A'van Cruiser & Cruiseliner

We like the van but very disappointed with the lack of service from day one – We like the concept of this van. Unfortunately the poor workmanship let it down. Backup warranty service has been poor and it has taken nearly 2 years to sort out some of the issues. Cabinetry,latches,fasteners and then major leak resulting in replacement of rear roof and repair of front roof . the issue has been the lack of communication firstly from the dealer then from Avan themselves. now its fixed we look forward to more adventures. Show details

Common favourable comments, and complaints by A’van owners – Air conditioning This seems to be a very common complaint, so won’t get standard aircon will find another solution. Towing Almost everyone says they tow well on the bitumen. Suspension Most people complain about the standard suspension if you go on dirt roads. The cruiserliner range does have more ground clearance and storage than standard… Read more

Cruiser. But if you intend “ to get down and dirty “ you would be better getting the “ Adventure suspension “ which has independent shock absorbers, also increased ground clearance ( the most ) over standard cruiser and Cruisliner models. Quality Control Many feel the quality control is poor but most things can be fixed. Because the A’vans have no canvas they do not suffer from canvas type issues. Battery Most people complain about battery location, and difficult to inspect or replace. Set Up time. Most people are pleased with how quickly the A’van can be put up, and packed down for transport. It seems about 50% are happy with their purchases, and they say after sales service is often very poor. Have ordered the Cruisliner 1D Adventure pack, which I will tow with my Subaru Outback.

Great except for a couple of things – My issue is suspension is lousy the wine down legs are lousy that suspension is 2 firm to go off road or even gravel road come back from Cairns and it rattled all my batteries to death . tried deflating tyres and is not the solution I am going to upgrade the suspension the cost of $4, 000 the company should have put leaf springs in the first place… Read more

but I'm putting alko Enduro suspension . The curtains are a problem you would think that they would put a Solid Edge on on them so you can pull the curtains across with one hand radio and speakers in the wrong place maybe I should shut up but I still love the van over all and great hot water heater .up date my comment 22 November 2018 apart from my whinging as some might say reading some of the comments of other people problems I will mention that the drawers under the microwave is a problem as it would on Wood tracks I had put strips of acrylic to help my cupboards slide and as I did mention that I was going to change the suspension I declined $4,000 could do a better holiday overseas costing too much to travel this country particularly if you are on your own you can't leave the van outside a park otherwise it would be gone for a single person or even a couple to go to caravan park today is outrageous for the cost with no power so I decided next year I may sell the van and spend my money travelling overseas better options but it's not for everyone .but still thinking.

A great compromise - excellent for it's purpose – After having a an Swan OB we bought a second hand 2004 Cruseliner 1D and have used it for hard top, dirt roads and tracks. No canvas, exceedingly quick to set up, lots of daylight, a light, easy and economical tow. It has been excellent for our bush and free camping purposes, but it did require a fair bit of adjustment to overcome some of the… Read more

design or construction limitations. For me though that is part of the pleasure and fun of personalizing the van. Unfortunately there were 3 things that could not be easily over come. The practice of minimizing a van tare weight by excluding much of what would be considered (by the purchaser) as part of the van set up is common to most van builders and meant that of the 1210k ATM we have about 120ks for all 'extras' such as water, gas food, etc. The suspension is excellent for good hard top roads but only rates a 'careful' adequate for the dirt roads and tracks. And lastly the height/clearance can be improved by replacement of the van wind down stays, and the axle can be lifted (50mm spacer) on some vans (not ours unfortunately). All three could be resolved for us by going through an engineer but for us the estimated $4-5k cost does not merit it (well at the moment).

For any one considering the the concept we would strongly recommend it and then personalizing or improving the van to suit the intended purposes.

We've found the complaint about condensation valid, but keeping a roof vent slightly open addresses most of it. Doing this means that even when it's really cold and the condensation freezes, there is only a small quantity that is quickly and simply dispatched with a face washer on a hair brush (to reach it). Well after a cuppa and it thaws :)

As an incidental, we have not had any 'Avan' work done, but the staff at Pakenham Avan have been excellent when I've called in to buy spare parts or to ask about repairing something.

Van for a quick escape – Easy to tow and extremely fast in erection. No canvas and very watertight. Caught in an eastern coast blow in Byron (in my earlier 2003 model) and had to pack up in rain. Didn’t open up van for six weeks expecting mould and a big cleanup but clean as a whistle. Bought a newer model this year (2013) with a/c heating and microwave. Very very happy!  Show details

Shoddy finish – Sealant looks like an 8 year's old work. Battery is starting to smell. Small top vent cracked. Lock on lugs on jack wheel don't line up. awning is a nightmare. Currently three thousands kms from home and all of these issues have surfaced. We purchased this van second hand but it had not done 900kms so was virtually brand new.

