Zone RV; Owner Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- Zone Base 20.6 RV; Off Road Limited Edition.
How has it performed in the first 9 months?
As owners, we share our expierience, both good and not so good with an honest "Owner Review".
Join us to see how we really like owning a Zone RV, and if we had an opportunity to go back 9 months, would we buy this van again, you maybe surprised at the answer.
An excellent review. As someone who is doing their research on which van to buy, this is exactly the the kind of user review that helps in the decision outcome. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Cheers Graham
You mentioned quite a few times of the excellent service Zone provide when these small issues occurs, also being a retired tradie in the service industry, this was so important to me, and with the solid build , quality components, they are in my eyes the best of the best, and thanks to you guys out there providing the all important feed back.
Cheers Graham.
Mate, so true, thanks for your feedback as well.
Cheers Graham
Great video Graham, and love the no nonsense approach to likes and the few small issues. Yes, you do have a good head start being a retired sparky... good onya!😀👍
Thanks very much Tony, great feedback, we are always glad to share our experience so it may assist other Zoners.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Great update and review, we also love our ZB348. Currently sitting by the lake at Hidden Gold which we have now visited twice since seeing it in one of your early videos. Thanks and we really enjoy your videos. Safe travels Pete
Hi Peter,
glad you are enjoying our videos, we are having a great time producing them while we are touring our wonderful country in the luxury of our Zone.
We intend to re-visit Hidden Gold when we return next year.
Thanks for your comments, regards Graham & Ann ZB171
Thanks for sharing. We are ordering our zone soon. 😊
Thanks for watching, good choice on the Zone, may you look forward to plenty of adventures soon. 😎
Thanks for a great review!
Thanks David
Great Review, honest, fair & detailed
Thanks, appreciate your comments. Cheers Graham
Great vid Graham, straight down the line, the only way to go. The support is a big part of the investment that's for sure. Some neat fixes in there. I said to my wife about 10 seconds before you said it, that I reckon you might have been an electrician. The hat sealed it, and then you said it! Love the footage. Keep making the most of this amazing life choice. It's a healthy lifestyle 👌👍
Thanks NGN, glad you enjoyed our video, we have just spent the last two months selling our house, sold at Auction last Saturday, we are looking forward to getting back on the road, might see you out there one day.
Graham & Ann….& Shadow
Thanks Graham, great update. Our Zone ZSP 034 went into production on Friday, can’t wait to pick it up, cheers Rob & Alana
That’s very exciting, you are going to love it, Zone just keep improving their vans, and as we said in our vid, we have found the back up service really good, Cheers Graham & Ann
Awesome video. Thanks heaps. Quick tip for both gas and smoke detectors, grab the Cooks shower cap to cover them with.
Well she didn’t go for that, but thanks for the tip anyway, cheers Graham
Graham, good info, great tips. We went with the Tristar on our Zone certainly makes a quick recharge on the drive. With van security, add an extra good padlock and chain your safety chains away so they can't use your chains to haul your van away.
Thanks Kevin, yes you certainly need to be vigilant with security.
Regards Graham
Thank you for sharing your experience it is very helpful. This zone model is on my favorite shortlist. It seems, regardless of the premium you pay for quality caravans, there will always be teething problems. Objective knowledgable opinion.👌
Thanks Dennis, all the best with your caravan acquisition in the future, there certainly is a lot of research that goes into making the right choice to suit your needs. Cheers Graham
Thanks for the upload as we're planning on ordering a Sojourn with 800AH and 1040Kw solar. you video confirmed that we will be making the right choice, cheers
Hi Greg, yes that would definitely be the right choice, especially with no locker for a generator.
I have noticed with Zone, they keep improving on their build, looking at the latest models.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham Great review Thankyou. We have same van and the front jack, light switch + Extra PP at door and move fire extinguisher are already in action with us also. Your other small issues we will look out for. Like you we are very very happy with our choice.
We think the Base was such good value for money, and in someways a shame they didn’t continue, but also understand they must keep moving forward with the latest technology.
Power & Light switch at the entry end of the kitchen has made such a workable improvement.
