Hey Lyn and Sue my vague plans are to be in North WA in June/July and then to head slowly down south and across the Nullabor. You never know, if your timing was in sync both of you might be able to travel across the top together and we might all meet up North in time for the trip down...... Hmmmmm this is starting to sound a bit tooooo organised but you never know.
Now that's an interesting idea! It does sound a bit like a plan but maybe...
Lynnie said
08:51 PM Nov 29, 2011
I think that I should be in northern WA by July, so anything is possible.
beiffe said
12:56 PM Nov 30, 2011
the only plan you need is to drive out the gate. The the decision can start. left or right Toss a coin.
NEVER bypass a good site that you are told. If it is the way you just came TURN AROUND and go back and check it out as to wait till next time it might be too late or you will just forget.
I will tell you how I travel then others may give their methods.
I NEVER plan a trip eg say I will be here or there on a date as I never will be.
Every week I have at least a three day stop at a nice rest stop. I stay till I want to leave might be 3 days might be 7. I leave when I am ready if there is no time restriction on the rest stop. My new week starts the day I finish my last extended stay as you might find a ripper the same day so stop and do another extended stay. That's what we do this for. enjoy the scenery and the friends you meet.
You may be in area for the three days and on the night before you leave someone might come along you think that they might be fun to spend some time with. WELL just stay longer, that is no sin.
I decide my next move in the morning. You decide IF you will move then the time and then the direction. You might wake up and the weather is not right or you don't feel right STAY PUT.
I have a set maximum drive per day 300Ks. I find the expected next stop/stops usually at least three, and start checking them out after lunch time. As soon as I find a good one that's it for the day. If I get to the last one and it is just OK or good enough I stop anyway as I will not drive past 4:00 as I like to cook outside on my wood fire and I like my hot meal at night and I like to be cleaned up and sit back and watch the sun set EVERY night.
We are all different so decide HOW you want to travel. be prepared to change as I can assure you, you will. Remember you are out there to see and enjoy our beautiful country an the people you meet. Never disregard anyone because of their travel mode as some of the best people travel in all sorts of vehicles from the most basic to the most expensive. Remember it is not the box but the people in it that you are talking to. Most don't want to talk about their past or present work or their assets or lack off, they want to talk about their travels and the things they have seen and enjoyed. You will also get the advise of the places to avoid but sometimes this can be taken with a pinch of salt as again we are all different. eg some love the outback and central Australia and some avoid it like the plague. Some like isolated bush camps and some like CP.
Try everything you can and make your own mind up and then adjust you travel mode to suit what you like and want to do.
OK now others can give a summary of their methods as they will be the opposite to mine I would expect LOL
Lynnie said
01:52 PM Nov 30, 2011
Thanks Brian,
I appreciate your input.
My trip will be reasonably structured route-wise but I am certainly prepared to be very flexible once I am on the road.
I will take each new day as it comes.
I can't wait.
jonathan said
07:11 PM Nov 30, 2011
Well Lynnie ..
they've said it all before me .. and a big welcome to the group from me too .. enjoy!
Jon
rvtraveller2 said
12:57 PM Dec 1, 2011
Just have one plane unless you are meeting up with friends along the way,wake up in the morning the rest will follow.gotta go a friend has just called up on skype.Have a great day. rvtraveller2 neil
Almurta said
01:06 PM Dec 1, 2011
I really enjoyed your description of how you travel Brian. I can see me following a very similar game plan when I finally get out there.
denninelli said
08:31 PM Dec 1, 2011
I also am impresed by brian's method of life on the road. I'm a solo with 13 ft caravan and a Falcon car. Part time only as I like my home base in NE Vic. Next year I intend to more meandering in Vic, NSW and part of SA. Don't know about Qld yet. I am interested in free camping, but haven't got the confidence yet. I love going bush with other people. Have only cp when alone - with the doglets of course. This is such a great site with many practical advice. Keep on enjoying and planning your trip.
beiffe said
09:12 PM Dec 1, 2011
denninelli don't be frightened of free camping.