Great van but it’s the little things that end up major – 2018 Avan cruiser liner adventure pack. 1. Wheel came off when travelling 100kmph van had done less then 2000km I needed to replace axle hubs bearings$$ 2. Locking on walls is terrible 3. Trailer brake attachment rattled off whilst driving cable dragging for a long time. 4. Pad on stabalizer broke . 5. Dome windows rattles open . Then front one… Read more

broke.

The concept of the Avan is good but I am not convinced the quality of the build is from my experience with mine. And parts are expensive and customer service is terrible. Looking at selling mine and trying something else

Leaking like a seive – 14 months old and only used for the 4th time and the main seal in the roof has gone so had to tarp it and now I'm sitting with a tea towel mopping up the water coming through the side window. The tracking for the Annex has all but fallen off and I can't screw it in as it splitting the floor and threaded the screws. The curtain plastic fasteners… Read more

are all breaking. The front and back windows have never opened properly right from the start and still don't even though they went in to be fixed, they are not straight. The aluminium around the inside of one window is cracking on the corner join. The sink rubber grommets keep falling out and have to be continually glued in. The aircon is crap. The burner ignition has been already fixed after the first use. The compartment door falls open while driving. One foot has already been fixed on the first service. Not too happy as still in warrenty and all this to deal with. The Annex is more water tight except for where the velcrose has fallen off for the third time. I've given up on it.

Smelly battery – We had the problem of the smelly battery, woke one morning and the van was filled with acrid fumes, found the battery under the bed almost melted and sizzling. Contacted a battery specialist who said it was illegal to put lead acid batteries in an enclosed area, and recommended a AGM battery which we fitted ( very heavy). No problems since, A-Van… Read more

denied any liability and refused to re-emburse us for their not fit for use battery, have informed every A-Vanner we see as it could be a life saver. Not happy A-Van

About the air conditioning and a line cruise liner – We purchased a cruiseliner 5 2018 model we have found the air conditioner with the adventure plus pack extremely poor to the point its not worth having it on anyone else had this experience  Show details

Comment on A'van locks – Agree with you - the locks are bad. The locks on our Cruiseliner 2016 model, especially on the baggage compartments, are unreliable. Belongings fell out - flagged down by passing motorist. Main door lock very poor. Also, recently, after only 5 weeks of use the sink mixer broke just into the first week of a 2 week stay - had no water for the… Read more

rest of the stay. Because of this, tried to fix it there and then but to no avail. Won't be bothering with A'van and warranty (voided probably) because it will be more inconvenient and costly to travel there and back (and, of course, they well know this, don't they!) Will get it fixed locally (country Vic). Having had an original A'van from new (1998 til 2016) - can say we half expected the quality to be much poorer because of the growth of Chinese imports, etc, and it is turning out to be the case: general across the industry I would think. This current A'van will never reach the age of our previous one.

After Sales Service Lacking – We have a door lock problem with our Cruiseliner . Right from day one the lock was hard to operate,took it back to avan.They said no problem they are all like that.My partner cant operate the lock with the key.It also comes unlocked during transit.After recently having the first $280 service they still refuse to replace this lock. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks Terry  Show details

We love it! – We are a retired couple and looking for something for our retirement. We had hired the Avan a couple of times and just loved it, so found a second hand 2003 Cruiseliner at the right price. Our 2013 2l diesel Forrester tows it easily, and with fuel consumption up from 6l to 8l per 100k it's not too hard on the wallet. The time it takes to put… Read more

up and down, which is under a minute either way, means pulling off the road, popping up the roof, having a cuppa, read a book, listen to some music or have a snooze, dropping the roof and continuing is always an option.

Ours is fitted with a Webasto heater which is just the best thing for those cold mornings in the centre.

We have already towed the camper about 8 thousand kilometers with 2 trips. First was from Melbourne to Broken Hill as a trial, then Melbourne to Carnarvon Gorge, and a wander around western Queensland before returning to Melbourne via Broken Hill.

My only modification has been to install an AM/FM radio.

In a couple of weeks we will head off to South Australia and the Flinders Ranges.

Battery caught on fire – Lucky we were not in bed when battery caught on fire, caused a lot of smoke, not confident sleeping in it. Fire brigade put out fire and after 6 weeks GIO Eventually paid up. Not good enough!

