Glenn

[Glenn]

Hi Everyone,

What a Great Site to veiw and see how many people & families love the panda model which help make up our mind to purchase one as we are a Familly with 2 10yr olds & a 5yr old.
We are New to the Caravaning Scene and we have a 18.57-5 due to be delivered in early October, and can't wait.
It has been very infomative, I chose the Tekonsha P3 Electric Brake Controller, though still a little confused on which way to set up the Trailer Plug, Change the car to 7 flat with Anderson Plug or leave 7 round with Anderson Plug, as we have a Disco 4 HSE some saying the LED lights may cause problems as well & we may need a Shunt Module.

Thanks again Chat Soon Glenn

 

[Pace]

welcome, straydingo you out there with assistance with this thread.cheers.

 

[Holden_man]

Hi Glenn,
Welcome and congrats on your choice of panda. Good to have another 18 around. There is a post where you can add your van selection too. Helps get the 18's numbers up. We have also found the site brilliant and the members couldn't be more helpful.
Bet you guys are itching to get your hands on the van, the waiting is a killer. Ours is due mid October as well, so can't help with your question, but someone will for sure. Did you option the van up much?
Look forward to hearing about the pickup and first trip.
Regards

 

[chartrock]

G'day Glenn and welcome. :welcome: Glad you are enjoying the forum. There are a number of members with Discos who will be able to answer your query as well as a lot of 18' owners.

October is not far away, it will be here before you know it. Keep us posted on your van and trips with words and pictures.

 

[mfexpanda]

G'day Glenn and welcome :wave:

 

[Xpandafan]

Welcome Glenn. You're all going to love your new 18 – I bet the kids are already counting the sleeps.
I've got a tame Disco expert that I can call on if you have issues with lights, so don't stress at the moment.
If you change socket put on a flat 12, then you don't need the anderson. The flat 12 will let you run high 12v for charger or fridge, etc.
Check with your dealer (Page Bros?) and get a 12 pin plug on your van if not already included.

 

[relgate]

Welcome Glenn. Bring on October!

 

[ROnEM]

Glenn, welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase.

I know you will find this forum an invaluable resource - I know I have!

Looking forward to pics and trip posts...

Cheers,

Ro

 

[BUSH PALACE]

Welcome Glenn and family youll hate the wait but itll be worth it !!!

 

[Glenn]

G'Day Holden Man,

Your Right ! We cant wait to get our hands on it & we have already booked in to a park in late October only a couple of hours away to iron out any teething problems, "if any".
We Optioned up with - Slide Out Option to club lounge, Bed converter, Roll Out Awning, Alko Jacks, Radio Ext Speakers RV controll Panel, Roof Ant & LED TV, Ibis Air-Cond & Extra battery, Nearly all the extra's exept Solar panels & the BBQ though i did get an extra bayonet fitted near the rear of the van so i can put our Weber Q220 at either the front or side depending on weather conditions.

Cheers Glenn

 

[cruza driver]

:welcome: to the forum Glenn. Nice list of options yu have added to your 18' too.

 

[Burnsy]

Hi Glen, sound like a nice van mate, seems like you've skipped a few phases and gone straight for an 18'....I like the way you think! One of my mates was new to vanning when he bought a 24' straight up,(towed with a disco) he was overwhelmed at first but now he loves it as I'm sure you and your family will too. In the mean time you can use the forum to help pass the time for the agonizing wait! Enjoy..

Cheers.

 

[Holden_man]

G'Day Holden Man,

Your Right ! We cant wait to get our hands on it & we have already booked in to a park in late October only a couple of hours away to iron out any teething problems, "if any".
We Optioned up with - Slide Out Option to club lounge, Bed converter, Roll Out Awning, Alko Jacks, Radio Ext Speakers RV controll Panel, Roof Ant & LED TV, Ibis Air-Cond & Extra battery, Nearly all the extra's exept Solar panels & the BBQ though i did get an extra bayonet fitted near the rear of the van so i can put our Weber Q220 at either the front or side depending on weather conditions.

Cheers Glenn

Hi Glenn,
I like the idea of the slide-out, they didn't even mention it to us, though weight is an issue for us and the Prado, and I suspect the slide-out would add weight. We are working hard to keep it at or below 2500kg. Will be interesting to see if you get the extra Bayonet. We also optioned it with that, but seems a bit hit and miss who gets it and who doesn't, going by members posts. the next purchase for us once the van arrives will be a weber. How do you find the Q220? I have two boys that are starting to eat like Gorilla's, and need a BBQ that will cope with them, reckon the Q100's might be a little small.
the link below is for our Intro a few weeks back.
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/showthread.php/1670-18-footer-OB
Looks like you might get yours a bit before us.
regards-jas

 

[Brad]

G'day Glenn.
Welcome to the forum and great choice of van model!!
We moved from a 16 to the 18 and absolutely love the larger van.
And that webber you have fits perfectly in one of the front compartments easily.

 

[Glenn]

Hi Jas,
We love the Weber Q220 plenty of height to cook a good size leg of lamb & room for the Vegies, use it nearly every Sunday. The lid removes easy so it should fit in the front storage compartment.
The due delivery date of our van is 10th Oct & i will add our Van to the 18 Footer link
Cheers Glenn

 

[bully66672]

Welcome Glenn,
I use the 12 pin flat plug on my van to power the fridge while travelling. Works well.

Cheers

 

[Holden_man]

Hi Jas,
We love the Weber Q220 plenty of height to cook a good size leg of lamb & room for the Vegies, use it nearly every Sunday. The lid removes easy so it should fit in the front storage compartment.
The due delivery date of our van is 10th Oct & i will add our Van to the 18 Footer link
Cheers Glenn

Thanks glenn,
Looks like the Q220 it is, delivery for ours around the 15th, can't wait!

thx
jas

 

[Holden_man]

Hey Glenn,
Any word on the van? :noidea:
Ours should come out of Jayco tomorrow. Not long now.

 

[Glenn]

G'Day Jas,

I called into the daeler today and have made a pick up time at 9.00 am next Wed. My Van still was still at the Factory due to be delivered wed of this week. A bit of a back log as we had Leisurefest in Melbourne over the last 4 days, a Caravan, Camping, Boating & 4x4 Show so they neede to clear the Jayco site today.
My wife only has Mon & Wed off work so we both want to pick it up together and have had a couple of issues with the car wiring that i hope is all sorted now !
Were on the home stretch NOW !

Cheers Mate

 

[Holden_man]

Sounds good mate, light at the end of the tunnel.
Look forward to hearing how you found the handover, and any tips after. Also look forward to seeing a few pics of the rig, should look pretty good with Disco+panda.
Yep, home stretch