BUYING A FAMILY CARAVAN || What to Consider??? 

Great video. I am 76 years old and have an east/west bed in my 18ft caravan. Every time I grumble about the effort required to make the bed, especially with the b... fitted sheet, I remind myself the exercise and stretching is doing me good. This orientation is much cosier and there are less projections to bump into. Love your work. Can't wait for more. ::)

Awesome video as always, Tiff and Cam. I just love the non nonsense and deeply researched approach for this video. Yes, it is really tough decision purchasing a caravan that ticks all of the boxes. Our first caravan was a pure on road Olympic caravan and it was the only van that met our needs and the restrictions of our tow vehicle at the time. I learnt all about GCM/GVM/TBW as I created excel spreadsheets comparing caravans. I joined facebook owners groups, asked, made a social media nuisance of myself making sure that that caravan was THE ONE. And it was. We literally walked into the dealership, spoke with the owner, took a tour and was disappointed about a 3 month wait time. How times have changed! We were offered a display model at a discounted price and purchased it on the spot. I still love that caravan even though we have since moved on. Our current caravan is a Zone Base 20.6 family van with 2 bunks and we love it. Again I researched the living daylights out of this purchase, and yes, Elross, also featured in my potential short list but were discounted because they are based in WA. (My shortlist really only consisted of 2 manufacturers) Bushtracker build amazing caravans, but the weight of a 20.6 would always be an issue, same for Kedron. Both amazing quality vans.....but never got a look in past the dreaming stage. Our fully optioned up caravan comes in at a tare of 2700kgs ATM 3500kgs a TBW of 220kgs towed by a pre reg GCM/GVM upgraded Ford Ranger. The only issues with Base, as it was marketed at the time, was a very limited scope for change or configuration. I wanted to not have a gas cooktop inside....Zone would not accomodate that, nor take out the microwave and install a small multi function steam oven. The Base was being produced on production and not bespoke, hence a rigid degree of inflexibility. I could not justify the eztra $50k at the time to achieve those little wants with the Off Road. Despite this we found ZONE RV amazing to deal with, no delay in communication and little things that were picked up on during shakedown week easily recitifed. A couple of third party issues on product items have also been hassle free in resolution. We are still very happy purchasers. I do not know whether you follow the Lifestyle Pioneers on RU-vid, but they are also a family of four travelling Australia in a 20.6 Zone Base family van double bunk being towed by an unmodified Ford Ranger. They work hard to keep their weights in check, but manage to do so. Once again, thank you for a really informative video. I look forward to the big reveal when you make your decision. (we are currently toying with the idea of selling our current van and then purchasing again when so many vans hit the markets when people give up on the idea of the Big Lap and head back overseas for holidays again)

Always love the honesty guys. We've been looking at buying a van for a while and following your journey with your insights has helped us out a heap. Thanks guys!

Thank you guys for that great insight on choosing a caravan. We are just starting out to look at what we need to tour Australia once we retire in the next 12-18 months. It is nice to hear from a couple that not only have a wealth of experience, but to hear an unbiased opinion, opposed to others talking up the caravan they have chosen, but at the same time are ambassadores for that particular caravan/product. Keep up the good work and look forward to future videos on your final decision and your weights explanations which confuse the hell out of me.

I'd buy newly second hand in 12-18 months when there will be an abundance of van on the market. All the 'covid' purchases will come on the market. Yes they'll ask the exuberant price but they'll find it won't happen....supply and demand groovers! Still happy to sit through and listen to your vid....and the rants! 😂

It took over 12 months to find the van that fitter our budget, weight and wish list. As you say, it didn't tick all the boxes but its bloody close. Love it. One weekend a month, 2 weeks a year.

Great video, thank you, and great to see you both again 💖

That was an awesome process video. Thanks for sharing your trials and thoughts on what seems at times to be a random decision from others.

Thanks for that overview. Enjoy following your journey and that you give honest reviews. Good luck with your search.

Another well constructed and delivered vid. Really appreciate the work you guys put in so I can enjoy a couple of home brew while being thoroughly entertained. Oh and educated!

Tiff, Cam, Chloe, Brodie & Percy thanks for the video 👍👍👍

Hey Cam&Tif Great episode we’re doing the same thing looking at upgrading our van it’s definitely a mine field.In our case we’ve got 4 kids , that makes the job even harder to find something that’s not way to big or heavy. We aren’t caravan park people and love getting totally off grid . Good luck with your search can’t wait to see what you choose.

