What van would you buy (or consider)

Homebrewpig

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Feb 27, 2013
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Hi we currently have a 2013 Expanda OB 17.56.1 with the normal upgrades:-
Solar, 2 x 9kg gas cylinders, 2 x water tanks, extended draw bar, external shower, 2 x gas bayonets, 150lt fridge, shelves to wardrobe, etc.
And we are looking (want) to get a full sized van, with queen bed, with a adequate ensuite, preferable 3 bunks for ferals, (or 5 birth).
Tow vehicle is a 2016 GXL LC200, so what would you really consider buying, we are located in Victoria so warranty is high on the priority list, obliviously value for money and lay out.
We couldn't get to the Melbourne Caravan Show this year so we missed out on the newer models.

Cheers in advance for the feedback.
 

davemc

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Oct 29, 2013
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www.expandasdownunder.com
No brainer for me. Starcraft 22.68.1. Perfect.
Surprise I agree :)
If your not wanting a Jayco.
$ I would look at Lotus. Or look second hand for one same as Elite look very well made.
http://www.lotuscaravans.com.au/

If your cost effective maybe Kokoda.. Although not sure what warranty is like. They get various builders to make there vans. So not sure if the dealer or the manufacture would fix things.
they do a few triple bunk vans
http://kokodacaravans.com.au/range/family-bunk/

We almost brought a Crusader although they are a little strife at the moment looking for a buyer so maybe wait and see.
http://www.crusadercaravans.com.au/family-range/
New Age seems solid we where close to buying one of these although a 22.68 style your looking at $15k+ more then Jayco.
http://newagecaravans.com.au/caravan/22ft-ensuite-bunk/
JB Caravans look great not seen a triple bunk although been impressed when I went into them.
http://www.jbcaravans.com.au/jb-group/jb-caravans.html

There is a lot of triple bunk 22.68 style vans.. Second hand you get no warranty although could save yourself $20k off new for a few year old van.
 
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denise

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Aug 13, 2013
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Surprise I agree :)
If your not wanting a Jayco.
$ I would look at Lotus. Or look second hand for one same as Elite look very well made.
http://www.lotuscaravans.com.au/

If your cost effective maybe Kokoda.. Although not sure what warranty is like. They get various builders to make there vans. So not sure if the dealer or the manufacture would fix things.
they do a few triple bunk vans
http://kokodacaravans.com.au/range/family-bunk/

We almost brought a Crusader although they are a little strife at the moment looking for a buyer so maybe wait and see.
http://www.crusadercaravans.com.au/family-range/
New Age seems solid we where close to buying one of these although a 22.68 style your looking at $15k+ more then Jayco.
http://newagecaravans.com.au/caravan/22ft-ensuite-bunk/
JB Caravans look great not seen a triple bunk although been impressed when I went into them.
http://www.jbcaravans.com.au/jb-group/jb-caravans.html

There is a lot of triple bunk 22.68 style vans.. Second hand you get no warranty although could save yourself $20k off new for a few year old van.
we have a crusader caravan we just love its so well made its a 2016 Esperance with all the bells and whistles, Crusader built the van we wanted its a pop top as we needed to fit it into our garage
Crusader caravan got a new buyer
 
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Griffo

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Apr 15, 2014
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We upgraded from a 14ft Expanda about 6mths ago. Like you the new van was not going to be a Jayco as whilst their dealer service and warranty service was tops they simply could not stop the leaks. So after 2 leaky Jayco we decided on a New Age Oz Classic 22ft. No issues so far other than the leather in the seats was a bit soft and stretched. Going thru the process of replacement at this time. ITs had two small trips so far and another one about to start but the real test will being in Late June when were off to Birdsville and FNQ for 3 months. Hopefully its a bit more dust tight than the Jayco. Only time will tell.
 
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DRW

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May 29, 2013
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Personally I think I would go for either a full composite van if there was one available at a reasonable price, however I have been closely looking at Titanium vans as they have an aluminium frame, also the sun-seeker vans made by them up in Caloundra RV would suit us down to a T
 

Bushman

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Nov 9, 2010
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Given you are in Victoria is a good start as approx. 85% of the van market is manufactured in Victoria.
while all the above mentioned van are good options.
Along with Paramount/Golden Eagle. they are from the same factory, the Vic dealer is Canterbury Caravans in Bayswater, talk to Ian Sadler.

Paramount Adventure http://www.paramountcaravans.com.au/range/adventurer/
Golden Eagle Escape http://www.canterburycaravans.com.au

Here's our Golden Eagle http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/bushies-new-shak-now-with-pics.5980/

While ours is a double bunk the table does convert (but not needed for us) It is available as a 3 bunk version and now with a reverse layout to ours, the combo ensuite is a good size.
There's also a larger model with separate shower/toilet with the bunks at front.
one thing to watch for with bunks in any brand is that they are long enough, especially with north south bunks, the other thing to watch for with ensuite is if the door is wide enough. trust me some aren't. and if you can actually close the door while sitting on the thunder box.

Good luck with the search.
 
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Drover

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Nov 7, 2013
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While we looked at vans all over the east coast to replace The TARDIS, (14.44.3) we were most impressed with Kokoda after having a very good tyre kick at Wangaratta Caravans and other places, their prices were most impressive though we ended up going for a 21ft Coromal Lifestyle 677, a few years old but ticks all the boxes.
New Age are nice but heavy on Kg and $$$.
I wouldn't go brand new though.
 
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Glen Bundesen

Active Member
Jan 12, 2014
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We had a Jayco expanda, but found the raising of the top was quite a job after we had added two solar panels and it already had the roof top air con. So we wrote up our Must Have and what was Optional and then looked around. Well it does also come down to how much you want to spend. Ended up buying a Coromal Element.
As we like to Free Camp, we have added (over a few years) a Grey Water Tank and an extra water tank. Plus a diesel heater, extra battery and a large inverter. All this added weight meant I needed to increase the AGM etc. Just had to replace the tires with ones which had extra weight capacity and a electric Break Away. The electric 12" drums etc were already on the van.