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Gary and Mary, and their friends David and Merrilyn, both already owned relatively compact Nissan X-Trails when they decided to take off on a year-long expedition together. The Perth couples both wanted to buy a van that was quite light and therefore would suit the X-Trail … but also something spacious. After a rigorous search, they both plumped for an Adria Advia 532 UP mainly, they said, because it was so lightweight. “The Adrias are a dream to tow, and because they are so light,” says Gary. “We can park them pretty roughly and manoeuvre them into position by hand.” And, of course the ‘identical twin’ rigs have drawn many a second glance from fellow travellers. Gary says there is a lot of interest in the double set-up … but he reckons it’s mostly because people can't believe that such small 4WD vehicles can tow such large caravans. “The ladies needed a full stove and oven set-up for cooking and wanted a toilet and shower in the caravan," Gary says. “We all love being so self-contained, and showering in the caravan on the side of the road is an unbelievable experience.” The two couples have been good friends for more than 20 years and plan to travel together for the next year. And it’s so far, so good. "Of course, living in a caravan is quite challenging after coming from a large home,” admits Gary. “However, we are quite comfortable and really enjoying the experience.” The enjoyment of the experience has certainly been enhanced by the fact that the couples have found the fuel economy of their rigs to be excellent. "Fuel economy was important; as we would be doing so many miles we did not want to over-spend in that area of our budget,” says Gary. And that’s got to be good.
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The Scene
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Choosing the right rig for your particular needs is obviously a key component of a successful trip. And most people out there in the road – whether they are in a battered van from the dawn of time or a high-tech, super luxurious motorhome – are happy with their choice. Budget, likely destinations and comfort expectations are just three of the factors to consider before plunging into the market. Finding something that will work with the vehicle you already own is often another.
Taking photography
to a new level 
Max and Carol build their own Motorhome 
"Comfort
and easy towing"
Pick
up some work as you
go