Help a newbie out, what exactly are these options?

[FiveInAVan]

Ok so due to circumstance I am negotiating buying/pricing our new van (Starcraft 17.58.3OB) via email otherwise would just ask the salesguy. But wanting to get my package organised and priced before I go in to see him to sign or anything. But I am still a little unsure what exactly some of the options are. Hoping someone who has bought a van can help me out.
Fusion basic package - assuming is speakers and radio.

Control panel drifter??? No idea. Is the drift to drift the one which shows the water levels? Is this necessary if you don't have an extra tank or solar?

Antenna tv wynguard - is this the wind up one?

Tv 19.5" sphere led screen - am I right if they haven't optioned the tv bracket it isn't standard? I don't want a tv as we probably won't use it, besides we have one on our boat we can use if we change our minds but would like the set up for it.

Is the water filter worth buying or is it cheaper/easy to just install one myself?

ESC - how much and do we need it on a 17.58.3 OB towed by a Prado (only vaguely know what it is. It corrects swaying is that right?)

Fibreglass walls - would you recommend it, do we need it? What kind of hail damage does a van get besides a few dents.

Does anyone know if these vans come with child restraint for top bunk and if not what it costs to buy?

Cheers. I am getting excited, can't wait to order our new van!!!

 

[davemc]

Howdy,

I might look at the increased A frame as well. We did not as we had a size limitation at the time. Although if you want to put a toolbox on the front it will help later.

Fusion pack so Radio (which you can plug TV into, bluetooth from phone) Speakers inside and out. We did not option with 17.58 was on our 22.68. Depends if you want it or not. We still play the TV sound through the TV

Drifter panel shows water and power and has the switch for 12v and water pump. We optioned on 17' and have it on 22' it has a USB port to charge a phone

Antenna tv wynguard - is this the wind up one? Yes it is.. Unless you want to plug something in from outside I look at this.

TV you can seperate to bracket and TV or TV alone. The TV alone unless they can do a deal you might get cheaper from Kogan
We did not go for the bracket in the 17.58 I used a computer arm instead. Have the stock one in the 22.68 probably simpler and has the release point for TV which was hard to find in a computer arm.

We run a BEST water filter on the way into tanks or inline with hose. up to you really if you want.

Fiberglass walls look nice and if your up north might be worth it. Depends if they can cut you a deal $2500 is a bit of cash for walls.

ESC if your never towed like we had not I think it is worth it we paid the $1k for it.

17.58 comes with child safety for top bunk. Although our kids fell out of bottom one so put cushions down there and had a bed one on the dinette with the small one was well.


Prices well these are old what we where given, someone probably has one from last year.
I know people who did not pay for any add on just paid for Van, others like me well we got a few K off. Depends. Our floorstock van we got with basically everything on it for the stock van cost.
ESC $990
TV aerial $378
Fusion pack $508
TV and bracket $515.. TV $343 19" Bracket $206
Bed converter $302
Drifter $515
Water filter inc tap $206

 

[Dobbie]

Exciting!

I can only comment on our experience and I'm sure some of those on your list can be negotiated. As long as you definately get the options you definately want or need, the others can be bonuses as they were in our case.

Strong recommendations:

• ESC. For safety. We've towed with and without ESC and the difference is significant.
• Extended draw bar. Gives you options on things to place or store there and I think it makes van easier to back. Not something that can be added on later if you need it.
• Wind up antenna...definately makes life easier. We watch very little tv but, when we do, we want it easy to set up and use. The other outside antennas are largely useless
• Solar...obviously good for flexibility in camping but can also be used to keep battery charged when van is stored. I think the van will come pre wired for solar so that could be an add on later, if needed.
• Some sort of indicator for tank/ s and battery. We thought Drifta was far too expensive and opted for Coast to coast. It's adequate but, if the wires are already fitted to tanks for the readings,a better panel could be added later.
• Fusion package...that was stereo, speakers in and out and 21" tv in our case. And it was a bonus as we didn't know we were getting it.
• Table drop down...has multiple uses and I wish we could have two!

Water filter....can be added later. Depends on how fussy you are with water quality and where you intend going. We bought one because we thought we'd better but have never used it as yet.

Fibreglass panels ...no idea but would suspect it would add to resale value of van later on as it would update the look....and it does insulate effectively.

Tv bracket...only needed pre installed if you know where you want to watch tv. As said, we're not great to watchers but find to on bench inside is fine or, better still, on outside picnic table.

If you have a price with some of the inclusions then the rest can be haggled on.

It's worth getting it right at this stage.

Have fun.

