Will I cope on the road in my caravan in my new life?

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

RE: Will I cope on the road in my caravan in my new life?

Grubbygypsy · Senior Member

Hey Smithy
I think that living on the road is very achievable on the pension. I'm not on it (or anything) and I get by fine. I've done costing the entire time I've been on the road, and it's averaging out at $38 a week it costs me for my 'rent' portion of living. So that's mainly gas and the odd visits to caravan parks. Mostly I free camp. I also do the odd house sit when I feel the need to pull up and do a few things. I just did a 3 month one and now by WOM will be doing another soon.....so I'm currently in a showground-so it all balances out for my averages in the end. Therefore, I'd say it's your best bet at saving the money required to do the repairs on your vehicle over time. I don't know where you are....but if your in the east, there's enough towns to be bobbing along freely...then doing repairs one at a time. I also travel very slowly, so you're not putting too much stress on the vehicle, nor using too much fuel.
I can't really advise you on the direction, but I'd strongly advise the up and down directions with the weather. It also cuts down having to put up with temperature extremes, where you then have to look at paying for sites etc.
It'll be a matter of learning all your power - what you're capable of generating and what you're using as to when you have to go charge up properly with 240v etc.....and how your water lasts. But once you get it all down pat, it's easy to forecast. You get towns where there's no freecamps as such, they're usually the ones ripping us off blindly as well......so you use wiki to know where to avoid. Often there'll be a little reasonably priced town out a bit, so I'd do day trips for a look (still buy from the small town if I can), I prefer to be away from these bigger towns ridiculousness to be honest.
Our vehicles are extremely important to have in top notch working order, so I'd be not looking too far away.....just a little bit at a time until you're able to get everything in order. As for your health.....well it can be a healthier life....but it can also be a bit of a trap to unhealthy ways too (hence I don't seek out happy hours lol). It can be a bit labour intensive if you're hitching and unhitching all the time....but that's another joy of free camping......9 times out of ten you don't have to bother.
I hope you decide to have a go. I reckon I'd be depressed big time if I had to pay $350 bucks a week to stare at the same 4 walls. Quickest way for me to go insane.
Hope that helps you a bit.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

There are so many free camps, where you can stay for a week or more - you will find pensioners camped up in there, "waiting for the next pension day". Heaps in Victoria - some with toilets, some with showers even.

We have been in the one spot for three months (private property) - managed to purchase several things we need for travelling, - new curtains, made with my new sewing machine, had some minor repairs done - got some extra money in the petrol tin, cause the MH sits, and the little car runs on the smell of an oily rag.

Some camps in Victoria - Greens Lake, at Corop, near Rochester, also Aysons Reserve, same area - both free, with toilets, water and dump point.
Dartmoor, and heaps more. Go the the Free/Budget Camp Sits on this forum - go to the different states, all up there. Also if you are on facebook, there are caravan and camping pages, Everything Caravan and Camping, is one of them - lots of great info and advice to be had on these pages.

Smithy · Veteran Member

Thank you for your advise i have most of the forums on facebook i read a lot so what you are saying there is alot on facebook thank you i do look at the housesitting website too that would be interesting staying at other peoples houses thank you so much

Ge · Senior Member

Grubbygypsy wrote:
Ge wrote:
Grubby. I think you have hit it on the head, loved your quote and I'm a male.

-- Edited by Ge on Thursday 15th of March 2018 10:44:03 AM
Hehe....it's no offence meant (not sure which quote was referenced really)......if it's the 'alternative' reference- then....yeah....lol....I thought what that lady said was pretty true. It can go both ways for sure.....I'm not out to point any particular sex out lol.
Hey you're a cacher!! So am I!!

Know probs Grubby no offence was taken. My hit it on head qout was referred to the first. I also agreed and like number 2.

I like you love going bush, my partner of 40yrs likes to stay at home. After all those yearsni think we understand each other.

Any as I said I like both your replies we are on the same wave. As I am given praise I also like Jules 47 posts.

Both of you seem to have the live and let live way.

All the best. Ge also Abe me faithful 4 legged mate says hi. PS Any spelling mistakes blame it bloody predictive text.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Thanks Ge - appreciate your liking my post. I say what I feel - love life on the road - though have enjoyed sitting here for three months - but nearly time to leave - but we will be back. NW Victoria. In the Pyrenees region - beautiful.

