BUYING OUR FIRST CARAVAN? (vintage van search begins)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
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#caravan #australia
About us:
We're Jack & Megan, and in late 2020 we sold our belongings and packed our lives into our 2005 Toyota Troop Carrier to travel Australia. Our original plan was to complete a full lap of Australia and return home to Perth to resume our 'normal' lives. We decided we wanted to document our lap for the future and began sharing weekly travel vlogs of our life on the road and fell in love vlogging, filmmaking and sharing our lives with you. We completed our first lap and couldn't imagine living any other way so we decided to continue travelling and calling the Troopy home. We have gone on some crazy adventures since then and it is all thanks to you tuning in to join us every week.
We started our caravan journey in 2007 by buying a little old Viscount pop-top which we did up, just as you are planning to do. Old vans tend to be rather lighter than these days. That meant we could tow it with our early model Toyota Kluger. It did not have a bathroom or toilet. It had only a two-way fridge (only 240v or gas) and a 4 burner stove with a non-working oven. As you will find upgrading old appliances is expensive. We upgraded in 2012 to a new 18 ft van, without bathroom, at 1.8 tonne ATM which we towed with our then Prado 120. We still have that van but have replaced the 120 with a 150 Prado in 2016. We have loved the fact that it is well under the weight that too many caravans are these days. It has now completed our big lap in a couple of stages since 2016. We have mainly used caravan parks when we wanted showers and laundry facilities, or free camping at sites with toilet facilities. The advantage has always been that our non off-road van has minded our campsite while we could drive off exploring. Not something so easy to do with campervans, motorhomes, etc. I look forward to your renovations and explorations.
I LOVE this one! How exciting!!! You have me drooling over Mcafe drive through coffee I MISS it haha
Thanks so much Josie! Haha gotta be honest we have been smashing the maccas coffees since we’ve been back 🙈🙊
I hope you've thought this through. Old vans have Timber frames. If the van has leaked it's not just the panelling that's affected. And even if it hasn't leaked inside the frame could still be rotten. Asbestos in glues and particle board. Exterior cladding is not easily repaired or replaced. Then there's the chassis. I really hope you're prepared. It won't be as easy as dimples
No 2 for me I love the lounge & retro fittings. With careful planning you can get a bathroom in I have an 11 ft van with a bathroom. Good luck with your new venture
Without doubt Id be going for the 3rd van. Room for a bathroom, more room to work and that includes while youre renovating. Love this new adventure and cant wait to see which one you pick.
Hi Jack & Megan, we have subscribed to your channel from the beginning and enjoy your travels. We have a 1976 3.6m York Caravan which I gutted inside and completely rebuilt inside and out, it was a lot of work, but everywhere we go people are attracted and blown away with the result I achieved. If I was choosing one of the three vans you have looked at, I would choose option three, the dual axle van. Good luck with your restoration project. Much Love - Lyal & Deb
How exciting, guys .if I were you's, I would definitely go with Number 3. Wow, I can't wait to which one you choose. I'm looking forward to the caravan renovation series
So excited to reveal which one we went with!! Thanks for watching can’t wait to start this series. 👍
@@itsJackandMegan Yeah - I'm going to agree with MD-np2me. #3 all the way.
This is a terrible idea!
Can't wait to watch 😂
😂😂😂 you win best comment of the day!
Well this should be fun. good luck with no.3 guys
I had one like # 3, great can and so spacious. The interior colour was t like # 2 with pale grey cabinets, mine had an aluminium frame. Viscount Regal with the curved corners. All the best with the Reno. I have a Cub camper now, I’m 70 and travel solo. Trish
Did similar in the early eighties. Bought an old Millard and literally gutted it and refitted everything
The good thing with Millard is they are aluminium frame
Wishing you happy van renovations
Great Idea. Lots of How to do it Video's on TH-cam. Looking forward to seeing it rebuilt.
Hi guys ! You pair definitely have drive and have proved that you're capable of doing this project. My only advice to you would be know your weight limitations. It is the most important lesson you can learn when it comes to towing Know both of the vehicles and their capabilities.Good luck , I look forward to watching you achieve your dream of building a home on wheels.
Guy's! I just wanna say thank u!!!
I am living overseas and whenever u upload it's like I am back home. ❤
No worries Matt! Glad we can help 😊 Thank you for watching
U guys are legends. Stay as you are.
