrade to increase ATM, plus
- Extended A-frame
-External Picnic table
-Weaco CR1140 Upgrade
-External Shower
-150W Solar upgrade
-Coast Control Panel
-Privacy Screens
-Anderson Plug

Did not worry about the Alko stability system - don't plan on going fast enough to need it and have towed quite a bit in past. Considered a treg hitch but thought if I get a 2.5t van on an angle beyond the standard ball hitch limits, something has probably gone badly wrong!

Rest I kind of figured I would wait till I use it and add as needed

 

[bigcol]

we dont get the option of Treg or not on the Outbacks in WA, Caravanland has the Treg as standard

extra power points are always the go
in the kitchen
under the table - (for lappies & Ipads & phone chargers)
closer to the beds for the kids to charge their whatever's
outside near the shower....

wind up TV aerial
roof top air con
bigger solar panels


lots and lots of options

 

[bigcol]

Hi mate. I love the Kakadu. Crossed the simmo with it earlier this year and it just ate it up!

havent seen any piccies in the "Members Rides" section yet.........

 

[crackacoldie]

:welcome:Looks like youve got the research covered. Look forward to pics of both the van and the tug.

 

[17triton]

G'day @Lach and welcome to the site. Just having a look at your options and see you have gone the compressor fridge, just a suggestion it might be worth getting an extra battery fitted in the build as it is then weighed with the van and won't eat into your payload later you may even need extra solar but that isn't as heavy or are you running a genny? Only suggesting as it looks like you have the setup to get off the beaten track and sounds like you like free camping. Cheers.

 

[Lach]

G'day @Lach and welcome to the site. Just having a look at your options and see you have gone the compressor fridge, just a suggestion it might be worth getting an extra battery fitted in the build as it is then weighed with the van and won't eat into your payload later you may even need extra solar but that isn't as heavy or are you running a genny? Only suggesting as it looks like you have the setup to get off the beaten track and sounds like you like free camping. Cheers.

Thanks Matt

I do want to get off the beaten track and am looking for a set up to accomodate this. Re the battery, I debated this but I think that between the battery in the van and the 100amphr dual battery in the cruiser and the solar panels on the van, I should be ok. Famous last words of course so if I do need more power, I was going to get more solar panels. Only generator I was planning on taking was the 4.7l V8 one I have. Not that fuel efficient though...

 

[17triton]

Thanks Matt

I do want to get off the beaten track and am looking for a set up to accomodate this. Re the battery, I debated this but I think that between the battery in the van and the 100amphr dual battery in the cruiser and the solar panels on the van, I should be ok. Famous last words of course so if I do need more power, I was going to get more solar panels. Only generator I was planning on taking was the 4.7l V8 one I have. Not that fuel efficient though...

Sounds good mate I just thought i'd mention it for you just in case.

 

[Delano]

Welcome @Lach sounds like a great set up you've got ordered
Look forward to seeing pics of the setup.
Have you got a delivery date?

 

[Lach]

N

Welcome @Lach sounds like a great set up you've got ordered
Look forward to seeing pics of the setup.
Have you got a delivery date?

not yet. Expect October

 

[mfexpanda]

N

not yet. Expect October

Welcome October ain't far away

 

[Delano]

yet

Roll on October .

 

[The Goodwins]

Welcome!