Expanda or Base Station?

[Budgerigar]

I asked the same question at a caravan show on the weekend, and he told me it was like comparing apples to oranges, so couldn't really compare them. But we just don't know which way to go...
We have 4 kids, between 6 and 12, and will be doing Cameron Corner before heading up to Katherine and across to the West coast later in the year.
We like the space in the Base Station, and would probably use the back for storing bikes (not the motor variety) as well as the usual bags etc for 6. We might also put swags in there, for if/when we need to use it as a base and camp away for the night. We have a Landcruiser, but there's not a lot of room in them for bags. The bunks seem longer and wider, which will be handy as the kids are only going to get bigger. The ensuite area though is tiny!
The Expanda has a bigger shower and is smaller to tow and store. Would it be more suitable for rough roads than the Base Station?
I'd appreciate any thoughts, both on the type of van and the suitability for either to travel the outback (we'd be getting the Outback version of either).
Thanks!

 

[davemc]

Welcome to the forum..
We have 4 kids 4-9 I really like the basestation for the rear end for kids.
Although we where not 100% on expanda bed hence got a Starcraft 22.68 and have one of the kids on dinette.

If you go for a 20' expanda with both bed ends you have either two sharing a bed or triple bunks and one spread out.
If you go for a 17 or 18' expanda you get 2 on bunks and 2 sharing a bed.
So you do have options.
What Landcruiser are you towing with? Or space to store. if you have a limit on space/tow vehicle could decide for you

The newer basestation comes 23 or 19. The 23 has the nice slide out the 19 is smaller although your lost the door going into the back room. You could look second hand for a 21 which is in between.

 

[pauljygrant]

We opted for versatility of the Basestation (21) and like the ability to shut the door to the kids bit. As they get older, I'm sure they will like this option as well and might help to extend how long they are willing to travel.
Only issue with carrying stuff eg bikes in the rear is whether you need to remove them to set up at night. With the rear door, you don't have the option to keep bikes on an external bike rack.
Otherwise, provided you can handle the weight and size, would suggest the Basestation.

 

[Smirke]

Hi @Budgerigar . We also have 4 kids between 9 and 15. We have the expanda 21-64 OB which is now obsolete ,which is a shame, as it is bigger and has more cupboards that the new 20-64. We have 2 on the back bed and 2 in the fold down,dinette style bunks. We got rid of the ensuite section and replaced it with cupboards which gave HEAPS more storage but also a lot more floor space down the back. Infact, we can put a full size single matteress down on the floor if necessary.
I agree with what @pauljygrant said about the bikes and setting up at night. It would be annoying to have to remove/relocate all your stuff to be able to use the beds for overnight stays.
Both vans would be suitable and I guess it also depends on how easily the car can tow the vans. Good luck with your decision.

 

[17triton]

@bigman0510 is selling his 21 ft base station at the moment. He is in Queensland and his van has a heap of extras. It would be well worth a look. He has an ad in the for sale section.

 

[Budgerigar]

I'm not too worried about moving the bikes out when we set up, there's very little chance we'd fit our 6 bikes on a car carrier anyway!

That 21ft looks great, and I hope it doesn't sell before we've made up our minds on which way to go

As far as the figures read, we should be able to tow it (it's a 200 series), but I'm wondering if we *should* be towing it the places where we want to go?

Has anyone with a base station gone off-road?

 

[bigman0510]

That 21ft looks great, and I hope it doesn't sell before we've made up our minds on which way to go

Um..... Just sort of accepted an offer, but it was a bit below my asking price, how quick can you be??
there is a nice 2014 Basestation for a very good price on caravan camping sales at the moment.

Has anyone with a base station gone off-road?

 

[pauljygrant]

I'm not too worried about moving the bikes out when we set up, there's very little chance we'd fit our 6 bikes on a car carrier anyway!

That 21ft looks great, and I hope it doesn't sell before we've made up our minds on which way to go

As far as the figures read, we should be able to tow it (it's a 200 series), but I'm wondering if we *should* be towing it the places where we want to go?

Has anyone with a base station gone off-road?

We didn't opt for the outback model but did under sling the axle for greater ground clearance.
Jayco don't recommend taking any of their campers truely off-road but since the Basestation is designed to carry a heavy payload, it's suspension and chassis is one of the best from the Jayco range. Issue might be the length more than anything else.

 

[Budgerigar]

Um..... Just sort of accepted an offer, but it was a bit below my asking price, how quick can you be??
there is a nice 2014 Basestation for a very good price on caravan camping sales at the moment.

I wish we knew what we were doing!! We're still in the research phase