Best bunk van?

[Willo]

Hi all,

My wife and our 2 kids (4+2) are planning a trip from Brisbane to Perth hugging the coast in the new year. We have roughly 4-5 weeks set aside for the trip. Very exciting!
Would appreciate some feedback about which models have the double bunk options and the pro's/con's based on peoples experiences.

Important factors for us are:

* Ground clearance - assume this means the "outback" upgrade.
* Privacy screen to queen bed and bunks.
* Entrance away from the bunks.
* window at sink, cooking area.
* Outdoor shower and cooker preferred.
* Still debating the toilet.
* Size not an issue though prefer a smaller functional van so can get into more places.
* $50K limit.

 

[davemc]

Welcome to the forum, search lots of info and lots of nice people to help.

On the Jayco website there are a few to meet what you want.
Entrance away from bunks was on our list as well.
A lot of vans have a curtain on the bunks..
If you want to separate the kids the Jayco Basestation has a wooden door to rear where the beds are
Larger Starcraft has one of the sliding folding doors.

We got a Starcraft 17.58-1 with three bunks (4 kids) instead of shower, although 2 kids I look to get the toilet version -3 as below 360
http://www.jayco.com.au/wp-content/themes/jayco/library/virtual-tours/17-58-3/index.html
There is no window at sink/cooking area anymore even though you see it on website.
We use a Weber Q as a outdoor cooking from a gas bayonet.

Non Jayco there are a lot of vans depending where you are go to a caravan expo and look around.
Although finding one with the bunks not next to the door is not as easy unless you go 19"+

If you want to go really outback then even the OB there is a bit of work to keep the dust out.

 

[Still_dreamin]

We were in the same boat @Willo. We were tossing up the models 14.44-4 vs the 17.56-1 expanda pop tops. In the end we went 17.56-1 as it gave us the option of inviting friends along with us. The kids (now 6 & 4) sleep separately - one in the double bed and the other in the top bunk. This allows the bottom bunk to be set up as a table and chairs for them to make their mess - drawing, games, bl@y loom bands etc, leaving the main table free. I also liked the bench space that the larger van gave. You can't beat it for storage and the poptop outback model meant you can still go everywhere with it. Good luck with your decision.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Welcome @Willo.

What's your tow vehicle?

For minimal setup I'd be considering the Starcraft 17.58.3.

I have the Discovery 17.55.5.SH. Only issue is the bunk near
he door and needs to be folded up/out to have full use of the lounge. Doesn't worry me my kids are older so they take care of that.

I like the Discovery setup for when your awake, big seating area, 6 adults.

I'd suggest a toilet/shower combo, especially with young kids. I have the external shower and have only used it couple of times. Although you might wantthe external shower for young kids if you need to assist them showering.

Get an the Outback version, for ground clearance.

I love my setup, I think it perfect for family of 4. Not too big, not too small. I can carry bikes for each person. Great having a bike, especially to scout out the perfect spot before you commit.


Good luck!

 

[Dandy]

Hi all,

My wife and our 2 kids (4+2) are planning a trip from Brisbane to Perth hugging the coast in the new year. We have roughly 4-5 weeks set aside for the trip. Very exciting!
Would appreciate some feedback about which models have the double bunk options and the pro's/con's based on peoples experiences.

Important factors for us are:

* Ground clearance - assume this means the "outback" upgrade.
* Privacy screen to queen bed and bunks.
* Entrance away from the bunks.
* window at sink, cooking area.
* Outdoor shower and cooker preferred.
* Still debating the toilet.
* Size not an issue though prefer a smaller functional van so can get into more places.
* $50K limit.

Welcome @Willo
We went through a similar process and ended up with a 17.56.1 which ticks all your boxes. Our 2014 outback with annexe would have left you with change for your budget. We also use a weber which lives on its trolley under the table. Others on here have gone with the extended drawbar with custom boxes. It may be worth your while to get prices from Melbourne dealers and make the pick up an adventure.