Super van but customer service leaves a lot to be desired – I had a problem with customer service which they could have fixed no problem but they didn't and the reply I got was very very terse so if I change or upgrade I could well think again

Early problems ...hoping this won't continue – Bought a brand new ex show Cruiseliner recently .We had a Cub Drifter years ago and it was tough as old boots , but too much hassle with canvas etc. So far, the quality control is notably poor. Next time I buy a van I will be going over it with a fine tooth comb.! We set it up at home for the first time have left it set up while we pack it with… Read more

essentials . We found one large curtain missing, a light cover plate missing, and one drawer jamming up(inside slider had come adrift). This was all fixed by the one staff member at our local dealership who has been helpful. This week, I closed the top door latch, and it came off on my hand...it will need to be re screwed with glue as well as there is no substance there in the door for it to bind to. Door is slightly out of alignment so there is a lot of pressure on this flimsy bolt. we then found the mattress, bedding and wood underneath at foot end was really wet. Did the garden hose test on the roof and no leaks evident, suspect it may be condensation after some very cold nights.,but we have not been sleeping in so can't see how? Any advice welcome.We still have no copies of the warranty cover, or manuals which we were assured were in a drawer in the van. These are now .on order apparently ? We now plan to keep trialling the van in our driveway before taking it our in the road ..it's too cold anyway to be out 'camping ' Need to trial the hot water system fridge and air con .no manuals to help us but they ran through all this when we purchased. Fingers crossed that this van will be OK,reading the reviews I am wondering if an older van might have been built better and a better buy . Verdict is out .

Super easy A Van – Very satisfied with our second hand cruiseliner. Very reliable, tows beautifully. Perfect for two. Like all holidays preparation is the key. Correct loading, tyre pressures, brake checks and wheel bearing service all done before we left. Reading some of the less flattering reviews reveals more about problems with owners than vans. Cheers.

Avan Campbellfield Super Centre, – Nothing at all super about the after sales service, so disappointed. And I had to pay for the first service? Then too many things they were unable to fix, or did not want to fix, such as putting co axial cable in conduit, installing steel mesh fly wire, a month to complete warranty works and some still not fixed. And I too met that 'lady' who… Read more

I shall not put an adjective too as I consider myself a lady. I now totally refuse to deal with her after she suggested I change my hitching configuration to something that was unsafe, because the jockey wheel was not high enough. I just needed a higher jockey wheel, which she seemed unwilling to supply, and then tried to charge me for it.

Where can one get good caravan service. This is my third go and the service gets worse and worse.

Ours is a cruiseliner – Love our cruiseliner - only put the awning up if doubtful weather never have used the annex. Our bikes fit in the back of the Prado (seats down) and travel there very happily. We prefer natural campsites so run the fridge on gas and share cooking over campfire BBQ (which fits neatly in the side hatch) and indoors. Love the big front boot. Only… Read more

reason to upgrade is looking at shower and island bed. It is so easy to tow and will follow the Prado any where we want to go.

Gave up too hard – In the end too small alone and too hard to put the annex up. Traded on a 16 foot pop top Jayco. Will report. The A-van dealer was hopelessly unhelpful so went Jayco. Sorry. I meant she was a miserable cow.

replacing the battery – Great van. Only issue after 1 month with our 2nd hand cruiseline is the deep cell battery went flat. Awful smell, not the fault of the van. The issue we have is trying to get the battery out from the back corner under the bed! How? Any suggestions?  Show reply

ok but not suited to my life style – liked it for its light weight and easy to tow with my 2010 mazda bt 50 very easy to put up and down .it did not like rough roads or dusty roads and the seal on the door kept coming unstuck .the fridge and microwave do not work anymore and the replacement cost was expensive.Had a blow out which ripped off mud guard ,stability of van was excellent after blow out.sold van for good price.I plan to buy off road version.

FINAL UPDATE... ON THE CRUISERLINER 5...FOND FAREWELL....2017 – We have just sold our Cruiseliner 5 and she has gone back to Queensland quite near to the original owner! The new folks purchased her with all the added must have, thousands of $$$ worth of extras. They have called to see us on their way home from Adelaide, still learning the how too's but happy with their purchase! We have moved up to a 5th… Read more

wheeler we had built in Wales & shipped to Australia ~ yes we love it but we still have fond memories of our little Noddy van & would never choose to miss that experience with our Cruiseliner, it's where we developed our love of free camping.

We have just come home after 5,500 km round trip to Queensland, we never had one minutes grief from our Cruiseliner, not with towing, not with living facilities, all in all excellent.

