Another new Panda

Flanders

Active Member
Mar 13, 2013
158
105
43
Just North of Melbourne
G'day,

After having a Swan for a couple of years we have decided to go bigger. Just ordered a new expanda 17.56-1 with the following options
Extended Drawbar
Anderson Plug
100amp Auxillary Battery
External Shower
Dual Gas and Water
RV Control Panel
Wind up TV Antenna
Larger Fridge
Privacy Screens
Also scored a 90W solar panel and 100 Amp Battery upgrade which they were doing at the Melbourne Caravan Show, even though I didn't go, just rang the dealer at the right time. :)


Any other things anyone could recommend we add?

I have already seen some great mods on the site and look forward to doing some to mine. Will be picking up around end of June and then going on a 1/2 lap. Hope to catch up with some of you on the road someday

Thanks to Cruza for letting me know about this site.

I will post some pics once I pick it up.

Flanders
 

Soaring

Well-Known Member
Jan 30, 2013
998
1,249
93
Melbourne - Eltham
Howdy, and welcome to the forum.
I'll get in before the others and say a drop down picnic table or two would be valuable.
Also an external Gas bayonett to hook up the BBQ, this is included in the Outback Pack. (In fact many here have one at each end of the van, but Im hearing the factory won't do this anymore.)

I also ordered the TV bracket, but will supplying my own TV.

Some reading lights on the bunks could be usefull, as well as some Power points in that area.

Did you arder the HWS with the external shower? From memory its not standard unless you have the ensuit model.
 

Lara

Active Member
Jan 23, 2013
728
223
43
47
Manly NSW
Howdy, and welcome to the forum.
I'll get in before the others and say a drop down picnic table or two would be valuable.
Also an external Gas bayonett to hook up the BBQ, this is included in the Outback Pack. (In fact many here have one at each end of the van, but Im hearing the factory won't do this anymore.)

I also ordered the TV bracket, but will supplying my own TV.

Some reading lights on the bunks could be usefull, as well as some Power points in that area.

Did you arder the HWS with the external shower? From memory its not standard unless you have the ensuit model.

Yep, make that *Try posting a bit more so your post isn't boring*, what soaring said!
Welcome to the forum Flanders!
Now I have to ask, Are you like Flanders? I've now got this image stuck in my head of you at a Caravan park walking around saying "Hi de ho neighbours" with a bible tucked under one arm!!!! :amen:
 

Flanders

Active Member
Mar 13, 2013
158
105
43
Just North of Melbourne
Hi Guys,

I probably should have mentioned one important thing, it is the Outback that we have ordered (do'h). The gas bayonet is standard now, but I am not sure where they put it. I will add a picnic table, I thought it would be a good idea, thanks . The TV bracket, I'm going to copy Lara, that one is a ripper!. And we do have the external shower ordered (have a couple of daughters 8 & 6)

And Lara, I'm actually probably the opposite of Ned Flanders, I used to live next to a houseful of single blokes in Mt Gambier, and because I was the neighbour they nicknamed me flanders and it sort of stuck!:) You certainly won't see me wandering around with a bible, but maybe a coldie!!
 
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Soaring

Well-Known Member
Jan 30, 2013
998
1,249
93
Melbourne - Eltham
OK great. The OB has the bayonett on the draw bar (Door side). I will be adding a second one on the rear end somewhere.
My question on the HWS service is that you need to confirm it has been included in the External Shower option, otherwise you will just have cold water. The external shower is about a $1500 if the HWS is included, and about $380 if not.
Cheers
 

chartrock

Forum Patriarch
Staff member
Sep 26, 2010
6,163
7,448
113
Gold Coast Hinterland
Welcome Flanders, I can't top the good advice given aready from our friendly members. Enjoy the forum and we look forward to your pictires and mods.
 

Flanders

Active Member
Mar 13, 2013
158
105
43
Just North of Melbourne
OK great. The OB has the bayonett on the draw bar (Door side). I will be adding a second one on the rear end somewhere.
My question on the HWS service is that you need to confirm it has been included in the External Shower option, otherwise you will just have cold water. The external shower is about a $1500 if the HWS is included, and about $380 if not.
Cheers
It is definitely with the HWS, have this in our 2011 Swan and is a great addition
 

Lara

Active Member
Jan 23, 2013
728
223
43
47
Manly NSW
Hi Guys,

I probably should have mentioned one important thing, it is the Outback that we have ordered (do'h). The gas bayonet is standard now, but I am not sure where they put it. I will add a picnic table, I thought it would be a good idea, thanks . The TV bracket, I'm going to copy Lara, that one is a ripper!. And we do have the external shower ordered (have a couple of daughters 8 & 6)

And Lara, I'm actually probably the opposite of Ned Flanders, I used to live next to a houseful of single blokes in Mt Gambier, and because I was the neighbour they nicknamed me flanders and it sort of stuck!:) You certainly won't see me wandering around with a bible, but maybe a coldie!!

Ha, so you're a little more Homer then! Chilled out, beer in hand, Good to hear!
 

Xpandafan

Seriously Likeable!
Aug 24, 2012
1,711
648
113
78
Kealba, Victoria
Welcome Flanders. Congratulations on the step up from the Swan. We remember our Swan (and Flamingo) with affection but there's no looking back. Look forward to your future posts.
 

Brad

Well-Known Member
Jan 2, 2012
2,645
723
113
Rowville, Victoria
Welcome Flanders. Sounds like the others have already provided you with a good list. Enjoy the forum and look forward to seeing your mods.
 

Jo Howell

New Member
Mar 13, 2013
6
0
1
56
Hi Flanders,

I would also order a stone guard to protect the front of your van, we have one on ours that works really well. Dflector stoneguards.com.au is the web address to get them from.
 

Flanders

Active Member
Mar 13, 2013
158
105
43
Just North of Melbourne
Pace- sure did but the wife actually chose the -1. Reckons the toilet gets too smelly and wants the extra cupboard space. Already have the porta potti etc, so will set up outside

Jo- thanks for that will check out the guard.

Thanks for all the welcomes