Interesting observation Goldenyears, but maybe simply a reflection of what we all do in our daily interactions.
I've observed many folk in a car club. The ones who compete believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who maintain a vehicle in showroom condition believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who use the car daily in all weather believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. So who is right? Well they all are, provided you believe as I do that everyone is an individual who is entitled to live his or her live the way he or she chooses.
My reason for being in a caravan park or free camp is different to yours, so we really can't compare notes, except to share some of the experiences we've had and encourage the other to enjoy them too. I'd like to hear your take on life, maybe you could tell me about your younger years, your family, your brushes with the law, whatever you want to share with me. I must say some folk are more inclined to share than others, but I'll not criticize anyone for their personality.
But don't judge me if my van is bigger than yours, or smaller for that matter. It's my choice of transport, let it go without comment.
The ones among us who feel they are the only ones who are doing the "real" thing, Ignore them. They're running a race in their imaginations, legends in their own glove boxes.
This topic should never be a demand that members try to justify their choice of transport, or their choice of campsites. We are all the same as travelers and explorers, we are all the same as aging individuals, and in a few years we'll all be dead so It probably doesn't much matter what way we think.
But back to your first observation Goldenyears, Yes there are snobs out there but just as many use tents as use vans. Look forward to seeing you on the road.
Snail said
07:32 PM Feb 16, 2017
Goldenyears your rig looks so big and comfortable, I had a roof over my head the other night.
Goldenyears, you obviously do give a stuff or you wouldn't have written this post. For what it is worth I drive a large rig but the nicest people that I have ever met when travelling lived permanently in a van exactly the same as yours. I don't think people are snobbish however i have met some people on the road that have insecurities as you seem to have and they also compare outfits etc. It doesn't matter what one has or what one has done we are all exactly the same. My suggestion is 'smile to all and life is good'. Cheers.
goldenyears said
07:45 PM Feb 16, 2017
yes footprint I do give a stuff its all about good manners my friend !!!! think about that ! and you will find that there are people out there that agree .... I have no insecurities about anything and to be perfectly honest love everyones feed back ... lol ! at 70 years of age maybe I'm just getting old lol .....
Eaglemax said
08:48 PM Feb 16, 2017
My bad choice of words. It was meant to be understanding.
goldenyears said
09:02 PM Feb 16, 2017
No problem eagle max I wasn't offended .......... love your rig by the way brilliant and a credit to your handi work .
Eaglemax said
09:16 PM Feb 16, 2017
Thankyou.
Hey Jim said
10:34 PM Feb 16, 2017
Hi Golden years,
We have the best of both ends.
We are off to the West in six weeks time with the boat and 2x tents,
While on the road for 7-8 days we use our RV3 tent for quick up and go's. We get the your doing it hard mate in over night camps, Three and a half months in that they think.
When we get to our camp 5400km away,we set up our Yardie Novatel tent for three months in the dust, rain and midgies. Then another 5400km back home.
Then we get the, Your so Lucky having a nice comfortable Boat to go fishing in over here can we get a ride.
Not a problem, Can we use your van for a few nights sleep eh.
What they say, well if we have to tuff it, why not yourself do the same.
Our Yardie Novatel has more bells and whisles then their vans.
Its not what you know, But who you know at happy hour.
We take so many first timers out, and give them the time of their lives, if they don't become snobs up front.
Of course we would love to take the new van, however we can only take the boat on this trip.
Jim & Lambie.
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Thursday 16th of February 2017 10:36:31 PM
C00P said
11:26 PM Feb 16, 2017
LOSERBAGO!! What a hoot! Now there's someone with a great sense of humour... Love it!!
We camped in a two-person tent, with a little single burner Gaz cooker and a billy, a couple of inflatable mattresses and a food box about the size of a milk crate. The reason for such frugality was that it was all carried in the back seat of our 1946 Auster aeroplane (and even then we were a few pounds overloaded because we had to carry 10 litres of oil). But we got to see Oz from a perspective that few others get to see. We went through the campervan phase, and now we have a 20 footer with ensuite. The luxury's nice, and we get to see the details on the ground, that we missed when flying over it, but I'm glad we "roughed it" when we were agile enough to do so....
(It's hard to be arrogant when you're thumbing a lift from the airfield to the caravan park).
The best Happy Hour (laugh a minute) was held in Deloraine about 12 months ago. No one talked about their rig, how far they had travelled, or how long they had been on the road. We all talked in turn about the past, present and future.
We laughed with "laundry lady" and her story about when she was a novice nurse. We commiserated with our host and her issue with her legs, and discussed with "blondie" about what they would do if they could not get a berth on the spirit.....
Best ever happy hour.
