What Caravans have we had?
We quite often get asked what brand of caravans have we had along the way. So here’s a list what we’ve had and why!
Yes we’ve swapped and changed quite a bit along the way. But hey.
Let’s dive in 👇🏼
1/ Our van life journey began with this holiday! We rented a Jayco Conquest from a spot in Bendigo (though unsure if they're still around) and embarked on an adventure to explore South Australia. Maneuvering this van in windy conditions was sometimes nerve-wracking, but we appreciated the compactness for our inaugural trip. This was back in 2016, when our kids were very young. Setting up a portable cot for Blake on the dining table/couch area and having Baylee sleep up top over the driver's cab became our routine. It dawned on us during this trip that as parents, we could actually enjoy a holiday without constantly chasing after the kids. The thought of darting back and forth to a hotel room felt draining compared to relaxing under an awning, watching our kids play, with snacks and all necessities within reach. Plus, having our own pillows was a luxury. This trip marked the beginning of everything for us. We may have overpacked, but it was our humble start.
2/ We made the decision to purchase our first van—a Jayco Expanda—and instantly fell in love with it. Initially, the convenience of its expandable features appealed to us. However, as holiday enthusiasts who prefer constant movement, the setup and breakdown process became less enjoyable over time. While it towed effortlessly, the repetitive packing and unpacking at each destination began to detract from the holiday experience. Consequently, we decided it was time to bid farewell to our beloved Expanda and seek an upgrade that would streamline our packing routine, allowing us to focus more on the adventure ahead.
3/ Next in line was a Jayco Starcraft which was full height, and brought a sense of comfort and organization to our travels. With less setup required and designated spaces for everything, we appreciated the improved efficiency. We embarked on numerous trips with this van until Andrew expressed a desire for something with greater capability.
4/ While waiting for our next van, which we had already ordered, to be built, we felt the need for a holiday. Opting to hire a Supreme Family van, we embarked on a journey back to South Australia. Although it proved to be a great van and towed smoothly, we eagerly anticipated the arrival of our own new van. Without the ability to truly make it our own, we didn't develop a strong attachment to it. Nonetheless, it served its purpose in fulfilling our holiday and exploration needs.
During this trip, we came to the realization that we wanted to play an active role in the caravan industry. Although we were uncertain about the specifics at the time, the experiences and inspirations gathered along the way fueled our ambitions.
Little did we know that the dreams we harbored during this journey would soon become a reality.
5/ Following the Jayco, we upgraded to a Crusader Excalibur, which exuded luxury and sophistication on the inside. This caravan represented a significant leap in terms of quality, style, and design, and we thoroughly enjoyed our adventures across outback Victoria and New South Wales with it. Not only did it tow smoothly and boast an appealing appearance, but its layout was also highly functional.
Coinciding with the impending delivery of this caravan, we made the significant decision to purchase our first caravan dealership. While the Crusader brand was not among the offerings at our new dealership, we opted to part with the Excalibur to focus on promoting brands available on our lot.
Kate & the kids actually lived in the van at the local caravan park as we transitioned and moved our lives to Wangaratta.
6/ Next in line was the Essential C-Class Touring Van, a robust addition to our caravan lineup. Andrew spared no expense in fitting it out with various options to thoroughly test and provide informed feedback to people purchasing from us. Taking delivery of this van on December 24th made for a unique packing and departure experience, especially given the scorching 40-degree heat. But we got there! 🥵
As our ownership of caravans and a dealership evolved, we found ourselves switching vans every six months. Consequently, this van only accompanied us on a single trip. Nevertheless, we loved its layout and functionality, making it a memorable part of our caravan journey.
7/ This time around, we opted for the larger layout within the Essential Family Van range, embarking on our most ambitious journey yet—a trip to Queensland, including the vast outback regions. It was time to soak up some much-needed Vitamin Sea 🌊 and kick some red dirt.
The van towed exceptionally well, with Kate even jumping behind the wheel. This is a reminder to fellow ladies to get behind the wheel and gain towing experience for yourself. Given the uncertainty of future towing needs, it's always wise to hone your skills while you can.
We pushed the weight limits with this beefed-up touring van, especially considering the challenging road conditions we encountered as we headed north. Fortunately, we upgraded the tyres and raised the chassis to better navigate Australia's rugged roads.
However, we found that the layout, particularly the club lounge, didn't quite suit our family's needs. Since we prefer spending time outdoors, the lounge area felt like wasted space to us. So it was onto the next.
8/ We returned to the layout we adore from Essential—the F2-6. However, this time, we opted for a Semi Off-Road Van. Being a C-Class, it boasted a premium quality finish that left no feature unchecked. In fact, it was the most luxurious van we had ever owned to date (and Essentials biggest build ever at the time). Andrew spared no expense, adding extras like satellite TV, although we rarely made use of it. Nonetheless, the van's sleek appearance aligned perfectly with our ethos of exploring new features and enhancements.
Without a doubt, this van stands out as one of the most visually stunning models we've owned. Ultimately, we decided to pass it on to a lovely family in Queensland, marking the end of its chapter with us.
9/ After years of travelling and owning several vans, we made the bold decision to venture into creating our own. WolfRV was born…. Our very own caravan brand was finally a reality! Building these beauties took every ounce of effort, with Andrew's meticulous attention to detail ensuring they're nothing short of perfection. These vans boast impressive battery management systems and a layout custom-designed to cater to growing kids. From spacious bathrooms to strategically positioned beds to an oversized expanded kitchen, complete with a spot for your coffee machine for those early mornings, we spared no expense in making these vans top-notch. We even put our creation to the test with a two-week Christmas getaway and the Wolf did everything we wanted and more.
However, shortly after completing our first batch of vans, a manufacturing opportunity presented itself, leading to the bittersweet decision to bid farewell to Wolf.
But this new and exciting opportunity is coming to market soon, and we can't wait to share the details with you. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
That’s it folks for the moment.
If you’ve got questions on any of the caravans we’ve owned don’t hesitate to reach us on socials ✌🏼