Hi Cam and Tif, we have just bought a our first van after our camper trailer travels. Although there is only the 2 of us we bought a Stoney Creek Scout 15 with 2 bunks, which we will use for storage. It has all you wish list with a north south bed and separate shower and toilet. Worth a look.

Thanks guys for sharing all your research . Very informative 👍

Hi guys, great info. We have a retreat Frazer and love it. Although timber we hit over 1k dirt along ashburton downs rd, Dooley downs Rd via mount Augustus through to Mangaroon to Kennedy ranges, all variants of dirt terrain. Very off grid, Van held up great although it’s only semi off road for weight and could have done with a dust thingy.. Happy hunting, good luck. 🤞

We have been looking for ages for the perfect van that ticks all our boxes and still haven't found one. You have pretty good taste as it sounds like we are both looking for similar things so I can't wait to see what you guys end up with. Great video and great channel guys keep up the good work

Great video. Thanks for sharing your thought processes. After three years we ended up getting a Jawa Sirocco as it was the customer service that was the difference.

I am as bewildered as you guys because the more you research and watch RU-vid videos of people documenting their caravan journeys the higher your expectations are lifted. My wife and I did our first lap in 1994 towing a 1980's Viscount pop top. All up our rig including tug cost 20k. Like you I now have a Isuzu dual cab that is very reliable and currently own a 2002 17 ft Kedron pop top "owes me 20k " old but dry and semi off road. Like you looking at an upgrade in the late 90k when it suddenly dawned on me we can tour comfortably in the old van and when it suits hire flasher accommodation ie airbnb when a longer stay is desired with all the comforts of home. 70 k will buy some real adventures and comfort. Just thought Id confuse you a little more. I have currently taken up a lease of a flash beach shack in north QLD, total beach front for 12mths , 1bed fully furnished AC included for 10k.I can tour the region from my base for the next 12 mths and still have somewhere to call home be it for only 12 mths. See what I mean it's all about the adventure. Enjoy the journey. Adventure Before Dementia

Love to hear your thoughts and how well researched you are. I totally agree with the heavy van issue- manufacturers seem to be out of step with car load and weight allowances. Looking forward to a day we’re Light caravans are easier to find (hoping it’s not to much to ask). Keep up the good work. 👍

We are going through the same thing it's just the two of us looking for 16ft . Our first look was the zone but they don't make a 16ft anymore and now the Gator x. Nothing ticks all our boxes. Good luck guys welcome back.Love the video

Liked your video. We are at the other end of the scale, sold the old family van and ordered a new 16 foot for two. Good to have an extensive list of what you need and buy something that is fit for purpose. We looked at some pretty high end vans that would go anywhere and tipped the scales at around 3t. Way too heavy and sturdy for our requirements(don’t want the tail wagging the dog), as our lap of Oz might involve dropping one wheel in the dirt from time to time and a few k’s of dirt into a National park. Went for a 16ft Jayco Journey outback. If you know you are buying a Ford/Holden level of van and treat it accordingly there is no issue. Our van arrives in 4 weeks and has gone up $10k since we ordered 9 months ago, Jayco honouring the original contract price.

Awesome video in this process my self right now! helped heaps

Hi guys. Just a tip with the bunks. With two bunks you still get the extra storage under the bottom bunk but the kids don't have to sacrifice head room, which also means they get a bigger window and better airflow in the hot weather. The kids can sit up without hitting their heads. The storage space has an internal access hatch (as well as a full size/length hatch when you remove the mattress) & we also had an external hatch added, and there is SO MUCH room in there! We have a 16ft Gecko Enduro (so much room, love it!).

Good to see you looking at a new van 👍. We had the same problem. I was going to build one in the end. But then i came across a second hand van & i had already got the suspension for the one i was building lol now im fitting out a old van with all the good stuff i was going to put in my custom made van & it's under 30k.

