The Camping Thread

[blueoval]

Don't mean to eaves drop on your conversation fellas but I too have been looking at Van options. Even going as far as looking to upgrade the car to accommodate. I agree, since Covid, prices for anything camping or off road related have gone through the roof. Even 4x4's for that matter.

I was looking at the Avan Cruiseliners and they are as much as a full sized caravan new. Hard to find a unit under 5yo that isnt as much as a new unit.

A caravan is something I have considered for a while now. But I also need to consider where Im keeping it stored when not in use. Frankly I would rather it fit in my garage. I currently have a garage thats 6m wide x 6.5 long and a garage door height of 2.55m high. So I am limited to campers. A pop top would be great if I could fit it inside the garage door height. But most of them are at the garage door height in their closed position now and from what I have read, they say you need to allow between 300-600mm clearance for aerials and a/c units etc. So that actually leaves me with units like the Jayco Penguin/Eagle/Swan etc or a toy hauler or pod trailer.

The other issue I have is that my little XV is limited to a measily 1400kg max load rating with a CVT gearbox. Im at that point where Im wondering if its worth it and if the CVT will hold up towing a unit with an ATM of about 1250kg max plus whatever Im hauling in the car.

Im wondering, should I bite the bullet, sell the car and get something that will tow a camper with more ease before I buy the camper?

I did read though that you choose the camper you want beforehand and then get the car that will tow it rather than the other way around.

[prydey]

It's a bit more work but have you thought about getting something older (and therefore lighter) and then renovating the inside to make it modern and how you want it.

Make sure you check out the max ball load rating, and rear axle rating on your XV too, not just the max tow capacity. Not sure about how the cvt will cope but the engineers who built the car obviously deemed it to be ok.

My last trip I put my swan over a weighbridge. I had very little food on board and empty water tank and just clothing and bedding in the van, and it was just shy of 1400kg, to give you an idea. Tare weight is plated at just over a tonne with 97kg ball weight, so even these wind up type campers can start to weigh a reasonable amount.

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by prydey

It's a bit more work but have you thought about getting something older (and therefore lighter) and then renovating the inside to make it modern and how you want it.

Make sure you check out the max ball load rating, and rear axle rating on your XV too, not just the max tow capacity. Not sure about how the cvt will cope but the engineers who built the car obviously deemed it to be ok.

My last trip I put my swan over a weighbridge. I had very little food on board and empty water tank and just clothing and bedding in the van, and it was just shy of 1400kg, to give you an idea. Tare weight is plated at just over a tonne with 97kg ball weight, so even these wind up type campers can start to weigh a reasonable amount.

Thanks for the tip Rob. That seems heavier than I anticipated.

Ball weight on the XV is 100kg max. I dont know what the rear axle rating is either. I did however find this on the Subaru XV forums in the US

According to info online, it seems that the base (curb) weight of the 2018 Crosstrek is between 3,100-3,200 lbs., depending on the configuration. Let's just use 3,200 to be safe.

My vehicle lists the following:
GVWR: 4,343 lbs.
GAWR Front: 2,227 lbs.
GAWR Rear: 2,205 lbs.

Subtracting the curb weight from the GVWR gives a calculated (not necessarily recommended) additional load capacity of ~1,143 lbs.

1. Is a full fuel tank included in a vehicle's GVWR?

The manual mentions:
"Vehicle capacity weight of the vehicle is 900 lbs (408 kg), which is indicated on the vehicle placard with the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 408 kg or 900 lbs”.

We'll go with the manual on this one. So, it seems that you shouldn't exceed 900 lbs. as the maximum cargo weight, including passengers. Makes sense. Now, the second consideration is that you need to make sure you don't overload an axle. There is basically no way to know how much weight on each axle without using a weigh station.

2. Has anyone had their Crosstrek on a weigh station, fully unloaded, to see what the unloaded weight on each axle is?

I'm trying to figure out the base weight on each axle (unloaded) to see how much actual, additional (cargo/passenger) weight can be loaded on each in reality.