We of course had the appropriate electric brakes fitted to the Forester & a medium (maximum 160 kg on the ball) Hayman Reece Weigh Distribution Hitch fitted + the Tom Tom GPS so were absolutely safe & traveled without incident.

2015 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH

We still have our Cruiseliner we still love it!

My husband has taken up gold prospecting so while I don't detect I agreed to go IF we had our van modified to suit "bush camping" my way! We now tow with an Isuzu D-Max LS Terrain 2015 (overkill)

We put in..

2 new 120 amp batteries 240w portable solar panels 2 kva Yamaha generator 2,000 watt Redarc Inverter Duoetto Hot water service with outdoor plumbed shower(heats on batteries) Full row of dimable led lights at the wrap around kitchen end, BBQ bayonet & picnic table on the side, pop-up with toilet which fits in the side wall of the annex.

I also have lovely hot shower 'rigged up' INSIDE the van for use in the really cold weather.

The night twin beds/day couches now have a marine ply 'slide' in the middle to make a large double bed ( with a 12 v genuine electric blanket) sleeping east west.

Large comfortable cushions made for back rests when using the extra wide couches for TV or visitors.

Free standing table replaced with pull-out table in a drawer for more space.

The batteries & solar panels (generator if no sun) combined with 2000 watt Inverter allows me to use my rice cooker, 4 slice pop up toaster, soup maker, hair dryer & microwave and of course charge all things internet!

I can use my electric appliances from home at anytime via the Inverter & re-charge batteries with the generator (if no sun) when time is OK at the "free camp " (so no one is bothered with noise at inappropriate times,) with the good weather we use our noiseless solar at all times.

We have routine maintenance issues clearly as does everyone who owns a van, we have changed fittings to suit our application, replaced all the foam seals, replaced the sink tap, put boat carpet on the floor, changed the hot water unit (was working fine) extra heavy duty wiring for Inverter & solar but it was conditional for me to " bush camp "

Currently we will replace our bungy cords because we can, they have done hundreds of lifts and are getting tired.

If we had our time again would we still buy an Avan Cruiseliner... YES definitely! As previously noted, easy to tow (we have 2 litre only 4 cyclinder Subaru Forester)we have the wrap kitchen which avoids crawling around the floor & digging under beds for storeage.SOLID WALLS ~ NO CANVAS!

Love my Avan – Bought a Cruiseliner about 2 years ago and haven't looked back. So easy to tow and very easy to put up and down, I only do weekend to week long travel but for a single person I find it perfect for my needs. Also fits perfectly into my garage

Ok. But but doesn't suit our just on and over 70's age bracket – The van has just turned 2 in April. After travelling with friends with a pop top with Island bed and having had our van only 3 months, we realised that we had made the wrong choice for our life style/age group. The Cruiseliner A-van is beautiful and tows like a dream with our almost new Nissan X-Trail. The van has external shower, gas hot water… Read more

and reverse cycle air conditioning, so has all the extras. So easy to put up and down! It's not the van, but us, that is the problem. We have been flying along 130 kph before realising we had a van behind us.

We love it! – Sorry to hear all the problems some of you are having. We bought a new Cruiseliner in 2006, and must have got a good one. We've done a lot of kms and have never had a problem, even the original battery shows no sign of giving up soon. It's garaged and given a top to toe clean only once a year and it's still like new.

Concept? Good. Result? Poor – Aliner is the budget version of Cruiseliner. Good concept but poorly executed. My Trade skills are applied often to keep the van on the road. A'van provide no advise or assistance, never responded to my queries. Fortunately I have close friends who are mechanics and one is a practicing automotive certification engineer so I have no difficulties… Read more

in sorting out any issues of repair or compliance.

Fixing grounds and fixings are insufficient, things detach, electrical system prone to breakdowns, no jack or wheel brace supplied as standard. Unit easy to tow and manoeuver.

A'van claim to be members of The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia; if they set down any manufacturing standards or code of ethics it seems to me the RVMAA isn't worth two bob if the standard of A'van's product is anything to go by. Overall an unsatisfactory product and I would not buy their product again.

5th March @015 Update:

Further to my original post of 26 Jan 15: Since that posting I have taken the van on a few trips in the local region (SE NSW) by way of "shakedown trials". As previously stated the van tows easily, behind a 2014 Land Rover 110 Defender. All of the trips have been on bitumen, the only gravel navigated have been approaches and internal roads of caravan parks and camping grounds. I do not take the van on gravel roads, fire trails or off-road, it is not the upgraded, off-road version.