So exciting! I towed a 1975 single axle caravan around Aus for 3 years and it was great. The only issues I had was the floor going soft (chipboard) and blowing tyres due to bad roads, I think a tandem axle would have reduced this issue. Looking forward the big project 😊
Without knowing your finances , here's another suggestion. Buy both the millard and the duel axle franklin. Strip the franklin down to a chassis, and use the funature panels etc on the millard . Then flog off the franklin chassis for use as a trailer. The franklins do have a very solid chassis, but are worth much more as a car carrier type trailer, especially considering it already registered.
I had a 17' Viscount single axle with the curved windows , ally frame several years ago , Carrier air-con which i still have , really sturdy RHS chassis , similar sort of water damage as you see on these , I paid $500 and towed it home , ended up selling it on ebay for about $900 to some people who drove up from Brisbane to refurbish it for their mum .
I'd be very careful about a timber frame van and some vans have a "C" section chassis which i would run away from , stick with proper RHS chassis and aluminium frame.
Check the floor carefully , from above and underneath , any soft patches means rot , that can be a major repair , my old Viscount had 3/4" form ply floors , the stuff with the shiny dark brown finish on both sides , very sturdy , whereas some vans have like 1/2" exterior ply floors which do not stand the test of time . Best avoid those at all cost even if the van is really cheap , the best problems are those avoided .
Also , take a ladder of some sort and inspect the roof , that is generally invisible otherwise , worth having a look . Anything else i think of I'll come back and comment further , don't rush , these vans are always on the market , if one sells there'll be more next week or soon 🙂
Now I read the comments and see you've already bought one , so ignore everything i just wrote , too late , I look forward to seeing the project .
Hey mate! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Turns out it is an ally frame so bit of a bonus!! Just uploaded our episode yesterday sharing what caravan we went with! Let the demo begin! 😂
Number 3 😄. Dual axle, room for a bathroom, love the seating 😊
Love what you are about to do and to see you both so excited about it. No 3 is our pick. Spacious and room for a bathroom. Let the renovations begin 👏👏
I think the dualie has the most potential so I hope you lean that way!
Very exciting I love number three.
Looks amazing, also less work.
Decision, decisions, decisions. Whichever you choose, good luck with it all. It'll be interesting viewing on what you do with it. 👍
Hi Guys, A bit of advice from an oldie caravan owner if it does not have an ensuite build one in as part of your rebuild, makes life more liveable,🤗 PS two years ago we bought a new Jayco single axle with an ensuite a good bed and a big fridge for $45000.
Number 3 definitely. It’s a great project and so many people have done vintage vans that you can reach out to for information and inspiration. Can’t wait to see which one you picked.
Yep I'm thinking the 3rd - dual axle gut and refit it and it'll be sweet as!
Dual axle is so much nicer to tow. I restored a 78 18ft Viscount. We had so much fun in her.
Love this. Looking forward to the build!
Thanks for watching Neal! Can’t wait to share more.
Super exciting but look out they always leak on the alloy strips and rot the carcass. Oh and buy a good steamer to form the marine ply curves
I would take the duel wheel over single axle any time. Much safer to tow and if you get a flat tyre you have far better control. Also you were saying about gravel roads let the tyres down a bit and of course drive to the conditions and you shouldn’t have any problems. Just put a pressure control thing in and it shouldn’t take dust in. Have fun and enjoy the experience
Number 3 for sure 👍🏻 more space, more windows, good layout and in better shape overall! Look forward to seeing the next video, love following you guys 🙌🏻❤
Thanks for watching Lyn! Van 3 did have a good layout hey! See you next episode. 🙏😊
I’m so excited for this series!
Yay so happy to hear that! 😁
Hope you picked 3, dual axle. The renovation series will be epic on either.
Front window - more potential for leakage. Space is one thing - weight is the decider as to how much you can carry. Allowed weight includes with full water tanks, gas etc. The compliance plate (if there is one) should tell you the tare and aggregate weights. The difference is your allowed load. Renovating of course means getting new compliance approved. Maybe check all that before jumping in (if you haven't done it already). Dual axle def to my mind if available - should allow bigger payload. Just my 2 bobs worth and having dragged a van around the country over all types of road - including places it was never supposed to go - 5-6 times. Also check towing weight for your car.