To get used to free camping just keep an eye as you travel and when you see someone in a camp site, pull in. Don't setup etc straight away but get out and have a chat as if you are stopping for a cuppa. Have your chat and get a feel for their company, this will be easy to decipher and then, if you feel comfy tell them you are new to free camping and would they mind if you joined them for the night.
The general word on free camping amongst us that like it is "we all have the same dream eg enjoying our country, and most are only too pleased to help you relax and enjoy what they would possibly be passionate about.
When you free camp ALL there are following their dream and therefore welcome and protect you. They will welcome you to their happy hour and have a chat and relax you and by the night you will sleep like a baby.
When you are in a caravan park take a walk around and then ask yourself one question. Which group would you trust and want to enjoy your night with. The people in a park or the ones at a rest stop. This is not degrading the travelers that stay in the parks but normally there are a lot of people who live in those parks that I would not choose to spend too much time with. I know you cant judge a book by its cover and I have spend many a fantastic night (or a few days) with people who on first glance look suss but once you start talking you should be able to suss them out.
Any time you don't feel right, get back in the drivers seat and keep going.
Most of the good scenery is hidden in the rest stops along side rivers lake etc so don't miss out. There is nothing better than sitting back with room to move a wood fire burning and having a cuppa with new friends and looking at the sun set
Regards Brian
Elle on Wheels said
10:08 PM Dec 1, 2011
Hi Dennelli
it sounds like free camping is great and I can't wait to get started.
In my first couple of trips I have stayed at a couple of very different caravan parks and have enjoyed the experience. The first one I imagine was more like a free camp, the managers were travellers themselves and everyone ate together and had a ball. The second was a very busy city CP but people were so friendly - from the instant I stumbled out of my door in the morning to go to the ablution block everyone said g'day .... it was almost like running the gauntlet. Each time I walked outside everyone said hello. That's great in my book.
I have no anxieties about free camping and am looking forward to it as are my very enthusiastic dogs.
jonathan said
08:08 AM Dec 2, 2011
.. Have to agree with all you say Brian .. and thats why I love and prefer free-camping ..
If still lacking in confidence, there are many GN solos and pairs out here that you could meet and then do short hops with them for some experience ..
It'll happen for you when its time ..
Jon
Almurta said
05:46 PM Dec 2, 2011
Thanks for more great advice from Brian and Jonathon. Like denninelli I'm nervous about the idea although I day dream about spending time out in the bush. I've camped out before but always in a group. I like the idea of sounding out the other people in the area before setting up camp.
This is a great site and is really helping me get mentally prepared for the road ahead.
Lynnie said
06:25 PM Dec 2, 2011
I have today come upon an appealing slide on camper in the Trading Post.
It is located in New South Wales and I cannot wait to go and have a look at it. And it has an external shower as well as other features which will make my solo trip more comfortable and practical, not to forget possible. It sounds as if it would be a very user friendly unit.
If I buy it, they will deliver it to Melbourne for me.
Next up, the ute!
jonathan said
06:28 PM Dec 2, 2011
.. go for it .. Lynnie !
rvtraveller2 said
07:17 PM Dec 2, 2011
All that has been said on this site is all true,go and do it and enjoy dont be scared to ask people for help or info,we are all friends,just have differant rigs. rvtraveller2 neil
Elle on Wheels said
10:17 PM Dec 2, 2011
Lynnie wrote:
I have today come upon an appealing slide on camper in the Trading Post.
It is located in New South Wales and I cannot wait to go and have a look at it. And it has an external shower as well as other features which will make my solo trip more comfortable and practical, not to forget possible. It sounds as if it would be a very user friendly unit.
If I buy it, they will deliver it to Melbourne for me.
Next up, the ute!
That sounds really exciting. When do you get to look at it? As I understand it an external shower is a showerhead on a flexible cord? That propably means you will need to get a pop up shower tent but they are cheap. I picked up one on sale for $39.
Let us know how it goes.
Lynnie said
10:38 PM Dec 2, 2011
Yep, that would be my plan.
I hope that I can get up there before Christmas.
