OK, this is a big one???

Submitted: Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 at 19:13
ThreadID: 103027 Views:3596 Replies:5 FollowUps:10
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Hi all, geez where do I start...

OK wifey and I (plus cockatiels) are now ready to hit the road. The dilemma begins... We want to work from the caravan via the internet on laptops. So we would need some office space in a van.

We have been to many a show and warehouse depot etc seen lots of vans. The outcome is, we are going to need a 21-23ft interior to accommodate us. We would like all mod cons etc F/L washer, wc, shower etc...

Traveling destinations are anywhere and everywhere. We want to make longer stops not on the go every day/week... We don't intend towing the van over boulders, but corrugated roads and the likes yes, so a sturdy semi off road we thought... What suspension would be best? leaf spring, coil, simplicity etc getting overwhelmed.

Next, I thought that we'd get a second hand one as reading many of your comments make it sound like a wise choice regarding loss of value and teething problems being already solved, the only thing is, finding the right one!! We have had a few manufactures come up with designs for us around the $85000 mark...New age, Crusader, Traveler, Nova to mention a few.

Maybe I could do a bit of DIY on the interior to add an office, recliner chairs etc. What do you think. Hey all, sorry for the long post and maybe going over the same questions again & again for many of you, but we are rather stuck...Looking forward to hearing from any of you.

Regards John
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Reply By: Member - Dad & Son Outback - Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 at 20:55

Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 at 20:55
Hi John,

Just a thought maybe you could look at a toy hauler say like a jayco base station then instead of filling the back with motorbike's you could turn it into your office.

Just a thought

Cheers Adam.
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Follow Up By: gotta love it - Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 at 22:47

Sunday, Jun 30, 2013 at 22:47
Thanks Adam, yeah we did have a look at these, not so sure about Jayco though... Plenty of space in them for sure, but a bit like a box on wheels.

Regards
John
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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 08:57

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 08:57
John

Have you considered gutting a bus then setting up the interior to meet your needs? Maybe add a little runabout on the back for local travel. Just a thought.

Cheers

John
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Follow Up By: gotta love it - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 12:51

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 12:51
Hello John,

Yes we did...but decided that it's best to have a seperate living away from the engine/pulling vehicle. If it broke down then we all need to find a place to stay... that was the reason behind not going with a bus.

Thanks for your input
Regards
John
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:06

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:06
Yes John - thought that was probably the case, but always worth considering the "cart before the horse" options! We always carry a tent for emergency housing, and have had to use it too.

Cheers

John
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Follow Up By: gotta love it - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:13

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:13
Great tip John...PACK the tent just in-case.

Will add that to my MUST DO notes

Regards
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Follow Up By: mountainman - Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013 at 00:11

Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013 at 00:11
hey dont write off the bus idea..
just make sure its got the TOYOTA badge on the front.. he he he

it wont break down !!..

90k would get you a seriously setup toyota coaster son..
and a strong donk in the engine bay buddy..

wont loose their value..
toyota of course..

could be abit small..

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Follow Up By: gotta love it - Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013 at 00:38

Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013 at 00:38
Sure thing Mountainman...always open for something special

Cheers
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Reply By: landseka - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 10:36

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 10:36
Jayco, (I know, I know, box on wheels) are now into 5th wheelers. You can get a 24' or 28' for under $90,000. Everything onboard, slide-outs etc.
They look the goods to me.

Cheers Neil
AnswerID: 514068

Follow Up By: gotta love it - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 12:52

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 12:52
Hi Neil,

I will take a look.

Thanks
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Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 11:06

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 11:06
Remember seeing a range of caravans in a link on here a while back - they had a drop down rear and could be fitted for both living and had a variable layout in the back - could either carry bikes or buggy's, or fit out with bunks for kids, or fit out as lounge or office in the back half.

Just can't remember the brand name .... someone here might remember the brand?

Might have been these - beauty of these is you can fit out the back half anyway that suits you.....

http://trailblazersrv.com/product-series/caravans/newell-toy-hauler-series
AnswerID: 514072

Follow Up By: gotta love it - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:04

Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 13:04
Hello Scott,

Thanks for this...have just taken a look. Not sure about off road capabilities, I will need to do some more research.

This is all so exciting.
Regards
John
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Follow Up By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Monday, Jul 01, 2013 at 14:48

Reply By: Geoff in SA - Wednesday, Jul 03, 2013 at 12:46

Wednesday, Jul 03, 2013 at 12:46
Hi John
We looked at something very similar.

our answer was to utilise the space taken up by a bunk style van.
Remove the bunks and convert the space into a small but useable office style area.

Hope it helps

Geoff
AnswerID: 514201

Follow Up By: gotta love it - Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 11:10

Sunday, Jul 14, 2013 at 11:10
Hi Geoff,

That is exactly what we've been looking at. Did you do your's yourself Geoff?

We have seen a few like that which we thought about. We would remove the cupboard above the wash machine at the back and allow for an L shape office bench top. Opposite being the wet area.

Is that what you have Geoff?

Regards
John
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