I know I can get a HD tow hitch for it (I havent fitted the tow hitch on the car yet) which will place it at 140kg, but it doesn't match what the manufacturers recommend so I am hesitant to do that.

While I know I could 'get away' with perhaps towing the likes of a penguin on the back unladen, Im skeptical as to how the CVT will hold up with say 150-200kg of payload in the van plus 2 adults and 100kg of payload in the car.

[BENT_8]

considered a forward/rear fold camper trailer?

The one i have is 1050kg and sleeps up to 4 inside, 100ah batyery, LED lighting, 100l water storage, full annex with ensuite tent, slide out 4 burner cooker/sink, fridge slide, 2x 4.5kg gas botyle holders, 2x jerry can holders.
A bit more involved than winding up a Jayco but certainly a good step up from a RTT etc.

They retail new for $14.5k but i know someone who might be selling one 12 months old as new very soon and is willing to hear offers..lol

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

considered a forward/rear fold camper trailer?

The one i have is 1050kg and sleeps up to 4 inside, 100ah batyery, LED lighting, 100l water storage, full annex with ensuite tent, slide out 4 burner cooker/sink, fridge slide, 2x 4.5kg gas botyle holders, 2x jerry can holders.
A bit more involved than winding up a Jayco but certainly a good step up from a RTT etc.

They retail new for $14.5k but i know someone who might be selling one 12 months old as new very soon and is willing to hear offers..lol

Thanks mate, yeah I have looked into the camper trailers both side and rear folding ones and its not something we personally like. I have a mate looking to sell one also and he has offered it to me cheap too. A lot more work to setup for the odd night or 2 I agree.

[Trevor 57]

Originally Posted by blueoval

I was looking at the Avan Cruiseliners and they are as much as a full sized caravan new. Hard to find a unit under 5yo that isnt as much as a new unit.

We owned a A'Van Cruiseliner, bought it for $29k in 2008, sold it in 2016 for $22.5k, we were pretty happy with that

We loved the A'Van, we lived in it for 3 months on long service leave in 2012 while we traveled down the west coast.

The off-road version wasn't available when we bought ours, I would have bought one for sure as we spend a lot of time in the bush, and I skull-dragged the A'Van through a few dodgy bush spots, we really needed an off-roader

Easy to tow, nice and light, easy to set up, heaps of storage space. But the Minister for War & Finance wanted an ensuite and a north-south bed she could walk around

A'Van has a competitor - Bolwell - https://www.bolwellrv.com.au/ they make cars and started doing campers

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

We owned a A'Van Cruiseliner, bought it for $29k in 2008, sold it in 2016 for $22.5k, we were pretty happy with that

We loved the A'Van, we lived in it for 3 months on long service leave in 2012 while we traveled down the west coast.

The off-road version wasn't available when we bought ours, I would have bought one for sure as we spend a lot of time in the bush, and I skull-dragged the A'Van through a few dodgy bush spots, we really needed an off-roader

Easy to tow, nice and light, easy to set up, heaps of storage space. But the Minister for War & Finance wanted an ensuite and a north-south bed she could walk around

A'Van has a competitor - Bolwell - https://www.bolwellrv.com.au/ they make cars and started doing campers

Hey Trevor, Thanks for replying.

Good to hear some real world experiences of the Avans. We are still interested in these little units mainly due to the weight, ease of setup and price you can get them for. I definitely do want the Adventure Plus pack if I can. Its a bit of a price jump but I know I do a bit of off road runs so something with some underbody clearance is favorable but not mandatory. The wife is happy to stay at van parks with ensuite sites if they are available. I talked her out of an ensuite mainly due to me not wanting to empty the cassette.

How have did you find the Avan over time Trevor? What was the a/c like on hot days? Did you experience any drafts with the panels in place? Any tips you can recommend looking out for when owning one of the Avans?

As for the Bolwell's. They look a lot better in terms of design. I do like the look of the Edge. It's got that capsule look about it. It has a 1370 tare and 1640kg ATM. It exceeds my weight limits.

