BUYING OUR FIRST CARAVAN? (vintage van search begins)
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 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.
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 😉
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.
A) you are crazy. I’m nearly done on my second vintage van rebuild and it’s all consuming 😂
B) dual axle all the way, much easier to tow. Plus you can’t make a smaller van bigger when you need the space 👍🏼
We renovated our 1978 14ft millard caravan, and from start to finish, it took us 2 years. We stopped in the middle because it was soooo much work. The windows took us FOREVER to restore. I think I spent around 50 hours on the windows alone. We love our caravan so much now but I would never do it again.
Sending positive vibes your way and hoping you have a smooth renovation ahead.
I live in my old van full time and IMHO the structural integrity of the frame and underbody were critical to the purchase. Also a waterproof roof and windows eased some of my anxiety in heavy downpours. Unfortunately the hot and cold water lines all decided to perish once I started using them on a daily basis and it cost a small fortune to replace them. It's going on three years now and I truly love living in my caravan, I don't miss my house at all. Good luck with your adventure.
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
Good on you guys for not getting a huge monstrosity like other CZcamsrs. We bought and renovated a 1968 poptop caravan and have been living in it for over a year and love it!
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
Well this should be fun. good luck with no.3 guys
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
Brings back memories of vanning with my mum and dad in 60s and 70s , was always envious of the viscounts, they seemed such much cooler. It will be a big job for you guys but number 3 did it for me. Good luck I think you will need it. However it will be brilliant once done. Don't loose the purpose during the journey.
You are appreciate the third one so much more with the dual axle. Not only is it easier to drive down the road without the sway it also feels more sturdy when you’re inside. I can’t wait to see this project so inspiring.
I'd go with the dual axle as a safer tourer! If you get a flat tire you're not going to have to worry about the caravan pitching and rolling especially if you're off road.
More space and aircon are a plus😊.
Happy Reno 😊
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
No3 for sure but make sure you check the chassis and drawbar for bad rust otherwise your job will become massive and expensive. Also check the flor for soft spots again another big job if you need to replace it. I rebuilt a Millard exactly the same as the first one. Always enjoyable to see the final product. HAVE FUN🤔
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.
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 🙈🙊
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 😊
Great Idea. Lots of How to do it Video's on CZcams. Looking forward to seeing it rebuilt.
Yeah def number 3 . If your going to be using as a base when your not travelling your going to need the extra room while your living in it . Looking forward to the remodeling videos that are coming up . Good luck guys .
Number 3, Dual axle is 100% the way to go. you've likely already chosen by now but fingers crossed dual axle. They just don't sway like a single can, so much more stable.
3 for me!! Can’t wait to see this happen guys, love this sorta stuff. Happy vanavating👍👍
Yieww! Vanavating I like that one haha
@@itsJackandMegan haha couldn’t incorporate the “reno” part
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.
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 👏👏
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.
With out of a doubt no 3 more stable when towing more space Jack and Megan this is Gona be epic build
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! 😂
Take the last one it was the best! Good luck. Value for money! You Will love it!
Can definitely see you in van 3, dual axle easier to tow, just a great layout and lots of space, love these old vans done up, can’t wait to see the final result, enjoy !!
No 2 in retro 50's style and AIR BAG IT, so you can sit it on the ground or raise each side to level or off road.
Great plan.❤ Good luck with the Reno. Looking forward to following this.
It was your Dad's FJ project that brought me to your channel. I absolutely enjoyed every episode of that series, and you both did an awesome job on it. I'm only into this video for 6 minutes and am so excited for you to have another project. Can't wait to hear the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of this story. In other words, I'm looking for the dirty details folks. Sitting on the edge of my seat right now, and the anticipation is growing. Back to the regularly scheduled program now....
So excited to share this series going to be a lot of ups and downs but think it will all be worth it! Can’t wait to share what one we picked! Thanks for watching mate 🙏😊
Great idea and I can’t wait after seeing the 40 series rebuild. Please do be careful of asbestos in these old vans though.
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.