In touring trim, fully loaded, the van weighs in at 826 kg. I travel light. Setup and establishing ready for occupancy at a site is easy. Live-in comfort is adequate and comfortable. I have replaced the internal 21 watt incandescent globes with 18 watt output LED strip general lighting and installed an additional strip light to improve illumination over the cooker and sink bench. Bedding cushions comfortable, not cheap and thin, I sleep well on them. No complaints about storage. Striking camp and man-handling the little van is easy. I replaced the original issue safety chains with current specification, rated chains and shackles.

My criticisms of A'van are to do with the manner of construction of the van and the A'van company policy (?) of not responding to queries made by email or placed on their "contact us" page.

The vans are of sandwich panel construction; a core of styrene (?) bonded internally with kitchen-type laminate and vinyl. The exterior is bonded with embossed aluminium, perhaps .25 thick (?). The thin aluminium does not provide adequate fixing of self-tapper screws to fix things, like, say, the registration plate and light on the rear panel thus it is easy to overtighten a screw and lose fixing purchase.

Lack of hard points within the carcass may be influenced by economy, poor design concept, weight reduction or mere "compliance" considerations. This is why I criticize the so-called RVMAA; if they set any construction standards and A'van and other manufacturers build to those standards it seems to me the standards are too low, too self-serving. Same situation as Australian food labeling "laws".

A'van are like many companies. They won't respond to enquiries from we punters. Why have a "contact us" window on their web site? Queries made to their local agents/distributors can be confused, lost or misinterpreted. Once I have the information I want from the manufacturer I will then be well informed and confident in placing an order with their local agent. Anyone ignoring me gains an enemy. A'van are not the first, nor are they likely to be the last firm I will bag if they won't respond to my enquiry.

In the latter half of last year I called in to the A'van sales centre at Penrith. Impressive place, lots of stock, lots of potential customers roaming the site. Two sales types, looking harried, bustling about tending to enquiries. I was in the show room looking at the racks of accessories. One of the sales types, virtually running, came into the sales office, grabbed a hurried bite from a dry sandwich, took a fast gulp from an obviously cold and horrible-looking takeaway coffee on his desk and bolted back out into the yard. Dedicated man, hope he got a good bonus for '14.

The mechanic type and his offsider from the wksp chatted with me, showed me the stuff I was interested in and went back to work. I was appreciative of their brief help. Wish I could say the same about head office.

Love my Avan Cruiseliner – We bought our Cruiseliner 2nd hand through a dealer and we had extras that I would probably not have bothered with if we had bought new. Saying that we have used the microwave and the air-conditioning. We love it, mostly it is used for weekends away, and it serves us very well, very quick to put up and light to tow. I did a trip to Canarvon… Read more

Gorge for 7 days which has a pretty rough corrogated road in and it shook the van around a bit so we had to repair the water system but honestly that was a really poor road. We were two woman traveling together and we managed fine, I don't think we would have managed a camper trailer or a full size van as easily.

Other than that we have had problems with the vents melting, and we are still trying to come up with an answer to that, We bought other brands (generic) and they did the same. The van fittings are not top class but then we are not paying $50K for the van either. When you are used to a tent, the fittings are luxury!!

The Annex goes on really well if you use graphite along the ditch of the metal casing before you pull the canvas along.

My husband is an electrician and has not complained about the electrics but we will change to LED lights.

We don't see ourselves moving up to a Caravan, and a trailer tent is too much trouble. I could see us buying another Avan or at least something with a similar design with no canvas.

Avan Cruiseliner: disappointed – Update March 2020. We've had the van under a quality hail/rain cover in the back yard unused for about 18 months. On taking it out this past weekend we found two cracks in the rear panel that had developed while under the cover. Avan customer service suggests this is because of heat under the cover over summer has "dried out the plastic making it… Read more

stressed and brittle". The suggestion is to silicone it up, find a plastic welder to fix it, or the expense of a replacement rear panel. ...... off to Bunnings I go!!

Update November 2014. We have had the van on the road for about 5 months, and the concept and basic design has worked well for us over the past 20 months. We stick to sealed roads and drive conservatively.

However: The small roof vents both buckled over summer. They were replaced easily under warranty, but with the comment "These will probably buckle too. Just bring them back when they do."

The side wall hinges all cracked with metal fatigue. These were also replaced under warranty after 18 months. .. another recognized on-going issue with the vans.

Our side door continues to pop open almost every day. The dealer says he can't see anything wrong. Looks like a job for me.