Great informative video guys, we had the same issues when we were looking last year (esp being in WA). We were the same as you guys , tent,campers, caravans ect… We ended up signing up for a Masterpiece performance, and I must say they have been absolutely fabulous to deal with. We hopefully get ours in June (after a 13month wait) and can’t wait to get off the beaten track. Good luck with your search and hope you guys end up with exactly what you want. I think Tiff should take up Caravan marketing, as she absolutely nailed everything they don’t list and what most people want to know 😉 👍

Hey guys, another very good video. Congratulation on the new addition to your family. Re vans I couldn’t recommend Zone RV highly enough, they are in my opinion the best van on the market for numerous reasons. Happy to answer any questions about them. Cheers

great analysis and some surprising info re composite for me, well done

I have been looking at the MDC XT16 HR Family, seems like the best for touring with kids, Thanks for sharing your video, was huge help.

Thank you both so much. You just talked me out of buying a van atm. I’ll sit back and see what happens once the economy implodes. 👍🍺

Very informative and unbiased review. Couldn't agree more that the industry is unregulated and there are many cowboys. A useful video. Thanks

Liked your video I understand where you are coming from looking at different brands and features. We have a 2009 19ft Bushtracker caravan full aluminium tubular frame, went with a toilet/shower for more usable space and bench space. This is our 3rd van the last a hybrid 15ft, you couldn’t swing a cat in it ok for short trips away not long term to live in. Fully built in Australia. We have had no dust ingress travelling extended periods on the dirt and we have no dust pressurisation system fitted. No plastic hatch covers which flex and allow dust into tunnel boot etc. plenty of water storage for off grid and a 1000kg pay load. Our van is 2460kg tare. They are not the cheapest van around but built for the long haul. Look forward to your future video. We have been watching The Lifestyle Pioneers on RU-vid and they are travelling around Australia in a Zone rv caravan (bunk van)over some very rough terrain towing with a Ford ranger. Think carefully because when you have something go wrong when your out in the back of nowhere you need support and that’s where the cheaper end of town leave you high and dry. I have a couple of friends with new Jayco (Junco) Xtrack van and a Jayco motor home. The van had leaks in roof and there motor home expanding side wouldn’t retract both only a month old. I have heard horror stories from other owners we met as we travelled around for five months. The support they got was less than ordinary. You get what you pay for, flat packed from China. Look forward to your future adventures.

Hi guys love your honest down to earth videos. I know a lot of people bag Jayco vans one thing that I like about Jayco is the fact that they have dealer's and repair center's practically on every street corner should something go wrong. Let's face it something can happen to the best of everything. It's how they deal with it that matters to me. Great videos best of luck keep the vids coming. Cheers

Great video guys, I am in an identical predicament and just over whelmed with the amount of Caravan brands on the market. I’m glad you had Titanium on your spreadsheet as I do like their vans. All the best with your journey

Thanks for sharing. Great insight to problems facing RV buyers at the moment. Not in the market for a new RV, but excellent info.

Very well thought out and explained guys. After forum posts or vids like this you always get a bunch of “I bought brand XXXXX and it’s great” replies. It’s great to see that you’re doing it carefully and with a plan. No one knows what you need better than you do!

Hi Tiff and Cam, really appreciate this video! Echoed my thoughts exactly in The Rant. I’m hoping in a year or two once the Covid wave is over there will be that many second hand vans for sale the prices will have to drop again from the manufacturers and it will seem less of a compromise when pricing isn’t so over inflated. Can’t wait to hear what van you’ve chosen.

Maaaaate....yep, it's a mind fook! We ordered a new caravan in November 2020, just got it November 2021. It was our 1st caravan! One bit of advice I can give you is, because of the demand, I think the quality has gone down a bit! We're having "little" problems with ours, which is disappointing when you spend so much money! But like you say, their not really concerned as they get buyers pumping in all the time! Mine wasn't any of the brands you mentioned to put ya mind at ease. It was an eye opener for us, the only saving grace is that to buy our van now is 25k extra! Which is crazy! 👍

Very insightful video guys. I’m not in the market for a Van (yet - maybe one day when I win lotto 😂) but I think some of these van companies need to start being held accountable for miss information and lack of customer service. Honestly the only way us consumers will start seeing a change is it we start calling them out for their BS. I’d love to know the companies that just didn’t give a sh!t because that would put me off buying from them. Looking forward to seeing which way you go and what you pick 🙌🏻

Love you guys. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

We just ordered an Opus OP15.. ticks most of your boxes except pop top and indoor fridge. Hybrids are the go 👌🏻

