Little Extras

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 02:16
ThreadID: 123247 Views:7217 Replies:13 FollowUps:5
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We are ready to sign the contract for our new bushtraker but would like some feedback on some of the little extras. We are trying to stick to a budget and some of the things we think we can do without are the - 1. remote ignition 2. Outdoor shower 3. Webasto Heater 4. Exhaust fan hatch in the ensuite.
Any feedback on how worthwhile you have found these items would be appreciated.
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Reply By: Noosa Fox - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 02:47

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 02:47
1. Remote hot water Ignition. Wouldn't be without it.
2. Outdoor shower. Haven't got one, and those that have often say it is good to wash sand off. But as the shower drains directly outside, any sand would also drain out. We have had the van for nearly 6 years and haven't needed one.
3. Webasto Heater. Once you have had one, you would never be without it. I know Steve at BTi was secptical when Bob pollock put one in, but when I went to the factory a short time after fitting one there, he also thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.
4. Exhaust fan in shower is very good for removing odours from the other use in there. We have found that you don't need the fan a lot while showering, but the vent above you allows a draft from window to leave through vent above and take any steam with it.

Brian
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Follow Up By: Bushtracker - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:36

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:36
Neil and Linda,
Despite Foxies little dig on the Webasto, (we have become used to that) I do like the Webasto function. I am only slow to endorse things like that which are exotic and expensive, voicing my reservations until they have run hard on the road to see how they stand up against the corrugation. My reservations are in the best interests of the majority. I will let a few go through, while voicing my reservations if I have any, and give it the real test of the Outback before giving it my approval.. OK?

Despite the hard time a very few give me, I am here to look after your best interests, so if I do give some reservations on something, it is not that you cannot have it, you can have anything that is possible... Just understand that it might be for your own good and consider the point of view... Regards, Ranger
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Reply By: BT Dreaming - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 04:59

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 04:59
I agree entirely with Brian 's comment. The only thing on your list that I would cut out (unless the finances insisted on deleting more) would be the outside shower. Like Brian, we do not have one, but do have the other items on your list and certainly would not delete the remote start for the HWS or the Webasto! Maybe we could live without the exhaust fan in the ensuite but it is very useful and I'm not sure that you would save much by deleting it. (can't remember how much they are)

Obviously, preferences are very personal and there may well be differing opinions, but the above is MHO.

Cheers
John
AnswerID: 570333

Reply By: Grumblebum & Dragon - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 05:36

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 05:36
Don't get rid of the remote ignition. Outside shower can go - nice for the beach but not essential. We stay in the tropics so cannot comment on the Webasto. Exhaust fan - good for fast smell removal - the hatch vent is more important than the fan as it provide extra breeze in combination with the side window.

What else have you crossed off but shouldn't have?

Regards

John and Jean
AnswerID: 570334

Follow Up By: Neil and Linda - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:53

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:53
Thanks all for your sharing your opinions. In regards to Grumblebum's question - What else have we left off? We have gone down to 18' from 19' but have kept the heavier suspension, 3 solar panels, 3 batteries, 5 water tanks. We have left off the air-conditioner and inverter. We will be running a laptop computer which will also be our TV and intend having a cheaper dedicated inverter just for the laptop. If there is anyone out there who would like to buy a very nice house by the sea at Kilcunda Victoria it would definitely make the decision process easier. But until our house sells and we know exactly what we have to play with the budget has a limit and sticking to the budget is difficult when there is so many good things on offer.

Neil and Linda
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Reply By: Panna Trackers - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:26

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:26
Remote ignition a must. Out door shower can be replaced by a tap on the draw bar and a short length of hose. The money saved can go to large cargo doors. Webasto, travel to the seasons? Exhaust fan gets little use but the hatch certanly helps.
Good Luck
Trevor & Lyndal
AnswerID: 570335

Follow Up By: Mobi Condo - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:46

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 07:46
Yes - The largest of the three cargo doors offered would be good - we did not and now wish we had at least one for Generator reasons (when we do get one).
Have not missed the outside shower we do not have.
We have a fan in the ensuite hatch and it gets used quite a bit.
As for the remote ignition we feel it is a basic need.
We asked for a side door to the rear end pantry and can easily access two shelves which are the daily use items.
We would consider the extra 300mm of draw bar - but not really missing it!
We really do use the 1800w inverter for Laptop, TV/DVD (when we have the time) and for a 10" / 250mm fan to provide a breeze all night in the warm weather. I have also used it to work on the van with drills, 10mm Angle Grinder etc and then at one stage used it for a 1000W line trimmer to trim some lawn at a standing camp we attend!
We certainly appreciate the larger ensuite as well and would really consider two drain holes if we had the chance.
Hope this adds to your decision making.
Cheers - Ian & Sally
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Reply By: Silver Fox - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 09:49

