New 17.56-2OB ordered

[PeterV]

Well we made the big decision an ordered a new 17.56-2 OB at the Rosehill show over the weekend. Needed to specify that the ATM could not exceed 2500kgs so we could tow it behind the Pajero. This limited the accessories we could get, so no dual battery or second solar panel.

Was told you could not fit a weight distribution hitch to an off-road coupling. Have since found out that the DO35 coupling can accommodate a WDH so will see if they can fit one. Of course, I'll need to remember to disconnect when I'm in the rough.

Roll on September....

 

[Soaring]

Congrats @PeterV.
I'm surprised you can get the ATM under the 2500. From what I've seen, the independent suspension on the 2015s add a couple of hundred kgs over the old leaf spring models.
My 2013 with only a few weight adding mods comes in at 2454 kgs.
Make sure you are not cutting your carrying capacity down to the point you are really limited in what you can do.

 

[burnsie]

Congrats on the order, now the countdown begins, we are picking our 2014 17.56-2 OB up in about 4 weeks and were lucky that the weights were quite low, also tossed up the offroad hitch (Trigg) with WDH but have requested this be changed from the Trigg to the Standard 50mm so I can use the WDH without any mods as I am close to the limits and when travelling on the tracks will just drive to the conditions, lower tyre pressures and take it easy etc, majority of people I have spoken to have said the standard 50mm is fine for 95% of the time and I probably shouldn't be taking the van to the other 5%

 

[achjimmy]

Congrats @PeterV . Keep in mind that plating the ATM is one thing, actually loading a van too it is quite a different thing!

 

[dagree]

Congrats @PeterV and a good choice of expanda
As @achjimmy said.... "Be careful of what gets loaded!!!"

 

[mfexpanda]

Congrats @PeterV

 

[mbr37746]

Awesome @PeterV great choice of van. We too were conscious of weight when we bought and ended up going the on road version of van, mind you with careful driving to the conditions, we've been places that others with outback style vans say they won't go. Enjoy the new van, looking forward to the many pics and mods that will no doubt happen.

 

[PeterV]

Thanks guys, the value of this forum helped sway my decision to Jayco.

Regarding the payload, we should be able to carry around 400 kgs, of which half will be taken up by water. 200kgs of payload should be enough for us.

Burnsie, I've never used a std 50mm ball coupling. Always had Treg, so not sure what I can and can't do with a ball coupling. Also concerned whether I will be able to open the rear door of the Pajero with a std coupling. The DO35 doesn't seem to sit as high.

We also have an Oztent RV5 for when we go the harder to get to places.

 

[cruza driver]

Well done @PeterV as the waiting game begins!!

 

[relgate]

Great choice of van!

What show specials were they throwing in this year?

 

[PeterV]

An entertainment package, Fusion Sound system, DVD player, TV and antenna. We weren't that fussed about the TV and DVD player, but it will be good when we are camping on grand final weekend.

Wish we had it in the driveway now. Because of the storms in Sydney, we have had a power blackout all day, would have been good to have used the van tonight.

 

[bigcol]

Congrats @PeterV and a good choice of expanda
As @achjimmy said.... "Be careful of what gets loaded!!!"

congrats @PeterV
one suggestion with your loading weights (which SWMBO spat it at when I mentioned it)
have a sheet of paper, and a decent set of scales
weigh EVERYTHING you are going to put into the Van
bedding
clothing
cutlery
food
tools
toys
Videos & CD & DVD's

you will be VERY surprised at how quickly your Loading limit will be reached

 

[PeterV]

Thanks bigcol,
I think we will weigh all the contents as we load the van... Just to make sure.

 

[tassiesurf]

I am looking at the same van how much$

 

[burnsie]

Hi @tassiesurf the price for these usually doesn't change too much, it can also depend on which accessories you add into the mix which of course can increase the cost, generally at the shows you get some extras thrown in but outside of these times you can also ask for the show specials and they usually come to the party. Pricing for these is now standard across Australia, I am in WA and previously we were slugged costs to get them over here but from this year I believe the costs are the same for each state, I would usually budget around $50K for the 17.56-2 OB and if you manage to get it for a bit less with a few accessories you are doing pretty good. Good Luck

 

[tassiesurf]

Thanks @burnsie
Just signed up for a September build 17 56-2OB
Options
Tv/DVD
Wind up tv antenna
Fusion stereo int/ext speakers
gas bayonet fitting
Extra power points

$46k

 

[PeterV]

Well done Tassiesurf, looks like you are the queue just after us.

 

[PeterV]

We have just sold our Goldstream camper, so we are now "vanless" until the Expanda arrives. Perhaps some tent-based camping in the meanwhile.

 

[bigcol]

Thanks bigcol,
I think we will weigh all the contents as we load the van... Just to make sure.

its like judging the speed of on coming traffic - after awhile, you do it without thinking

same with loading your Van..........

ask any of the guys on here that travel further and longer than me - like @Drover - I would guess he loads up without thinking, as he "knows" how much he can put on board.......
(sorry for dobbing you in @Drover - first name I thought of that does a heck of a lot of traveling)

 

[achjimmy]

I have tried weighing things different ways. 1st van weighed everything coming out , recently tried weighing everything go in. But last trip I spun by the tip on the return leg and got a weight loaded ( less food eaten and one tank) definetly has worked the best for us.