new to expanda

[pomtony]

hey there people I have just joined this site, so would like to say hi.
we are moving on from our beloved getabout jupiter j3, and have almost decided, after much looking, thinking,that we need a dual axle outback expanda with bunks.
we are potentially going to view one on sat.
has anyone got any points, issues , faults or points that we should be kicking poking or twisting when we view?
this van is a dual axle 2010 outback.
thanks in advance and we look forward to hearing from you
tony

 

[macca]

Where are you Tony? I just put a post in for a friend in the for sale section. Not an Outback, but close, it is underslung.

Cheers Geoff

 

[pomtony]

hi Geoff, thanks for that, we are in Pottsville NSW

 

[Pace]

hey there people I have just joined this site, so would like to say hi.
we are moving on from our beloved getabout jupiter j3, and have almost decided, after much looking, thinking,that we need a dual axle outback expanda with bunks.
we are potentially going to view one on sat.
has anyone got any points, issues , faults or points that we should be kicking poking or twisting when we view?
this van is a dual axle 2010 outback.
thanks in advance and we look forward to hearing from you
tony

Tony, Gday and Welcome. A number of thing to keep in your mind.

1st- can your vehicle tow this dual axle you seek.
2nd- what model expanda are you thinking of getting.
3rd- there are a few good single axle van with great layouts to suit the family (see the expanda website for layout,options, specifications)

when you do view a van, mate open and close every door, operate every lock, select every function on every appliance and they work via all format (12v, gas, 240v), get underneath view rust, shackles, springs, wiring, cables, take a step ladder look at the roof for potential repairs, all seals, creaky floor, water damage in the cupboards, the earth pins on the inlet power for arching, ownership paperwork, service history pretty much be a pain (inquisitive one).

Let us know how you go or for replies to the above so we can assist any further.

Cheers Pace.

 

[Burnsy]

Welcome @pomtony, enjoy your shopping!

 

[cruza driver]

:welcome: @pomtony to the forum, I'd say @Pace has it all covered for you.

Another thing is to check if tyres are wearing evenly to make sure everything has been running true. Also have a good look at the canvas for any tears etc

 

[pomtony]

hi Pace, thanks for that, the tow vehicle is 06 diesel prado with air bags.
one model that stands out for us i think is the 17.56-2 outback
thanks for the ideas
tony

 

[pomtony]

cheers cruza

 

[Pace]

hi Pace, thanks for that, the tow vehicle is 06 diesel prado with air bags.
one model that stands out for us i think is the 17.56-2 outback
thanks for the ideas
tony

Ok, Prado very capable vehicle. Be weary of the max towing limit seeing as van is OB (outback) will weigh more. We selected this van as we are family of 6 and it suits us really well, touring model for us as i didnt want the added weight constraint.

Perhaps if you know of the vans you want to look at and have the internet link, post them and I'm sure you'll get feedback from some one here or tag me as @cruza driver has and I'll be notified of your post to me.

Cheers Pace.

 

[Soaring]

Good advice there @Pace My 2013 17.56-2ob ATM is 2450kg, so very close to the Prado tow limit.

 

[pomtony]

thanks all, yeah I knew the weight would be pretty close to my limit, we are looking at bunks and shower in the van.
Pace do you ever have issues with bottoming out with that van?
again thanks everyone
Tony

 

[Pace]

@pomtony with the airbags in the back, third row passengers enjoy the trip no issues. Yes, it will squat a bit, plus i dont use WDH (weight distribution hitch) either.

Pace.

 

[prado]

thanks all, yeah I knew the weight would be pretty close to my limit, we are looking at bunks and shower in the van.
Pace do you ever have issues with bottoming out with that van?
again thanks everyone
Tony

Hi pomtony, welcome to the forum. I have 2 prados and both tow the expanda very well. I have one with self leveling airbag suspension and it is great for keeping everything level. I have a underslung 18.57-6 with bunks in a full van and a atm of 2470. Just another option for you.

 

[pomtony]

going to check out a 17.56-2 ob tomorrow
thanks everyone

 

[DRW]

Hey Pom, perfect choice, as soon as you get it home go into the voting section and vote for another 17 lol

 

[pomtony]

hi DRW, its on ebay just going for a looky, I think it will just go over our budget, but are going to check it out anyway
cheers

 

[DRW]

Hey Pom, ours was on the market for $42,500, I got them down to $38,500 with heaps of extras and it was the layout we wanted which was hard to find. My advise is don't be shy making an offer and budgets are made to be broken just ask Wayne Swan lol I just has a look at eBay, which one is it?

 

[pomtony]

DRW ,I dont really want to reveal which one at this stage as I want it all to myself lol, it has everything we need/want
which layout is yours?
and can you remind me again, just how good is the 17.56? haha

 

[DRW]

hahah fare enough to, ours has only one bunk with a cabinet under containing 4 cupboards and 4 draws with a full length bench top, we took the ladder and barrier and mattress off the bunk and store our foldup table and chairs up there. The kids are all gone now so its just the two of us. How good are the 17's? bloody good in my opinion, you can have a look at it at Cameron Corner next November!!

 

[Soaring]

We set up our 17.56-2ob today at Halls Gap in 25 minutes including BBQ and table. The kids are in bed now and we are lounging back with a red in hand. Does it get better than this?