This video was so helpful and also the 24 volt one . We have narrowed down to 2

We has a similar list to you and went with Snowy River Caravans - light, affordable, fully composite.

great video wish best further with your young family

Interesting video. I'm looking at buying an MDC but can wait for a while in hope that a lot hit the second-hand market once we start opening up. The funny thing is that I did a sailing course last month and the guy who bought your van was also on it. We were encouraging him to start his own RU-vid channel called The Son of Wild Touring: The Journey Continues....lol

My family has over the years been through the same decisions. Three years ago we purchased a new 18ft Jayco just for the two of us and recently came back from four months travelling. I would consider a Jayco Work n Play for a family thinking it would tick your requirements in a van.Me personally wouldn't go with a compressor fridge because you require more batteries, solar witch means weight. We didn't have any problems with our Three way fridge up north. Jayco parts are also just about anywhere. You can check out some videos @ The Traveling Talbots Regards Gordo

Great video guys..

Crackin vid Cam n Tiff, will be watching this progressive series with interest. One powerball and the dmax will become a Ram 2500. In all seriousness, I really dig the honest nature of everything you post. Cheers

@wildtouring We were in a very similar position to you. We could only look at vans in Perth and put a huge emphasis on Off Road ability, quality and being as nimble as possible. We ended up ordering the Elross ECXF-R 16.5. Couldn’t be happier with the process so far. Plus they look siiiiiick!

Two very intelligent people. Looking forward on your pick.

Hey Cam,great to see Tiff on again,mate there are a lot of pro's,con's.but i hope it goes well.Thanks for the vid...😎.

Just come across your channel and am really impressed, many thanks

Absolutely hang out for a proper fully composite van. We have one and it is excellent as far as that goes. Like all vans, there are some things which bug us. Happy to chat with you about what we have discovered.

Great video and love your interaction. Keep up the good work

Hi Guys, Thanks for the wealth of information on your search for a van. I do not own a van but a few people (family) seem hooked on New Age vans. They were bought by the Walkinshaw Group a few years ago which amongst other things are converting all the Ram trucks and Corvettes to right hand drives in Australia. They (Walkinshaw) originally

We went through similar research. We were looking for a 'toy hauler' type van, that could carry two Harleys in the rear. So, we needed a high payload. Only two manufacturers could satisfy our requirements. We are about to order a Paramount. Big van though 😕

Best of luck with picking the new van,I know which ever van you guy's go for will be the wright one,great vid and look forward to seeing what you pick

Great vid .. we had all the same problems before choosing our new van . Good luck 🍺🍺

@wild touring Thanks for considering us in your plans! As a local small business it’s humbling to be in consideration with a company such as Zone RV 💪🏽 On a side note the ECXF19 in the shed is half complete if you wanted to stick your head in for a sticky beak again. Regards Declan 🤙🏽

Guys Thanks for this video, we are in process of buying caravan and I agreed the most important information is not listed specially weights and detail suspension spec. We are looking for off-road caravan with 2 bunks.

Great balanced approach. Good luck.

We have a Willow Ironbark that came with a 3 year off road warranty. Great van

Great vid guys. Nothing wrong with laymens terms. But I love the research you guys do on things. We are trying to work out which van to buy, but due to the seemingly ridiculous costs of new. We will be waiting out for hopefully the covid tax price drop in 12-18 months.. but thats cause we can and arent in a hurray in a van as our comprimise at the moment id $$$$'s.. Orlook at new then if we are left with no chiice. Our checklist is comprehensive too for our needs and wants. So i get its hard to narrow things down... Great points Tiff on salesmanship 101.. alot of them are shocking . Cant wait to see what you pick though....

Great video. Very smart, intelligent look at the market.

What a cluster FK!! Very interesting info for anyone looking to buy a van which there obviously are heaps of. I'm not into vanning whatsoever but I still find it stunning what you're going through. Best of luck with the dream van purchase and will also be keen to know how the Dept of weights and measures fares and tares in your coming vids. Weight is such a factor for anything on wheels 👍👌😎

That was a great video so informative so looking forward to you guys hitting the Rd again I was in the same boat as you for choosing a van, we just ordered ours and 12 month wait. Our choice was easier as no kids.