We're predicting you pick number 3. By the way, do you know Alex and Erin on the TH-cam Channel called Now or Never? Alex did a magnificent rebuild of an old caravan spread across several episodes. Well worth watching and I reckon he would be more than happy to have a chat with you. He also used to build caravans before living on the road so he's a great source of knowledge.
Yeah, weight is a huge consideration for a caravan. Particularly when you plan to renovate it that the finish product does not exceed the max towing capacity of your Hilux. Good luck with your choice. Whichever you pick, you two are much much braver than I though 😁
I am a newbie to your channel and have not had a chance to look at your previous posts as yet (but I will) I love the look of #3 it looks safer with the dual axle and I think with a lot of potential.
I look forward to your next post and see which one you both decide will be one. Oh, and I have also subscribed and look forward to the build.
Hi Guys, we would go for no. 3 dual axle, opportunity for small bathroom. We live in our van full time on the road. We went dual axle, better safety with flats. Our bathroom is a combo with a shower curtain to keep toilet dry, quicker wipe down. Our van is old, good bones and heavy.....we wouldn't have it any other way. It's important to be comfortable.
No 2 van. Would be very mindful of the curved windows on gravel/ light corrugations.
Awesome video and we are sooo happy for you both 🎉❤
Hey thanks for all the tips! Can’t wait to share which one we went with! Cannot wait to hit the road think we will be a good 4-5 months away from it though 😂😂
Can not wait for the reveal.
You have obviously already picked by the time we watch this, but I definitely think no.3!! Dual axle and that interior style are awesome!! You even have space to entertain!! (And if you could incorporate a bathroom.... that makes it a no-brainer!!) Love the looks of it too!!
Cannot wait to share what we went with! 3 was a ripper caravan will have to wait till next week to see what we went with 😉 thanks for watching mate!
Diffently the 3rd one guy's for sure!!! Can not wait to watch the build series on this adventure!! Like always guy's thanks for another great episode and stay safe!!
@dannyfisher9223 really excited for this one!!
Can’t Dayi would bother with any of them ! All that water damaged wood ! But each to his own 😂
@@sindygirl7 wait until they finish it 😉
Number 3 is the pick of em in my books easy enough to modify suspension and make it off road its already duel axle and more intact then the others so would only be a matter of gutting inside fixtures and making it how u like and adding in bathroom shower stuff honestly if you were to go with a smaller single axle so many cons with weight and how they tow and how much more unsafe they are especially when you start adding all kinds of stuff inside them
The body on no 3 on the outside looks best. Ahhhhhh waiting 😂
Viscount are timber frame, much heavier than the millard, and prone to rot. Here is the other issue , you dont need a six berth for two people , and would be therefore stripping it out anyway, so spending more for a good interior is basically a waste of money. The main consideration is obviously the size. But do you really need it. What you save on the caravan size could buy a decent garden shed or awning to use for storage.
Great episode looking forward to seeing the progress and of course the finished product. What a difficult decision can't wait to see which one you chose. Good luck ❤🎉😊
Just a bit of advice, check the floor isn't rotten or have any spongy areas underfoot when you walk on it, that's if your not planning on replacing that also 😊
Hey thanks for watching 😊 we will be replacing all the flooring. Surprisingly all 3 vans had a really good floor and chassis!
@@itsJackandMegan in that case, then I advise you that the old lino floor covering and the glue that holds it down contain Asbestos, so please be careful xx
I’m really excited for you both.
I bought a 15 ft. 81 Viscount a couple of years ago and rally loving it, so looking forward to seeing out and about with yours.
Good luck!
Good on you, this will be very entertaining for us to watch ❤
Thanks for watching guys! 😊👍🎄🎅
Whichever van you choose you will have a big job ahead of you, but the best thing is you can make it your own in the design and layout, I'm excited for you both and am keen to join you on this mission. As for my choice, it's a no brainer, the dual wheel base is so much safer to tow on the road, that it the makes it the obvious 'choice. 😊
I’m super excited to see what you guys do. Caravan Reno’s are awesome!
I’ve done a couple myself…
Just prep for all the wood rot
Also I would use 50mm bats for insulation and not the foam 😁🙌🏽
Thanks for the tips mark! Appreciate it! Thanks heaps for watching 🙏😊
Definitely number 3 , dual axles , lot more room , potential for a shower toilet as well .
