Hi

[xpanda]

As I've been picking a few peoples brains with a bunch of queries I thought I probably should introduce myself.
We are a young family of four ( me the wife and 2 young boys 5 & 8) who live in Pakenham, and are about to upgrade our 16 ft expanda (which by the way we have only had 12 months) to an 18 outback. We've progressed from tents to the camper trailer to the expanda, and it had to be that way otherwise we would have never got to this point.
I remember enviously eyeing off an expanda at our campsite when we were in our previous camper trailer being belted by high winds. Straight after that trip I was researching expanda's, and it wasn't long after that we got our 16 and haven't looked back.
Finally I'd like to say that I've been really impressed by the standard and quality of info in this forum and the friendly, helpful people.

 

[Burnsy]

Hi there xpanda what model 18 are you after?

 

[Bushman]

:welcome: xpanda, yeah which 18 are you after., remember, we love pics around here.

 

[Xpandafan]

Welcome xpanda. Expanda Envy has no known cure, but size isn't everything...unless you've got an 18 footer.
Happy hunting. Got some pics of your 16 to share?

 

[xpanda]

Hi there xpanda what model 18 are you after?

Hi Burnsey, we are set on the 18.57-6 outback, we want the set up to allow us be self sufficient this time as the 16 didn't have toilet shower and the 18 layout suits us better

 

[ckcklopic]

Hi xpanda, we went from a swan which we set up three times and said to ourselves this wont do, to an 16.49-2, bunks but no toilet which we had for 12 months. Each time we set up a full annex with the cubby room at rear for the porta potty. Didn't take long to get sick of that. We now have a 18.57-9, as it has an ensuite, bunks and plenty of storage space. We have 2 kids but one has Autism and the other often brings a friend so needed the extra bed. We don't like the set up/pack up time as its hard to keep an eye on child with autism if we both get busy, but have found this with van the set up/pack up Not too bad. Good luck,
Kim

 

[xpanda]

Hi xpanda, we went from a swan which we set up three times and said to ourselves this wont do, to an 16.49-2, bunks but no toilet which we had for 12 months. Each time we set up a full annex with the cubby room at rear for the porta potty. Didn't take long to get sick of that. We now have a 18.57-9, as it has an ensuite, bunks and plenty of storage space. We have 2 kids but one has Autism and the other often brings a friend so needed the extra bed. We don't like the set up/pack up time as its hard to keep an eye on child with autism if we both get busy, but have found this with van the set up/pack up Not too bad. Good luck,
Kim

Hi Kim appreciate the post it was a toss up between the 18.57-6 & 9 but we didn't need the extra bed end ( & we have that on the 16) and we love the 5 min setup time, compared to the 30-60min with the old camper trailer
Cheers

 

[17triton]

Welcome xpanda can't wait to see some pics!

 

[Pace]

Gday xpanda, the 18's sure are loaded with the goods and various floor plans on offer too, even ones which extend out from the side. Keeps us informed on the sale and the purchase in the coming weeks no guess all this could take place.

What are you towing with?

Pace.

 

[Brad]

Welcome xpanda. Another 18 coming to the fold AND you live in VIC.
Double bonus points there. :thumb:

 

[xpanda]

Welcome xpanda. Another 18 coming to the fold AND you live in VIC.
Double bonus points there. :thumb:

Thanks Brad, & may have to pick your brains in the future on your recommended free camping locations

 

[xpanda]

Gday xpanda, the 18's sure are loaded with the goods and various floor plans on offer too, even ones which extend out from the side. Keeps us informed on the sale and the purchase in the coming weeks no guess all this could take place.

What are you towing with?

Pace.

Thanks Pace. We have a Pajero NT 08

 

[xpanda]

Welcome xpanda can't wait to see some pics!

Thanks Matt, & will post a few when we get it

 

[xpanda]

:welcome: xpanda, yeah which 18 are you after., remember, we love pics around here.

Thanks Bushy, an 18.57-6 OB and will post some pics when we get it

 

[Bushman]

Thanks Bushy, an 18.57-6 OB and will post some pics when we get it

The 18-57-6 is athe one we like, thing our 16 might be here to stay a bit longer yet.

I saw a 2012 model on then the other day, fully decked including washing machine, was a neat looking unit. be a good by for someone.

 

[xpanda]

Welcome xpanda. Expanda Envy has no known cure, but size isn't everything...unless you've got an 18 footer.
Happy hunting. Got some pics of your 16 to share?

Here's one xpandafan
At Lakes Entrance a couple of months ago

 

[Antman]

Hey xpanda and welcome to the forum.
You are right about the quality of the posts on this forum they are absolutely superb and the people are so friendly.
Can't wait to see more piccys of your van / s and trips.
Ants

 

[xpanda]

Hey xpanda and welcome to the forum.
You are right about the quality of the posts on this forum they are absolutely superb and the people are so friendly.
Can't wait to see more piccys of your van / s and trips.
Ants

Thanks Antman

 

[xpanda]

Hey xpanda and welcome to the forum.
You are right about the quality of the posts on this forum they are absolutely superb and the people are so friendly.
Can't wait to see more piccys of your van / s and trips.
Ants

We finally picked up our new 18.57-6 OB yesterday from Mildura and arrived back In Melbourne this arvo in time for the grand final. We stopped at Marong caravan park outside Bendigo last night to test it out, with a bit of wind and rain, and we are really happy with our decision to move up to the 18 from our prev 16ft poptop expanda.

We were surprised out how easy the van towed and handled. The van is much more sound proof than our old 16, tested that outr last night and with fusion stereo aircon and blue lighting and few beers its a pretty good man cave

Unfortunately we have a couple of trim quality issues to be fixed under warranty which is a little disappointing

Pickup from Jayco in Mildura

Quick stop in Ouyen

Marong Caravan Park

 

[DRW]

geeewizz they are a good looking thing thats for sure, i hope you are a hawks supporter, 2 wins in 2 days!