Thanks Mark, Bluff Creek is one of our favourites, really good amenities and potable water in the camp ground to fill up your tanks. Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham, your tips and tricks are great! We're getting our Zone in a couple of weeks and appreciate we found your video just in time. Looks like a few trips in order to IKEA and Bunnings👍
How exciting, picking up you new Zone in just a few weeks, glad you picked up a few tips from our vids. May see you out there some day, thanks for watching. Cheers Graham & Ann
Loved your video! We are complete newbies to caravanning and looking at buying a zone base soon. Learnt a lot from your tips & tricks & thank you for great camping recommendations. Look forward to more videos.
Hi Angie, so pleased you picked up some useful caravan tips, it’s such a great life style, and most of us like to share. Maybe we will see you out there someday. Don’t wait to long to order your Base, new models coming out soon. Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham, we are looking at the zone base 19ft is it difficult to learn how to tow for complete novice? We will do a towing course but still bit overwhelmed about towing. Thank you, Angie & Ted
Hi again Glad to hear you are going to do a towing course, a few of us think it should be mandatory. It will really help. Next tip, have your tow vehicle set up for towing, especially the suspension, allow for at least a 300Kg ball weight. A well set up rig is so much easier to tow. When you start, remember the less you take, the more you will enjoy the experience. Practice reversing in an empty car park on a Sunday, where no one is watching. And, don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all started where you are now. Regards Graham
Thank you so much Graham for getting back to us. We agree, a towing course should be mandatory. Thank you for that valuable information about towing, you have now put our minds at ease. We will do it!!! Angie & Ted
Graham, I placed an order for a Zone Base 20.6 sight unseen in October 21. I've been looking at them for years, since their inception really, but until the arrival of the Base model they've been out of our reach. With Covid we have not been able to go see one in real life. Your videos have helped us visualise exactly what we will be getting so thank you very much for your videos and keep them coming. As an aside, our upgrades coincide very closely with what you've done including colour schemes. Safe travels, and who knows if our paths will cross somewhere out there.
Hi William, glad we can help you viualise your van in a little more detail, I also have followed Zone from their start up, had several conversations with Matt Johns in their earlier days, but the launch of the Base is really what we and the market was looking for, they nailed it. We are very pleased with ours and that's why we are happy to share our experience. In the next video, we will be going into more detail about the battery system, air bag suspension and water storage and usage. Cheers Graham & Ann
Thnx for the update & tips Graham & Ann, appreciated. We r currently deciding if we stay with our Base 20.6 due October 2022 or consider one of their new releases. We have spec our base up so very similar to your Limited addition. Safe travels, cheers Rob ZB427
Hi Rob Just had a look at the 2023 models on the new Zone web page, they have some improved inclusions but I personally still prefer our Base. It’s great value when you compare some of the other upmarket off-road vans. Which ever way you decide, I am sure you won’t be disappointed, we are extremely happy with ZB171 Cheers Graham
Hi Graham I love your videos very informative I was wondering if you can tell me how much the modifications were for the land cruiser as we have a 2012 Mitsubishi pajero which were thinking of modifying but not sure if it's feasible
Hi, thanks for watching and glad you are enjoying our vids. I have spent all up approximately $16-18K on our cruiser since purchased. The Pajero is a nice car, but in my opinion, I personally wouldn’t spend that much on a 10 year old vehicle, just about any tow tug you buy needs a suspension upgrade and even rear air bags which is money well spent to set up for safe and comfortable towing, our next vid has more on that. Thanks for your comments, regards Graham.
Hi Graham, just wondering what happened to the door latch that you had to replace it. Did it fall off while driving off-road? How are the latches secured to all the doors and cupboards? Are they screwed into the fibreglass or glued on?
Hi Martin, the latch on the ensuite door was a small latch with a poor spring action and no locking pin hole, maybe thats all they could obtain at the time. It came undone on a rough road and would not remain locked. I have had to fix the ensuite door latches on my last 3 vans. The latch is pop riveted on, the channel at the end is aluminum. I am sure they will improve this on future models, from what I can see are always looking for better ways to build a strong light weight van. On your other question, the door latches on all the cupboards are very good, CNC cut-outs with aluminium panels glued in and threaded screws into those plates, they are done well and would not expect to have trouble with them. Thanks for watching, Regards Graham
Hi Graham. Thanks for the informative videos you have done. Just wondering how the ‘co-pilot’ protects the thermomix when travelling? My wife absolutely loves hers and uses it most nights but is very wary of taking it in the van, mainly because of the weight measuring base. She thinks the vibration and going over bumps may damage sensitive components.