Based on a little bit of research, the 'Air' is over my max weight limits too for the car I currently have. I only have a small CUV with a max TBW of 140kg and max towing ATM weight of 1400kg. The 'air' is 140 tbw but the tare is 1370kg which leaves me 30kg of payload.

Sadly, Unrealistic for this little car. Had I bought a 3.6R Outback with a 1800kg ATM I would be more serious about looking into it further. But I am glad there is a genuine competitor for the Avans.

If I can convince the mrs to upgrade car and look at the Bolwell's then I may have a chance. wish me luck!!

[Trevor 57]

We loved the A'Van, we had NO issues with it all, was very happy with the build quality. We never had an A/C so can't comment.

The 'Adventure Pack' was not available when we bought ours, we would have bought it in a heart beat as most of our camping is in the bush.

We went with the 'infinity' gas hot water service, we had an external shower fitted at purchase (we bought new) and used one of those pup up shower tents on the side of the van - we could shower us, our kids, grandkids, pumping out of rivers and never ran out of hot water.

I modified the table to fold down when not in use, it gave more internal room. And was a feature when we sold it. I removed their fittings and added hinges and a removable leg.

I got a cabinet maker mate of mine to make a big drawer to fit under the bed, it pulled out over a metre on really strong drawer slides, we used that for storing our clothes, rather then lifting up the bed all the time

We had a solar panel added. We changed the interior lights that ran normal 12v globes to LED lights

The awnings are a bit of drama to put on, it is not something you do easily

In W.A.


When we owned an RTV


When it was for sale


The external shower

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

We loved the A'Van, we had NO issues with it all, was very happy with the build quality. We never had an A/C so can't comment.

The 'Adventure Pack' was not available when we bought ours, we would have bought it in a heart beat as most of our camping is in the bush.

We went with the 'infinity' gas hot water service, we had an external shower fitted at purchase (we bought new) and used one of those pup up shower tents on the side of the van - we could shower us, our kids, grandkids, pumping out of rivers and never ran out of hot water.

I modified the table to fold down when not in use, it gave more internal room. And was a feature when we sold it. I removed their fittings and added hinges and a removable leg.

I got a cabinet maker mate of mine to make a big drawer to fit under the bed, it pulled out over a metre on really strong drawer slides, we used that for storing our clothes, rather then lifting up the bed all the time

We had a solar panel added. We changed the interior lights that ran normal 12v globes to LED lights

The awnings are a bit of drama to put on, it is not something you do easily

In W.A.
image

When we owned an RTV
image

When it was for sale
image

The external shower
image

Thats a brilliant little unit and it still looks like new! Credit to you mate for keeping it in top nick!

The modifications you made sound awesome and seems like it suited your needs well. Great stuff.

I know with the newer generation Avans, most if not all of them have built in a/c units. The condenser is under the bed and requires no obstructions to the return air duct which faces towards the table when in use. You can still use the area underneath, but they do require ease of air flow when in use to get maximum efficiency.

As for the table, it looks like it pulls off and adjust fairly quickly to be made into a bed. I know I wouldnt adjust it for when me and wife use it, but her sister and her family of 4 will need to if they decide to head away for a quick weekend with their 2 small kids.

I definitely do want to get Solar fitted to charge the deep cycle battery. I believe most of them have this fitted as standard, if not, I will get this done prior to purchase new. I not worried about an awning. I saw a video of one being setup and it put me off. Happy to bring the portable 'Aldi' gazebo to use instead. Much easier to setup.

Been eyeing of this unit. https://www.avanadelaide.com.au/curr...adventure-plus

Its expensive for what it is. You can get a full size caravan for the same price but I would need to buy a car with the correct weight limits at the same time to pull a proper caravan of equivalent value.

My problem is, I can only store it in my garage. The garage door is 2.55m high. The garage space is 6m x 6.5m deep and still has to house the car in it also. I have no other area to fit the van. So I am limited in what I can buy.

