Hi all
I've been posting for a little while now and been a watcher on the forum for a LONG time. Thought I better introduce myself. We are currently using a camper trailer but on the brink of bying our first expanda. Just nutting out the options and looking for the best price. We have 3 Kids (2, 4 and 7) and we have our heart set on a 17.56.2
The forum has been a great source of ideas and has answered so many questions. You are all so friendly and helpful. I have NEVER read a negative comment. Thanks to everyone who contributes so willingly! I look forward to getting more experienced so that i can contribute more.
We are currently looking at this model:
17.56.2 OB
including:
Roll out awning
roof mounted AC
Privacy screens
wind up antenna
CD/DVD with internal/external speakers
2 Foam mattresses (Is this possible?)
150L fridge
external picnic table
solar provision/wiring perhaps with panels (2 x 120Watt??)
battery pack, control panel, 2 100amp batteries
12v fridge fan
external gas bayonet at front
external shower
extended drawbar with gas bottles placed against van body.
annex
Extra powerpoint and 12v under dining table
Extra powerpoint and 12v under bunk table
outdoor light above outdoor shower
curtain to top bunk
shelves in robe
keyed alike (if possible, anyone else got this?)
full oven
I was keen on the simplicity suspension but weight is an issue. We only have 2.25T towing capacity (Hilux SR dual cab 4x4 3L TD). We also have a 2010 Ford territory with 2.3T towing, but not 4x4. I've seen 17.56.2's with similar options coming in at around 1950 TARE so we are sailing close to the wind
I will be using the van as an office/site office when not on holidays hence the extra power points
At this stage I have spoken to a few dealers, most of them helpful, and once we reach the magic number i will be ready to sign. I'm keen to go with my local dealer, or one close by, but unfortunately price is a big factor.
I guess the big issues at the moment are:
Mattresses (does anyone know how to spell that?
). I posted a thread earlier on the innersrping comfort. We tried them a t a dealer and were not impressed by the join. Some on the forum seem to think a topper does the trick, others want to go back to foam. Not sure what we will do, but one of my big things last holidays was that I didnt have a good nights sleep in the camper (thin 100mm foam bed) and came back after 10 days with a bad back. Comfortable sleep is a big priority.
Fabric Colour. Like most, we liked the colours last year but cant find anything we like this year. I dont have the chart handy, but I thin k we will settle on the blue base and bolster, or the blue base and patterned bolster (make sense to anyone?) I'm interested in feedback from 2012 owners on this.
Thanks again everyone on a great forum.
I've been posting for a little while now and been a watcher on the forum for a LONG time. Thought I better introduce myself. We are currently using a camper trailer but on the brink of bying our first expanda. Just nutting out the options and looking for the best price. We have 3 Kids (2, 4 and 7) and we have our heart set on a 17.56.2
The forum has been a great source of ideas and has answered so many questions. You are all so friendly and helpful. I have NEVER read a negative comment. Thanks to everyone who contributes so willingly! I look forward to getting more experienced so that i can contribute more.
We are currently looking at this model:
17.56.2 OB
including:
Roll out awning
roof mounted AC
Privacy screens
wind up antenna
CD/DVD with internal/external speakers
2 Foam mattresses (Is this possible?)
150L fridge
external picnic table
solar provision/wiring perhaps with panels (2 x 120Watt??)
battery pack, control panel, 2 100amp batteries
12v fridge fan
external gas bayonet at front
external shower
extended drawbar with gas bottles placed against van body.
annex
Extra powerpoint and 12v under dining table
Extra powerpoint and 12v under bunk table
outdoor light above outdoor shower
curtain to top bunk
shelves in robe
keyed alike (if possible, anyone else got this?)
full oven
I was keen on the simplicity suspension but weight is an issue. We only have 2.25T towing capacity (Hilux SR dual cab 4x4 3L TD). We also have a 2010 Ford territory with 2.3T towing, but not 4x4. I've seen 17.56.2's with similar options coming in at around 1950 TARE so we are sailing close to the wind
I will be using the van as an office/site office when not on holidays hence the extra power points
At this stage I have spoken to a few dealers, most of them helpful, and once we reach the magic number i will be ready to sign. I'm keen to go with my local dealer, or one close by, but unfortunately price is a big factor.
I guess the big issues at the moment are:
Mattresses (does anyone know how to spell that?
Fabric Colour. Like most, we liked the colours last year but cant find anything we like this year. I dont have the chart handy, but I thin k we will settle on the blue base and bolster, or the blue base and patterned bolster (make sense to anyone?) I'm interested in feedback from 2012 owners on this.
Thanks again everyone on a great forum.