Hi All,
Just a quick introduction for now since we dont get the new camper until August.
We are trading up from a 2011 Swan to a new Basestation that should give us plenty more opportunities to use it both in winter and summer.
The large open area in the rear will hopefully provide space to transport and use some sporting stuff. Not that we are that sporty, but do want to try camping near the ski hills in winter. In summer, the family bikes will be transported and for the occasional weekend, the dog can now come with us, sleeping in its cage in the rear rather than the rear of the ute.
Other benefits over the Swan include aircon and a quicker get up and go when just stopping for a nights rest on longer trips such as from Adelaide to FNQ.
With 2 children (girl 8) & (boy 6), the bunks will no doubt be better as they get older compared to a shared double bed and the opportunity to close the rear section of the van giving both parents and kids some privacy will im sure prove a valuable feature.
We also have an smallish jetski and if our initial measurements are accurate, it might just fit......delighted to see on this forum that someone else has already archived this. Whilst not the reason for the purchase, if it works, it will help resolve the dilemma on hot weekends of whether to take the camper away, or whether to use the jetski ( and the tent if staying overnight).
Mainly due to cost, we are not adding many options, although we have decided to get it under slung, add drop down corner jacks, an external gas bayonet and a privacy screen around the front bed. I'm then planning on building my own wardrobe in the rear area for the kids, upgrade the fridge 12v wiring using Anderson plugs,.....and no doubt many other extras inspired from this forum.
Might be a while before I have a van to take and post photos of, but already enjoying learning some of the issues, and benefits that the new van should hopefully bring to our family.
Paul
Just a quick introduction for now since we dont get the new camper until August.
We are trading up from a 2011 Swan to a new Basestation that should give us plenty more opportunities to use it both in winter and summer.
The large open area in the rear will hopefully provide space to transport and use some sporting stuff. Not that we are that sporty, but do want to try camping near the ski hills in winter. In summer, the family bikes will be transported and for the occasional weekend, the dog can now come with us, sleeping in its cage in the rear rather than the rear of the ute.
Other benefits over the Swan include aircon and a quicker get up and go when just stopping for a nights rest on longer trips such as from Adelaide to FNQ.
With 2 children (girl 8) & (boy 6), the bunks will no doubt be better as they get older compared to a shared double bed and the opportunity to close the rear section of the van giving both parents and kids some privacy will im sure prove a valuable feature.
We also have an smallish jetski and if our initial measurements are accurate, it might just fit......delighted to see on this forum that someone else has already archived this. Whilst not the reason for the purchase, if it works, it will help resolve the dilemma on hot weekends of whether to take the camper away, or whether to use the jetski ( and the tent if staying overnight).
Mainly due to cost, we are not adding many options, although we have decided to get it under slung, add drop down corner jacks, an external gas bayonet and a privacy screen around the front bed. I'm then planning on building my own wardrobe in the rear area for the kids, upgrade the fridge 12v wiring using Anderson plugs,.....and no doubt many other extras inspired from this forum.
Might be a while before I have a van to take and post photos of, but already enjoying learning some of the issues, and benefits that the new van should hopefully bring to our family.
Paul
