Another Swan to Expanda Member

Freoboy

Freoboy

New Member
Sep 17, 2013
21
10
3
52
Perth
I have been a member on the site for a little while now, thought I had better introduce myself! We have upgraded from a Swan outback (only owned it for just over 12 months) to an Expanda 20.63 Outback. On our 3rd trip in the Swan, we went up to Exmouth, Coral Bay and Monkey Mia and the packing up and setting up became a drag. So whilst we were still on this holiday, we began looking at the Expandas on the web and around the caravan parks. We eventually worked out that the 20.63 gave us everything we needed and more! With a daughter 8 and son 5, the sharing a bed in the Swan was not going to last much longer, so the bunks in the Expanda were the answer. Not only that but all the storage made it even more appealing. I was watching this site daily, looking at tips for new owners and what to include.

We went for the extended draw bar, ESC, Drifter Control Panel, a bike rack on the back, water filter and the larger 2 door fridge/freezer. We just came back from our 1st trip, a nice week up in Kalbarri. The van was great, plenty of room, and the kids loved the beds. We are looking forward to the next trip already.

Thank you for a great site, it is providing so many tips and hints.
 

Attachments

  • Pajero and Expanda.jpg
    Pajero and Expanda.jpg
    4.6 MB · Views: 222
  • Like
Reactions: blacky and bigcol
Pace

Pace

Well-Known Member
Sep 16, 2011
2,045
1,334
113
52
melbourne
www.expandasdownunder.com
Wow, that is fair upgrade there, you could just about still take the Swan with you in that 20ft van. Gotta love the white car white van look dont you.

Welcome (belated), to the forum. Pace.
 
Freoboy

Freoboy

New Member
Sep 17, 2013
21
10
3
52
Perth
Thanks everyone, I will be sure to update you all with our travels and any mods. Looking at the site there are plenty of cool mods to do.
 
Bushman

Bushman

Forum Moderator
Staff member
Nov 9, 2010
3,060
2,345
113
Wollondilly Shire NSW
Well aboard, nice look set up how does the Pajero go with the 20 ?

certainly pushing close to the limits going of the Jayco specs for that van
 
Freoboy

Freoboy

New Member
Sep 17, 2013
21
10
3
52
Perth
Cheers Bushman, the Pajero towed really well, averaging about 17.5 per 100km for the trip to Kalbarri and back. The van came in at 2176, and the ATM is 2651. The empty tow ball weight is 136kg with a maximum of 186kg. As long as we keep the tow ball weight down to well below 180kg, we are all good.
 
Bushman

Bushman

Forum Moderator
Staff member
Nov 9, 2010
3,060
2,345
113
Wollondilly Shire NSW
Freoboy said:
Cheers Bushman, the Pajero towed really well, averaging about 17.5 per 100km for the trip to Kalbarri and back. The van came in at 2176, and the ATM is 2651. The empty tow ball weight is 136kg with a maximum of 186kg. As long as we keep the tow ball weight down to well below 180kg, we are all good.
Click to expand...

Sounds good, guess those dual axles help with ball weight and not having the spare on the drawbar (or is it?), Mitsi recommend a weight hitch on ball weight over 135kg
just watch the rear springs on the PJ if you still have standard ones we had issues with ours just towing our previous Swan camper.
 
Freoboy

Freoboy

New Member
Sep 17, 2013
21
10
3
52
Perth
Bushman said:
Sounds good, guess those dual axles help with ball weight and not having the spare on the drawbar (or is it?), Mitsi recommend a weight hitch on ball weight over 135kg
just watch the rear springs on the PJ if you still have standard ones we had issues with ours just towing our previous Swan camper.
Click to expand...

The spare is on the rear bumper, so this helps with the weight on the draw bar. I had heavy duty springs fitted to the rear prior to picking up the Expanda. The Paj seems to stay very level with the van on. I am keen to get a tool box on the draw bar down the track, so will look at a WDH at the same time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom