21-4-01 OB

[VanLubber]

Howdy all,
Thanks to some information from others on expandasdownunder we were able to nail down our perfect spec van. We traded our 2012 17-56.02 OB and had her delivered a month ago. Couldn't be happier and looking forward to getting out proper. Thanks for the tips on the A/C unit, we switched to a Coleman mach 8 low profile and its soft starer is easy on the generator, also on the double bunks with dinette table, it keeps the kids mess in 1 area. Summers coming just gotta pick a point on the coast and go!

 

[mfexpanda]

She is a beaut looking van

 

[dagree]

Very nice @VanLubber
Keep your eyes on the WA Meet and Greet posts and join in on one!!

 

[Crusty181]

Howdy all,
Thanks to some information from others on expandasdownunder we were able to nail down our perfect spec van. We traded our 2012 17-56.02 OB and had her delivered a month ago. Couldn't be happier and looking forward to getting out proper. Thanks for the tips on the A/C unit, we switched to a Coleman mach 8 low profile and its soft starer is easy on the generator, also on the double bunks with dinette table, it keeps the kids mess in 1 area. Summers coming just gotta pick a point on the coast and go!

What brand/size generator are you guys using for the aircon

 

[davemc]

great van.. extra seating in washer as well

 

[meandher (a frost)]

And here is me thinking ours was a biggun!

 

[cruza driver]

Awesome looking van and perfect timing for the good weather too :first:

 

[NickM87]

What a beautiful looking interior, congrats @VanLubber

 

[Marv_mart]

What tug are you using @VanLubber ?

 

[VanLubber]

Very nice @VanLubber
Keep your eyes on the WA Meet and Greet posts and join in on one!!

I will be keen to see about the WA meet n greet, info posted on this forum?

 

[VanLubber]

What brand/size generator are you guys using for the aircon

Hi Crusty, the genny is a 3.4 kVA fuji-micro, rated at 2kW. We can run the A/C, electric hot water and small auxiliary supplies no problems. If we add another large load, I usually switch off the hot water. Most times we run without the hot water and use as needed. Hope that helps

 

[VanLubber]

What tug are you using @VanLubber ?

Hi Marv, We are in the process of upgrading. I have used my SR hilux 4lt petrol and although it can handle the task, its underrated in the tow capacity and also super thirsty.
At the moment we are throwing up between a new ranger or a recent 200 series. I see the BT-50 is getting a facelift next year as well as the ford by the way. Do you have any feedback on tow tugs for a van nearly 3T in weight?

 

[dagree]

Yes @VanLubber
Have a look in the "Expanda's Downunder Group Meets / State Based Topic" in the "General Discussion" section.

Here's a link to the WA Section.... http://www.expandasdownunder.com/forums/wa-meets-member-section.22/

 

[Crusty181]

Hi Crusty, the genny is a 3.4 kVA fuji-micro, rated at 2kW. We can run the A/C, electric hot water and small auxiliary supplies no problems. If we add another large load, I usually switch off the hot water. Most times we run without the hot water and use as needed. Hope that helps

No complaints with the Fuji-Micro?? Does it get much of a work out. There are mixed results with the Air Command Ibis aircons, in that some of them will function on a 2kW generator and some wont. I have a 2kW Kipor I use for work, and Im hoping (fingers crossed) Im one of the lucky ones that it will turn over the Ibis on our new van. I generally use a little 500W Honda 2 stroke generator for camping, but flashy van I suppose requires a step up on the power supply.

 

[Marv_mart]

Hi Marv, We are in the process of upgrading. I have used my SR hilux 4lt petrol and although it can handle the task, its underrated in the tow capacity and also super thirsty.
At the moment we are throwing up between a new ranger or a recent 200 series. I see the BT-50 is getting a facelift next year as well as the ford by the way. Do you have any feedback on tow tugs for a van nearly 3T in weight?

Didn't know about the BT facelift. Now done two big trips with the Beast (BT50), one of 17,000 and more recently 10,500 in two half loops of Oz and love the ride and found it tows so easily and smoothly. Has 3.5T capacity, 350 tow ball cap and see no reason to change. Become a real fan of the Beast. Fuel Econ was averaging 14.7l/100km when towing.
Maybe I've become biased? Hehehe

 

[VanLubber]

Didn't know about the BT facelift. Now done two big trips with the Beast (BT50), one of 17,000 and more recently 10,500 in two half loops of Oz and love the ride and found it tows so easily and smoothly. Has 3.5T capacity, 350 tow ball cap and see no reason to change. Become a real fan of the Beast. Fuel Econ was averaging 14.7l/100km when towing.
Maybe I've become biased? Hehehe

Now those are some fuel figures I could live with! Its good to hear that she can pull all day long and not suffer any transmission issues or the like. I will be testing our next rig when we haul our way up the west coast next year!

 

[VanLubber]

No complaints with the Fuji-Micro?? Does it get much of a work out. There are mixed results with the Air Command Ibis aircons, in that some of them will function on a 2kW generator and some wont. I have a 2kW Kipor I use for work, and Im hoping (fingers crossed) Im one of the lucky ones that it will turn over the Ibis on our new van. I generally use a little 500W Honda 2 stroke generator for camping, but flashy van I suppose requires a step up on the power supply.

We had an IBIS Aircommand with our last expanda and it started without causing the genny to trip. Once it had got up to operating temp and cooled the area we were able to turn on other loads as needed.

 

[Crusty181]

We had an IBIS Aircommand with our last expanda and it started without causing the genny to trip. Once it had got up to operating temp and cooled the area we were able to turn on other loads as needed.

Was that with the same Fuji Micro, or a different generator

 

[VanLubber]

Was that with the same Fuji Micro, or a different generator

Same fuji. I do not have an issue with them except they can get noisy when fully loaded to the tilt, not excessive but compared to a honda or yamaha its noticable but not overly. I guess I was looking for differences

 

[Marv_mart]

Now those are some fuel figures I could live with! Its good to hear that she can pull all day long and not suffer any transmission issues or the like. I will be testing our next rig when we haul our way up the west coast next year!

Figures from my last big trip
Total dist: 10,329km using 1527l of Diesel at an average cost of 171.91c/l or $2625.28 in total.
Most expensive was at Erldunda at 210.1c/l, cheapest at 145.9c/l at Pinnaroo
Average Fuel Efficiency over the whole trip was 14.7l/100km