Do we have the oldest Expanda on Forum?

[Dede]

Hello to all, new member here.
As the heading says, I. Think we possibly have the oldest Expanda on the forum. It's a full height Expanda freedom, 2001 I think. We purchased it 2 years ago and have been on many a fantastic holiday. It's layout is similar to the swan in the way the L shaped lounge has a cafe dinette opposite, I am currently having the table modified to a tri-fold by my brother who is a cabinet maker. We need the room, we are a family of 4 with the teenage sons being well over 6 feet.
Love the forum and all the great mods and info.
Just thought I should join and say hello.
Regards Dede

 

[crackacoldie]

Welcome to the forum. The age of the van is not important, it's the enjoyment it provides.

 

[mfexpanda]

Welcome

 

[Dede]

Thank you for the welcome guys. I wasn't complaining about the age of our van, just noting that we possibly have the oldest expanda on the forum. It has taken us from Bellarine to Cairns for 12 weeks in 2012 and back up to Goldcoast last September, Jervis Bay at Christmas and back to the Goldcoast this Easter. Not to forget the numerous weekends at Kennett River on the Great Ocean Road.
Love time in my Panda!

 

[BUSH PALACE]

welcome guys we started the expanda trip with a 2003 tandem

 

[Dede]

Hi Bush Place,
Yes we want to upgrade soon as the teenage sons won't want to travel with us soon, 15 and 16, soon to be 16 and 17. As it is we toss them out in swags when we go away now, no longer take the annex. If we make them too comfortable they will want to continue to come away with us. Ha ha!

 

[relgate]

Welcome
Id love to see a few Pictures of the van...

 

[Dede]

Hi Relgate,
The photos I have mostly have the annex up. Inside is always messy. When the tri-fold table is finished I will take some photos. As I said earlier we are trying to encourage our sons to get outside!!!! So we now throw them in swags, mind you the eldest would rather sleep on the couch inside, something about being in the fresh air doesn't agree with him. Thus the inside always has laptops etc in benches and table when we are away, so always in a mess when taking photos.

 

[relgate]

Hi Relgate,
The photos I have mostly have the annex up. Inside is always messy. When the tri-fold table is finished I will take some photos. As I said earlier we are trying to encourage our sons to get outside!!!! So we now throw them in swags, mind you the eldest would rather sleep on the couch inside, something about being in the fresh air doesn't agree with him. Thus the inside always has laptops etc in benches and table when we are away, so always in a mess when taking photos.

Our eldest (although only 9) is the same!

 

[DaveS]

betcha my daughter is worse ..... she stays in bed half the day, longer if we have phone service

 

[macca]

This one is old.

 

[dakky68]

This one is old.
View attachment 20704

Looks just like the one in your profile pic

Looks like it's about to tip over!

 

[Dede]

betcha my daughter is worse ..... she stays in bed half the day, longer if we have phone service

Oh the eldest would stay in bed all day, but I have to climb over him to get out of bed and inevitably sit on him!!! This makes him get up. The youngest sleeps on the floor inside the van when we are stopping for quick overnights and I'm usually up making breakfast and relegate him to my bed. Did I mention that hubby and I sleep in separate beds, much more comfortable, and with him up the opposite end of the van I don't hear the snoring!!!

 

[Burnsy]

Welcome @Dede, I'm looking forward to your pics also. Your expanda might be going on 13 years old but I bet it's had less issues than some of the later ones!
Cheers.

 

[Dede]

Welcome @Dede, I'm looking forward to your pics also. Your expanda might be going on 13 years old but I bet it's had less issues than some of the later ones!
Cheers.

Hi Burnsy, thanks for the welcome. Yes its 13 years old and is showing signs of wear and tear (inside upholstery has seen better days) I have just made slip covers for the cushions (bottoms only). We have done a few mods and repairs but we expect it from a 13 year old van. It is still built with staples!!! Oh and the silicon gun lives in the van as does extra screws and even the staple gun!!!

 

[hamish22]

Welcome to the forum. The age of the van is not important, it's the enjoyment it provides.

This!

And welcome also!:welcome:

 

[Dede]

This!

And welcome also!:welcome:

Thanks Hamish22, love your welcome sign!

 

[hamish22]

Thanks Hamish22, love your welcome sign!

Cool!
It's in the emoticon pop up when you type a message!

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Welcome Dede :welcome:
Our Kids have been in the tents outside the van for a while now and I think it may have worked...... finally. Last weekend was the 1st time my Wife and I have been away in the van without them and it was bliss !

 

[macca]

Looks just like the one in your profile pic

Looks like it's about to tip over!

Pretty sure they expand both sides.