 

[FiveInAVan]

Howdy,

I might look at the increased A frame as well. We did not as we had a size limitation at the time. Although if you want to put a toolbox on the front it will help later.

Fusion pack so Radio (which you can plug TV into, bluetooth from phone) Speakers inside and out. We did not option with 17.58 was on our 22.68. Depends if you want it or not. We still play the TV sound through the TV

Drifter panel shows water and power and has the switch for 12v and water pump. We optioned on 17' and have it on 22' it has a USB port to charge a phone

Antenna tv wynguard - is this the wind up one? Yes it is.. Unless you want to plug something in from outside I look at this.

TV you can seperate to bracket and TV or TV alone. The TV alone unless they can do a deal you might get cheaper from Kogan
We did not go for the bracket in the 17.58 I used a computer arm instead. Have the stock one in the 22.68 probably simpler and has the release point for TV which was hard to find in a computer arm.

We run a BEST water filter on the way into tanks or inline with hose. up to you really if you want.

Fiberglass walls look nice and if your up north might be worth it. Depends if they can cut you a deal $2500 is a bit of cash for walls.

ESC if your never towed like we had not I think it is worth it we paid the $1k for it.

17.58 comes with child safety for top bunk. Although our kids fell out of bottom one so put cushions down there and had a bed one on the dinette with the small one was well.


Prices well these are old what we where given, someone probably has one from last year.
I know people who did not pay for any add on just paid for Van, others like me well we got a few K off. Depends. Our floorstock van we got with basically everything on it for the stock van cost.
ESC $990
TV aerial $378
Fusion pack $508
TV and bracket $515.. TV $343 19" Bracket $206
Bed converter $302
Drifter $515
Water filter inc tap $206

Thank you so much @davemc ! You have answered my questions perfectly. I originally wanted an extended A frame but I underestimated the length of the van when we were redoing our front and I think the van will squeeze in if I don't extend it. It's our first van so I am sure we'll manage without it as we won't know otherwise.
Great, will add in ESC. Sounds like something that will come in handy.
Think I will stick with the drifter now I know what it is!
Might go the antenna then and not bother about the tv or bracket. I think the kids would want it to stand it on the wardrobe down near the bunks anyway, and the bracket is usually mounted over the main bed on the 17.58.
Great advice about the beds, I will definitely do similar.
Still undecided about the fibreglass, but I am thinking if might be worth seeing as we are having a new one made and spending the money anyway. We've been quoted a discounted $1650.
Think I might add the water filter too, I know it's something that worries me and I'd like to think we can drink the van water rather than carry portable water like I am prone to do.
Thanks for the prices. The ones I have are about $50 more or so but not too far off the mark and gives me an idea for the options they didn't include that I want.

 

[FiveInAVan]

Exciting!

I can only comment on our experience and I'm sure some of those on your list can be negotiated. As long as you definately get the options you definately want or need, the others can be bonuses as they were in our case.

Strong recommendations:

• ESC. For safety. We've towed with and without ESC and the difference is significant.
• Extended draw bar. Gives you options on things to place or store there and I think it makes van easier to back. Not something that can be added on later if you need it.
• Wind up antenna...definately makes life easier. We watch very little tv but, when we do, we want it easy to set up and use. The other outside antennas are largely useless
• Solar...obviously good for flexibility in camping but can also be used to keep battery charged when van is stored. I think the van will come pre wired for solar so that could be an add on later, if needed.
• Some sort of indicator for tank/ s and battery. We thought Drifta was far too expensive and opted for Coast to coast. It's adequate but, if the wires are already fitted to tanks for the readings,a better panel could be added later.
• Fusion package...that was stereo, speakers in and out and 21" tv in our case. And it was a bonus as we didn't know we were getting it.
• Table drop down...has multiple uses and I wish we could have two!

Water filter....can be added later. Depends on how fussy you are with water quality and where you intend going. We bought one because we thought we'd better but have never used it as yet.

Fibreglass panels ...no idea but would suspect it would add to resale value of van later on as it would update the look....and it does insulate effectively.

Tv bracket...only needed pre installed if you know where you want to watch tv. As said, we're not great to watchers but find to on bench inside is fine or, better still, on outside picnic table.

If you have a price with some of the inclusions then the rest can be haggled on.

It's worth getting it right at this stage.

Have fun.

Thanks @Dobbie you have always been a big help with all my silly questions! The drop down table is included in our quote, I agree, it will come in handy. Will chat to hubby about the extended drawbar/Aframe as I have a feeling he'd like to add a box to it down the track for storage. Still undecided as I know we'll have issues storing it with any added length.

