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Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 7:51 pm
by BruceS
I reckon you need a vehicle like Norman's bread delivery van! (sorry Norman!)
If you're going to use it as your regular vehicle for work/shopping, I doubt you'd want a Coaster or Civilian? (size)
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:33 pm
by Janette
I would need to get the Hiace converted professionally to justify a pop-top cost of about $6000. My DIY conversion is a bit rough and cost very little apart from fridge, batteries etc. Couldn't leave a dog in it not even in mildly warm weather besides a bit more comfort would be good. I can't even sit on the bed comfortably because of the height of the bed. I have to live beside in rather than in it which is ok in good weather, not in bad.
A bus would be too big and I really need an auto.
Thanks for your replies.
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:35 pm
by Peter and Sandra
We've got both (on different continents) and much prefer the "van" to the slideon.
In the Oka we can camp discreetly pretty much anywhere as neither the poptop or slideout need to be used to actually sleep on the bed. We can also access the drivers seat from inside.
In the slideon which also has a poptop the top has to be up to use the bed as it is over the cab of the ute. Which brings me to the biggest factor against slideon's in Oz and that is that to have the same sort of space as a van you need a large slideon which in turn needs a large ute like an F250, Chev or Dodge ute to carry it. They are all pretty expensive in Oz too.
Landcruisers and all the smaller utes cannot carry a decent size slideon.
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 1:55 pm
by Janette
Thanks everyone, I've pretty much decided on a van. Now to decide Fiat, Transit, Mercedes, Renault or Iveco.
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 2:03 pm
by Dot
After the joys of Norman's Iveco (parts) I would be going with the Merc, had that in our Winnie and no complaints
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 2:10 pm
by norman
Im biased to the Iveco.they are much more rugged than the others as they have a full ladder chassis, run on the smell of an oily rag,Really good head room and another good thing is REAR wheel drive...
Iveco pics 007 (Large).jpg
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 7:55 am
by Keith Morris
"tanks" here----I am with you Norman, go for an Iveco. [9 lts per 100 km, drives like a car, comfortable driving position].
I will be converting a 2005 lwb/hi-roof 3 litre turbo diesel motor when I get back to WA.
The Iveco was used by my foster son as a courier vehicle and has 640,000km on the clock with minimum problems.
the 2005 has dual wheels on the rear which gives a larger payload.
The 2006 year model which he now uses has single wheels [less rubber to wear out] and a 2.3 ltr turbo---still 9 lts/100km but he drives it like a bat out of hell. The 2006 is a smaller motor; but just as good as the 2005 model. Same payload space 17 cuFt, lwb, hi-roof.
BOTH VEHICLES ARE MANUAL GEAR CHANGE, but once in top gear it just keeps going with minimum gear change thanks to the Turbo thingo. Get it into top gear, set the Cruise Control at 90 km/hr, don't go to sleep, and enjoy the drive. The occasional stop for Ice Cream makes the drive a dream.
The service and parts are costly if you use the distributor in WA. Blacks in Brisbane are reasonable and helpful.
It pays to search around for any parts [filters etc] even e-bay from UK with postage costs are a lot less than local purchase----just leave a few weeks postage.
Norman has had a few problems with his vehicle but he still likes the Iveco.
I have a Mercedes Sprinter at the moment, but I won't go that way again -
IVECO FOR ME !!
Check the vehicle out before you decide--don't buy a lemon, and keep us informed on what you decide.
Keith
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 9:39 am
by BruceS
Does the Iveco have the 100,000 timing belt change requirement?
Or does it have a chain one?
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:41 am
by norman
BruceS wrote:Does the Iveco have the 100,000 timing belt change requirement?
Or does it have a chain one?
Hand book says 90.000kms Bruce
Re: Slide On versus Campervan
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2013 10:58 am
by BruceS
OK, so rubber belt. Do not ever go past that KM's that they suggest.
Pistons & valves don't like each other!!!