Considering a new Starcraft.

[Dove]

Im considering up grading our 2013 Starcraft 16.51.3 Outback caravan. Likes, i will have the latest van with independent suspension and esc. Dislikes, the new van has smaller overhead cupboards, silly little shelves under them, the curtains and bedding seem of less quality.

I installed a diesel heater in the current van. I would like to include the factory fitted one in the new van. Has any one purchased a new van with this option? Where did Jayco fit it? And cost?

Our current shower is a nicely shaped one piece moulding. The van we saw yesterday appeared to have gone back to the old style with fitted glued panels, either that or they are moulding units with very tight corners?

 

[mfexpanda]

The new suspension is awesome but I don't think the diesel heater is a factory option

 

[Crusty181]

... @mfexpanda will confirm the luxury caravans have the flat panel showers, which is not a bad thing if its a similar setup to the Silverline. The Silverline showers look very lush. Diesel heater aren't on the options list, but the dealer might arrange installation for you pre-delivery

 

[mrsmfexpanda]

@Crusty181 i can confirm the silverline showers are flat panelled brownish coloured very easy to clean not that @mfexpanda could tell you that. I find that the silverline stays warmer at night than the expanda and we have vever been cold enough to have to put the heater on at night . Also consider resale we found holding on to the van for five years gave us back what we paid for it and if you are not happy with cupboards may be hang on till next year I'm sure they will change it again

 

[Meanderthals]

@mrsmfexpanda, my wife was told by a woman at one place that if it's inside the van then it's the wife's responsibility. Outside is his responsibility and as the toilet cassette has to be emptied from outside then that is his as well. If you want to swap then that's quite Ok with me.

 

[FiveInAVan]

@Crusty181 i can confirm the silverline showers are flat panelled brownish coloured very easy to clean not that @mfexpanda could tell you that. I find that the silverline stays warmer at night than the expanda and we have vever been cold enough to have to put the heater on at night . Also consider resale we found holding on to the van for five years gave us back what we paid for it and if you are not happy with cupboards may be hang on till next year I'm sure they will change it again

Great tip about the resale value. I didn't know that. Maybe I should have a 5yr plan for our new van rather than a 10yr one and plan to upgrade after 5.

Can't help you with the Starcraft @Dove but am following as it is one of the top 3 on my list currently.

 

[Dove]

Thanks for the replies. Is the shower a one piece unit, or are the side and rear panels separate pieces glued together?

Some good points regarding change over times. This morning I was supposed to visit our dealer to discuss a change over price. Instead I am lying on the couch at home with a solid dose of flu. It's amazing how quickly you lose interest when crook.

So now I'm thinking of keeping my van and up grading its suspension. I have read that Pedders or Bilstein shocks will be an improvement over the AlKo ones. There are a couple of posts on this Forum that mention changing the springs. What springs do people use? Is there a spring/shocker combination I should consider?

Advice appreciated.

 

[Crusty181]

Great tip about the resale value. I didn't know that. Maybe I should have a 5yr plan for our new van rather than a 10yr one and plan to upgrade after 5.

Can't help you with the Starcraft @Dove but am following as it is one of the top 3 on my list currently.

Good tip @mrsmfexpanda, we sold our last Expanda just on 5 years and got just shy of the purchase price

 

[Crusty181]

@mrsmfexpanda, my wife was told by a woman at one place that if it's inside the van then it's the wife's responsibility. Outside is his responsibility and as the toilet cassette has to be emptied from outside then that is his as well. If you want to swap then that's quite Ok with me.

Ill have call in the adjudicator on the one. The poo tanks whole existence is "inside" the van, just accessible via the outside.

 

[Crusty181]

@Crusty181 i can confirm the silverline showers are flat panelled brownish coloured very easy to clean not that @mfexpanda could tell you that. I find that the silverline stays warmer at night than the expanda and we have vever been cold enough to have to put the heater on at night . Also consider resale we found holding on to the van for five years gave us back what we paid for it and if you are not happy with cupboards may be hang on till next year I'm sure they will change it again

I hear you maybe joining the exclusive diesel heater club

Tell us more about all the things @mfexpanda doesn't know .... I suspect I may find that interesting

 

[mrsmfexpanda]

I clean poo up at work, pick up dog poo at home and also take turns emptying the toilet cassette so it really doesnt worry me . As for the shower @Dove the shower is one piece with a right angle bend dont know if this pic shows it but the best thing is the 7kg washing machine/dryer

 

[Dove]

Thanks for that. When i looked on Sat. I could not work out if it was a bend or 2 panels glued together and the salesman wasn't very well trained on the product.

As for a diesel heater, I installed a 2kw unit. On a cold morning it very quickly brings the van up to a comfortable temp.

 

[mfexpanda]

I hear you maybe joining the exclusive diesel heater club

Tell us more about all the things @mfexpanda doesn't know .... I suspect I may find that interesting

I know everything

 

[chartrock]

I know everything

Reminds me of the "FOR SALE" ad
Encyclopedia Brittanica, no longer needed as wife knows everything.