What Van to get??

[dagree]

We also went Outback due to a sloping driveway (Could have underslung the axle on a tourer) and also the few extras as @davemc mentioned.

When measuring for site access make sure you allow for roof top aircons etc as Jaycos dimensions are van height only.... Luckily I had our carport raised and the drive dug down a few more CM's than originally planned

 

[craigandteena]

how much extra length does a bike rack add to the back of the van and how many bikes does it hold?

The Fiamma bike rack sits relatively flush with the bumper when folded up.

 

[Dandy]

Also what where peoples choice? standard or outback and why?

We ended up with the outback for a few reasons including clearance but make sure you check the inclusions. Our 2014 included battery,solar and independent suspension as standard compared to the touring model.

 

[bigcol]

we also went for the "outback" for road clearance
I have a Nissan Patrol, and SWMBO has a Landcrab........ both high off the ground
the touring model would have been dragging its rear on the road being towed by either

then there is the extras - solar, battery etc which were thrown in

and also, because we will be doing "free" camping, and they dont always bitumise the tracks into some of these

 

[dagree]

Landcrab???????

 

[bigcol]

Landcrab???????

yeah
runs away "scurrying" sideways



would never never NEVER be allowed here..............

 

[dagree]

LOL... Calcup hill?? Can't see the expanda behind it!

 

[bigcol]

LOL... Calcup hill?? Can't see the expanda behind it!

told you she was getting fat and needed a diet..... can't even see the expanda behind her

 

[Fabulous]

we got the touring as the outback would not fit in the garage - pretty easy decision for us.

 

[Mark8]

Would there be a problem towing with a standard height, Mitsubishi Pajero, Challenger or Triton?

 

[dagree]

Shouldn't be a problem @Mark8
Outbacks have the tow hitch fitted on the bottom of the A-frame and the tourer is fitted on the top of it. If the height is incorrect you can also fit a Hayman Reece "Drop Shank" or similar.

 

[mfexpanda]

Outback for us

 

[bigcol]

Would there be a problem towing with a standard height, Mitsubishi Pajero, Challenger or Triton?

please define "standard height" @Mark8
hahahahahahahahahahaha

all seriousness, it purely depends on what YOU want to do / go / visit / tour / explore / etc

as has been said - depending on your tow vehicle - sounds like your going to use a "Bitzaremissing"
Pajero has 2.5t towing (I think)
Challenger is the same as a Triton, but a wagon version - good for 2t (again I think - probably wrong as usual)
both are more than capable to tow up to the 17' I think (not too sure of the weights...........)

 

[bigcol]

we started off many many moons ago with a tent......... with 3 kids........ late 80's
then a camper trailer (Cargill Caravanette) - (bring back memories boys......???)
then one of the first Jayco's (push up lid, fold out arms = my Bro-in-law still has it sitting at his place)
then there was a big gap where camping was a Flag Motor Inn - or similar

then about 7yrs ago I wanted back into camping - kids grown up, etc
looked at camper trailers,
started at the $2000 mark - beds suck
$2500 - not enough room
$5000 - kitchen sucks
$10,000 - canvas was cheap and nasty for the cost of the thing
2nd hand Jayco $10,000 - kitchen sucked
$15000 Jayco - not the best layout

was offered an 18month old Flamingo OB for $22K
SOLD....................
we had her for for 4 or 5 years, and updated to a new 16' Expanda in 2013
(on the horizon is maybe a 17' with en-suite............. maybe..............)


thats my story, and I'm sticking with it............................

 

[dagree]

(on the horizon is maybe a 17' with en-suite............. maybe..............)

Go on do it.... You know you want one

 

[bigcol]

if I have to buy a new car - the idea is DEAD in the water.............

Pooie has to go on a diet, and get her cooling sorted first

 

[dagree]

OOPS

 

[Mark8]

please define "standard height" @Mark8
hahahahahahahahahahaha

all seriousness, it purely depends on what YOU want to do / go / visit / tour / explore / etc

as has been said - depending on your tow vehicle - sounds like your going to use a "Bitzaremissing"
Pajero has 2.5t towing (I think)
Challenger is the same as a Triton, but a wagon version - good for 2t (again I think - probably wrong as usual)
both are more than capable to tow up to the 17' I think (not too sure of the weights...........)

All have 3tonne tow capacity, the reason for these three are Because I work at a Mitsubishi dealer. (Whatever work car I have at the time).

 

[Flossymk1]

We bought our first van (17.56 expanda) in May last year, and it was great but after a few trips in it 3 months later we realized that we wanted something bigger and one that could have a bike rack on the back, so sold it and bought a new 20.63-1 expanda with the slide out lounge. We absolutely love it, and after just completing a 2 week trip in it we know we have made the right choice

Whatever you do end up getting, I defintely recommend a shower and toilet model - makes things soooo much easier when traveling with kids!

As some have suggested, maybe hire a van for a weekend and see how you go in it - would save you a lot of hassle trading up down the track!

Cheers
Sandra

 

[yabbietol]

All have 3tonne tow capacity, the reason for these three are Because I work at a Mitsubishi dealer. (Whatever work car I have at the time).

Can you clarify about your 3 t towing ability.
My NW Pajero has max tow ball weight of 250Kg up to 2.5 t and up to 180Kg to 3 t. Similar to my old NP Pajero.
So I assume your tow will be a Triton or similar, not a Pajero.
I have just had a major drama and cancelled Jayco van order with excessive tow ball mass on a van I ordered. It had an Empty (Tow) Ball Mass(263Kg) after Jayco info said 175Kg, so be careful about the 3 t Mitsubishi towing ability. For more info see my thread.
http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/starcraft-outback-18-55-3-yabbietol-terry-and-ellie.6179/
So in summary please be very careful about Mitsubishi 3 tonne towing.
Regards Terry