I have a set of ramps that are designed for dual axles.
Easy to use and lift both wheels evenly.
20' Series Shopping list and thoughts
- Thread starter Macca_75
- Start date
I have a set of ramps that are designed for dual axles.
Easy to use and lift both wheels evenly.
Also great for slushing out the cassette after some bugger has pinched the hose at the dump point.
We now carry our own.
I would re think the washing machine. My wife talked me into it and it's great. Yes they are small, but you can still get a decent amount of clothes in it. It also saves time and money as you are not paying to use the park machines or having to line up during peak periods.
Not sure if it's too late but I would enquire about moving the TV antenna plug back and down further. In our 2015 20.64-2 they put it on the side of the little cupboard at the foot of the bed and the matress/bedding/my foot hits it often and buggers up the tv and the antenna plug end has completey snapped off twice. It could easily be put back further and would be past the end of the bed no dramas.
We have the oven and its small but still handy, just need to use smaller trays. And we also didn't get the washing machine but take a portable one and set up in the annexe for longer trips. Which I think is fine, and we get more cupboard space.
Looking forward to seeing your new van!!
We have the oven and its small but still handy, just need to use smaller trays. And we also didn't get the washing machine but take a portable one and set up in the annexe for longer trips. Which I think is fine, and we get more cupboard space.
Looking forward to seeing your new van!!
I( haven't picked up the van yet (next Tuesday) but I was told this was a no go. They wouldn't do it.
Hey Macca,
Congrats on the van.
I know its a bit late as I have only just read this thread and have an almost identical van. They are great vans and our family love it.
I have the external entertainment unit but have the café dinette set up. If I am reading your earlier posts correct it sounds like you had to take the bunk set up if you wanted the outside TV unit, is this correct?
Just going to give some tips on minor things to look out for from our experience, again only minor things but handy to know as a new owner.
We have the washing machine and I have 4 young kids and the amount of swimming costumes that go in and out of it even on a 3-4 day trip is unreal.
There was an earlier post about the inside TV antenna placement, I snapped mine off in the first 24 hours as I did not know/think about it sticking out when I put the bed down so be careful.
As for storage, you will not fill the van, there is absolutely enough storage it is quite surprising when you start to find all the cupboards and empty spaces when you get the van home. There is a single cupboard door above the rear bed that actually has a space the full width of the van.
A couple of things we were not expecting to come with the van but found them in a cupboard when we collected it were two packs of fitted bed sheets, 2 12v fans that clip on the bar above the bed ends and an external pop up shower tent for our external shower.
Our salesperson forgot to tell us about the switch for the HWS that is in the front boot so make sure you get the low down on how the HWS actually works as there are 3 switches placed on the van.
The van lighting is all done by remote from the switches so you can buy a remote control for approx $40 and operate from the bed for the little ones through the night. handy gadget.
The drifter panel display for the tank level has a delay in it v's actual water in tank so if you are watching these to see when you are full you may find water running back out on the floor.
The doors are held by an elastic strap, one of the studs came of ours the first time the little one undone the strap, easy fix though but just keep an eye on it.
The cupboard door handles have little pins about 5mm long that go in either side, we had two that worked there way loose, if you see one on the floor, pick it up and check the handles.
Try and open all drawers without using the handle when you collect the van. We had one that worked its way loose on the first trip, all it needed was an adjustment but if I had done this when I picked it up I would have noticed it.
When you open/close the slideout with the button keep your finger on it until the motors stop, this keeps the configuration in line.
If you buy a tv for the outside make sure that it has Audio OUT RCA points for the speakers to attach too, they are pretty rare nowadays. The alternative is to get a headphone jack that converts to RCA male, then get two female RCA connectors to join them to the provided wires.
You will need to get a hose for the weber that a) fits the actual BBQ connection for Weber (unique size) and b) does not have a regulator as the point fitted on the van is after the regulators.
Blocks of wood are deffo a good idea, especially under the jockey wheel and corner jacks. We had the jockey sink in the rain and had trouble getting the height needed to get back up on the tow ball.
