Which way to go for a new van...

[ElectricGuru]

Hello All

Hope all is well with everyone. :yo:

Firstly let me say that this is the first time I have been on the forum for a while due to some major work commitments. There are only 24 hours in a day and I have been using each and every one for the last few months.

I see there a lot of new members with some interesting posts and replies that I shall be catching up on as well. Hope everyone is ok and still enjoying their vans even with the crappy weather.

Well, we are trying to get to a decision as to what type of van to get. We have been looking at a couple of different options since we sold our 16.49-2 that we are trying to narrow down so we can get something in the driveway. We were looking at the 17.56-2 for some time but that all changed recently when the Toy Haulers were being shown off at a caravan show.:decision:

With the 4 kids, we like the option of the 4 bunks plus the space to store the bikes and other items. We have the capability to tow either the Work & Play or the BaseStation but we are concerned about the bigger van being expensive and sometimes difficult to tow (on/off road) and put onto a site but extra storage is always good. But we know the 17.56-2 will suit us well but may not fit everything that we need.

If anyone has some good/bad points for either one or maybe some advice as to what to consider to aid in our decision making process, that would be much appreciated.

Cheers!

EG

 

[macca]

Wait to see the new expanda sport!

 

[Xpandafan]

Welcome back. Don't find bigger vans as big a problem as might have imagined. Don't be put off on the towing side, I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I adjusted.
In an old mans opinion gett as much room as you can afford and then you're never going to have the "if only we'd..." regrets. We'd have to be dragged kicking and screaming to a smaller van. BTW with the weather you've been having, living space inside the van really comes into its own.

 

[Holden_man]

Yeh welcome back electricguru, has been a while.
I have absolutely no experience in other size vans but have to agree with XF, I have never towed anything like our 18' before, but found it no trouble to tow and move around. I reckon we probably all love our vans for lots of different reasons, I love ours for the room, full height, shower/toilet and bunks for the boys.

 

[Lara]

If you can tow the BaseStation then that's the one to go for! We love the toy hauler concept, but when it comes to a family only the BaseStation will truly satisfy a family needs.
The smaller work'n'plays are great but for a couple only. We toyed with the idea of a work'n'play too, and yes it has got plenty to offer, but I couldn't bare the thought of the only lounge dining also being the kids beds. What would you do at night time if the kids are all tucked into bed and you want to sit inside? And then in the morning you have to put away all the kids bedding and turn in back into lounge/dining. Doesn't appeal to me.
The BaseStation on the other hand, WOW. Your family of 6 will have plenty of room to have it all. Beds for everyone and lounge/dining. Honestly, if we could tow the BaseStation, we would have gone in that direction. Having said that, I am now truly madly deeply obsessed with my 16.49-1OB, with works for us, as we're only a family of 4.
Good luck with the purchase, whichever way you go. Keep us posted!
Lara.

 

[Bank of Dad]

I'm going to the caravan & camping show on Friday & I am keen to see the new Expanda Sport too.

We love the 17.56-2 but we 'only' have 2 teenagers.

I'll and get some photos.

 

[bigman0510]

Mate, that was one our reasons for deciding to get a Basestation, and now as a bonus (to me) I have an excuse to buy a dirtbike!!! we have 3 kids, but the idea of them having their own room sold it for us!! Good luck with your decision!!

 

[Thirstyviv]

Do it, do it, do it!!!!!!!!!

 

[Burnsy]

Hi EG,
I guess it depends on your individual needs and the amount you are prepared to spend. For us we felt our two girls were ready for separate beds, i also wanted a shower/toilet and because i store the van on driveway (not undercover) the height was not an issue, so the 18 suited us well and felt we made the right choice for us. With four kids it sounds like the bunks might be the go, the space for bikes etc does sound good and you have plenty of pulling power! In saying that i have some tight squeezes at times backing the 18 on site but what's another few feet!

Don't know if this has helped or not but good luck with your choice, i'm sure you'll be happy in the end.

Cheers.

 

[greynt]

We went the 17.56-2ob more for height(fortunatly it just fits under our pergola as well) as this is our first van and wasn't sure how the Pajero would tow it. Base stations look great and I can see their advantages but just not for us. As you would know just search through and see what people suggest on the forum for what extras they have, heaps of helpful ideas.
As long as you are happy with what you pick and it suit your needs that's all that matters.
Cheers.

 

[Xpandafan]

Just a thought. Maybe you could hire an larger Expanda for a few days to get a feel for them. Try it behind your LC and get the family's verdict as well. I saw BRITZ (I think) place here in Melboune with a bunch of Expandas for hire. Assume they'll do similar in Brisbane.

 

[Pace]

EG, 17.56-2 is a great van, have a look at 18.57-9? Yes it is a full van, the 200 should handle it no problem. Should you stay with the 17', get the big fridge. Cheers Pace.