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 09:49
A thought : Consider the cost and any inconvienience of retro fitting any item before chopping it. Also a longer BT (read more room) is not a retro fit. I probably haven't helped !
AnswerID: 570336

Reply By: Bushtracker - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:52

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 18:52
Neil and Linda,

Two important things: First of all, if you can come up with just the Deposit, GET INTO THE PRODUCTION SCHEDULE... If your house has not sold in a couple of months, you can always delay a couple of months. Someone else in the schedule will thank you to trade places and get one sooner. But then you are not waiting around those extra months by waiting until the house has sold.... Trust me, with money in your hand, time will DRAG ON on the tail end of this when you are stuck waiting for your van...
If the Deposit does not handicap you, there is no reason to wait, you can alway delay out a couple of months.

Second of all, Perspective on your items above:
1) No one mentioned the PRIMARY VALUE of Remote ignition, forget the comfort, forget the idea of lighting the pilot in heavy rain or hard winds as this is just a comfort issue weighed against the cost... An important Engineering issue is that it might pay for itself in hassle of getting gas and cost of gas. You would not go out to turn off and relight the pilot, but if you have the remote ignition you could do it easy before you go to bed. Then it does not fire up at night, and it is a simple push of a button when you put the jug on in the morning... It will use half the gas, less hassle getting refills...

2) Outdoor shower: Don't use mine, but somes primary use possibly for washing dogs, outdoor shower for nature bunnies, cleaning fish, shower at beaches, that sort of thing. But I always find a way around it like a bucket of water, even left by the door for feet... If you are on a budget I would say no... If the budget is only temporary then evaluate it for your own lifestyle...

3) Webasto: Living aboard full time... Yes, a major comfort issue in the winter.. Part time travel? You do not have to go out to cold areas in the six weeks of dead of winter..
But it is very nice, and take the outlet in the shower to use it as a drying locker overnight, if you decide to get it. It has proven to be a VERY robust unit of almost no repair or warranty work needed.

4) Exhaust fan? Money and personal issue... You decide. Need a perspective? Take out the money issue of cost, and it is better to have it and not use or need it, than to not have it and wish you did. Can you do with out it? Yes, there is a window in the ensuite. My advice with out money consideration? Get it...

Best Regards from the Ranger trying to look after you... Put some thought into the first bit of this.... It will save regrets later.
AnswerID: 570337

Reply By: Deleted User - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:05

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:05
Hi Neil and Linda,

Thank you for asking that question. I am working on a similar exercise and found the responses extremely useful. It is fantastic to get the benefit of input on some of these items from people that have been using them.

Kind regards

Theo
AnswerID: 570338

Reply By: Luvntravln - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:29

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 19:29
Hi, from someone who is selling his BT at the end of the year, here is my two cents worth!

I think you have to always consider resale when you make these decisions. In that regard I would agree with Steve that depending upon your circumstances you should either make a deposit, get in line, and then delay building until you are ready to build what you want and what will resell, OR simply wait. A lot of what you are considering giving up will have a significant resale impact and cannot be added efficiently after the fact.

Remote itgnition - a must!

Outdoor shower - we have used it often and Jak loves the beach and does not love the sand tracked inside. Another use is that we had our shower located so that the shower head reaches to the toilet cassette area. I use the shower everytime I fill the upper cassette.

Webasto - if you are going to be in cold areas and away from mains power to run a small electric fan heater it too is a must have item. I get cold easily and I like a warm van.

Exhaust fan - At least have the area prewired so that a future owner can retrofit.

We have gone down to 18' from 19' - space choice; bigger is not necessarily better, only different. Really depends upon how often you are going to use your toy on wheels. If a vacation home, 18' is more than sufficient; if you full-time home 18' for me would be way too small.

3 solar panels, 3 batteries - depends upon whether you are going bush and how often. Having made two long off-road trips with two different groups of BT owners, those with less than 4 + 4 had to use generators a lot more often.

Air-conditioner - ouch! We are currently in Perth and the weather this week is in the high 30s everyday. I would melt without the air conditioner. At least prewire and do whatever else BT does to install the air conditioner so that the next owner can add the unit. I believe that if a prospective owner was foreclosed from adding an air conditioner he would not be a prospective owner.

Inverter - wouldn't be without it! Yes, you can do everything on the gas or over the fire; however, the ability to boil water, make toast, run fans, run all of your toys, and use the microwave on a very hot day to quickly heat something without heating the whole van are just some of the reasons to install an 1800w inverter.

Hope this helps -

Cheers,

Jay

AnswerID: 570339

Reply By: Maximus - Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 20:35

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at 20:35
One thing you cannot do without is an aircon. An absolute must...
You have a window in the ensuite so a fan really is not necessary. One does not spend a lot of time in there. It is just another hole in the roof to worry about. For the cost the outdoor shower it is very usefull. You really only have one good shot at setting up the van.

