Long time campers - first time caravanners!

[Flossymk1]

Hello!

After many years of 'tent camping', we've finally taken the plunge and purchased a Jayco Expanda Outback 17.56-2 with shower & toilet (2013 model)!

We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids), and will pick up our new Expanda in just under 2 weeks time! Looking forward to our first trip away, and would welcome any feedback or comments on the Expandas - ie are there any 'must have' items we should get before we go etc? We will be doing caravan park trips initially, until we get the hang of what we are doing, then may become more adventurous after that!

What we are mostly looking forward to the quick set up time - after averaging around 2 hours setting up on each previous camping trip (well more like 'glamping' with kids lol), and then 2 hours to pack up at the end - it makes me feel giddy to know that we wont have to do that ever again!

Cheers
Sandra

 

[Janbo]

Welcome Sandra and enjoy the forum, there is sooo much information... Good luck with the Expanda

 

[relgate]

Welcome @Flossymk1
We just sold our 17.56.2, but for our last trip I had it all set up in 5 minutes! (no annex), and then the wife goes in and leisurely made up the beds.
You'll love it.
Just take your time setting up for the first few times so you don't break anything. You'll just get faster from there.
Have fun!

 

[17triton]

Welcome Sandra and I hope you enjoy the Panda!

 

[mfexpanda]

Welcome . The list of must have is too long to post here eace:

 

[dagree]

Welcome Sandra. Lots of info and things to see on here.
Looking forward to seeing your modifications and "must have" add-ons

We also did the "Glamping" in a tent with the kids and when the last one flew the coop we went looking for a camper trailer and ended up driving away with a 16' Expanda and never looked back.

 

[Flossymk1]

Thanks everyone! Yes simply can't wait to pick it up!!!! Good advice re setting up - we will definitely take our time until we get the hang of things - I think I will be so protective of the van I probably wont even let the kids sit down inside! lol jk!

 

[Dandy]

You'll love it. We just got ours (17.56.1) it's great to get up late and still be packed up before the tents!

 

[Burnsy]

Welcome Sandra, plenty of good times ahead.....still takes us 2 hours to pack up but at least it's an easy and casual one!

 

[Bushman]

:welcome: Sandra

 

[cruza driver]

:yo: Welcome to the forum Sandra

 

[jandl]

Welcome Sandra to the forum from another newbie who has learnt a lot from here.

 

[Holden_man]

Welcome from us also Sandra, you'll love the panda they're great