My husband did a super job of reversing it into our driveway, even with people waiting to be let through to add to the pressure. :)
Since we are a family of seven, we had limited choices for
what sort of rig we could use. ( I will do a more detailed post on choosing a rig later, but these were our questions and limitations.)
what sort of rig we could use. ( I will do a more detailed post on choosing a rig later, but these were our questions and limitations.)
Our main constraint was weight. We wanted to keep our current people mover (which thankfully has a 3.8 litre gun of an engine). So that put our tow limit to 2000kgs (caravan bare weight plus all the contents must be below this amount to be a legal tow). That made things interesting.
We needed something which slept at least 6 with room for a porta cot, or slept 7, and still be under about 1700 bare weight.
We considered a motor home, but in Australia it is illegal to have more than six people driving in it, as they only come with six seat belts. So that option was closed for us.
We considered a camper trailer, nope, too much work to set up and we needed more storage room.
A full caravan that sleeps 7+? Too heavy for our car!
Okay, so an expanding caravan it is!
New or used? We considered used, but they were within a few thousands dollars of a new one, even when 3-4 years old! Plus, we then had to inspect them for faults, often involving interstate travel and that cost time and money. So new....
The one we found? A Jayco Expanda pop top caravan. It came in at 1700kgs in the end. So our packing has to be done carefully and there will be heavy items that need to travel in the car.
It sleeps 8 (a bonus!) and is amazingly spacious. It has a queen bed at one end, a double bed at the other end, a set of bunks (the lower one becomes a two-seater dining table) and a four-seater dining table, which converts into another small double bed.
Because it expands out it has a full 17 and a half feet (5.5m) of internal living space. It is 25 feet (7.7m) long when the bed ends are extended.
Our compromise was an internal toilet and shower. That will have to be an outside and portable arrangement. But it was necessary for the weight's sake. Due to that, I get an extra large kitchen and a second wardrobe. This suited me better anyway. ;)
Our model number is 17-56.1, if you'd like to check it out at www.jayco.com.au
When we picked it up, the salesman had some fun trivia for us; we are the first and only (so far) people in our state to own a 2014 model. Aww, Special. :) he he.
So here are some pics, we can't wait to get on the road with it now. It is finally feeling a bit real!
Now for the fun bit... Getting to pack it!!
Sara
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