Cheers
AnswerID: 570340

Reply By: Oldperc - Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 22:46

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007 at 22:46
Agree with all, apart from the outside shower.
Had one in the last van and will have one in the new one.
But our cattle dog travels with us so the easy answer.
Also remember the resale value.
Items you put on now add to the sale value at that time.
All boils down to individual circumstances.
Good luck
David
David and Ann
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Reply By: Bushtracker - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 01:12

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 01:12
One final thought, you can mull over the three day weekend....
And pardon me if I come across a little funny, I am home just out of the hospital and laid up for a week.. But anyway, put up with me, I mean well...

If you are of two minds on something, ask me, we may be able to make provision for it so that it can be added later without much pain... OK? Know what I mean? A lot of things we can do the wiring for or structure for, and leave it off, just skinned over.
You get three months of coaching when you are in the system, don't stress of these things, and if you have your doubts, it may be compensated for and added later...

Regards, Dopey Ranger home recovering for a week.. Hope I am making sense.
AnswerID: 570342

Reply By: SuziTracker - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 03:02

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 03:02
Hi Neil & Linda

My Tip. Delete the window in the shower and have the Exhaust hatch, we did and have not regretted it.

Regards
Brian
AnswerID: 570343

Reply By: Cargra - Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 16:45

Friday, Jan 26, 2007 at 16:45
I think the yes vote for the remote lighting goes without further comment.
Personally don't have a need for Webasto or large inverter but wouldn't be without air con or outside shower. We have a 300watt inverter hardwired and it runs the laptop, box fan and is handy to charge phones, cameras etc. Also have 2 cig lighter sockets for charging small items, saves wasting power through inverter.
Now the exhaust fan in ensuite is great but we have had to replace the plastic hatch following it's crumbling from UV - I would hope a metal one comes along in the future as caravan suppliers tell me the plastic ones don't last more than a couple of years if exposed a lot. Ours took about a year but BTI told us it was a bad batch.
Depending on which tug you use you may consider a drawbar extension, we have the 500mm to accomodate box to carry genny, chainsaw, outboard etc, just watch you ball weight.
Also wouldn't be without larger ensuite. Layout most important, we love ours, especially the yatch bed as it gives huge storage under (Don't skimp on the extra large cargo doors) and allows much more bench space.

have fun
AnswerID: 570344

Follow Up By: Noosa Fox - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 04:56

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 04:56
Just a comment on the ensuite hatch. Our van is a May 2001 build and we haven't had any problems with UV rays, so BTi may be correct with you getting one out of a bad batch.

Brian
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Follow Up By: Bushtracker - Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 19:32

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007 at 19:32
Well, that is very nice of you Brian, coming in support of what we say.. In my laid up state, I must say I am impressed.

You all might wonder, when we are Number One in Australia, why in the world would we NOT be 100% Fair Dinkum.....? I am laid up and Dopey, but I am going to tell you something from the Soul. I am not going to be a rich self indulgent person. I am dedicating myself to helping those less fortunate. For years, I have supported a Street Kids program, but some of those kids are the way they are by choice. I have shifted the focus to Handicapped Children, as they did not pick their fate. Whether a stroke, or accident, or accident of birth, they did not pick their lot on life. Hippo Therapy is a horse riding program that articulates their bodies with a therapeutic benefit. It is the highlight of their lives, and their Parents lives, and I am dedicating my success to helping them. I have dedicated the front half of a million dollar horse property and facilities to them. I have tapped into reserves that I have held since before Bushtracker, and am building, right now, a 42 metre indoor arena as we speak... Noosa Shire RDA is moving to the Property, Maroochy Shire RDA is moving, if I have continued success I will double the facilities and hold the State Competitions there.

We are where we are by being Fair Dinkum. If I say we have a bad batch, you might just believe it. Why would I do otherwise? I may be wrong once in a while, but don't bloody bet on it. The odds are about 98 or 99 to one. We are about doing the right thing by people to the best of our ability. It is an evil world out there, where people are self serving, selfish, and mean... I am drawing the line right here, right now. What I say is Fair Dinkum right down to the wire. It is the basis for trust, and the basis for our success, and when we have come this far, and hardly any of our so called Competitors have been in business as long, or under the original Founders, I would say trust our expertise. We are the Manufacturer, and dedicated to doing the right thing as much as is humanly possible.

Now I have done it, rambled on, doped up just out of the hospital, so be it, the truth is out. Thank you Brian, for inferring that we are telling it just like it is??? We will do just that… Always…
That is the only way...

Semper Fidelis And I mean that...........
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