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.
i would choose number 3, most work as its more bigger but definitely worth the space it has inside
Number 3 😄. Dual axle, room for a bathroom, love the seating 😊
This is going to be good - love van builds - done a couple myself. Smaller vans are great for ease of travelling, but a larger van has benefit of more living space - there's no perfect answer. Just be careful - the older vans of that era can have asbestos in their construction, especially floor underlay!!
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
Yep I'm thinking the 3rd - dual axle gut and refit it and it'll be sweet as!
I love Number 2. Might not be the most practical but it’s so cool
Good luck guys. This will be amazing to watch.
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.
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
No 2 is my pick! We have a 1976 caravan, and one thing to check is those old vans are right on the width allowance (at least here in Victoria), so if you put an awning on the side it may end up over width. Newer vans aren’t quite as wide.
Hey thanks for watching, yes that’s something we noticed they’re very wide! Didn’t even cosier them being over width thanks for the tip!
Decision, decisions, decisions. Whichever you choose, good luck with it all. It'll be interesting viewing on what you do with it. 👍
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.
I am soo excited for this series 😍😍 and love seeing how excited you both are as well it’s awesome!!
If i was choosing, #3 gets the nod. Bigger unit and the design/format just seems ti be more workable. What a great project guys, love your work.
Thanks for watching mate! Our next video just went live 😉
No 3 ❤ cant wait to watch this build, All the very best…..
Very exciting I love number three.
Looks amazing, also less work.
We tow a 19ft single axle with extended drawbar and tows beautifully and please be aware of hidden rotten timber
I think the dualie has the most potential so I hope you lean that way!
Love the idea guys! Love from 3 hours inland WA in our small town! I’d be going 3. Love that dual axle and from experience I’ll always choose the extra space at the end of the day!
Dual axle is so much nicer to tow. I restored a 78 18ft Viscount. We had so much fun in her.
What an exciting new project. Love the vintage look of the caravans. Can’t wait to see what you choose and what you are going to make out of it!
By the time you read this you’d have already chosen, but I’d go for 3, dual axles and more room. I like the older vans they were mostly built to last, I lived in a 30foot viscount for 4 years, towed it everywhere as a family of 5, plenty of room and towed really well with our Monaro. It was luxurious as we put our stamp on it. Good on you both, you’ll enjoy the whole concept of Reno, and your obviously very good at it , watching the truck get transformed. Cheers Judy 😮😊 merry Xmas and all the best for 2024
Bigger better for full time surely, although I'm biased living in a 7.5T truck.
This is a terrible idea!
Can't wait to watch 😂
😂😂😂 you win best comment of the day!
I think number 2. Single axle tows fine
Also single axle is much easier to manoeuvre around
Hope you picked 3, dual axle. The renovation series will be epic on either.
Hi, you two go the daul axle way better towing and better weight distribution as well as a better payload heaps of work in both tho but good luck in your new project
Thanks Dylan! Can’t wait to share what we went with 😊
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. 🙏😊
Great News guys. Be ready for building heartace ending with a beauitiful home that you have put your heart and sole into. My bet is on number three (cost not known though). you coudl but a shower/toilet in that with little affect on the room inside. Either way so happy for you both and look forward to seeing the result. :)
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 😁
Hi great very keen to watch the refurbishment like the FJ so yes I think the tandem axle would be the best
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. 😊
clearly no 3! looks structurally intact best and the dual axle runs much more stable . no curved windows, easily hit and destoyed by stones! No doubt that you‘ll produce a new jewel, like the yellow cruiser 👍
We're predicting you pick number 3. By the way, do you know Alex and Erin on the CZcams 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.
So excited for you guys. Looking forward to watching the transformation of your new van.
Can’t wait to get started! Glad to have you along for the series 👍
@@itsJackandMegan haven’t missed episode yet, not about to start now.
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
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.
Probably too late but maybe worth spending more on something in better condition.
But in saying that a full rebuild will be fun to do.