Yes great and well said, I’m also amazed at people and companies that think( or not ) about replying to customers or jobs with technology they have today - unreal Great hunting and enjoy what you get

I would agree the 2 bunk option is way more spacious. A front window for airflow above the bed is on our must have list.We are also looking for something similar to the older 18.6 Zone RV, it's disappointing they don't make it anymore it would be ideal. Will have to look into the Elross vans.

always like your vids mate!

Hi Cam very informative, enjoyed the watch. Correct me if I'm wrong, you mentioned Zone caravans. I thought that one of the owners of Zone is Tofty. A mate of Mr Buckaroony, who you and Pete joined the other night on a live feed.

Thanks for this. Never owned a caravan but have been thinking about it or motorhome. Lots of good nuggets of info there. I share your frustration about vendor websites. It’s also a shame vendors or dealers don’t have a try b4 you buy option, for those new to all this.

I had most of the same requirements. Nova caravans fully custom build me one.

I'm glad you guys have good bladder control. Lol very informative

Have a look at option rv guys we are stoked with ours and seems to tick all your boxes and they were so good to change stuff if needed

This is brilliant guys. You are speaking my language hehehe. Keep up the awesome work

After 357 comments, do you really need another one? I'm just starting the caravan information gathering exercise and have to say your video clip is the best summary of guidelines I could find. First Class job! If Tiff is in marketing and has the practical experience with caravans and related gear, she could do worse than apply these assets to a business; particularly consulting to those manufacturers who are unable to provide information to potential customers themselves. The forecast economic changes within the industry will make the need for upfront product information even greater. 'Loved the disappearing...reappearing...disappearing dog!

Great vid guys. Absolute minefield looking at vans. I see we’re your priorities are and that’s understandable. We are looking at a JB Gator X. I don’t agree that they are any less quality believe they are top class, but, and big but for you, timber framed. Loads of JB vans out there so must be doing ok, but yes, the timber frame is certainly a consideration. Good luck with the decision

Hiya. I have done a couple of laps of Oz in my @ZoneRV including GRR etc. I love my van (lightweight, good insulation, no timber, dust free fully sealed) Best options are 1. Airbag suspension for speedy levelling 2. Natureshead toilet is a game changer 3. Quality electrics, battery/solar panel size options.

Thanks for that - you explained (in laymans terms) a lot of things I hadn't considered. I look forward to the weights and measures video and, of course, the final reveal. Best wishes.

We bought a new Lotus Freelander and they also have the Trooper which is setup for families. They are a premium product. Lotus does a 18' van. Full off road van than semi is the way to go is better in every way chassis and suspension are completely different.. You will have your next van for a long while so go the extra and buy once.

Just on the double vs triple bunk thing, we've got 2 kids similar ages and thought the same thing about getting the 3rd for storage so that's what we did but I think it was a mistake in hindsight. More head room for the kids would have been better making them more comfortable in there. Also we didn't realise in our case that the water heater had to be moved for a 3rd bunk so we lost some of the tunnel boot. Worth asking what the flow on effects are if you do want to order with the triple. Anyway, just my 2 c

I liked the ZoneRV as well but I notice they have a new website with new models which are quite a radical change from their last models with quite a radical change in pricing too

I'm not sure about the Jayco option after having a 21ft Starcraft Outback which was supposed to be semi off road. We didn't take it on unsealed roads often. Only places like Coalseam Conservation Park. But after a trip to Kalgoorlie on Gt Eastern Hwy I had three of the 4 ceiling lights hanging by the wiring and the microwave off the mountings.

Great video guys. FYI importation of shipping containers coming into Aus has increased by approx. 300% . On another note with international travel opening up we'll definitely see prices dropping in the market. Looking forward to seeing what you decide on.