Thanks for watching
Cheers Graham &Ann
Interesting review, comment about every caravan having some problems is so true, and you need to have some skills to fix them yourself. Comes down to having a understand how your caravan works which will stop a lot of frustration.
It’s always better to be prepared than disappointed, thanks for your comment. Cheers Graham
Thanks Graham - another great quality video - thanks very much
Thanks Joe, glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Graham
Thanks for the video review.
You are most welcome, glad you enjoyed it.
That's a lovely van and a great product but like you said customer service is paramount to building business. Safe travels 👍
Thanks Bill, we sure like it and we agree, after sales service certainly keeps you coming back.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Thank you for a great review 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed, cheers Graham
It's a win win 🏆 4 you and zone great inform video cheers
Thanks David, well said 👍
Your lucky that your dealer gets back to you so quickly.
Stilk waiting a follow up call from my dealer back in october from My dealer.
Dont reply to emails i ring and get told service manager is on leave or sick or hes with a customer at the moment ill get him to call back.
And am still waiting !
If your not getting anywhere with the Service Department of any company, ask to talk to the Sales Manager, always be polite, stick to the facts, and be persistent. You may have to keep going further up the tree if necessary, has always worked for me.
Cheers Graham
Very impressive
I’d prefer that you didn’t refer to your partner if that s who she is as “the cook”
That’s a derogatory term that doesn’t warm people to your overall thorough and helpful commentary
Thanks Andrew for your feedback, my wife and I have been happily married for 48 years.
She absolutely loves cooking, matter of a fact she calls it her “Happy Place”. when she is in the kitchen.
So it was just a friendly gesture when I made that remark, sorry you have taken offence.
Glad you otherwise enjoyed the video, we put them out there to share information.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Thanks for confirming they are nothing short than overpriced garbage not just zone but many others manufacturers.
Price from 140000 to 200000 there should be no issues whatsoever. You better off with a stock standard van I see many people travelling around Australia with 1 with hardly any problems.
Cheers
🇭🇲😀👍🍻🍻
Would be great if there were no problems, but even my Landcuiser has had a few issues, it’s all in the way the company handles the problem for me.
Thanks for watching
Very good info Graham, very helpful and useful ZB 155
Thanks again Ian for your feedback, this is a great format to share useful info.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Great review Graham. Thanks for the tips. Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it Tony, regards Graham
Great honest review thanks Graham
I would have expected Zone to water test the vans as part of the QA, a little disappointing your toolbox leaked but easily fixed
I like your larger mud flaps
I’ve seen others comment on the fridge lower hinge being a bit weak too
How have Zone been when things go wrong-disregard I finished watching all the way to the end 😉
Do you have any form of positive pressure system
We have not required any dust suppression system, as they really are dust proof, the only time we had dust inside is when we forgot to fit the hatches under the bed.
They have been good to deal with, offering remote repairers, but I would rather do it my self.
Cheers Graham
Great review mate. Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure, cheers Graham & Ann
I was quite impressed by the Zones when I’ve been looking at them and some friends purchased one which we got to have a good gander at. However I’ve nicknamed them ‘The Asylum’ because of that horrible clinical white interior. Why can’t / don’t Zone offer any colour choices for inside to tone down the glare of the white?? It’s the only thing stopping me from buying one - well that and the fact I’m not sure what would happen in the case of a small ding (eg tree damage to a panel) given that those panels are ‘glued’ to the internal cupboard furnishings etc.
Yes, they are very white and a little clinical at first sight, but we look at it more like a blank canvas where we can splash our own colours around, bedspread, pillows, wall pics etc.
As for repairs, the fibreglass can easily be repaired if you damage it, we have seen first hand on other vans, a few holes before and after, and you wouldn’t be able to pick it.
The furniture glued to the body gives additional integrity and strength to the whole van.
We love our van, sometimes it comes down to personal preference.
Thanks for viewing and your thoughts.
