Weighing Up My Options

[Tricky]

We have a new 18.58.1 and don't want the shower and toilet for two main reasons
Like the extra space
Don't like the cleaning and sleeping next to your $&!?$&!

We stay at caravan parks and generally find the facilities great and not crowded. Don't want to spend my holiday cleaning showers and toilets- that's why we pay park fees.

If you decide this is the way to go for you then you'll be ok from a weight point of view. Our 18.58.1 has a tare of 1749kg and a ATM of 2149kg.

I have previously towed it with a RWD Territory and was no problem (same towing capacity as your Falcon)

 

[Fabulous]

the 17.58-3 (on road should be ok), TARE is around 1665, and ATM 2140

 

[Smergen]

Welcome to the car upgrade club.... I'm in the same club.

It's a big club. In fact, I reckon with most (responsible) caravanners, it'd be a smaller list as to who didn't upgrade their rigs.

 

[Dobbie]

We have a new 18.58.1 and don't want the shower and toilet for two main reasons
Like the extra space
Don't like the cleaning and sleeping next to your $&!?$&!

We stay at caravan parks and generally find the facilities great and not crowded. Don't want to spend my holiday cleaning showers and toilets- that's why we pay park fees.

If you decide this is the way to go for you then you'll be ok from a weight point of view. Our 18.58.1 has a tare of 1749kg and a ATM of 2149kg.

I have previously towed it with a RWD Territory and was no problem (same towing capacity as your Falcon)

Our situation is entirely different....we don't often stay in caravan parks and, when we do, we use their facilities (if close enough and clean enough) but most of our camping is in unpowered bush camping places so it's great to have the luxury of a loo and a shower.

Again, horses for courses.

I always said real campers didn't need loos and showers but I've changed my mind and the pain of emptying the cassette is well and truly overcome by the convenience, particularly in the rain!

 

[caax]

We have a new 18.58.1 and don't want the shower and toilet for two main reasons
Like the extra space
Don't like the cleaning and sleeping next to your $&!?$&!

We stay at caravan parks and generally find the facilities great and not crowded. Don't want to spend my holiday cleaning showers and toilets- that's why we pay park fees.

If you decide this is the way to go for you then you'll be ok from a weight point of view. Our 18.58.1 has a tare of 1749kg and a ATM of 2149kg.

I have previously towed it with a RWD Territory and was no problem (same towing capacity as your Falcon)

That is another reason I asked because there is real no differnce between a Falcon and a Territory and I've seen them pulling bigger vans. I was looking at Touring vans with current car but if I have to update to a new car I may as well go with the outback.

Currently always stay at good van parks and never had an issues until our last trip which wifey wasn't impressed with due to those reason.
To far away and very poor cleaning. Toilet or not I not fused We try and book for ensuites first. Think I've said wifes chioce and easier for the kids peace of mind for mum and dad.

Well when i wins tonights Powerball (LOL) it wont be an issues.

On a different note booked the Van in this morning for a service and some small repairs. I dont have a garage or any tools ATM, no house.
What should I ask and or look out for?

My list is so far
General service EG brakes
Fridge (no 240)
Awning
Extra TV (awning side)
Kitchen Tape loose
Move the safe to another location

Thats all I can think of for now.

 

[Dobbie]

Are all cupboard doors, latches holding up well?

Torque adjustment on wheels?

All lights, power points working ok?

Can't remember if you full van or pop top.....if pop top, is the roof lining up ok? Any adjustment of latches needed?

 

[caax]

Chees @Dobbie

Yes pop top. Inside all is ok but just though of Air Con service. Add extra power point if they can.
Ill add wheels to the list.

 

[bigcol]

Welcome to the car upgrade club.... I'm in the same club.

It's a big club. In fact, I reckon with most (responsible) caravanners, it'd be a smaller list as to who didn't upgrade their rigs.

I went the other way

brought the Patrol (Petrol / Gas 3500Kg towing)
then a new Cruiser (V8 Kakadu, 3500kgs towing)
then updated the Patrol (4.2 Diesel 3500kgs towing)

still got both Patrol & Cruiser for towing duties

all before I got the Expanda...................

 

[Smergen]

Hi @caax,
My two bobs on the shower and toilet,
I wouldn't have a van without them, we have a no number two policy (except in emergencies) and not having to go for the walk in the middle of the night when raining makes it worth it in my book.
Shower is also worth its weight in gold, after a long drive it's great to pull up and have a quick shower.
They way I look at it, if you order a van with shower and toilet you can use it if you want or don't use it, you have a choice, buy a van without shower and toilet, then in the hour of need the choice is made. I think it helps resale as well.
Just my thoughts,
Hm

100% agree with this. Each to their own, but we wouldn't be without it now.

 

[bigcol]

They way I look at it, if you order a van with shower and toilet you can use it if you want or don't use it, you have a choice, buy a van without shower and toilet, then in the hour of need the choice is made.

good point, had not thought of it that way before.........(never had that problem yet - touch wood - but it may still happen)

I think it helps resale as well.

it surely does - not fair, but its true

 

[bigcol]

in my case, with our 16" there was much more bench space without the shower / toilet

that was the buying point..

 

[caax]

More so with kids driving along "i need the toilet daddy" you're joking right we just left..........lol. "I'm busting"
Like @Holden_man comment you can use it or not but totally agree NO number 2's

Have been internet window shopping at new cars.

 

[caax]

LOL...oh dear.

The famous Qld Toad strikes again

 

[G Daddy]

Hi @caax,
My two bobs on the shower and toilet,
I wouldn't have a van without them, we have a "no" number two policy (except in emergencies) and not having to go for the walk in the middle of the night when raining makes it worth it in my book.
Shower is also worth its weight in gold, after a long drive it's great to pull up and have a quick shower.
They way I look at it, if you order a van with shower and toilet you can use it if you want or don't use it, you have a choice, buy a van without shower and toilet, then in the hour of need the choice is made. I think it helps resale as well.
Just my thoughts,
Hm

Totally agree with this. When traveling the loo is worth it's weight in gold, can never find a loo when you need one for the Mrs. Another point to watch is the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) that the tow tug can legally handle. I have been over mine by 20 kg's without full fuel tanks and my van is only a 17.5, that's with 2 people in tug and van at max weight.

 

[Dobbie]

Have a read of my post in this thread, it's where my "no" #2 policy came unstuck @caax

http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/no-no-2-loo.3641/#post-50977

I worry about that comment " poo policy came unstuck".

My mind has really boggled.

We only got an ensuite for two reasons...our convenience, despite our conviction that it wasn't necessary ( wrong!!)
And resale value. But very glad we did.

 

[Tricky]

We use a small "porta a loo" that the family uses if necessary. For us, much rather the living space.

 

[bigcol]

as there is the three of us - all Adults (I have been informed I am an Adult, so I will go with the flow)
N* 2's is not a problem
N*1's for the women - well, they dont get out of bed until a coffee is ready for them - so thats easy
N*1's for me......... I have these
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NO-SMELL...162715?hash=item417c4afa1b:g:KB4AAOSw7NNUKglx

just throw in the bin in the morning


easier than carrying the port-a-Loo we have as well