So my options will be -

Fusion basic package
Control panel drifter
Wind up antenna
Roof mounted air con
Bigger fridge
Bed converter for dinette
Picnic table
Water Filter
ESC
Fibreglas walls (maybe)

 

[davemc]

was at page bros they had this sign. not sure only for full vans

 

[Dobbie]

You're getting closer!

I think davemc lives next to Pages Bros....he visits a lot. But he's a good source of info.

 

[davemc]

You're getting closer!

I think davemc lives next to Pages Bros....he visits a lot. But he's a good source of info.

nah mate went for a drive with the kids.. Actually stopped at Jayco HQ to go through there shop. Last time there we saw some curtains..
Was after some left over stuff. nothing of interest..

 

[Bellbirdweb]

Agree with comments from others above.

ESC, no question, every van should have is as standard, but since they don't yet, get it.

We had the TV bracket installed, but purchased out own TV from JB HiFi at a fraction of the cost of the Sphere. Bracket is important, as they install the tapping plate that it attaches to in the wall when they build it.

 

[davemc]

we got a 28" Palsonic for $175 at a DSE sale not full HD although I like it bigger we got the 19.5" with the 22.68 and it looks small

 

[mfexpanda]

we got a 28" Palsonic for $175 at a DSE sale not full HD although I like it bigger we got the 19.5" with the 22.68 and it looks small

Just make sure they are 12v with the 240 v transformer that way you can run them from your battery if your free camping

 

[davemc]

Just make sure they are 12v with the 240 v transformer that way you can run them from your battery if your free camping

Yes lucky to find a big 28" that runs 12v.... We do not take the 240v with us only use 12v.

 

[17triton]

Your options look very similar to ours. I ordered an extra spare on the drawbar so I have 2 spares. I did that to get a higher ball weight rating stamped on my plate and will remove the front spare to accomodate the toolbox. So I will have an extra wheel in the shed but it was only $250 extra. We ordered the longer drawbar and esc and will fit my own water filter.

 

[FiveInAVan]

We are amending the list again! Hubbie has convinced me to scrap the fusion package and fiberglass from my list. Keeping the rest. Getting closer!

 

[FiveInAVan]

Your options look very similar to ours. I ordered an extra spare on the drawbar so I have 2 spares. I did that to get a higher ball weight rating stamped on my plate and will remove the front spare to accomodate the toolbox. So I will have an extra wheel in the shed but it was only $250 extra. We ordered the longer drawbar and esc and will fit my own water filter.

That is very smart!!

 

[17triton]

We couldn't justify 2.5 k for smooth sides either. Solar upgrade from 120 to 150w is only about $80 we did that. Light on the offside as well.

 

[FiveInAVan]

We couldn't justify 2.5 k for smooth sides either. Solar upgrade from 120 to 150w is only about $80 we did that. Light on the offside as well.

I don't know much about solar @17triton . How much of a difference would that upgrade make? Do you have an outdoor shower? I have heard lots of mention of offside light. Makes sense. Will have to try and remember to ask about that.

 

[17triton]

I don't know much about solar @17triton . How much of a difference would that upgrade make? Do you have an outdoor shower? I have heard lots of mention of offside light. Makes sense. Will have to try and remember to ask about that.

Not sure how much 30w will do but for a small outlay I was happy. Didn't bother with the ext shower as lose storage under bunk and probably wouldn't use tbh.

 

[Robbie Reddog]

Hubbie has convinced me to scrap the fusion package and fiberglass from my list

Our Starcraft is a couple of months old and the aluminum side wall have started to warp and buckle in the heat. If you look at it from the side you can see all the humps and bumps :frown-new:

If I had my time again and it was a available option then I would would get the fiberglass side wall. Had a few Jayco's before and all with fiberglass walls and never had a issue.

Goes in next week for a service so we'll see what they say

 

[Drover]

Lets see...........fellas have covered it well I reckon, having endured a big hail storm fibreglass is the way to go, no dents at all but $2.5k, well thats what insurance is for.
Extended draw bar a must and ESC can't be left out, it only needs to work once.
Drifter is expensive , get it pre wired for solar just in case and have the wall set up for a TV mount, can get better and cheaper TV's elsewhere , we have an Aldi TV, 12v all the sockets with dvd and wind up aerial is a must especially for resale later, you don't want to be stuffing around with outside ones.
Bigger fridge is a must, bigger the better .
Many rave about water filters but while we carry one we don't use it a lot unless the water is dodgy, small micron means no pressure sometimes. Buy one later and it will be about 30% cheaper.