Hi, we have traveled for years with (Herb) our Thermomix, we purchased the “Thermomix Travel Bag” and now in the Zone we placed a Yoga Mat, doubled over and then foam padding under the base all under the bed storage area and packed it so the Travel Bag can’t move. We have found the air suspension provides a smoother ride on the Zone. On previous caravans without air bag suspension we had the Thermomix / Travel bag on the back seat of the Land-Cruiser and secured by the seat belt. Thanks for watching, hope that helps. Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham, enjoying your tips & mods, we have a Zone coming due in June (hopefully?). I noticed you had a thermometer also for inside and outside temps on the van, is that the same as the fridge/freezer unit and also where did you locate the sensors? Keep the vids coming great information
Hi Krystyna, glad your enjoying our vids, I mounted the external sensor under the chassis next to the BM Pro stability controller, the other internal one is in the cupboard that reads the temp. Again it is just a fridge thermometer. Thanks for watching, more coming soon. Cheers Graham
Great video. Loved the tips and tricks for ur zone. Could you possibly tell me how much power the thermomix uses? I want to sell the idea to my partner but he is concerned how much power it uses off grid. Thanks
Hi Michelle When the Thermomix is heating, the power draw is around 1500 watts, easily handled by by a 2600 watt inverter and it is only for a short time period. In our next video we are demonstrating all the appliances we take and what power they require. I was an Electrician before we became Travelling Executives Thanks for watching. Cheers Graham & Ann
Hope you don't mind if I ask another question, I have a clearance problem with my garage and a Zone at 3100mm wont fit, are you able to measure your overall height with the airbags in lowest position, I know this is a big ask but Zone just say 3100mm,, this will be my deciding factor if I purchase, cheers Barry
Hi Barry, we are heading off on a short trip tomorrow, I will drop it down to the bump stops and measure the height from ground to the top of air con. Cheers Graham
If you are serious about a Base, I would contact them now, they have just launched the 2023 models on their website. and it appears the Base is discontinued.
@@grahambelby9117 i can't stand when manufacturers have a good price on a product such as the Base, and then realise they can screw for more money due to their name getting out there. 120k for their cheap basic one now. I will look elsewhere.
All 3 water tanks full, 2.4Kw generator fuel full up-in front tool box and fire wood on the front carrier. Full tank of fuel in the Toyota as well. We are only just inside our maximums, but we are. We very rarely travel with the 3 water tanks full. Thanks for your interest, hope all that helps. Cheers Graham
Great video guys, you piqued my interest in a Zone when you showed your new van recently on here. Question...having now used the van, would you suggest extra solar should I go ahead and take the plunge ? Cheers guys....take care , and enjoy the good life....Hope to catch you on the road one day...
Hi Graham, we would definitely recommend ordrering the Zone Base with extra's, great value compared to some others on the market. We have found the 3 x 180 watt of solar panels perfect for our needs, overnight we usually wake to a Battery level of around 82 - 85% on our 400ah of lithium. By mid to late morning we are usually back to 100%. The battery package we upgraded to was around $9000 and that was included in our total package, its nice not to have battery anxiety when camping off grid. On our next video, I am going into more detail about the 12 volt system, air suspension and water storage/ use. Thanks very much for watching and your comments. Cheers Graam & Ann
Hi Graham. Just wondering if you can give me more info on your van coating or contact details would be greatly appreciated. Our new 20'6" base is about 6weeks away. Would like to get her coated. Thanks. Happy for you to dm me Cheers
Fantastic video!! So many extra tips and tricks. Looking forward to many more videos. Safe travels!
Hi Kerrin, glad to share what we have picked up over the years of tripping around, thanks for your comments and watching.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi guys really love your set up and great mods you have done look forward to more videos 🤗🤗🤗
Hi Jo
Yes it makes for a very comfortable rig, thanks for watching , glad you enjoyed it. ✅😊
Thanks, lots of handy tips for us novice vanners Cheers
Glad to help, Cheers Graham & Ann
Thank you .Great video. Envious of your van but mine gets me out there and I will most definitely check out those camp sites.
Thanks Mark, Bluff Creek is one of our favourites, really good amenities and potable water in the camp ground to fill up your tanks.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Another great video thanks Graham and Ann
Hi Jill, great to hear from you again, thanks for watching.
Regards Graham & Ann
Hi Graham, your tips and tricks are great! We're getting our Zone in a couple of weeks and appreciate we found your video just in time. Looks like a few trips in order to IKEA and Bunnings👍
How exciting, picking up you new Zone in just a few weeks, glad you picked up a few tips from our vids. May see you out there some day, thanks for watching.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Great videos mate really like watching them 👍🍺🍷🤙
Hi Stephen, glad you enjoyed our Videos, we have another episode coming out this weekend.
