Buying a Caravan? Things we wish we knew before buying our LOTUS van

[@michaeldenham4577]

Yes good one guys your right the air bags are a must

[@sandyexpeditions]

100%. Once you have them, they’re a non-negotiable!

[@Leys_adventures]

Great little video guys, we have also got a lotus caravan ours is a trooper the mattress we upgraded from start and few other things. We agree the light above the door needs its own switch. We have done a full rundown of our van and set up. Keep up the great informative videos we hope to see you on our travels! 😊

[@TheTripleDubya]

Hoping some van company decides to do a downforce fan just above the door to create an air curtain to keep the bugs out.

[@sandyexpeditions]

This is at the top of our wish-list too! 🧞‍♂️🤞

[@antonb8422]

Iv had 2 Lotuses. Got a new one coming in September. I should start a blog on what the dos n don’t s are 😂 We live in ours and have 2 kids. Been on the road full time for 4 years now. Have learnt a lot 👍

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for watching. I’m sure you’d have a wealth of knowledge and we’d love to hear about your experience! 😊Hoping we’ll be able to hit the road full-time within the next 12 months, if not sooner🤞

[@carly-0-7]

Yes please Anton

[@kennylove9323]

Great clip with some good advice. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for watching, hope this video has helped in some way 😊

[@ARCHIES_79_LC]

Great video guys! Hopefully this helps someone in making a decision. Thanks for sharing 🤙🏻

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for tuning in! We hope so too 😊

[@twentyfivedegreessouth2199]

I see a lot of caravans put the toilet cassette access hatch on the same side as the awning near where people cook and eat when outside. This is a complete deal breaker for me

[@sandyexpeditions]

That’s a great point! Lotus have a few different floor plans but for us, we haven’t experienced any issues. Our slide-out outdoor kitchen is on the same side but a fair distance away and the cassette hatch is lockable and well sealed so we haven’t noticed any stench.

[@twentyfivedegreessouth2199]

I can see as a couple not as much as an issue but with kids think it would be an issue at some point. I am looking to buy and I like having an annex more than an awning and it would be like emptying into a room

[@sandyexpeditions]

Another great point, can see how that’s not ideal. We’ve actually thought about getting an annex but we’re yet to consider the impact of emptying the cassette. Currently we are emptying every few days to keep it fresh and as we do more touring and weekend trips rarely stay in the same spot for more than 2 nights so it hadn’t crossed our minds.

[@GNCAdventures]

Hi Guys, thanks for the advice, we don't own a Lotus but used You Tube for advice, and it was valuable in buying our van. Our Van is 16Ft and a few things I didn't want to compromise on, was the door at the rear as I didn't want my door opening at my bed. The compromise was I lost my cafe lounge to the L shape which doesn't really bother me. I also didn't want a Shower / Toilet combined.

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for tuning in! Setting up a van is definitely a personalised experience! We recently visited the Sydney Supershow and must admit, loving the new designs coming out with the double doors (front and rear). Separates the spaces really well, especially if you have kids or are planning to in the future. Happy caravanning!

[@twentyfivedegreessouth2199]

I wonder if having the shower adjacent to the kitchen whether you’d lose less water keeping both hot water taps close?

[@sandyexpeditions]

Interesting thought! Our guess is you’d probably lose a little bit more the further the water has to travel through the pipes.

[@JimsRobot]

3 days water from 95+95+50 litre? I listened to that part a few times to make sure I was hearing that right. That's a bit higher than the 10-15 litres a day that I use including a shower.

[@michaelwhite4404]

Have you had any issues with your Lotus leaking water? We got our Lotus OffGrid with Trooper Spec Electrical 2 years ago from the Sydney Show, and the last 12 months can't stop it leaking. Friends got a Lotus Trooper at the same show at the same time and theirs leaks as well.

[@sandyexpeditions]

That’s unfortunate to hear. We havn’t had any issues with it leaking luckily. Have you gotten in contact with the warranty team to solve it ?

[@michaelwhite4404]

@sandyexpeditions Yes already been fixed under warranty once but still leaks.

[@stevowyeth]

Gal chassis for our new 19’6 van added 80Kg.

[@sandyexpeditions]

Oh wow, I didn’t realise it was that much of an increase. Good to know, thanks for the feedback 🙏

[@JacksonBiggles]

A good topper fixes the mattress problem yes all Caravans come with a prison mattress !

[@buffomarinus17]

Good god, turn down the volume of the music!

[@TA-wg9oi]

Be Jesus, you got your hearing aid set too high.......

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for the feedback. Audio is something we're working on... stay tuned!!

[@KennethButterworth-j2v]

Same old story, unfortunately you can’t road test a caravan so you must do your research and talk to as many current owners as possible.

[@sandyexpeditions]

The only way is to get out there and do your own testing and research, as you can never be too sure.

[@5Lup0r]

~2500kg trailer, extra water and batteries and you guys worry about 12 kg for a galvanised chassis 😂

[@sandyexpeditions]

Thanks for your feedback. Tare weight is just under 3 tonne from factory unloaded. Setting up a van is a personalised experience and different set-ups suit different trips. It requires compromise, especially with 3 dogs weighing over 100kg combined 😅 If we did add an additional water tank, we’d compromise in a different area to reduce the weight. Cheers