No way i subscribed 2 years ago with the fj. Thats wild! 😂
How time flys hey!! Thanks for following along.
Dual axle guys 😊
Keep shopping around. A lot of people think their old vans are worth more than what they are. Don't get stung buying an old junker that will cost you more to restore than what it is worth. Take a good look at the chassis first and check for rust.
Agree with you
This is Soooo exciting. We get our new caravan in March for full time travel and living…. Now you have us searching retro caravans hahaha
This is going to be gorgeous watching you both restoring and creating the cutest Mobil home 🙏🏻💗💗
Number 3! Friends of ours reno'd a viscount with the curved windows, complete gut job, and the windows was the most difficult part, apparently very diificult to stop them from leaking! Cant wait to see what you get!
Hey to you both. Yer I'd pick the third van as it would be a bigger job but it sounds like it will suit what you want to live in and travel around I! Really looking forward to seeing what and how you do this full Reno too as you'll definitely add your special touch to this van and that's going to be so good to follow along with! Thx guys and merry Christmas, phil
Yeah the dual axle. If you drop a wheel you have 3 more.
Been following you guys for a few years and envious of what you have achieved on your travels around Australia.After watching your FJ build I think you would both do a great job on No. 3 with the tandem axles being a lot safer and more stable to tow. Good luck to you both,love your work and Merry Christmas.
I really like the Van with the curved windows. Only con that would still me buying it is the single axle. Is there a possibility of modifying and lengthening the wheel arches and fitting another axle?
I guess by now you have picked no. 3. Dual axle sets it apart just for starters
Amazing! I'm surprisingly excited about watching this rebuild. Very happy for you two. Agree with you Megan, Either Viscount would be a great choice.
Thank god you didn't choose van 1. My choice is Van 3. The size will give you more options, and yeah I also felt the Van 3 vibe.
Looking forward to the build and the fun times ahead.
I was also a no van person, but I love having an off-road van
Wow excited my friend
I agree with number three.
Dual axle, less worry about ATM as you refurb it
Big projects all 3 choices. Number 2 for re-sale. What an adventure, love it. Grab yourself a swear jar and use the proceeds for couples counselling. Good luck.
😂😂 swear jar for couples counselling that’s a brilliant one haha
Ever shower 4 hooks on the ceiling. 12 volt 48 led flat for outside light, put 2 and under the bench, find a real good spring person on advice. I found in Vic Wangaratta Springs, he gave me lots of advice for free. John mck47 on heater. Have a look at early, Greer great Aussie adventure. On his build. Joolca hot water. Great unit. If temp problem. Just look at the wire filter on input. Check the stove fan goes outside. I used a coffee can. Change the driving indication lights to led.
Thanks for all the tips mate!! Really appreciate it.
Ah but it is all fun and you can and will put your love into it
only buy one with a
galvanized chassis as painted ones rust from the inside out
Had a little giggle when I saw your toilet in the back behind Jack like a passenger. I am sure you will do a fantastic Reno . Anything seventies is in now. Good era.
😂😂 that toilet come everywhere you never know when you’re going to need it 😂😂
The 3rd caravan plenty of room
Number 3. Looking forward to watching you make over your van.
The bigger would be good , you have more room , but its going to cost more to tow being heavier . the second one would be lighter . but if were not goibg to take it many placed .
if you're going to live in it, I would go for the third one it looks like there's more room .
I would have no 3. Space and dual axle's, good towing in my experience. Space in a van is great, also if going to be your 'home'. Can do so much more like a loo and shower area. But at the end of the day it is what you guys like and we are all on the ride to see the great make over we know you will do. Then all the adventures you can have. I have had 2 caravans , a 22foot viscount as long term stationary living next to a shed for lounge. Then a 16foot for travelling was terrific as could fit into many small places but sometimes a bit more space would have been good. No van now as we found a great holiday unit in Hervey Bay and spend 6 months in the winter there and hire vans or motor homes if we want to go somewhere. Best of both.
Good to watch the project un fold 👍
Can’t wait to get started!
hey guys, i concur with your choice with #3 being slightly ahead in the choice race, couple of things to add to the cons v pro's list is overall finished weight, towing with the hilux is ok but is limited & yes - dual wheels will tow better, the other point is the double bed - get the largest one if possible and you will be happy chappies. looking fwd to the next episode.