My thoughts are, to buy the Avan and use it as much as possible for about 2-3yrs. We are looking to build a new home between now and then. We will have space for 4 vehicles then. After we move, we sell the Avan and the car and then upgrade to a proper sized van and car. Its not financially smart, but we want to have some holidays in the mean time. The other option is to just hire a similar sized van if we want to get away which can also save 'some' money and storage hassles. I much prefer to own though so I can do as I please.

[Trevor 57]

I loved the fact that the A'Van could be parked in the garage, was friggin' awesome. I had to build a lean-to for our current van.

Our HWS was under the bed, not sure where to do them now as was the battery, it was a bit of a pain to get to to service, lifting the heavy bastard battery in and out was hard work, maybe they place them different now rather than under the bed right at the side and towards the back - our van had the 1D floor plan - https://www.avan.com.au/our-range/ca.../6-cruiseliner

Oh, a couple of drama's, pretty small as they were. The top part of flue from the fridge that point to external broke off and was heating the inside of the cabinetry, pretty common on them back then. Also, the little tray that collects water from the fridge condenser overflowed when we had the fridge running for 3 months, I just moved the drain to flow external

Be careful when traveling if you don't have a 2nd battery in your car, the fridge will drain your battery when parked in about 3 hours. I fitted a relay to cut power to the fridge when we parked up, actually I used an old fashioned starter solenoid, does same thing as a relay and it is a bit more heavy duty with the power supply to the van. Gonna fit one to the current van soon too

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

I loved the fact that the A'Van could be parked in the garage, was friggin' awesome. I had to build a lean-to for our current van.

That is what I like the most. Out of the weather means it looks newer and less chance of being stolen.

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Our HWS was under the bed, not sure where to do them now as was the battery, it was a bit of a pain to get to to service, lifting the heavy bastard battery in and out was hard work, maybe they place them different now rather than under the bed right at the side and towards the back - our van had the 1D floor plan - https://www.avan.com.au/our-range/ca.../6-cruiseliner

The batteries for the newer generations are still under the bed, albeit, right at the back. This gives you more photos on what they are like https://www.caravancampingsales.com....18105156/?Cr=1

The layout for your one looks very similar and by the looks of it, the layouts havent changed much at all.

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Oh, a couple of drama's, pretty small as they were. The top part of flue from the fridge that point to external broke off and was heating the inside of the cabinetry, pretty common on them back then. Also, the little tray that collects water from the fridge condenser overflowed when we had the fridge running for 3 months, I just moved the drain to flow external

I believe the fridge flue vents to atmosphere now. So thsi should have been rectified. But I will definitely ask when the time comes to make sure. The fridge overflow, thats good that you got it to drain externally. Nothing worse than having to clean up water when that happens. I will make sure this is in place too. Thanks for the heads up.

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Be careful when traveling if you don't have a 2nd battery in your car, the fridge will drain your battery when parked in about 3 hours. I fitted a relay to cut power to the fridge when we parked up, actually I used an old fashioned starter solenoid, does same thing as a relay and it is a bit more heavy duty with the power supply to the van. Gonna fit one to the current van soon too

Thats a good point. I will be fitting an andersen plug, electronic brake controller and a control solenoid so that it cuts off power before it kills the battery. I think its worth paying extra money for for that peace of mind.

These are great tips Trev. Really appreciate your solid input into this unit. I'll be getting some quotes for the car to be fitted with a tow bar, andersen plug and EBC this week.

Speaking of Andersen plugs, do the Avans have that built into their wiring loom already or is it another plug you need to add when fittng a towbar?

[Trevor 57]

Mine never came with an Anderson plug, we bought new in 2008

The fridge flue does vent external, but the tip breaks off, we had to pop rivet it in place so it wouldn't break off again

Sounds like the battery is still in the same place - look after your back

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by Trevor 57

Mine never came with an Anderson plug, we bought new in 2008

The fridge flue does vent external, but the tip breaks off, we had to pop rivet it in place so it wouldn't break off again

Sounds like the battery is still in the same place - look after your back

will do. I know how heavy those things are if I have to move them. Its a shame there is not external side access to that are to get to them there.