The roof has bowed in a little on one side, and so does not seal totally when folded up.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We purchased our Avan Cruiseliner February 2013, and have had it away for two weekends and an extended trip.

We have been 4x4 and tent travellers for many years, and this our first caravan. The concept and basic operation of our Avan Cruiseliner has been what we wanted and so far are we have been happy with that.

But we have been appalled at some of the low quality components and often poor workmanship in our A Van.

Talking to other van owners in caravan parks, it seems accepted that if you buy a van, expect to carry out more than normal maintenance, and don't expect much from some dealers once they have your money.

Before our first trip: 1. It rained on the first night after we took delivery, and the next morning I found large amounts of water inside the boot. It was missing a seal around the lid that we had seen on other Cruiseliners.

2. When I filled and flushed the water tank, I found a pool of water under the bed around the electrics. There was no sealing around the water intake fitting.

3. Water hoses are attached with a self-tapper screw through the hose and attachment, and copious silicone.

4. The removable table was impossible for us to remove. It was fitted out of alignment, and the centre pole jammed hard into the fittings.

5. The window at the kitchen sink had the front side exterior weather seal missing.

6. The sliding window "locks" don't lock. Just a gentle sliding effort and they pop.

7. Laminate on the cupboard door just inside the main door fell off.

8. The same cupboard door just inside the main door would not open properly. One of the floor bolts into the chassis was stripped and not completely driven home. They covered this up with a piece of beading, preventing the door opening completely.

9. The water pump plumbing leaks.

10. The hot water service pressure release outlet was kinked, and so leaked into the van.

11. We spent time smoothing off rough and sharp ends where the annex and wall guides had been cut to length. We could not easily slide the roof/walls without catching.

12. I have also needed to smooth splintered plywood where a router was used to cut holes etc.

13. Copious wood shavings and wire off-cuts needed to be cleaned up from under the bed and seats.

14. We have a small solar panel fitted. The Avan Owner's Manual says to refer to the "manufacturer's handbook where fitted". We were not given one in the information package.

15. Lighting: why on earth do A Van still use incandescent bulbs when good LEDs are readily available, cheaply.

16. The Geelong Avan dealer did not responded to emails we sent with questions or concerns, and has not returned phone calls.

17. Emails to Avan in Melbourne were not acknowledged, although I did eventually get a phone call from customer service.

Since then: 18. One of the bed air strut attachments broke off: short self tapping screws into thin chipboard, a common theme with this van.

19. The side door often pops open while travelling (sealed bitumen roads well under speed limit).

20. The rear bumper end-opening catch fell off while driving in for a service

It is not acceptable to say these items are probably warranty issues. Why should we run around back and forth to have warranty items such as these seen too. Their Quality Control needs to be more rigorous, and workers apparently need more skills.

Adventure Pack . If you choose to include the Adventure Pack with your Avan Cruiseliner, be aware that the overall body build is not stronger or improved, and that the warranty makes it clear they really don't want you on rough or corrugated roads. I'm guessing that might even include many sealed Queensland roads. The concept. Poor workmanship and customer service.

Time of writing October 2014 - A'van Cruiseliner 2010 model – We puchased a used 2010 A'van Cruiseline in excellent condition with full annex. Spent 10 weeks Qld, NT, WA, Vic and back to NSW 10,000 Klm's mostly on bitumen and some corrugated roads. A treat to tow and so quick and easy up and down. No condensation problems but we always as at home sleep with at the least one or both roof vents open. We… Read more

installed outside cold water shower and 12 volt plug outside door. It already had a mirror and two Led lights. We sleep really well. We mostly just do five day trips and live the ease of it all. Even these small trips we have taken on a few rough roads. Lost our rear stabilizer pads on cattle grid at Neurum creek. Roof vents we have had to add elastic cords to keep down while traveling, the previous owner advised about this issue.. Apart from those items so far so good. Ours has reverse cycle air con and microwave. The air con was great in Darwin and heating great for Coober Pedy, for the most though we camp on free or unpowered sites and find the solar is great and we always seem to manage with water, caring extra bottle if thought needed. We did buy water filter as advised by friends. We r really happy with our van and seem to be gathering friends who have also bought used and new A'Vans. Heading off soon for gentle five day camp and next year to Longreach for our first A'van club meet..

