I'm planning to buy a Townace in the near future and am particularly interested in one with the six individual captains seats. Can anyone tell me what versions have this seating arrangement pklease, or is is not that simple
:o)
Robbo - (#180) Robbo, 24 May 01
Robbo
Like you, I spent a few months of research before going for the model I wanted. I finally decided on the Royal Lounge because it had the full spec of equipment including
6 "captains" Seats, skylite roofs, velour upholstery and 4WD. It took a while to get a good example but finally got one that was pretty much unmarked. However, as I am sure other visitors to this site will agree, it transpires that you don't have to go for the Royal Lounge to get that spec. I believe a variant on the Mastersurf can provide this as well. Also, I have since learned that there are variants on the Royal Lounge that only have 2WD! Confused? You bet I was.
I would suggest you access the Autotrader site on a regular basis. They will often specify "Captains seats" in the ad. Incidentally, I find the individual seat configuration gives me more flexibility. I have removed the seat nearest the door on a permanent basis. Now with the rear seats up, I have extra length for carrying cargo (DIY being my major leisure activity). Or for hols/days out, my young son has his own armchair in the back with personal heating/cooling controls and plenty of room for my sizeable dog (he's a Bernese Mountain dog) to sprawl out at the side of him and the luggage goes in the back with seats up or down.
HTH
Ian - (#181) Ian Dunse, 24 May 01
Thx Ian, that info is really helpful. In a similar vein, do you have any thoughts on the pros/cons of the skylite roof v moonroof?
Robbo - (#182) Robbo, 24 May 01
Well yes, that was another consideration when researching these vans.
I used to have a Spacecruiser and thought the idea of two sunroofs (the rear one actually being called a moonroof) was brilliant. But the skylites make the Townace look very much different to anything else on the road, which is what attracted me to them in the first place. In practical terms, you can't drive with the skylites open because of the wind resistance and noise (probably dangerous as well). But then having twin-zone aircon, you shouldn't need to. But there are times when I actually miss having a sunroof. The skylites come into their own when it comes to leaving the dog in the van. They are a lot more secure than leaving a sun/moonroof open. Again it comes down to your own selection criteria but to me a Townie without skylites looks like a Spacecruiser. Sorry if that sounds snobbish to you Model F owners out there but then I have probably paid more than twice the amount you have for that privilege.
Regards
Ian - (#183) Ian Dunse, 24 May 01
If I was doing it again, I'd go for the Moonroof setup. I have skylights, and find them to be attractive, but next to useless. The big ones come out as well as open, but you could barely fit through them if you wanted to get a view of something.
BTW, Ian- does yours have the clinometer on the dash? What is the other dial- compass? - (#184) david miller, 24 May 01
David
Yes I do but didn't know it was called a clinometer (what a learned fellow you are. I've been quite wrongly referring to it as an altimeter!). Essentially it tells you how high above or below sea-level you are and whether horizontall. Big deal, I have eardrums and eyes that do that for me. The other dial is as you guessed, a compass. Both are next to useless and take up useful space on the dash. Despite numerous attempts to correct the position with the two adjusters it always tells me I'm going in a direction that I know I'm not. Not much bloody use, I have a wife who can do that when she navigates!
I also have a hydraulic footpad on the passenger side. Got one of those? Good for short-arsed people to rest their feet on so they don't get sore at the back of their legs. Wife often uses it and leaves it for me to fold up when I want to get into the engine bay. Think of everything our Japanese friends don't they?
As for the moonroof, yes it is more practical but then unless you want to play at being a tank commander, I think I would still go for the skylites (vain as I am!).
Regards
Ian - (#185) Ian Dunse, 24 May 01
Ian, I've seen the footpad on one, but couldn't work out the reason for it.
BTW, we have a large dog, too- a Komondor. - (#188) david miller, 24 May 01