Golden Years. All happy hours are different. If you don't' like the conversation, leave. If you have something to add, stay. Don't let the others get you down. Your rig is your chosen vessel, we all choose what we have for our own reasons.
Lancelot Link said
01:48 AM Feb 17, 2017
I have a 13 foot Jayco and couldn't care what anyone else has. Yes there is arrogance, particularly when I park up next to the top of the line big vans. When people in big vans refuse to acknowledge me, I go into total I am here mode and tend to annoy them with hello, how are you. Where have you come from? I soon sort the snobs from the real people out. By this system, I have met great people, I have met more snobs though, which is unfortunate. I love the life on the road and I will not let big rig arrogance spoil my 13 foot life.
Desert Dweller said
05:32 AM Feb 17, 2017
Really enjoying this thread, some very interesting comments.
Our rig is quite adequate for our requirements, 4 year old 17ft van (no en-suite by choice) & 2 year old Navara ute all up probably worth around $70,000.
When we occasionally get someone living on the road with a massive rig worth $200,000 lecturing us that we need to upgrade to their standard we always laugh it off.
We've got a beach-side home on the bay worth more than $1,000,000 as a home base that we've owned for many years.
If we wanted a bigger more impressive rig we'd go out & pay cash for one.
Like the old saying says: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER.
goldenyears said
06:31 AM Feb 17, 2017
To all that have contributed to my original question thankyou all for your feed back .. some agree some don't .. was certainly a conversation piece and maybe touched a nerve for a few .. !!
See you at the next happy hour ....
TheHeaths said
07:05 AM Feb 17, 2017
I think this sort of "rig snobbery" that a few show is no different to the type of "snobbery" or "arrogance" shown by some in many other ways.
There are those who are like it in the solar vs generator discussion, or in the free camp vs caravan park debate, or the pets vs no pets threads. Even in the "go here" or "don't go here" discussions.
In short, I think it is the fact that there are those who cannot see there is any other way than the way they do it, to travel this country. We see it in this place in many threads with personal prejudices coming through loud and clear, so it would certainly be no different on the road. What is important is that how we let that attitude affect us is up to ourselves.
I must say that personally, whether we were in our small pop top, or our current large full van, we have been lucky and not bumped into anyone like this on our travels. Like many of the things people seem to encounter, we appear to have had a very boring travelling life.
Grubbygypsy said
08:52 AM Feb 17, 2017
Absolutely right again Ian. That's to major problem....people who think there's only one way to do anything....their way.
My story about 'snobbery' is that I used to have a whizbanger. Predominantly for kayaking but on occasion I'd take her on longer trips (so I feel for backpackers....and I didn't even know they used to call them whizbangers back then and pray I wouldn't park next to them lol). Anyways, when I was looking for a set up when my decision was made to hit the road permanently, I went for a special trip 4 hours away to Albany because I was considering a 5th wheeler. I rocked up in old Missy (1987 L300) and the salesman was very rude to me and obviously thinking I couldn't afford one of his 150k non compliant buckets of snot - so I drove away and forgot the idea and a few weeks later got a quality set up worth 50k more than his cheap and nasty crap on offer.....lol. What an idiot. I still laugh at his ridiculousness.
RosieW said
09:33 AM Feb 17, 2017
We have an 8.5m bus, with a campervan fit-out (no running water, no shower/loo/stove - we use a hose, amenity blocks/dig a hole, and use an outdoor cooker). We bought it several years ago, when we thought we'd need the space. We plan (eventually) to downsize to a 15" van. Or something smaller. With running water. And that's AFTER we've added 2 kelpies and a lorikeet to the mix!
kandagal said
11:56 AM Feb 17, 2017
Hi We have a "big rig" but I am pleased to say that some of my friends have a "small rig". We certainly don't feel we are BETTER than them. We just enjoy meeting all kinds of people. So hope our attitude has ben OK to all no matter what sort of rig you travel in. Regards Alice
macka17 said
01:32 PM Feb 17, 2017
Lovely little rig Pinball.
BUT.. Did you HAVE to use a Toyota??.
Chuckle.
msg said
01:58 PM Feb 17, 2017
I don't know that the snobbishness is any better or worse when comparing rigs. Its a bit like the snobbishness of comparing houses, gyms, the way you dress, important friends and what kind of job you have in cities and towns. Those that think that its important to keep up with he Jones' will be the same when they get on the road.