Aggie · Newbie

Hi MazzyMoo...I'm in the same boat...or van as you. Lol My hubby passed 2 years ago. And I just have this yearning to get myself a motorhome and head east! One of my concerns is; I have never done alot of long distance driving. Very little as my husband always drove. Like you ...its the What Ifs! But getting to the point of Whatif I don't!! My bros said hire hire hire! But I dont want to! I want to get my own, pack and just go. Sound like a spoilt brat! My other prob is I have a little Staffy that I got with the intention of taking her with me. But how restrictive is that going to be? Im heading to the caravan and camping show this week in Perth hopefully to make my decision! Good luck and hope to see you on the road sometime!

Ge · Senior Member

Go for it Aggie follow your hart, just be on the ball with all the hipe and BS at the show. Keep us posted on how your going.
Ge

Roy E · Senior Member

Maz,

You are going to love being on the road. I think you have a great attitude and that will take you far. After retirement, my wife, Ali and I bought a new van and set off touring and travelling. We loved it. Sadly, Ali passed away from melanoma just over 6 years ago. I still go out caravanning and still love it, especially travelling with friends but it is not the same without Ali.

You meet lovely fellow camper/travellers at van parks and free-camps and all are keen to share tales of their travels and adventures and recommend places to visit and stay.

Perhaps we'll meet somewhere in some lovely camp or van park one day.

Good luck with whatever choice you make and know, anytime you ask for ideas or assistance, it will always be given gladly.

Roy.

Aggie · Newbie

Thanks GE, I'm pretty cluey and won't be made a fool of. Have been looking at hiring, but think that would be restrictive as you have to be back at a particular time.

Still trying to "grow some"... but getting close!

Will venture to show tomorrow and have a squiz. Have got ALL the accessories, as we did have a van (for a "swingthrough of OZ) and a boat, so its only the wheels I need!!

Will keep you posted!

Aggie

Ge · Senior Member

Thanks Aggie, yes you know what these shows are like full of the must have new shinny gadgets that's the answer to a problem that don't need fixing ( if it's not broke don't fix it ).
That is just the $75000 marble bench top vans, oh stop it Ge your to cynical.
Have a good day at the show.
Ge. smile woof woof from Abe to.

PS: I don't think you will have any problems traveling with your dog, sure some place you will not be able to go but there is a compromise to every thing.

Get camps 9 book and wiki camps plenty of info on here about them will be a big help to you.

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello MazzyMoo

Usual disclaimer, I am a married man who sometimes travels on my own as a solo

Snip from your original post
and continue writing my second and third books.

May I suggest that you take whatever you will write with (laptop)
And then sit down in the caravan you wish to buy, to make sure the table is at a correct height for you

If you are going to type most of the day, you may not like it if the table is too high, or too low

Apart from the above, I say go for it

Practice will make perfect

I just wish that I had started travelling at your age, fifteen years ago, instead of five years ago

dundreamin · Veteran Member

Oh Maz
You sound like my twin.
I also lost my Dad in December last year just 2wks before a major birthday. Now I now longer have him to look after I feel like I've lost my purpose. There's nothing to do now but look after the house & that is boring me to death so I plan to buy a motorhome & travel. I had one for a few years & did several short trips from 3 days to 3wks depending on Dad's condition. Mostly I loved it but it ended up just sitting around doing nothing as Dad deteriorated so I sold it.
When I used to travel I always had my beautiful, clever dog with me & she was great company as well as a degree of security. Sadly I lost her too last November so this time I'll be heading off completely solo. It'll be a totally new experience for me & more than a little daunting, but something I've always wanted to do since watching The Leyland Brothers.
I opt for a motorhome with access from the cab straight into the back. No hitching, easier to reverse, safer if ever you feel uncomfortable you can just move on without even getting out of the vehicle mostly.
I too am a what if person but I also believe it's the things you don't do that you regret more than the things you do. If you never go, you'll never know so I'm pushing my what if's aside & trying to be positive (not an easy thing for me to do as I'm a very half glass empty type). Heading out of Adelaide hopefully by May/Jne for who knows where north probably to a warmer climate & I'm sure there will be a convoy out there doing the same thing. Maybe we'll meet up on the road one day.

jolmur · Newbie

Hi I am also in same place. I am in Perth and am itching to go around Oz. I am wondering what sort of rig to get. Motorhome or car and van. I have a small car and a old Jayco dove trailer that I have been using over the past few years just going away with friends for weekends but I really want to travel Oz but again as a solo it's a bit scary. I feel a motorhome would be easier and safer but then you don't have the freedom a car gives. Could I tow a caravan? Reversing is the major problem for me as I could not even learn to reverse trailer.

aussie_paul · Guru

jolmur wrote:
Hi I am also in same place. I am in Perth and am itching to go around Oz. I am wondering what sort of rig to get. Motorhome or car and van. I have a small car and a old Jayco dove trailer that I have been using over the past few years just going away with friends for weekends but I really want to travel Oz but again as a solo it's a bit scary. I feel a motorhome would be easier and safer but then you don't have the freedom a car gives. Could I tow a caravan? Reversing is the major problem for me as I could not even learn to reverse trailer.