Cheers Graham & Ann
nice work again, thanks for sharing ZN330
Thanks for that, Cheers Graham & Ann
Thanks Graham, that was a really informative review. We pick up our Zone in early October and videos like this give me lots of useful info in preparation for Handover . Oscar Wilde wrote that "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery .etc..." You should feel flattered because you've come up with some great ideas that I'm sure I'll be imitating very soon after we pick up our Zone Base, which is almost identically spec'd to yours, colours and all. I have a couple of questions I hope you can answer:
1. What sort of tow hitch mount do you use (The removable part with the DO35 pin attached?) I also have a Landcruiser 200 Series and the one supplied by Toyota is too low I think.
2. Did you install a separate MPPT Solar Controller or do you find the one included with the DC to DC charger does the job for you?
Again, thanks for all the videos and enjoy your travels
Hello William, glad to hear you gained some helpful information and thanks very much for flattering comments.
Q&A
1: Tow hitch;
I use a “ Mister Hitch “ HD series with a longer shank to fit my Rock Tamer mud flaps. It has a 4000Kg GTW and a T/W 400Kg (Ball weight)
It also has 3 variable height adjustments, perfect for the DO35 and your cruiser.
2: I don’t have an MPPT Charger but would now recommend.
The cable suppling the Anderson Plug on my Toyota is not large enough and voltage drop is reducing the current supply to the 12/12v charger in the Zone.
It’s another job on my to do list increasing the cable to 25mm and fitting an MPPT Solar charger to allow both chargers to work together.
Hope all that helps, you will really enjoy your new Zone.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Thanks Graham. I've never actually seen a Zone in real life, so all the information you and other generous CZcamsrs provide about them helps a great deal, especially when you say you are still very happy with your decision to buy your one. I'm not new to caravanning so I'm quite comfortable with towing, weights, hitching up and all that stuff, but I've never quite come to grips with the dark art of 240V electricity so I leave that stuff to the professionals like yourself. I really think the extra power point is an excellent improvement.
Thanks for the info Graham will pass onto my husband. Can’t wait for our new Gen 2 Zone due Mar 23. I noticed you have covers on awning legs. What brand are they please and also a little cover on your padlock. Cheers Robyn
Hi Robyn, very keen eye, the awning leg covers are made and supplied by Zone.
The padlock covers are made by Ann, she has made bags for all our gear, anti-flap kit, awning bars and all the padlocks.
Exciting about your new Zone, it’s worth the wait. Thanks for watching
Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi, we are planning our trip around Australia. We are in the early stages and are investigating cars and vans. We would be grateful for any advice you could give not only on vehicles but on hazards and places to see areond Aus. Thanks. Joff
Hi Joff
The vehicle you choose must be matched to the weight of your caravan.
Obviously budget comes into your decision, but if you can find a Landcuiser in your price range, they are still the best tow tug in my opinion.
Hazards, make sure you have good quality tyres on the tow tug and caravan. Don’t free camp where there is a lot of broken glass and rubbish.
Drive to the conditions
Destinations, check out all our vids, over 40 episodes to find some great places.
Three of our favourites
Kimberley
South west corner of WA
Tasmania
Remember all the “P’s”
Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham we are having a power point put in exactly where the cook wanted hers put in your Zone 😊 we need to supply the fittings for him can you please advise what you used please? Many thanks 🙏
Hello Jacqui
Apologies for my late reply.
If you still require the information
1: Clipsal Double Pole 2000 series double power point
2: Shallow mounting block to suit
3: 2 x Clipsal 554 Junction large junction boxes
4: 4 meters of 2 core + earth 15 amp flexible power cord.
You can purchase this at a Electrical Wholesaler, take this list and show them.
( Do not try to buy at Bunnings)
If you want the light switch, also pick up a Clipsal 2000 series architrave switch and 10 meters of 12 volt cable so you have a two- way switch at the door.
( An electrician must install the power point)
Hope all that helps.
Cheers Graham
@@grahambelby9117 cheers Graham very good of you to reply! Has helped us no end. Happy travels to you!
Great drone video at the end, what type of drone is? Thanks.
Hi Steve, I use the DJI Air 2S, has a great camera lens.
Cheers Graham
shame they dont make the base anymore---just 3 other rippoff models
Yep, this is still the best value Zone they have ever built….
How hard was it to add the power point
Hi Aaron, there is a large cable duct running through the back of the cupboard, so easy access.
Cheers Graham
@@grahambelby9117 ok great I will have a look zb249