We have a 1966 millard and absolutely love it
Good luck with it guys
Great plan guys - being on a similar journey myself my advice is - weight, go with what you have, weight, manoeuvre ability/size, what you love, weight and hence fuel efficiency and available payload.. On that basis - I would go with the first Van - an aluminium frame is lighter and less hassle than a timber frame - most modern Australian caravan builders use aluminium frames or fully composite. You can put in extra windows (Megan’s concern) and if it is 16’ you could also install a shower/toilet combo. Being single axle it is more manoeuvrable - you could also have independent suspension fitted , instead of the leaf making it much more off road capable. Hopefully you have checked what weight your car can tow. Best of luck - looking forward to the adventure
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 😂😂
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 ❤🎉😊
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!
Wow !! That's the best thing getting an old retro caravan and modern the crap out off it , them vans have been there done that and still around today good build quality back then , and cheaper to refit them than blow 150 grand and take the risk on a new one , make sure it's a twin axle , Viscount ,Millard or Franklin they were the best them oldies are still around today ❤❤❤ and yes in time you do need a bigger mobile home and have more comfort and what your doing is going to be a big game changer on CZcams for yourselfs and the veiwers a big hit this one 👍👍
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!
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.
Love this. Looking forward to the build!
Thanks for watching Neal! Can’t wait to share more.
I’m definitely thinking dual axel - far more stable to tow & far far safer if you get a blow out - which ever way you go though, it’s going to be so enjoyable watching you turn it into your new home! I can’t wait for the next video 😘😘
Dont forget a hat rack in there for Jacks caps!! 😂😂
This is going to be an awesome series, bring it on.
Safe travels 🤙
😂😂 hope Megan doesn’t see this comment she is on my back about getting rid of my collection of caps 😂
Can’t wait to share the series mate. Might be a little more excited for your classic comments each week 😂😂
@itsJackandMegan hehe. Ahh I'm just stoked you get all my dad jokes... lol. You guys make me smile each week so it's the least I can do in return(make you laugh), my way of showing appreciation i guess.
Take care mate, catch ya next week.
This is so exciting! I can’t wait to follow along this series ❤My husband and I had been renovating a caravan this year and it was a huge/ fun project, it then got stolen from our street 3 months ago in Melbourne and we never got it back. Point of this comment is please make sure you guys get an AirTag for it even at the beginning- we kept saying we’ll wait until we finish our Reno’s and now is too late. We’re still heartbroken about the whole thing
Oh guys how devastating! We have purchased a lock for the hitch and I’m putting an air tag in it right now thanks for that. We hope you find the caravan. So sorry to hear. Some people I just don’t understand hey.
Crikey. That is a very sad story.
I think number 3 dual axle and it looked a lot nicer and bigger inside. I think it’s good you’re getting caravan, because if you want a break from travelling, you’ve always got a home to go back to and if you get fed up with where you are, you can always move it somewhere else, whereas a home you can’t do that 👍
I guess the financial commitment is not gonna be defined by size but by condition. Start with the best base for what you picture in your minds and go from there. Also Jack, lying without blushing about the work being the same as the fj? 😂😂 you'll be fine. Eventually 👍🏻 it's always more work than you see and all of a sudden you're done. Just helped my brother yesterday with his 65 Oldsmobile which is nearly done after only 8 years 😅😂🎉🎉
You’re spot on mate it’s always more then what you think it’s going to be haha. Can’t wait to share the journey!
#3 AC FTW!
Number 2 seemed like a nicer interior and the outside visibility with the curved windows created a sense of space inside.
The body on no 3 on the outside looks best. Ahhhhhh waiting 😂
Viscounts were always a little bit lighter and generally better resale value , grew up camping on the front bunks of a Millard 🤠
Welcome to the world of caravanning …your in for a whole new world of travel.
This will be a great series to watch.
Looking forward to it.
Very excited! Can’t wait to share the series.
3rd one would be the best plus having air con.
Definitely number 3 , dual axles , lot more room , potential for a shower toilet as well .
Go bigger for long term use. How exciting!
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
Hi guys yes a lot of work on all of them ,but I would probably go for No 3 .but at the end of the day it's your decision .
I’m so excited for this series!
Yay so happy to hear that! 😁
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 🙏🏻💗💗