Get plenty of hose connections/joiners/tap connectors and different lengths of hose cut up.
Hope these tips help matey, they are all minor teething things so all I all I would say we have been fortunate with our van considering some of the horrorr stories you read on line.
Spend some time perfecting the Storm bed end covers, there is a technique, you can have fun figuring that out for yourself.
Congrats again.
Congrats on the van.
I know its a bit late as I have only just read this thread and have an almost identical van. They are great vans and our family love it.
I have the external entertainment unit but have the café dinette set up. If I am reading your earlier posts correct it sounds like you had to take the bunk set up if you wanted the outside TV unit, is this correct?
Just going to give some tips on minor things to look out for from our experience, again only minor things but handy to know as a new owner.
We have the washing machine and I have 4 young kids and the amount of swimming costumes that go in and out of it even on a 3-4 day trip is unreal.
There was an earlier post about the inside TV antenna placement, I snapped mine off in the first 24 hours as I did not know/think about it sticking out when I put the bed down so be careful.
As for storage, you will not fill the van, there is absolutely enough storage it is quite surprising when you start to find all the cupboards and empty spaces when you get the van home. There is a single cupboard door above the rear bed that actually has a space the full width of the van.
A couple of things we were not expecting to come with the van but found them in a cupboard when we collected it were two packs of fitted bed sheets, 2 12v fans that clip on the bar above the bed ends and an external pop up shower tent for our external shower.
Our salesperson forgot to tell us about the switch for the HWS that is in the front boot so make sure you get the low down on how the HWS actually works as there are 3 switches placed on the van.
The van lighting is all done by remote from the switches so you can buy a remote control for approx $40 and operate from the bed for the little ones through the night. handy gadget.
The drifter panel display for the tank level has a delay in it v's actual water in tank so if you are watching these to see when you are full you may find water running back out on the floor.
The doors are held by an elastic strap, one of the studs came of ours the first time the little one undone the strap, easy fix though but just keep an eye on it.
The cupboard door handles have little pins about 5mm long that go in either side, we had two that worked there way loose, if you see one on the floor, pick it up and check the handles.
Try and open all drawers without using the handle when you collect the van. We had one that worked its way loose on the first trip, all it needed was an adjustment but if I had done this when I picked it up I would have noticed it.
When you open/close the slideout with the button keep your finger on it until the motors stop, this keeps the configuration in line.
If you buy a tv for the outside make sure that it has Audio OUT RCA points for the speakers to attach too, they are pretty rare nowadays. The alternative is to get a headphone jack that converts to RCA male, then get two female RCA connectors to join them to the provided wires.
You will need to get a hose for the weber that a) fits the actual BBQ connection for Weber (unique size) and b) does not have a regulator as the point fitted on the van is after the regulators.
Blocks of wood are deffo a good idea, especially under the jockey wheel and corner jacks. We had the jockey sink in the rain and had trouble getting the height needed to get back up on the tow ball.
Get plenty of hose connections/joiners/tap connectors and different lengths of hose cut up.
Hope these tips help matey, they are all minor teething things so all I all I would say we have been fortunate with our van considering some of the horrorr stories you read on line.
Spend some time perfecting the Storm bed end covers, there is a technique, you can have fun figuring that out for yourself.
Congrats again.
Thanks - yeap we had to take that bunk setup for the external entertainment unit. My wife wanted the foldaway top bunk/table setup so this will be the only thing she asked for but I didn't order (I have ordered the van as a Xmas surprise so neither she nor the kids know it's coming).
I'll keep an eye on the TV antennae point - might even relocate if it's an issue. Seems pretty easy to do at face value.
Even though we got the ATM upgrade to 600Kg's payload, I can only get the Van to about 3T as the Ranger is about 3T now. I can lighten it by taking stuff out of the back if I am pushing it for weight.
Would love the get the fans thrown in as we don't have a generator for now (but luckily the first 3 trips I have planned are all powered sites).
The remote sounds good - any more info on that?