Vic said
06:59 PM Dec 3, 2011
Elle on Wheels wrote:
As I understand it an external shower is a showerhead on a flexible cord? That propably means you will need to get a pop up shower tent but they are cheap. I picked up one on sale for $39.
Let us know how it goes.
You can also shower outside with your bathers on to a point with no tent, or if in a free/bush camp and away from other prying eyes and it is dark get it all off, just don't spend too much time doing it and make sure any incoming vehicles etc are not going to illuminate you with their lights by choosing the positioning of your vehicle carefully.
Lynnie said
11:05 PM Dec 3, 2011
I have come across a similar slide-on (but with internal shower/toilet and solar panels) in Victoria.
I will follow up on it as well. The seller wasn't answering so I hope I may make contact tomorrow. It is only $1,000 more than the one in New South Wales.
You beauty!
Elle on Wheels said
12:20 AM Dec 4, 2011
Go for it mate - just remember an internal shower/loo means less living space.... i woulda thought space would be tight with a slide on. But maybe this one has been designed really well for space
Lynnie said
06:46 AM Dec 4, 2011
I have been taking such things into account.
All I would lose would be some of the seating, of which there still would be sufficient.
Having a unit meeting all of my requirements inside it would be great, although not essential.
I hope I can have a look at it soon..
jonathan said
07:54 AM Dec 4, 2011
Hi Lynnie ..
In no way am I putting a 'damper' on your enthusiasm at all .. far be it ! .. but all depending on your own capabilities and personal knowlege, I would suggest that you might also have a personal acqaintance or professional view your intended purchase to gain a fair idea of its mechanical status .. just helps with a little peace-of-mind ..
Jon
Lynnie said
08:27 AM Dec 4, 2011
Thank you for your concern.
There is no chance of anyone else dampening my enthusiasm.
I am confident in my own capabilities and have been very carefully and methodically expanding my knowledge about slide-ons whilst cautiously considering my options.
When inspecting units, I will use a checklist of relevant questions (which I have prepared) and will insist on demonstrations to indicate reliability as well as ease of use.
I am carefully making preparations beforehand to ensure that my actual trip will be as safe and enjoyable as possible.
When I make the purchase it will only be after careful consideration about the unit, its reliability and my ability to manage it on my own.
All will be good.
jonathan said
11:20 AM Dec 4, 2011
Happy to hear that Lynnie .. thats excellent !
Lynnie said
09:46 PM Dec 4, 2011
Of course, now I'm getting all concerned with compliance with Australian standards!
Do caravans, motorhomes, slide on campers, etc. have to display something like a compliance plate to indicate that the unit complies with relevant Australian standards?
I am considering having a look at a couple of campers which are manufactured in the USA. One of the sellers still has to carry out the necessary modifications to ensure compliance and I am wondering what certification/proof is required to indicate compliance by any unit (regardless of where it was manufactured) with the Australian standard.
I have sent an email enquiry to CMCA, but just wondered whether your "rigs" have such things as compliance plates or the like.
-- Edited by Lynnie on Sunday 4th of December 2011 09:59:17 PM
Elle on Wheels said
10:17 PM Dec 4, 2011
Not sure about compliance requirements but I would think they would have to be met before you could register it. So you would be safer to insist on registration before you purchased one. I know a few people have had problems with US campers, particularly in sourcing parts.
Lynnie said
06:56 AM Dec 5, 2011
A slide on camper does not require registration. by a roads authority.
The seller has assured me that he can provide electrical and gas compliance.
That is a good point about sourcing of parts.
The more I look into all of this, the more I need to consider. My checklist seems to be growing longer by the day.But that is fine because I have 4 months to make my purchase.
Dougwe said
08:25 AM Dec 5, 2011
If you have electrical and gas compliance in writing I would say your well covered Lynnie. I have had a couple of caravans "on site" over the years and when I sold them all I had to supply was electrical and gas certificates to the buyer and a copy to the caravan park owner/managers as in both cases the vans where sold on site. Good luck with it all Lynnie.
Hey Lyn and Sue my vague plans are to be in North WA in June/July and then to head slowly down south and across the Nullabor. You never know, if your timing was in sync both of you might be able to travel across the top together and we might all meet up North in time for the trip down...... Hmmmmm this is starting to sound a bit tooooo organised but you never know.
