Caravan Modifications

We are pleased to announce our van is finally here! We are absolutely stoked with it! Ordering brand new was definitely the way to go for us as we opted for many extras that would be hard to find on the 2nd hand market. We have 2 weeks until we are due to hit the road full time and our to do list seems to never end.

Factory Mods

The layout we chose was the 19.61-3 which includes ensuite and bunks. We find this layout quite spacious and functional. It has plenty of storage and can be towed by our 2018 Prado. We opted for the extended draw bar and the ATM upgrade which increased the payload by nearly 200kg. We chose the DO35 Hitch to ensure good articulation and ease of hitching up. We upgraded the battery system to 2x120AH Lithium batteries and 2 160W solar panels. Our other extras included an outdoor shower, a 3rd water tank, bike rack and leather seats for our dining.

Toolbox

It was important for us to be able to bring our weber, but without losing storage we gained storage by adding a custom made toolbox across the front of the Draw bar. The guys at Active Metal Fabrications in Mandurah did an excellent job. On one side you can slide out the weber and bench and on the other it’s a generator box with a slide. The centre of the box contains our gas bottles.

The Exterior

During Emmas pack up I got into the other installs and prep work that I felt was needed to protect it. I started with sikaflexing all the internals where dust may seep in. Then I went onto the underbody protection placing mudflaps to protect areas prone to stone damage. I also added extra conduit around wiring and water hoses. My father in law and I coated the underfloor of the van with Raptor Coat that you can purchase from Super Cheap Auto. The Stone Stomper is added which also protects the rear of the vehicle whilst towing.

The Interior

Due to it being our “home” we wanted to be able to drink filtered water without purchasing copious amounts of bottled water. Therefore I installed an under bench water filter system with a tap that you can purchase from Bunnings. On top of this when we fill our water tanks we will use B.E.S.T Strainer and filter system. I also installed 3 sirocco fans that we had to buy elsewhere as Jayco were out of stock. Last but not least the inverter for our electrical appliances whilst we are off grid. While I was busy getting these things done Emma was starting to load and organise our new home.