Opal Southern Explorer 186
4 reviews
Boxing Day night track washout – After storms forced the Southern Explorer to halt at Goulburn on Boxing Day night, I was impressed by the professional and informative actions of the train and station staff. Well done their after hours organisation with tired passengers cared for patiently and kindly.
Happy Opal owner – same manufacturer I have a 2014 Opal 20,6 mid door and it is the best van I have owned ,travelled 55000 klms around Australia with no issues,been vanning for 35 years owned 8 all different vans ,I regularly service my van ,most owners don't, I have many vanners ask about the Opal ,in my opinion they are one of the best built vans on the market, Noel P. QLD
same van manufacturer no problems – I have a 2013 20 foot 6 and have never had a problem with it yet I have clocked up well over 50,000kms and still no issues sometimes there is a lemon but not in my case
Disastrous Opal Van – Purchased in August 2015 from Southern RV in Newcomb, Geelong, the list of problems is unbelievable. Repairs done, have broken again. Door/drawer catches, sliding door to ensuite now broken three times, Aussie Traveler blinds blow in, with the very slightest breeze, water loss, faulty and badly located water/power gauges, electric brake wires exposed etc, etc. and their comment that it's nothing serious, just a couple of catches!
Retailers answer: bring it in again for more repairs!
My answer: Not till the source of the damage is found. I have suggested Chassis and Simplicity suspension is to harsh with a total blank from Southern RV, the retailer.
However just spoken to G & S chassis/suspension Engineer re this harshness and that may be the problem. Great people to talk to and looking forward to their report.
Apart from the above, the van is way above 350 kg Ball Weight and the Retailer ignores that and says basically, suck it up!
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Following up from my original post regarding my disastrous Opal Van, I have found that the best way to improve it's faults are to just do it yourself or pay (reluctantly) to have the repairs/modifications done. Going through the retailer, Southern RV is useless as they just tell you to go back to the manufacturer or component/equipment supplier! They took my money, sold me an unsuitable van for the purpose I bought it, and then just fob me off. I would like to go to the ACCC but can't be bothered with all the legalities and even more time wasting and hassles. They are happy to take your money and after that just move you on so that they can get to con the next sucker that walks into their yard. The End!!!!!!!