Hey thanks for watching Steve! Can’t wait to share which one we went with! Very aware of what the Hilux can tow. A new car may be needed further down the track we will see how we go! Big bed is very important!
one thing you didn't highlight was asking prices - was that intentional?
@@steve-deltasdad3906 caravan #1 $3000
#2: $7000 #3: $6000
Merry xmas you 2, 3rd one in my book give them a hard time 😂get it cheaper than what there asking for 😎
hmmmm okydoky that puts a different slant on things - but not a lot????? get to haggling guys and see which one wants to drop their price accordingly 😁👍good luck!
I’m going to go against the grain and say number 2 , something about those round windows screams character to me and also a wee bit lighter than the dial axle . But whatever you choose you’ll love it .
Absolutely love the curved windows hey! Can’t wait to share which caravan we chose!
Got to go the duel wheel. Tow better and you'll have more room. Can't wait to see what you choose and do. Have fun guys 👍
Can’t wait to share! Thank you for watching 🙏😊
I like number 2 it’s so cute！
Hi Guys love what your doing I’m currently restoring a 1982 ford bronco trouble is my ocd made me strip it back to a bare frame like your fj project lol .number 3 is more complete duel axle but I would have to strip the inside walls off I would need to see whats behind it if you can live with just repairing it that’s a good choice .number one has worked on suspension and alloy frame so if your striping it back you have good bones to work with get a nice window or two also towing will be lighter as we know it’s easy to go over gvm I know you’ll make whatever you pick a great home and look forward to the build
Oh I know the feeling! I’ll definitely be ripping out everything as I also need to know what’s behind all of it 😂😂
What ever you guys choose will be a great choice 😊
🙏 can’t wait to share 😄
Might want to think of how much the ute can tow in kilogram before you purchase other wise you may be up for a new vehicle
Great story guy's, Defiantly No 3, the rust on the chassis on number 1 was a bit of a worry
That rust was pretty bad hey!
Dual axle everytime more stable better towing bigger load carrying capacity😊
I love you guys and your relationship:}:} (going to be needed for this project!!!!!!!). It sounds like you're only going with one of these because you want a project. Logic obviously says that buying a few year old off-road type caravan would be far more sensible and probably way cheaper although I'm in Colorado so pretty clueless on Aus costs of course:} I know that logic and the heart don't necessarily align sometimes so I wish you the absolute best for this adventure and can't wait to see what you do..... I hope you have a wonderful Christmas:}:}:}
I would pick #3 more room and dual axle
👍
Amaxing, we're thinking of doing the same thing very soon. Cant wait to get some ideas from you guys!!!
You can learn from all our mistakes 😂😂😂
Exciting decision for you guys, I'd go with the dual axle, more room to put bathroom and looked in better condition...not sure from photos. Good luck, looking forward to see which one you decided on.
Can’t wait to share which one we went with! Thanks for watching. 😄
Oh wow, I have an 1971 Dual axle that I would have donated to you guys although it’s in the east
😅 that would have been awesome. We did actually consider looking on our way down from cairns a few weeks ago!
Looking forward to this series :)
Was your little sit down at 7:00 in Australind? Very similar
Also, I'm thinking dual axle just from the point of view that it'll ride better. Look forward to the build!
Think it may have been yes 😊
@@itsJackandMegan its a good spot to stop for a cuppa but its always a little windy there
Bigger is better, dual. Axle yes
No 3!!!!!!!!
Duel axle every day of the week !!!
Id definitely pick the 1 with the steel frame
Yes, the timber frames rely on all the cabinets and fixtures as part of the structual integrity..
Have you watched Joss and Ell on TH-cam. They renovated an old van
I agree with most people in the comments, that you will regret not getting No.3 if you choose either of the other two. I wish you well in your choice. Cheers Tony
Thanks Tony! All will be revealed next episode. 😊
Your both Bloody Bonkers, But what a great idea ( I love it )...... I like the larger van, But I think you will choose the smaller which is more than adequate for 2 people
Can’t wait to share mate! Yes we’re Bonkers that’s the word we were looking for 😂😂
Number 3
Did the tandem Caravan have electric brakes?
Yes it did 😊
@@itsJackandMegan that’s a big plus
Hi Guys, Be careful buying a vintage caravan. They are susceptible to dry rot in the floor and frame, and it difficult and time consuming to repair.