Now that's an interesting idea! It does sound a bit like a plan but maybe...
I think that I should be in northern WA by July, so anything is possible.
NEVER bypass a good site that you are told. If it is the way you just came TURN AROUND and go back and check it out as to wait till next time it might be too late or you will just forget.
I will tell you how I travel then others may give their methods.
I NEVER plan a trip eg say I will be here or there on a date as I never will be.
Every week I have at least a three day stop at a nice rest stop. I stay till I want to leave might be 3 days might be 7. I leave when I am ready if there is no time restriction on the rest stop. My new week starts the day I finish my last extended stay as you might find a ripper the same day so stop and do another extended stay. That's what we do this for. enjoy the scenery and the friends you meet.
You may be in area for the three days and on the night before you leave someone might come along you think that they might be fun to spend some time with. WELL just stay longer, that is no sin.
I decide my next move in the morning. You decide IF you will move then the time and then the direction. You might wake up and the weather is not right or you don't feel right STAY PUT.
I have a set maximum drive per day 300Ks. I find the expected next stop/stops usually at least three, and start checking them out after lunch time. As soon as I find a good one that's it for the day. If I get to the last one and it is just OK or good enough I stop anyway as I will not drive past 4:00 as I like to cook outside on my wood fire and I like my hot meal at night and I like to be cleaned up and sit back and watch the sun set EVERY night.
We are all different so decide HOW you want to travel. be prepared to change as I can assure you, you will. Remember you are out there to see and enjoy our beautiful country an the people you meet. Never disregard anyone because of their travel mode as some of the best people travel in all sorts of vehicles from the most basic to the most expensive. Remember it is not the box but the people in it that you are talking to. Most don't want to talk about their past or present work or their assets or lack off, they want to talk about their travels and the things they have seen and enjoyed. You will also get the advise of the places to avoid but sometimes this can be taken with a pinch of salt as again we are all different. eg some love the outback and central Australia and some avoid it like the plague. Some like isolated bush camps and some like CP.
Try everything you can and make your own mind up and then adjust you travel mode to suit what you like and want to do.
OK now others can give a summary of their methods as they will be the opposite to mine I would expect LOL
Well Lynnie ..
they've said it all before me .. and a big welcome to the group from me too .. enjoy!
Jon
Just have one plane unless you are meeting up with friends along the way,wake up in the morning
the rest will follow.gotta go a friend has just called up on skype.Have a great day. rvtraveller2 neil
This is such a great site with many practical advice. Keep on enjoying and planning your trip.
To get used to free camping just keep an eye as you travel and when you see someone in a camp site, pull in. Don't setup etc straight away but get out and have a chat as if you are stopping for a cuppa. Have your chat and get a feel for their company, this will be easy to decipher and then, if you feel comfy tell them you are new to free camping and would they mind if you joined them for the night.
The general word on free camping amongst us that like it is "we all have the same dream eg enjoying our country, and most are only too pleased to help you relax and enjoy what they would possibly be passionate about.
When you free camp ALL there are following their dream and therefore welcome and protect you. They will welcome you to their happy hour and have a chat and relax you and by the night you will sleep like a baby.
When you are in a caravan park take a walk around and then ask yourself one question. Which group would you trust and want to enjoy your night with. The people in a park or the ones at a rest stop. This is not degrading the travelers that stay in the parks but normally there are a lot of people who live in those parks that I would not choose to spend too much time with. I know you cant judge a book by its cover and I have spend many a fantastic night (or a few days) with people who on first glance look suss but once you start talking you should be able to suss them out.
Any time you don't feel right, get back in the drivers seat and keep going.
Most of the good scenery is hidden in the rest stops along side rivers lake etc so don't miss out. There is nothing better than sitting back with room to move a wood fire burning and having a cuppa with new friends and looking at the sun set
Regards
Brian
it sounds like free camping is great and I can't wait to get started.