Ron-D said
03:20 PM Feb 17, 2017
KevinC wrote:
Interesting observation Goldenyears, but maybe simply a reflection of what we all do in our daily interactions. I've observed many folk in a car club. The ones who compete believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who maintain a vehicle in showroom condition believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who use the car daily in all weather believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. So who is right? Well they all are, provided you believe as I do that everyone is an individual who is entitled to live his or her live the way he or she chooses. My reason for being in a caravan park or free camp is different to yours, so we really can't compare notes, except to share some of the experiences we've had and encourage the other to enjoy them too. I'd like to hear your take on life, maybe you could tell me about your younger years, your family, your brushes with the law, whatever you want to share with me. I must say some folk are more inclined to share than others, but I'll not criticize anyone for their personality. But don't judge me if my van is bigger than yours, or smaller for that matter. It's my choice of transport, let it go without comment. The ones among us who feel they are the only ones who are doing the "real" thing, Ignore them. They're running a race in their imaginations, legends in their own glove boxes. This topic should never be a demand that members try to justify their choice of transport, or their choice of campsites. We are all the same as travelers and explorers, we are all the same as aging individuals, and in a few years we'll all be dead so It probably doesn't much matter what way we think. But back to your first observation Goldenyears, Yes there are snobs out there but just as many use tents as use vans. Look forward to seeing you on the road.
Well said Kevin what counts is not what you can afford it's the type of person you are ...
woofta and precious said
09:12 PM Feb 18, 2017
Why is this so difficult??
Aus-Kiwi said
08:51 PM Feb 21, 2017
It goes BOTH ways.. I have 8m Winnebago Explorer.. The amount of snobs that try to criticize our unit!!
Hey they bought the subject up !! Like I bet you "sold your house' to buy that.. Next question is where do you live..
Like REALLY does it matter ?? Then they'll say I bet you have trouble finding parking places ?? My usual response is after watching them park their van.. Not as much trouble as you reversing into that parking position.. Lol
Ron-D said
07:19 PM Feb 22, 2017
Just wondering Aus Kiwi where do you live and how much did you pay for your Rig
agent13 said
03:57 PM Feb 25, 2017
I guess it depends on one's perspective. I traveled for 14 months on my motorbike and camping in a tent. It does give you a lot of freedom to explore.
When I returned I bought a Kombi Type 2 camper and loved getting away in that too. I also like to bush-walk where all you can take with you is what's in your backpack.
I've observed many folk in a car club. The ones who compete believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who maintain a vehicle in showroom condition believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. The ones who use the car daily in all weather believe they are the "real" enthusiasts. So who is right? Well they all are, provided you believe as I do that everyone is an individual who is entitled to live his or her live the way he or she chooses.
My reason for being in a caravan park or free camp is different to yours, so we really can't compare notes, except to share some of the experiences we've had and encourage the other to enjoy them too. I'd like to hear your take on life, maybe you could tell me about your younger years, your family, your brushes with the law, whatever you want to share with me. I must say some folk are more inclined to share than others, but I'll not criticize anyone for their personality.
But don't judge me if my van is bigger than yours, or smaller for that matter. It's my choice of transport, let it go without comment.
The ones among us who feel they are the only ones who are doing the "real" thing, Ignore them. They're running a race in their imaginations, legends in their own glove boxes.
This topic should never be a demand that members try to justify their choice of transport, or their choice of campsites. We are all the same as travelers and explorers, we are all the same as aging individuals, and in a few years we'll all be dead so It probably doesn't much matter what way we think.
But back to your first observation Goldenyears, Yes there are snobs out there but just as many use tents as use vans. Look forward to seeing you on the road.
Goldenyears your rig looks so big and comfortable, I had a roof over my head the other night.
Snail.
Goldenyears, you obviously do give a stuff or you wouldn't have written this post. For what it is worth I drive a large rig but the nicest people that I have ever met when travelling lived permanently in a van exactly the same as yours. I don't think people are snobbish however i have met some people on the road that have insecurities as you seem to have and they also compare outfits etc. It doesn't matter what one has or what one has done we are all exactly the same. My suggestion is 'smile to all and life is good'. Cheers.
yes footprint I do give a stuff its all about good manners my friend !!!! think about that ! and you will find that there are people out there that agree .... I have no insecurities about anything and to be perfectly honest love everyones feed back ... lol ! at 70 years of age maybe I'm just getting old lol .....
No problem eagle max I wasn't offended .......... love your rig by the way brilliant and a credit to your handi work .
Hi Golden years,
We have the best of both ends.
We are off to the West in six weeks time with the boat and 2x tents,
While on the road for 7-8 days we use our RV3 tent for quick up and go's. We get the your doing it hard mate in over night camps, Three and a half months in that they think.
When we get to our camp 5400km away,we set up our Yardie Novatel tent for three months in the dust, rain and midgies. Then another 5400km back home.
Then we get the,
Your so Lucky having a nice comfortable Boat to go fishing in over here can we get a ride.
Not a problem
, Can we use your van for a few nights sleep eh.
What they say
, well if we have to tuff it, why not yourself do the same.