I see a query re storage, whilst it is a little difficult accessing clothing one can come up with ideas with stick on hooks etc to hook on box for undies in compartments etc. I find I keep our jackets out for nighttime either in car or on seat in van and I have a shoe bag under bed or in car as that suits our use. For cooking I have access to my pots and pans both from inside and out and we can stop and make tea on little Korean stove without opening van which if preferred is only a two minute event. We have everything we need stored in van. I roll up spare blanket behind pillows on bed. Keep veggies or extras in cooler bags under bed (ours is the one that makes into sofa so there is easy access) as the trip goes on these items deplete. We always have more than we ever need. The freezer can take a good six or so meals plus ice if packed well.

Enjoy your A'Vans.

Satisfied – We bought a 2006 Aliner from Pakenham Victoria. They were very helpful. A couple of things have gone wrong, only small issued, they have dealt with them promptly and have always followed up any queries we have had. I would recommend them and the Aliner. A great little van, best for two. Take a small tent for your kids!

2 years 10 months, 12 trips and 134 nights with a Cruiseliner - Ongoing review – We seem to have this unit sorted now. Repairs since May 2012 Element in gas/electric hot water system replaced as it had shorted out due to corrosion. Not expected in a unit that was then just 2 and half years old. Given the track record of Avan, I wondered about the age of the unit when it was installed. Second set of Jensen roof… Read more

vents (the small ones) replaced as they too melted under a caravan cover - not a tarpaulin. So the Avan is now just stored under shade cloth and the caravan cover has been stored away.

Finally had to replace the supplied water pump as it would not cycle off despite there being no leaks in the system. Replacement pumps works perfectly.

Sidewall bottom re-attached to the boot bottom as the screws had come loose where they were screwed into the edge of the MDF boot flooring. I expect more problems in this area due to the way the boot is constructed.

Lid for the pole storage in the rear bumper came off whist in travel. Thankfully no poles escaped. Since repaired and modified so it is unlikely to happen again. Just another example of crude manufacturing processes.

Modifications since May 2012 include.

Trumatic E2400 gas heater fitted so we can use the van in winter. Great investment. Fitted myself with a gas fitter to complete the gas work.

Purple Line eco mover caravan movers fitted so I can turn the van around in our driveway

posted this on May 29, 2012

This unit is now performing well after the modifications discussed in the June 2011 review which is located at the bottom of this current review.

Additional modifications include.

Installed a rear view camera that is on all the time providing a view of the road behind the van. Great addition.

Replaced the 240 volt power supply cable with one that now has a useful length - 20 meters.

Replaced the incandescent bulbs with LEDs to provide much better interior lighting.

Replaced the seat inserts with heavier ply after both broke on the second trip.

Fitted child proof straps to keep the fridge door closed while traveling.

Fitted battery operated motion sensor lights (from Bunnings) in all cabinets and fridge so contents can be seen as interior lighting is inadequate for this task.

Manufactured props to hold open the front storage lids when accessing these areas. The concept of the front hanging space is great, but totally unusable without something to hold the lid open.

Issues to appear since June 2011 include.

The two small vents (Jensen Vents) in the front panel over the table melted when the Cruiseliner was stored under a Tarpaulin. Replaced them easily enough and purchased a caravan cover. Had no problems since. This is not AVan's fault, but mine for using a Tarp instead of a caravan cover. However, there is no warning about the vents melting in any of the AVan literature. So, beware how you cover a unit with those plastic vents.

The same small vents have a tendency to open whilst traveling. This was an issue both before and after they melted and were replaced. I will need to arrange a fastener of some sort.

The large full width front vent also tends to open during travel and this will have to be fixed as well.

The small half hatches on the rear roof panel stuck to the rubber seal and had to be cut loose on the last trip. Will need to clean up the melted/stuck rubber and apply something like Vaseline to prevent sticking before next trip.

The water tank overflow outlet was ABOVE the water tank inlet. This meant that when filling the tank, the overflow came back up the inlet pipe. This was inadequately sealed for such a back flow and so leaked copious quantities of water inside the area where the electrics, including the 240 volt battery charger, are located. Interesting stuff indeed,

How such a simple error can occur baffles me, but confirms that assembly of this product is done by the cheapest possible labour available. The filling fitting was obviously installed upside down. I drilled another hole in the filling fitting and re-routed the the overflow tube to below the inlet pipe. Then resealed the inlet pipe fully. Have had no more problems when filling the water tank. The overflow now goes where it should and not back up the inlet pipe. No more overflow water finding its way into the area with the electrics.

The fitted battery, a Delco, died right on 12 months. The battery had no indication of age as the indicators had not been set. ie the month and year scratched out. Have had identical batteries last a number of years in a camper. Without the age indicators it was impossible to determine the age of the battery. However, I was not expecting to have to replace the battery after a year.