A towing course would probably solve the problam Jomur.

Aussie Paul. smile

aussie_paul · Guru

Oops, doubled up.

Aussie Paul. smile

-- Edited by aussie_paul on Saturday 7th of April 2018 12:43:12 PM

Lanock · Member

Why Not? Thousands of women are travelling OZ on their own, most have changed from caravan to small camper or motorhome for security.

As you can just get in the seat and drive away if there are yahoos or ice idiots partying near your stop.

In over 30years I have only once been scared. and that was in the suburbs of Newcastle. I much prefer the bush and feel safe as I know I can just get in the drivers seat if I need to and leave.

When I had a caravan it became a hard job as I got older to hitch it up and the safety of being able to move from my bed to the drivers seat was appealing.

The decision to change from a caravan was when my stabiliser came loose on the Bruce Highway and jammed into the bitumen which was soft in the heat. That really made me rethink the caravan versus the campervan.

Good Luck and Remember that these days you can watch tv on the road and with the ability to be self contained you can go anywhere your heart desires.

Good Luck and Safe Travels.

MazzyMoo · Member

Good morning

I've just re-read your message to me!

You helped make the decision for me.

I move out of my house on 15 June and I guess...my life starts then!

Safe travels...
M

MazzyMoo · Member

Hi

Does everyone get to see this Post ?

I'd like to firstly thank you so much for helping to give me the confidence to "start my life."

It certainly has been a process for me I must say. I've overthought everything, now I just Trust.

I've been shown all the "signs" that I need to do this trip and that in itself is going in my next book.

I will be moving out of my house on 16 June and moving into my van! I personally love caravans and

always had one when married. This one feels like home for me.

My possessions are almost packed and all that's left in my house is what I need to put into the van and

my furniture until moving day!

I'm starting to tick off a lot of boxes on my list!

Thank you all ~ If you can all read this I'm not sure, but I'd like to send you a heartfelt thank you for

being part of my process.

I wish you safe travels and a fabulous time making Memories!!

M

Image may contain: 1 person, outdoor

wfdTamar · Veteran Member

Hi mazzymoo. I'm facing the same conundrum myself but coming from a different starting point. Very single, had cancer treatment last year (still have a bit ongoing for a few years). Really not sure if the caravanning life is for me as I have a low tolerance for yobs, bogans and noisy people.

Anyway regarding the INTERNET ACCESS issue. There are two cheaper options than buying the 4G wifi device panther referred to (and also cheaper versions of that device). Or rather cheaper than buying one of those with its own sim and Telstra plan.

Option A: If you already have a smartphone, most allow you to turn on a 'hotspot'. When you do this the phone sends out a wifi signal which your laptop can connect to (just like any home based wifi). The beauty of this is you're using the data from your phone plan - you don't need to pay for another plan. If you check your usage over the last 6 months online (phone and home internet), combine the two amounts, you'll see if you need to bump your phone plan up to a higher data amount (or do it after you've tried the hotspot a while). Works with Plans and Pre-Paid.

The only drawback to this is it chews your phone battery and the phone needs to be with (around the van) the laptop to use the internet on the laptop (of course). That would be of more concern for a couple if the one with the hotspot phone wanted to go while the other wanted the internet at the van.

Option B: More versatile, but a tad more expensive. Telstra have an option to pay $5 per month for another sim on the same plan as your phone to use in another device. This could be a second phone or one of the 4G wifi devices. I'm not sure if this is available to all types of plans or Pre-Paid.

For really super duper reception (well, better) out in whoop whoop (or as we all know, sometimes even 5km out of Sydney or Melbourne, which are the only markets phone companies care about) you can get things to boost the reception of phone signals. Various antennas and boosters. They cost heaps - like $500-1500.

MazzyMoo · Member

Hi Grubby ~ I do wonder how you got that name! Pray do tell.