Cheers Graham & Ann
Loved your video! We are complete newbies to caravanning and looking at buying a zone base soon. Learnt a lot from your tips & tricks & thank you for great camping recommendations. Look forward to more videos.
Hi Angie, so pleased you picked up some useful caravan tips, it’s such a great life style, and most of us like to share. Maybe we will see you out there someday.
Don’t wait to long to order your Base, new models coming out soon. Cheers Graham & Ann
Hi Graham, we are looking at the zone base 19ft is it difficult to learn how to tow for complete novice? We will do a towing course but still bit overwhelmed about towing. Thank you, Angie & Ted
Hi again
Glad to hear you are going to do a towing course, a few of us think it should be mandatory. It will really help.
Next tip, have your tow vehicle set up for towing, especially the suspension, allow for at least a 300Kg ball weight. A well set up rig is so much easier to tow.
When you start, remember the less you take, the more you will enjoy the experience.
Practice reversing in an empty car park on a Sunday, where no one is watching.
And, don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all started where you are now.
Regards Graham
Thank you so much Graham for getting back to us. We agree, a towing course should be mandatory. Thank you for that valuable information about towing, you have now put our minds at ease. We will do it!!! Angie & Ted
Graham, I placed an order for a Zone Base 20.6 sight unseen in October 21. I've been looking at them for years, since their inception really, but until the arrival of the Base model they've been out of our reach. With Covid we have not been able to go see one in real life. Your videos have helped us visualise exactly what we will be getting so thank you very much for your videos and keep them coming. As an aside, our upgrades coincide very closely with what you've done including colour schemes.
Safe travels, and who knows if our paths will cross somewhere out there.
Hi William, glad we can help you viualise your van in a little more detail, I also have followed Zone from their start up, had several conversations with Matt Johns in their earlier days, but the launch of the Base is really what we and the market was looking for, they nailed it. We are very pleased with ours and that's why we are happy to share our experience.
In the next video, we will be going into more detail about the battery system, air bag suspension and water storage and usage. Cheers Graham & Ann
Thnx for the update & tips Graham & Ann, appreciated. We r currently deciding if we stay with our Base 20.6 due October 2022 or consider one of their new releases. We have spec our base up so very similar to your Limited addition. Safe travels, cheers Rob ZB427
Hi Rob
Just had a look at the 2023 models on the new Zone web page, they have some improved inclusions but I personally still prefer our Base.
It’s great value when you compare some of the other upmarket off-road vans.
Which ever way you decide, I am sure you won’t be disappointed, we are extremely happy with ZB171
Cheers Graham
Use clear disposable shower caps $2 for 10 at IGA one each side on fans to keep the clean.
Thanks, great idea 👍
Hi Graham
I love your videos very informative I was wondering if you can tell me how much the modifications were for the land cruiser as we have a 2012 Mitsubishi pajero which were thinking of modifying but not sure if it's feasible
Hi, thanks for watching and glad you are enjoying our vids.
I have spent all up approximately $16-18K on our cruiser since purchased.
The Pajero is a nice car, but in my opinion, I personally wouldn’t spend that much on a 10 year old vehicle, just about any tow tug you buy needs a suspension upgrade and even rear air bags which is money well spent to set up for safe and comfortable towing, our next vid has more on that.
Thanks for your comments, regards Graham.
Hi Graham, just wondering what happened to the door latch that you had to replace it. Did it fall off while driving off-road? How are the latches secured to all the doors and cupboards? Are they screwed into the fibreglass or glued on?
Hi Martin, the latch on the ensuite door was a small latch with a poor spring action and no locking pin hole, maybe thats all they could obtain at the time. It came undone on a rough road and would not remain locked. I have had to fix the ensuite door latches on my last 3 vans.
The latch is pop riveted on, the channel at the end is aluminum. I am sure they will improve this on future models, from what I can see are always looking for better ways to build a strong light weight van.
On your other question, the door latches on all the cupboards are very good, CNC cut-outs with aluminium panels glued in and threaded screws into those plates, they are done well and would not expect to have trouble with them.
Thanks for watching, Regards Graham
Hi Graham. Thanks for the informative videos you have done. Just wondering how the ‘co-pilot’ protects the thermomix when travelling? My wife absolutely loves hers and uses it most nights but is very wary of taking it in the van, mainly because of the weight measuring base. She thinks the vibration and going over bumps may damage sensitive components.