I'll keep an eye out for the fridge tip. You would think after all these years they would have sorted that issue by now? At least I am aware of it.

Thanks for your help

[raised by monkeys]

We are also looking at a caravan down the track. I've just been looking randomly on gumtree and notice there is a few caravan dealers in Adelaide. There is on here locally too. I know next to nothing about caravans and im trying to get a feel for prices and models/layouts/setups. We wouldn't anything fancy, about a 15-20k budget and I don't mind pop tops. North/South wing beds would be preferred.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

We are also looking at a caravan down the track. I've just been looking randomly on gumtree and notice there is a few caravan dealers in Adelaide. There is on here locally too. I know next to nothing about caravans and im trying to get a feel for prices and models/layouts/setups. We wouldn't anything fancy, about a 15-20k budget and I don't mind pop tops. North/South wing beds would be preferred.

We have an Avan pop top with single rear beds,side kitchen and front seating and table.Haven’t had much to do with caravans,but see the debate of pop top vs rigid.I guess there are arguments for and against either type.I like the pop top because it seems to have better air flow on warm days.weight wise the rigid is probably slightly lighter because of less framing.We don’t have an ensuite because we prefer bush camping,so use a porta potti and pop up shower tent with either the gas HWS in the van or I heat up 20litres with a homemade heat exchanger on the tow ute

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

We have an Avan pop top with single rear beds,side kitchen and front seating and table.Haven’t had much to do with caravans,but see the debate of pop top vs rigid.I guess there are arguments for and against either type.I like the pop top because it seems to have better air flow on warm days.weight wise the rigid is probably slightly lighter because of less framing.We don’t have an ensuite because we prefer bush camping,so use a porta potti and pop up shower tent with either the gas HWS in the van or I heat up 20litres with a homemade heat exchanger on the tow ute

Yes, the arrangements and accessories appear endless. Ensuite and toilet would be handy but maintenance and water loading/emptying comes to mind. So rigid is lighter? Well ive learnt something already. I like the idea of the caravans that collapse for travelling considering aerodynamics, but are they then more work? Mate of mine recently bought a Jayco pop top and spent an hour setting it up. I got to our spot much later then him, pulled out our roof top tent, trestle, weber and tubs and had a beer while he was still sorting out poles - hes also very particular and OCD I swear.

edit - and to be fair his sleeping arrangements, comfort and shelter was far greater than mine.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Yes, the arrangements and accessories appear endless. Ensuite and toilet would be handy but maintenance and water loading/emptying comes to mind. So rigid is lighter? Well ive learnt something already. I like the idea of the caravans that collapse for travelling considering aerodynamics, but are they then more work? Mate of mine recently bought a Jayco pop top and spent an hour setting it up. I got to our spot much later then him, pulled out our roof top tent, trestle, weber and tubs and had a beer while he was still sorting out poles - hes also very particular and OCD I swear.

edit - and to be fair his sleeping arrangements, comfort and shelter was far greater than mine.

When you say pop top, are you referring to the wind up camper vans? Pop top vans are almost the same as a full size van except the final 40cm or so pops up to make it full height when setting up. If someone was still setting things up an hour later it sounds like you may be referring to the wind up style camper vans.

[raised by monkeys]

Originally Posted by prydey

When you say pop top, are you referring to the wind up camper vans? Pop top vans are almost the same as a full size van except the final 40cm or so pops up to make it full height when setting up. If someone was still setting things up an hour later it sounds like you may be referring to the wind up style camper vans.

Im not sure, solid body bar the top which I thought from memory was only the top section of roof, with north and south wings.