I like the way you think. You write with conviction taken from a place that lies deep in your heart and Soul where Life has touched you similiarly once.

I'm not worried about the physical side of towing my 21' caravan. I'm really looking forward to that.

I'm also really looking forward to packing up all my grief and sadness in the many boxes I am leaving behind in storage that I call my life.

I have had a yearning to travel and/or live on the Central Coast of NSW for over 33 years.

My husband came from there and had a yearning himself to live in Perth which we did for 20 years but then he didn't want to leave and I simply

couldn't stay. We tried for 10 years to long to make it work.

After losing so much in the past 2 years and climbing often insurmountable grief on so many issues, I have bought the caravan.

I will be moving out of my house on 15 June and head off bound for my new home which I have no idea where that is. I will know it when I see it.

I have been so busy with packing up my parents house and my own including unopened crates I brought over to SA from Perth 3 years ago and

I'm 82% there!

I am an Author. My first book came out 18 months ago and is available in Dymocks and all good book shops around Australia. I intend to fund

my trip with my book and my work. No pressure just enough appointments to make the slog to get the book deals 12 months ago worthwhile.

I am currently writing two more books at the moment and looking forward to concentrating on that for the next 2 years at least.

I am heading for The Entrance / Nelsons Bay / Pt Stephens Newcastle once I leave Adelaide.

I can't wait to cross the border and I anticipate that I will absolve into tears and have to pull over as the sheer weight lifts my shoulders.

The load of being a Daughter, Wife, Mum, Employee, Best friend, Friend, Sister, Auntie no longer applies to me and I can only be just me.

Those other roles no longer exists. Sad. So Sad. So much sadness.

I returned to SA from Perth 3 years ago after my divorce and cared for my parents for the 3 years till they both passed late 2017 very close

together. I haven't worked for 3 years apart from some kitchen hand work and a handful of other things. It's my business and my books

that I'm passionate about now.

I love love love what I do.

I will be taking my trusty new lawn bowls with me to every town for a social game along with my sailing gear in the hope that I will get to

crew somewhere too. I'm also a Country Fire Service Fire Fighter Volunteer so that will help me too.

I need to recharge my batteries but I've never done that before and not sure how it all works.

I need to spend time alone.

I'd like to try and do the trip as cheap as I can. Not because I'm a cheap skate just because I'm curious.

I bought a book from the RAA entitled "Places to stay on the Road for under $20 per night!"

I've also downloaded Free Campsites Australia and Wiki Camps.

I'm going to journal my trip and hopefully turn that into my 4th book!

Do you have any advice re: free camping / Under $20 camping sites vs Caravan Parks?

I love the water, rivers, creeks, lakes, beach anything water and my surf ski will be coming every where

with me.

I was going to make this journey together with my husband once we retired. That is no longer an option.

I'm not really daunted. Not really.

Just climbing out of this huge hole that has been my life for 3 years and one I must learn not to fall back

down into despite everything that continues to challenge me. I haven't broken a nail or have a headache,

I've been dealing with some really heavy duty stuff and I'm tired now. I need to go.

However, walking away from security, jobs that pay the rent etc, lovely friends isn't the side I saw when

I dreamed my dream. I never saw how hard that wold be . I just thought I could just go....

And I will...I refuse to take my past with me however when I cross the border.

Thank you for listening. I appreciate you reading my message. Even if you don't have an answer, that's

ok because I know you "get it!".

I'd love to know a little bit more about where you are at and how you have found your trip. Advice etc?

Thank you so much.

Happy and Safe travels to you

Mazzy Moo

MazzyMoo · Member

Hi there ~

Firstly I hope that by now your conundrum is now turning into more of a gentle lake that reflects

sunrises, sunsets, stars, trees, the sun and the moon, flowers, birds and everything beautiful.

What you have been going through personally is my fear so best I get going.

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I do appreciate receiving messages that bring me

the courage to do this to. One day I hope to bring courage to others by having stepped off my

own cliff. And whilst I'm a skydiver, this time I feel I'm jumping without a parachute.

But I'm 6 weeks away from leaving now and starting to get excited.

Safe and happy travels and health to you....

nswoutback · Member

I admire those who have the courage to take the first steps.

I suspect the next steps are relatively easy.

I have yet to take the first steps post retirement.

-- Edited by nswoutback on Monday 14th of May 2018 09:52:24 AM

-- Edited by nswoutback on Monday 14th of May 2018 09:53:15 AM