Our Yardie Novatel has more bells and whisles then their vans.
Its not what you know, But who you know at happy hour
.
We take so many first timers out, and give them the time of their lives
, if they don't become snobs up front.
Of course we would love to take the new van, however we can only take the boat on this trip.
Jim & Lambie.
-- Edited by Hey Jim on Thursday 16th of February 2017 10:36:31 PM
LOSERBAGO!! What a hoot! Now there's someone with a great sense of humour... Love it!!
We camped in a two-person tent, with a little single burner Gaz cooker and a billy, a couple of inflatable mattresses and a food box about the size of a milk crate. The reason for such frugality was that it was all carried in the back seat of our 1946 Auster aeroplane (and even then we were a few pounds overloaded because we had to carry 10 litres of oil). But we got to see Oz from a perspective that few others get to see.
We went through the campervan phase, and now we have a 20 footer with ensuite. The luxury's nice, and we get to see the details on the ground, that we missed when flying over it, but I'm glad we "roughed it" when we were agile enough to do so....
(It's hard to be arrogant when you're thumbing a lift from the airfield to the caravan park).
Picture: Refuelling at Nullarbor, 2006.
The best Happy Hour (laugh a minute) was held in Deloraine about 12 months ago. No one talked about their rig, how far they had travelled, or how long they had been on the road. We all talked in turn about the past, present and future.
We laughed with "laundry lady" and her story about when she was a novice nurse. We commiserated with our host and her issue with her legs, and discussed with "blondie" about what they would do if they could not get a berth on the spirit.....
Best ever happy hour.
Golden Years. All happy hours are different. If you don't' like the conversation, leave. If you have something to add, stay. Don't let the others get you down. Your rig is your chosen vessel, we all choose what we have for our own reasons.
Really enjoying this thread, some very interesting comments.
Our rig is quite adequate for our requirements, 4 year old 17ft van (no en-suite by choice) & 2 year old Navara ute all up probably worth around $70,000.
When we occasionally get someone living on the road with a massive rig worth $200,000 lecturing us that we need to upgrade to their standard we always laugh it off.
We've got a beach-side home on the bay worth more than $1,000,000 as a home base that we've owned for many years.
If we wanted a bigger more impressive rig we'd go out & pay cash for one.
Like the old saying says: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER.
To all that have contributed to my original question thankyou all for your feed back .. some agree some don't .. was certainly a conversation piece and maybe touched a nerve for a few .. !!
See you at the next happy hour ....
I think this sort of "rig snobbery" that a few show is no different to the type of "snobbery" or "arrogance" shown by some in many other ways.
There are those who are like it in the solar vs generator discussion, or in the free camp vs caravan park debate, or the pets vs no pets threads. Even in the "go here" or "don't go here" discussions.
In short, I think it is the fact that there are those who cannot see there is any other way than the way they do it, to travel this country. We see it in this place in many threads with personal prejudices coming through loud and clear, so it would certainly be no different on the road. What is important is that how we let that attitude affect us is up to ourselves.
I must say that personally, whether we were in our small pop top, or our current large full van, we have been lucky and not bumped into anyone like this on our travels. Like many of the things people seem to encounter, we appear to have had a very boring travelling life.
My story about 'snobbery' is that I used to have a whizbanger. Predominantly for kayaking but on occasion I'd take her on longer trips (so I feel for backpackers....and I didn't even know they used to call them whizbangers back then and pray I wouldn't park next to them lol). Anyways, when I was looking for a set up when my decision was made to hit the road permanently, I went for a special trip 4 hours away to Albany because I was considering a 5th wheeler. I rocked up in old Missy (1987 L300) and the salesman was very rude to me and obviously thinking I couldn't afford one of his 150k non compliant buckets of snot - so I drove away and forgot the idea and a few weeks later got a quality set up worth 50k more than his cheap and nasty crap on offer.....lol. What an idiot. I still laugh at his ridiculousness.
Lovely little rig Pinball.
BUT.. Did you HAVE to use a Toyota??.
Chuckle.
Well said Kevin what counts is not what you can afford it's the type of person you are ...
Hey they bought the subject up !! Like I bet you "sold your house' to buy that.. Next question is where do you live..
Like REALLY does it matter ?? Then they'll say I bet you have trouble finding parking places ?? My usual response is after watching them park their van.. Not as much trouble as you reversing into that parking position.. Lol
Just wondering Aus Kiwi where do you live and how much did you pay for your Rig
I guess it depends on one's perspective. I traveled for 14 months on my motorbike and camping in a tent. It does give you a lot of freedom to explore.
When I returned I bought a Kombi Type 2 camper and loved getting away in that too. I also like to bush-walk where all you can take with you is what's in your backpack.