Hi,
I have seen plenty of vans decked out for sailing and sleeping. I am looking at having a crack at one. Thinking second hand diesel empty shell? Any hints on brands to avoid or pitfalls to avoid?
Cheers all.
Select to expand quotebjornshak said..
Hi,
I have seen plenty of vans decked out for sailing and sleeping. I am looking at having a crack at one. Thinking second hand diesel empty shell? Any hints on brands to avoid or pitfalls to avoid?
Cheers all.
I reckon the Toyota HiAce looks like a good one. I had one in the UK, and it was a workhorse. I actually prefer the look of the HiAce in Aus over the european model. No idea why the european model is different to the UK one.
Hello, Bjorn,
If you search this archive, there is plenty of advice re vans. You can also try here: http://forums.boards.mpora.com/showthread.php/53904-Van-fit-outs-A-compendium
HiAce: excellent parts availability, reliable, durable.
VW and Mercedes: expensive parts (but there are second-hand and non-genuine importers), make sure there is a local mechanic or shop near you who can work on them.
Hyundai iLoad: a real challenge to Toyo, Mercs and VW and worth giving serious consideration. Get the diesel, manual transmission spec. Good load space and excellent driving characteristics (much better than Toyos, but not the Euros).
Ford Transit: only get the VM model and the later the better. The load space, even on the FWD SWB model, will blow your mind.
Just remember: on front-wheel drive vehicles, if a clutch goes, the whole engine and transmission has to be removed = quite expensive.
Pitfalls: watch out for rust beginning in the load space, the floor and behind plywood wall protectors. Seek advice in the Forum (there???s some excellent advice from a dude named WindmanV 
). Have a look at Valvoline Tectyl 506, which dries faster than deodourised fish oil.
Hope this helps.
Flanagaj: the Hiace in the UK was the SBV here and it was deleted from the Oz range in (I think) the early 2000???s, because of poor sales. The current-shape HiAce in Oz has not been taken up in the UK because of engine-emission standards. You can Google for info. Toyo UK are looking to badge-engineer from a Euro manufacturer for their next HiAce (Google again).
Having driven quite a few when I was a tradie I can say generally they're pretty bumby. This is because most vans drive from infront of the front wheels. Best bet for a smooth, more car like, ride is one where the driver's seat is behind the front wheels. It makes a massive difference to comfort and ride. Transporter, iLoad and Mercedes are all good vans.
Select to expand quoteWindxtasy said..
for a minute I thought you said gear and sheep...
Ha ha. Not a kiwi.
Thanks all, much appreciated.
I know naaaathing about vans, the advice helps immensely.
I've just got my self a Vito and love it, it drives grate cheap to run and lots of room. Do your homework and get whatever you decide on get it checked out.
Turbo diesel iLoad is what I have, Great to drive with heaps of power an great fuel economy. I've had mine for 4 years now and done 900000 kms, it did blow a motor and a turbo in the first year but it's been trouble free since(replaced under warranty). Services are expensive that's the only downfall, I've got enough room for a bed 4 boards and a quiver of sail as well as all the other stuff that goes with windsurfing.
). Have a look at Valvoline Tectyl 506, which dries faster than deodourised fish oil.
Select to expand quotejh2703 said..
Turbo diesel iLoad is what I have, Great to drive with heaps of power an great fuel economy. I've had mine for 4 years now and done 900000 kms, it did blow a motor and a turbo in the first year but it's been trouble free since(replaced under warranty). Services are expensive that's the only downfall, I've got enough room for a bed 4 boards and a quiver of sail as well as all the other stuff that goes with windsurfing.
where do you sleep? and where do the sheep go?
^^^^No room for the sheep but a short man can sleep in there no problem. Through the side door I've got a single mattress, you can see the yellow and blue sleeping bag on it.
Select to expand quotejh2703 said..
^^^^No room for the sheep but a short man can sleep in there no problem. Through the side door I've got a single mattress, you can see the yellow and blue sleeping bag on it.
Nice one.
I suppose you could put a sheep or two in the driver and passenger seats while you sleep in the back.
Select to expand quotejh2703 said..
Turbo diesel iLoad is what I have, Great to drive with heaps of power an great fuel economy. I've had mine for 4 years now and done 900000 kms,
you have done just under a million km's in 4 years ?
Select to expand quotebjornshak said...
[br]Hi,
I have seen plenty of vans decked out for sailing and sleeping. I am looking at having a crack at one. Thinking second hand diesel empty shell? Any hints on brands to avoid or pitfalls to avoid?
Cheers all.
Where do you live? Where do you plan on sailing? Are you taking mates / family of is this car for Han-solo-WA-trips?
Select to expand quotejh2703 said..
Turbo diesel iLoad is what I have, Great to drive with heaps of power an great fuel economy. I've had mine for 4 years now and done 900000 kms, it did blow a motor and a turbo in the first year but it's been trouble free since(replaced under warranty). Services are expensive that's the only downfall, I've got enough room for a bed 4 boards and a quiver of sail as well as all the other stuff that goes with windsurfing.
Wow!
Been doing some digging, and the wife is very keen (hmm work that out?) and the posts have really helped.
In terms of location, we are Sydney based. We will probably stick to East Coast, then perhaps explore South then over to WA.
Time to head to the auctions!
Select to expand quoteikw777 said..
Plenty of room for the sheep to go on the rear nudge baaa.
Im in need of a new car and was thinking a holden combo would fit the bill. Does anyone know whether you can fit a 230cm board in above the seats in the upper shelf?
Convert this:
www.graysonline.com/lot/0015-5008725/transport-trucks-and-trailers/land-rover-110-6x6-air-defence-hard-top-4-1990
Select to expand quotezacd said...
Im in need of a new car and was thinking a holden combo would fit the bill. Does anyone know whether you can fit a 230cm board in above the seats in the upper shelf?
NO WAY!! WORLD'S WORST CAR!!! A company I worked for as a tradie had 3. They were always in the shop and only had 120K on them. The 3 of them used at least a litre of oil a week and we replaced 2 clutches, a gearbox and a motor in the 6 months I worked there. They were dogs to drive and visibility was down-right dangerous (worse than a HQ Sandman I once owned). Just Google it, you'll see what I mean.
Select to expand quoteEllobuddha said...
I vote Iload (proud owner)
I'd like on too. Been looking at i40 wagons but they ain't cheap cars anymore
Sprinter Van Mercedes Diesel does 21 mile per gallon. I still have about 6 feet behind the driver seat empty, going to set it up in the spring with small fridge,TV and a bed.
It will fit about 17 boards and 25 sail with no problem 
Select to expand quoteDaniS said...
Sprinter Van Mercedes Diesel does 21 mile per gallon. I still have about 6 feet behind the driver seat empty, going to set it up in the spring with small fridge,TV and a bed.
It will fit about 17 boards and 25 sail with no problem
21mpg... not sure sprinter is an apt name for such a vehicle. 
any van generally good. better if parts are cheap but with this you may sacrifice a bit of comfort.
i had a 98 mazda e2000. went from bris to WA and back then last summer down to Tas and back. my only negative on these vans is that you sit right on the engine which makes the front cabin sooooo bloody hot! also, make sure you have aircon. it gets pretty hot driving across the nullabor.
in terms of fitting out a van, we just made a wooden frame and screwed it to the floor (might not want to do this with a newer van). i fitted all my gear underneath or 4 peoples gear in the whole van (if gear is put on the bed).
enjoy, vans are fun :)
$2500
4WD Mitsi Delica
3 x Boards
4 x Sails
3 x Booms
3 x Masts
+ enough room to stretch out