Great vid guys..Am hearing what your saying re contacting manufacturers...am keen on a Zone 20.6, as are two other mates, but been informed can be up to 6 weeks to get Emails answered.....Covid of course, but not being able to view the units here is the reason I will probably just up grade the power system in current van.....Wish i had a business I could pick and choose who I answered or not.....Good luck with your search , and FYI, got mates spent a lot less than I did when they got Jayco and have absolutely NO complaints,,,,$30K better in your pocket than these rogues....Cheers

It's definitely overwhelming. We found the same with marketing etc. We ended up going with a new age road owl adventurer. their service centre/dealership was only 1hr drive away. Touch wood. They have been great 👍

Totally feel your pain about the caravan websites. Absolutely shocking for info!! We are looking for the exact same caravan as you guys!! If we had 'wait list' time up our sleeve we would put in an order for a Everest Camo 18ft family bunk. Positive reviews, good price, quality made and well thought out van. But I think they are taking orders for next year already. But we are hoping we can source a Titanium Southern Star in reasonable time. Don't forget to check out the Lemon RV list private group on FB. The buyer beware list has become invaluable to see how warranty claims, major issues go etc with certain brands. It really is hard to find that van that ticks all the boxes, fingers crossed you do 😊

some may say there is no such thing as an "Off Road Van", but I guess like us you want something that will handle some rough roads without falling apart or getting full of dust. to be "off road" the chassis and suspension will be upgraded, thus the weight will be up. We got a Jayco all-terrain 17.55.9 only been on a few dirt roads so far no dust inside. a few minor issues were sorted easily under warrantee. It came with many unexpected features like; Sphere WiFi, TMPS, shower tent for out shower, dust suppression system and we're very happy with it.

Great video guys. Thorough explanation that I think alot of us needed. Looking forward to the weights video! Are you planning on taking Percy traveling with the new van?

Hi guys, although this is a little late, my wife and I have gone down the same track re finding a suitable van. We came across Snowy River vans and after having a few name brand vans these are the best value vans on the market and to top it up, have won caravan of the year. We purchased SRC21. There by no means perfect but being handy I got this van to where my expectations the van should be.

That's scary.................. I'd never even heard of JB vans and guess what popped up in my feed when I clicked off your video? Damn now my missus will probably see it as well......... Thanks for the video and good luck with the decision.

I built my own van , 15 yrs ago, These days , Zone is my dream van, design , very well built, if money was wasn't a issue, Jayco , was known as Junko, but these days quality has improved greatly, and warranty is Australia wide, be careful some brands warranty is in house only , as a friend found out, on a large van with major water leak, had to be returned to factory at their cost , ie Victoria ,from Qld. Read fine print for Warranty, could save Yous a lot money. If my van has problems well it's my fault, 🤣🤣, Happy safe travels Cheers Bevan 🤠🇦🇺❤️

And the basic Metrolink model is not advertised as a family van but they can do the family layout in it.

Great stuff, really enjoy all your vid's, been tossing up between Zone and Vision Rv, both Qld based. Stii not sure

The reason why a lot of manufacturers don’t list their weights etc is in the past unfortunately some of them were held a bit too liable for them being slightly overweight 😮

Yeah the no replies and radio silence is pretty common now for many manufacturers, no different with just about anything now, whenever this demand bubble inevitably bursts there are going to be alot of businesses going down the tube really quickly.

Hi Cam&Tiff, Diggo here from Phillip Island. We don’t comment much, but enjoy your content. We have a North Coast Camper dual axle 15’ off road titanium. I believe it may tick off your checklist. Small Aussie manufacturer from Caloundra. We were hesitant to go interstate as well, but Brian has been building them fir 25 years.There is no perfect van, but I believe this will be very close to your needs.Check out there website and good luck with your van journey.

Hello again you guys. We scoured the market for 18 months and realised that a well built van was worth more than a common built van. We went for a second hand van. We went fully off road and paid a high price for it, knowing we had the bones of a well built van. We have since updated all,the solar, lithium chargers etc, and still well below,other van new prices. Our brand of van also has an active owner/ manufacturers forum with every thing you would need to know about all their maintenance, it's live and very often you get the directors giving you advice,on repairs, if and when needed. I'm sure you'll know what van we have. Take care and choose wisely, do it right, do it once.

I think most of us that are serious about travelling long term go through the same process and have the same outcomes. My thought process on buying cheaper and saving some money was out weighed when I realised I didn’t want to ruin a trip because I needed a part or am broken down somewhere where where’s there’s nothing for miles. I guess dearer doesn’t mean better but it gives some piece of mind. BTY. I was looking for 16 to 18 foot and ended up with a 19.6. 🤷‍♂️Good luck!

Thanks for your honesty,so hard to find these days. We are looking at upgrading from our mdc rear fold to the forbes 13,my question is negatives or issues you found with yours.

Great video