Summary.

Would we buy another one? Probably not but would depend on what else is available and the level of compromise needed to justify a purchase.

June 2011 review

A Van Review after 6 months ownership

Have now had this unit for 6 months. This review covers experience from two extended trips covering both Caravan Parks and "Bush Camping".

Yes, it does rain inside from condensation. I had to purchase a curved sponge mop to mop down the insides of the apex. The condensation is caused by using Aluminum surrounds for the window fittings and elsewhere. A result of building to a price.

It also pours water into the annex area when it rains if you have an annex roof fitted. The annex roof provides a shade area only, definitely not weather protection.

If the intended usage of a Cruiseliner is Caravan Park camping only, then the Cruiseliner could be considered adequate. If usage is to include "Bush Camping" IE. camping in a Non Powered situation, say National Parks, then the Cruiseliner has serious deficiencies that need fixing if you want to camp comfortably.

Major issues we found are as follows:

The power supply cord is hard wired into the unit and is pulled out to plug into the Caravan Park power supply. This means lifting the bed to extend the cord and replace it if you do not want to cause damage to the plumbing, especially if you have a hot water system installed. The power supply cord is way too short as well. Need to carry an extension or replace the cord entirely. This approach to power supply is definitely not industry standard, but it saves on fitting an expensive standard fitting on the side of the unit.

The 12 volt system is woeful. Cabling is undersized. The single 12 volt outlet is under sized for any decent load, say a laptop, but is Ok for the intended use as a power outlet for a TV set.

The battery charger is undersized for a 95 ah battery and is the wrong type. This is confirmed by the documentation that comes with the charger. This documentation clearly states that the charger supplied is undersized for the battery installed. Another example of building to a price.

A 4 amp two stage charger is the incorrect charger for a 95 amp hr deep cycle battery. Charger needs to be around 10 amp capacity and a multistage charger as well. Preferably 4 stage charger, but 3 stage will do, for this type and size of battery.

I have replaced the entire 12 volt system. Pulled out the old wiring - except that to the lights - and fitted new battery charger, re-cabled the 12 volt outlets and fitted extra ones where needed ie near the table and near the bed to supplement the single one already installed there.

Similarly there has been an extra 240 volt outlet added near the table.

Interior lighting is incandescent bulbs. They need replacing with LED to provide decent lighting.

The seat inserts are OK for child sized adults but not for a 100kg adult. Ours broke in half on the second trip. Seat inserts need to be replaced.

The Dometic fridge has no locking device and child proof cupboard straps need to be fitted or the fridge door opens with the least bit of rough bitumen or a decent bump. Ours opened despite bring properly closed after a trip wholly on sealed roads.

The interior cabinetry is woeful. I have never seen such awful work passed off in a finished product. I used to manage a Kitchen Manufacturing facility, so I know what can and can not be done with MDF board. AVan seem to have used unskilled and untrained labour on the cabinet work.

The water tank delivers only 40 litres when the unit is sitting level on concrete - not the claimed 65 litres. This is a major issue in "Bush Camping".

The water pump is the cheapest self priming pressure regulated pump available and the pressure switch failed on the second trip. Had to do repairs in Camp. Did not even bother to submit a warranty claim based on my post delivery experience with both the local dealer and with AVan in Melbourne.

Purchased a new pressure switch for $11 and fitted myself. Pump will be replaced with a better unit before next trip.

The sullage drain outlet has a non standard thread so finding a fitting for the sullage hose is more difficult than it should be.

Locks on the front boot and water flap are cheap and nasty in the extreme. Difficult to open and shut with the key.

Bought in components are of a good standard although the jockey wheel seems undersized for the task and needs to be supplemented or changed for a more robust unit before the supplied one collapses. It bends alarmingly in use clearly indicating it is struggling to cope.

Internal cabinet hardware is cheap looking, but seems to be functional and do the job. And that is what counts.

In summary, it is a good starting unit for a competent DIY person. It needs substantial work to make it comfortable to actually use in a camping situation. ie "Bush Camping" not Caravan Park camping. And some money expenditure as well if you have to buy in some of the gear like a correctly sized and type battery charger.

If you are upgrading from a tent based camper trailer and have handyman skills then this is a good step upwards in terms of comfort.

If you do not have basic handyman skills then give the Cruiseliner a miss and look for another camper. Good base unit for a handy DIY person that can be made acceptable with a bit of effort and relatively small cost. Appalling manufacturing, non existent customer service, overall a bad quality product.