I plan to use the TV that comes with the Van and just move it outside when I want it - I don't need 2 screens ;-) so will get them to demo that 9incuding sound through the external speakers).
I don't have a webber Q but it seems I need one to be with the "in crowd" - for now I'll stick with my 3 burner portable stove ;-) but will make sure the hoses fit the bottles on the van's point.
Wood = no problemo. Seems to be a common theme and suggestion.
I'll be sure to check the handles - thanks for the tip.
All in all I guess we are up for a steep learning curve as this is our first van. I'm sure there will be heated discussions along the way, but as we (and the kids get older) we seem to be a little more relaxed.
On a separate note I fitted a set of Clearview mirrors yesterday in preparation to pick it up. The Anderson (for charging the batteries) and trailer plug pin out was done a few months ago. I think I'm ready to rock and roll.
Suggest you hold off with some items you may be considering till you've tried out the van and know what you really need.
You never know what comes with the van.....and if it surprises you, just keep quiet and nod.
Other stuff can be added later, if you need it.
Then you can advise others on your experience!
Enjoy the handover.
You never know what comes with the van.....and if it surprises you, just keep quiet and nod.
Other stuff can be added later, if you need it.
Then you can advise others on your experience!
Enjoy the handover.
most people dont have an outside BBQ when they get the Van, hence why most now have the Weber,
some have the Ziggy, and others the Companion / Primus
its an either either, its not the "in crowd", but it is handy to gain recipes from other with the same
this is the "Bayonet Point" that are fitted to most new vans now days
most gas appliances have either 3/8BSP or 3/8BSPT (sound the same - but neither fits the other)
just depends on whats on your stove burner - take the original hose to someone like "Rays / BCF / wherever.......... you need a Bayonet point on one end, and the thread to fit your burner
if you already know which size it is - surf eBay
its neither steep nor hard
but
just like learning to drive or cook or weld or........... - it takes practice practice practice
never be afraid to ask any question
my Grandfather used to drum it into me - the silliest question is the one you DONT ask..............
we all strive not to be condescending to others, as we are all still learning as well
sometimes what works for one, does not work for another - so everything needs to be tailored to YOUR situation
I can't/haven't bought any extra bits yet as I can't spend money from the shared account - sort of gives the whole Xmas surprise away
but there will be a shopping spree post Xmas before we head off on the 28th I think. At worst we have heaps of camping gear to use (sleeping bags instead of blankets, cooking gear, plates, cutlery, etc. We are pretty well setup from the soft floor camper.)I'll definitely get the following on pickup (The Jayco store with a 10% discount on pickup is pretty competitive on pricing)
- Towball lock
- Sullage hose
- Ampfibian RV Plus
- WDH (Anderson if I need one)
- Ramps
- Van Cover
- Possibly one of those motorised jockey wheel movers (depends where I store the van - this may be a necessity depending if I can get the van backed around the drive or not - I may have to back it in and then jockey wheel drive it around.
- Bike rack
- toolbox???
- + I am sure there will be other things to buy we haven't seen yet - no hobby is cheap.
The Coleman I have
Takes either the portable bottles (pictured) or a normal swap and go (it comes with both hoses). It will do to start.
Don't get me wrong - I love learning new stuff. Always happy to listen to all advice and filter through what makes sense to me (or us).
Google "Sphere wireless remote control" Another member mentioned it in his post, great idea.
Father & Husband of the year award I think coming your way :first: very nice touch well done.
Did you get the 12pin wired to the Jayco supplied wiring diagram?
And finally, how the hell are you going to hide a 21ft van under the xmas tree, your gonna need a bigger stocking!!!!!
Will do - Thanks.
Lets hope its all good and not a Divorce
(but we have spoken previously and even looked at vans so I'm sure it will be fine).I did have the autoelec wire it up off the Jayco supplied instructions.
And under the tree - Yes..... I have been trying to get my hands on the Carvan Monopoly set currently being run as a Promo - http://www.caravanindustry.com.au/worlds-first-caravanning-and-camping-monopoly-board - with no luck. Maybe I'll just hang the keys on the tree or something ....