 

[Willo]

Welcome to the forum, search lots of info and lots of nice people to help.

On the Jayco website there are a few to meet what you want.
Entrance away from bunks was on our list as well.
A lot of vans have a curtain on the bunks..
If you want to separate the kids the Jayco Basestation has a wooden door to rear where the beds are
Larger Starcraft has one of the sliding folding doors.

We got a Starcraft 17.58-1 with three bunks (4 kids) instead of shower, although 2 kids I look to get the toilet version -3 as below 360
http://www.jayco.com.au/wp-content/themes/jayco/library/virtual-tours/17-58-3/index.html
There is no window at sink/cooking area anymore even though you see it on website.
We use a Weber Q as a outdoor cooking from a gas bayonet.

Non Jayco there are a lot of vans depending where you are go to a caravan expo and look around.
Although finding one with the bunks not next to the door is not as easy unless you go 19"+

If you want to go really outback then even the OB there is a bit of work to keep the dust out.

Thanks for the info!
I like the wooden door option, haha.
Will look into the Starcraft, thanks for the 360 link.
Main off road stuff will be on the beach hopefully.
Wow, 4 kids on the road, take my hat off to you!

 

[Willo]

We were in the same boat @Willo. We were tossing up the models 14.44-4 vs the 17.56-1 expanda pop tops. In the end we went 17.56-1 as it gave us the option of inviting friends along with us. The kids (now 6 & 4) sleep separately - one in the double bed and the other in the top bunk. This allows the bottom bunk to be set up as a table and chairs for them to make their mess - drawing, games, bl@y loom bands etc, leaving the main table free. I also liked the bench space that the larger van gave. You can't beat it for storage and the poptop outback model meant you can still go everywhere with it. Good luck with your decision.

Appreciate the info, thanks mate.
A single area for mess, I like that. something to work towards, haha

 

[Willo]

Welcome @Willo.

What's your tow vehicle?

For minimal setup I'd be considering the Starcraft 17.58.3.

I have the Discovery 17.55.5.SH. Only issue is the bunk near
he door and needs to be folded up/out to have full use of the lounge. Doesn't worry me my kids are older so they take care of that.

I like the Discovery setup for when your awake, big seating area, 6 adults.

I'd suggest a toilet/shower combo, especially with young kids. I have the external shower and have only used it couple of times. Although you might wantthe external shower for young kids if you need to assist them showering.

Get an the Outback version, for ground clearance.

I love my setup, I think it perfect for family of 4. Not too big, not too small. I can carry bikes for each person. Great having a bike, especially to scout out the perfect spot before you commit.
View attachment 27551

Good luck!

Cheers Big Skiddy,
Tow vehicle is a 200 so no probe there. Thanks for the advice I'll check it out.

 

[Willo]

Welcome @Willo
We went through a similar process and ended up with a 17.56.1 which ticks all your boxes. Our 2014 outback with annexe would have left you with change for your budget. We also use a weber which lives on its trolley under the table. Others on here have gone with the extended drawbar with custom boxes. It may be worth your while to get prices from Melbourne dealers and make the pick up an adventure.

Cool, thanks for the advice.
Will check out prices though I hope to get something in Brisbane. Is their any difference in stamp duty between the eastern states?

 

[twscoot]

Welcome! If you extend your budget slightly and are prepared to go bigger I'm a fan of our 20.62-3 Starcraft having come from a 16.49-3 Expanda.
It has everything with plenty of photos and a good shakedown story under my username.

 

[davemc]

I agree with @twscoot get the biggest your happy to tow and can fit.. the 17" was just about to fit in our backyard we moved the gate forward more then originally planned, so now I could maybe squeeze a 19" in
I go for the toilet/shower I still think we should off. Although the plan was twins can share top to toe for a while before we loose our inside table every night. Thats a good thing with the 17.56. We also wanted each kid to have a bed each when they sick of sharing, so then we loose the dinette.