Hi, we have traveled for years with (Herb) our Thermomix, we purchased the “Thermomix Travel Bag” and now in the Zone we placed a Yoga Mat, doubled over and then foam padding under the base all under the bed storage area and packed it so the Travel Bag can’t move.
We have found the air suspension provides a smoother ride on the Zone.
On previous caravans without air bag suspension we had the Thermomix / Travel bag on the back seat of the Land-Cruiser and secured by the seat belt.
Thanks for watching, hope that helps.
Cheers Graham & Ann
We also use the Carry bag and store it under bed along with the air-frier and pod coffee machine. All at the easiest access point.
Hi Graham, enjoying your tips & mods, we have a Zone coming due in June (hopefully?). I noticed you had a thermometer also for inside and outside temps on the van, is that the same as the fridge/freezer unit and also where did you locate the sensors? Keep the vids coming great information
Hi Krystyna, glad your enjoying our vids, I mounted the external sensor under the chassis next to the BM Pro stability controller, the other internal one is in the cupboard that reads the temp. Again it is just a fridge thermometer. Thanks for watching, more coming soon.
Cheers Graham
Great video. Loved the tips and tricks for ur zone. Could you possibly tell me how much power the thermomix uses? I want to sell the idea to my partner but he is concerned how much power it uses off grid. Thanks
Hi Michelle
When the Thermomix is heating, the power draw is around 1500 watts, easily handled by by a 2600 watt inverter and it is only for a short time period.
In our next video we are demonstrating all the appliances we take and what power they require.
I was an Electrician before we became Travelling Executives
Thanks for watching. Cheers Graham & Ann
@@grahambelby9117 thank you. Looking forward to the next video.
Mate great video, just a question, were a firie in a past life?
Sparkie
Hope you don't mind if I ask another question, I have a clearance problem with my garage and a Zone at 3100mm wont fit, are you able to measure your overall height with the airbags in lowest position, I know this is a big ask but Zone just say 3100mm,, this will be my deciding factor if I purchase,
cheers Barry
Hi Barry, we are heading off on a short trip tomorrow, I will drop it down to the bump stops and measure the height from ground to the top of air con.
Cheers Graham
Hi Barry
From the top of the A/C at the highest point to ground:
3040
Van was level, dropped down to the bump stops.
Cheers Graham
@@grahambelby9117 Thanks Graham helps me heaps.
I can't see the Base model available on their website anymore. I wonder if they've stopped making them.
If you are serious about a Base, I would contact them now, they have just launched the 2023 models on their website. and it appears the Base is discontinued.
@@grahambelby9117 i can't stand when manufacturers have a good price on a product such as the Base, and then realise they can screw for more money due to their name getting out there. 120k for their cheap basic one now. I will look elsewhere.
Hi, Graham what was your final weights when loaded.
cheers. Barry
Hi Barry
Weights when fully loaded;
Caravan 2990 (less ball weight)
Cruiser 3630 (incl. ball weight)
Ball weight 330Kg
Cheers Graham
@@grahambelby9117 water tanks full?
All 3 water tanks full, 2.4Kw generator fuel full up-in front tool box and fire wood on the front carrier.
Full tank of fuel in the Toyota as well.
We are only just inside our maximums, but we are.
We very rarely travel with the 3 water tanks full.
Thanks for your interest, hope all that helps.
Cheers Graham
@@grahambelby9117 Cheers Graham helps a lot.
Great video guys, you piqued my interest in a Zone when you showed your new van recently on here. Question...having now used the van, would you suggest extra solar should I go ahead and take the plunge ?
Cheers guys....take care , and enjoy the good life....Hope to catch you on the road one day...
Hi Graham, we would definitely recommend ordrering the Zone Base with extra's, great value compared to some others on the market.
We have found the 3 x 180 watt of solar panels perfect for our needs, overnight we usually wake to a Battery level of around 82 - 85% on our 400ah of lithium. By mid to late morning we are usually back to 100%. The battery package we upgraded to was around $9000 and that was included in our total package, its nice not to have battery anxiety when camping off grid.
On our next video, I am going into more detail about the 12 volt system, air suspension and water storage/ use. Thanks very much for watching and your comments.
Cheers Graam & Ann
Cood ideas ZB 155
Thanks Ian ✅
Hi Graham. Just wondering if you can give me more info on your van coating or contact details would be greatly appreciated. Our new 20'6" base is about 6weeks away. Would like to get her coated. Thanks. Happy for you to dm me
Cheers
Hi Lee
Contact Lyn O’Donnell at VANTEC RV Care 0402018143
Tell her I recommend her.
Thanks for that
Shall definitely contact them so that we can protect our investment
Cheers