For those interested I will describe our setup here
Firstly, the tug
The tug is a 2014, LC200 Toyota Landcruiser GXL. I purchased it from Albion Park Toyota because they were at least 10% cheaper than any dealer in Sydney.
Before first registration I had a Lovells GVM suspension upgrade done by Artarmon Automotive which increases the GVM from 3350 to 3800kg. The upgrade also results in a superior suspension setup and a 50mm lift. It is important to have the upgrade done prior to first registration to ensure it is recognised nationally. The standard GXL has a dry weight tare of 2660kg, GVM of 3350kg and therefore a payload of 690kg. Unfortunately this is an inadequate payload for a vehicle intended for towing and 4WD touring (considering the ball weight of our van will be 300-350kg, add the accessory items below, some water, luggage and people and the list goes on ...)
I had the dealer fit a tow bar, headlight and bonnet protectors. Following delivery it was back to Artarmon Automotive for more work including:
I have also done some other work including:
Before first registration I had a Lovells GVM suspension upgrade done by Artarmon Automotive which increases the GVM from 3350 to 3800kg. The upgrade also results in a superior suspension setup and a 50mm lift. It is important to have the upgrade done prior to first registration to ensure it is recognised nationally. The standard GXL has a dry weight tare of 2660kg, GVM of 3350kg and therefore a payload of 690kg. Unfortunately this is an inadequate payload for a vehicle intended for towing and 4WD touring (considering the ball weight of our van will be 300-350kg, add the accessory items below, some water, luggage and people and the list goes on ...)
I had the dealer fit a tow bar, headlight and bonnet protectors. Following delivery it was back to Artarmon Automotive for more work including:
- Jaram Trackmaster aluminium roof cage with shovel holder, spare wheel carrier and dual jerry can holder;
- ARB awning with two LED lights under for camp lighting;
- an LED strip to the rear tailgate for camp lighting;
- ARB colour coded deluxe steel winch bar;
- Warn Xp9.5 winch with synthetic rope;
- lightforce 180 LED driving lights;
- a Safari snorkel;
- a TX 3540 UHF radio (fitted under console);
- O.R.S. drawer and fridge pack system;
- a half height cargo barrier;
- an Engel 38 litre fridge;
- a P3 electric brake controller;
- a dual battery system with charging controller and a dash mounted battery display monitor;
- various wiring including usb and 12v outlets, reverse camera for the caravan and 3 andersen plugs for the caravan;
- a Tyredog tyre monitor system for both car and van (8 wheels);
- a DP diesel power chip; and
- a Bury mobile phone cradle and aerial.
I have also done some other work including:
- Clearview towing mirrors;
- a water storage system comprising 3 water jerry cans between the back seats and the rear drawer system. I have installed an inline 12v 4psi pressure pump with a switch at the rear tailgate along with a hose and hose gun at the rear tailgate;
- a Scanguage II engine/fuel monitoring system;
- brackets for a folding Rhino roof ladder;
- a floor mount Rammount bracket for a mini ipad (which has the Hema maps app installed and use for 4WD track navigation);
- a 3mm perspex sheet over the inside of the rear tailgate; and
- rear seat ipad mounts, storage pockets, garbage bin etc.
Secondly, the caravan
We went to at least four caravan shows, visited five dealers and read scores of magazines. We also kept an eye on the second hand market for about a year. To cut a long story short we decided to have a van built for us. There is of course many manufacturers, however, similar to sectors of the construction industry, the caravan industry is full of charlatans and phoenix companies. Again, not to bore you with the details, after a few factory visits and some pricing we decided on Evernew Caravans in Melbourne, a family owned and managed business with a 52 year history. Thus far we are very happy with the van and would recommend Evernew.
One of the most unusual aspects of the van is the sleeping arrangements, being two sets of bunks. While most of you will now be shaking your heads, this arrangement has allowed us to achieve a large light filled lounge area and for a caravan, extensive kitchen bench space while still squeezing in all the mod cons. A caravan is all about balances and compromise.
The floor plan above is what Evernew built, other than that we upgraded from two batteries and one solar panel to three batteries and two solar panels (along with upgrading the power/solar manager and inverter). This late change was due to the decision to bring along THE THERMOMIX!!!
My favourite aspects of the van are:
One of the most unusual aspects of the van is the sleeping arrangements, being two sets of bunks. While most of you will now be shaking your heads, this arrangement has allowed us to achieve a large light filled lounge area and for a caravan, extensive kitchen bench space while still squeezing in all the mod cons. A caravan is all about balances and compromise.
The floor plan above is what Evernew built, other than that we upgraded from two batteries and one solar panel to three batteries and two solar panels (along with upgrading the power/solar manager and inverter). This late change was due to the decision to bring along THE THERMOMIX!!!
My favourite aspects of the van are:
- easy to use Gripsport bike racks;
- the reverse camera system including a second internal camera (we have already seem drawers slide out twice because we left them unlocked);
- air-bag suspension with integrated onboard compressor which allows us to lift or drop each side independently by 90mm each side of centre; and
- wheel rims matching the Landcruiser with two spares meaning we carry a total of three spares for the car and van.