[Tonz]

done the trip twice on BOTH previous ferries, now I used to do Adelaide -Pt Lincoln road trip every 2 weeks, so I had my times down very tight.
Pt Wakefield - Pt Augusta 2 hours, Augusta to Cowell 2 hours = 4 hours
From memory the old ferries both everything included took 5.5 hours, I know thats changed now.
also they used to charge for car AND driver around $150 I had an extra passenger $50

so total $200 approx, my utes have always been dedicated gas =60litres @ .80c/L ave 14L/100K $48.oo

Its stupid thinking of taking a family on board.

They are still dreaming about roadtrain traffic, aint going to happen.

time was

[raised by monkeys]

completely agreed the prices are outrageous.

[Trevor 57]

Was going to go to Fraser Island next year - it will be interpreting

This has been going on for 7 weeks, WTF has the fire services been doing? NOW, they are getting serious with it

[Trevor 57]

Planned 2 holiday next year, each for 2 weeks. We did the same last year and hardly went anywhere, I hope 2021 treats us better

[prydey]

Impromptu weekend away for us starting tomorrow. 3 nights down on the fleurieu peninsula at a family owned caravan park called Wirrina. Been there quite a few times. Youngest likes it a they have some farm animals you can feed (goats and horses). I was going to be working but now I have next week off. Weather is forecast to be low to mid 20's, so grabbed the opportunity to get away for a few nights.

[Tonz]

Originally Posted by prydey

Impromptu weekend away for us starting tomorrow. 3 nights down on the fleurieu peninsula at a family owned caravan park called Wirrina. Been there quite a few times. Youngest likes it a they have some farm animals you can feed (goats and horses). I was going to be working but now I have next week off. Weather is forecast to be low to mid 20's, so grabbed the opportunity to get away for a few nights.

were you around when Wirrina first opened, big fanfare, big hooharr. the marina was going to be for international yachts etc etc. fart I even did an amway conference there one time

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Tonz

were you around when Wirrina first opened, big fanfare, big hooharr. the marina was going to be for international yachts etc etc. fart I even did an amway conference there one time

I went there about 20 years ago when it was like a resort, with a conference centre, mini golf I think, main golf course, indoor pool, hotel style accommodation, restaurant etc. We stayed in two storey apartments that were separate to the main complex (I think they might still be there). It was all quite fancy. It lasted only a few years from memory and changed names a couple of times. Not sure what's left of that place.

The caravan park we stay at is not connected. Just has the same name. I think it's a converted sports club as it still has the main oval. Club rooms are now reception and showers and toilets.

There are these weird looking chalet things you can book as well and I have a feeling they may have been something to do with the original Wirrina as well.

[Trevor 57]

It is nice to be able to make a decisions about trips away now that COVID is mostly under control - although we will NOT be going to any big capital cities for a while

We are only taking the minimum off over Xmas new year

We will take 2 weeks in late April / May, then another 2 weeks in late October / November (Fraser Island)

[Tonz]

thats it, yikes that brings back memories

[raised by monkeys]

Stayed at Wirrina Cove last new years. Great family friendly place.
Were camping Yorke Peninsula National Park 18th/19th at Shell Beach.

[prydey]

I'll put some pics up when I get a chance of our stay at Wirrina. We had the place to ourselves basically. Was a great weekend (Dec 18 - 22).

[prydey]

Originally Posted by prydey

I'll put some pics up when I get a chance of our stay at Wirrina. We had the place to ourselves basically. Was a great weekend (Dec 18 - 22).

finally got around to uploading some pics of this trip...

Great weather the week prior to xmas and had the park basically to ourselves, as you can see by this pic and the third one down.


The big attraction for us is being able to feed the many horses they have. A few young ones and some older ones as well various breeds. We go through a lot of apples and carrots when we visit.








There is a kind of walking trail up to the bluff where you can look over the marina. It gets quite windy up here. The walk trail was virtually non existent this time due to the lack of patronage brought about by Covid restrictions during what would normally be there busiest times (easter etc).





This is a family owned private property and is now only open to the public during school holidays and long weekends. Its great for families, or just kicking back, but it is a bit of a lottery as to how many people will be around. Some times there's over 200. Other times its quiet, like it was for us.