On the road a DVD or ipad is a must only so much I Spy you can do with the kids.. Our just turned three year olds watched Octonauts for 5 hours straight each day and we listened to it :music:

 

[macca]

If you are still tossing up about toilet/shower, toss a two dollar coin and pick heads. You do not have to use it all the time it but it is handy having it. We are on our second van and I know my wife will say she would never be without a separate toilet & shower. You can still have the outside shower which is good for washing sand off your feet.
So it depends on you with the size of van? If you want expanda, do you want both ends to open out and bunks?
I would start off with a 17.56-2 (combo shower/toilet) That will be a pop top. Heaps of those come up second hand. Outback or standard underslung.
If you want the convenience of an 18 full van, any of the 18's may suit. There are more 18's to pick from in the previous years, they don't do as many floor plans now. It is handy having the second end bed, your kids will probably sleep together in it. You can get the bunks that fold into a table which is good for the kids. Our first van had bunks and the kids didn't like them so this time we didn't get bunks.
Maybe a good idea to hire a van for a weekend and try it. Heaps of people buy a van and then wish they had bought something different.

Have fun

 

[Dandy]

Cool, thanks for the advice.
Will check out prices though I hope to get something in Brisbane. Is their any difference in stamp duty between the eastern states?

Not sure about stamp duty but from posts on here it seems like freight costs from Melbourne will be built into the price so if you pick up from a Vic you may get better bang for your buck! It would be interesting to see the difference. We got a great price from Page Bros in Seaford after a bit of haggling. My experience was that depending on their stock and accesories some dealers may have a slight advantage. If you're buying new it's important to place the order to reserve a place on the production run for your model because that's the one you will get regardless.

 

[relgate]

If you are still tossing up about toilet/shower, toss a two dollar coin and pick heads. You do not have to use it all the time it but it is handy having it. We are on our second van and I know my wife will say she would never be without a separate toilet & shower. You can still have the outside shower which is good for washing sand off your feet.
So it depends on you with the size of van? If you want expanda, do you want both ends to open out and bunks?
I would start off with a 17.56-2 (combo shower/toilet) That will be a pop top. Heaps of those come up second hand. Outback or standard underslung.
If you want the convenience of an 18 full van, any of the 18's may suit. There are more 18's to pick from in the previous years, they don't do as many floor plans now. It is handy having the second end bed, your kids will probably sleep together in it. You can get the bunks that fold into a table which is good for the kids. Our first van had bunks and the kids didn't like them so this time we didn't get bunks.
Maybe a good idea to hire a van for a weekend and try it. Heaps of people buy a van and then wish they had bought something different.

Have fun

I agree re the shower/toilet. We were 50/50 on the first van but ion the end we were so glad to get the shower/toilet. Wouldn't get a van without them (or hot water for that matter)
They also help tremendously with re-sale I reckon

 

[relgate]

BTW, the best bunk van is the 22.68.1 OB
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/relgate-gets-a-starcraft-22-68-1-outback.5224/

 

[Willo]

Thanks everyone for their advice and comments! It has really helped with our decision making process.
We have narrowed it down to the following two models though we are going second hand 2012 onwards so will still weigh up other options.

18.57-9 OB with the table under the top bunk.
2063-1 OB.

 

[macca]

So if you are keen on a 18.57-9 then you should consider an 18.57-6 because it is a shorter version of the 20.63-1.

There is a ripper 20.63-1 in the for sale section at the moment. It is not an outback but depending on what driving you will be doing, getting it underslung is not expensive and you will be miles in front of your budget on a near new van. It has heaps of extras. (Broty's Van)

 

[Willo]

So if you are keen on a 18.57-9 then you should consider an 18.57-6 because it is a shorter version of the 20.63-1.

There is a ripper 20.63-1 in the for sale section at the moment. It is not an outback but depending on what driving you will be doing, getting it underslung is not expensive and you will be miles in front of your budget on a near new van. It has heaps of extras. (Broty's Van)

Cheers Macca