In my first couple of trips I have stayed at a couple of very different caravan parks and have enjoyed the experience. The first one I imagine was more like a free camp, the managers were travellers themselves and everyone ate together and had a ball. The second was a very busy city CP but people were so friendly - from the instant I stumbled out of my door in the morning to go to the ablution block everyone said g'day .... it was almost like running the gauntlet. Each time I walked outside everyone said hello. That's great in my book.
I have no anxieties about free camping and am looking forward to it as are my very enthusiastic dogs.
.. Have to agree with all you say Brian .. and thats why I love and prefer free-camping ..
If still lacking in confidence, there are many GN solos and pairs out here that you could meet and then do short hops with them for some experience ..
It'll happen for you when its time ..
Jon
This is a great site and is really helping me get mentally prepared for the road ahead.
It is located in New South Wales and I cannot wait to go and have a look at it. And it has an external shower as well as other features which will make my solo trip more comfortable and practical, not to forget possible. It sounds as if it would be a very user friendly unit.
If I buy it, they will deliver it to Melbourne for me.
Next up, the ute!
.. go for it .. Lynnie !
All that has been said on this site is all true,go and do it and enjoy dont be scared to ask people for help or info,we are all friends,just have differant rigs. rvtraveller2 neil
That sounds really exciting. When do you get to look at it? As I understand it an external shower is a showerhead on a flexible cord? That propably means you will need to get a pop up shower tent but they are cheap. I picked up one on sale for $39.
Let us know how it goes.
I hope that I can get up there before Christmas.
You can also shower outside with your bathers on to a point with no tent, or if in a free/bush camp and away from other prying eyes and it is dark get it all off, just don't spend too much time doing it and make sure any incoming vehicles etc are not going to illuminate you with their lights by choosing the positioning of your vehicle carefully.
I will follow up on it as well. The seller wasn't answering so I hope I may make contact tomorrow. It is only $1,000 more than the one in New South Wales.
You beauty!
All I would lose would be some of the seating, of which there still would be sufficient.
Having a unit meeting all of my requirements inside it would be great, although not essential.
I hope I can have a look at it soon..
Hi Lynnie ..
In no way am I putting a 'damper' on your enthusiasm at all .. far be it ! .. but all depending on your own capabilities and personal knowlege, I would suggest that you might also have a personal acqaintance or professional view your intended purchase to gain a fair idea of its mechanical status .. just helps with a little peace-of-mind ..
Jon
There is no chance of anyone else dampening my enthusiasm.
I am confident in my own capabilities and have been very carefully and methodically expanding my knowledge about slide-ons whilst cautiously considering my options.
When inspecting units, I will use a checklist of relevant questions (which I have prepared) and will insist on demonstrations to indicate reliability as well as ease of use.
I am carefully making preparations beforehand to ensure that my actual trip will be as safe and enjoyable as possible.
When I make the purchase it will only be after careful consideration about the unit, its reliability and my ability to manage it on my own.
All will be good.
Happy to hear that Lynnie .. thats excellent !
Of course, now I'm getting all concerned with compliance with Australian standards!
Do caravans, motorhomes, slide on campers, etc. have to display something like a compliance plate to indicate that the unit complies with relevant Australian standards?
I am considering having a look at a couple of campers which are manufactured in the USA. One of the sellers still has to carry out the necessary modifications to ensure compliance and I am wondering what certification/proof is required to indicate compliance by any unit (regardless of where it was manufactured) with the Australian standard.
I have sent an email enquiry to CMCA, but just wondered whether your "rigs" have such things as compliance plates or the like.
-- Edited by Lynnie on Sunday 4th of December 2011 09:59:17 PM
The seller has assured me that he can provide electrical and gas compliance.
That is a good point about sourcing of parts.
The more I look into all of this, the more I need to consider. My checklist seems to be growing longer by the day.But that is fine because I have 4 months to make my purchase.
If you have electrical and gas compliance in writing I would say your well covered Lynnie. I have had a couple of caravans "on site" over the years and when I sold them all I had to supply was electrical and gas certificates to the buyer and a copy to the caravan park owner/managers as in both cases the vans where sold on site. Good luck with it all Lynnie.