Hello every body.... Im just starting out on this new and exciting venture, I'v decided on a used sprinter and that will probably by ready by late August 2011.
there are a ton of questions but right now any general advice would be great, please donate any frigments you can spare
Thanks in advance ....Michael
jules47 said
08:22 PM Jul 17, 2011
What sort of thing do you want to know about? Where to go, what to do, - give us some specific questions - there is a wealth of knowledge here, bu we need some specifics, so go ahead and ask -
And welcome, by the way - enjoy the ride.
Loki said
08:24 PM Jul 17, 2011
Firstly, enjoy preparing your vehicle and planning your trip.
Second, get the facts on the range of options for what you are considering. I thought I understood 12VDC until I started checking solar - it's taking me longer than I thought to decide the exact specifications and as it is expensive, I want to be sure to get it right the first ime. I am about to set off on my first solo wander and will use the next few months getting a feel for what I need.
Third, include Tasmania in your travels!
That's my advice for now, for what it is worth. Hve fun!
nu one said
09:07 PM Jul 17, 2011
Thanks Jules I suppose its to do with ...clothes and utensiles ....ohh and a fire froof safe -- my family have seggested that too.
Nuone
nu one said
09:13 PM Jul 17, 2011
Thanks Loki....There is already solar on my van as well as an inverter but you are right I will have to know all about them before I venture out as for planning the voyage I was for a number of years in the 70's a tour coach cptn and never got to see many places only took others there so now its my turn
Be safe out there
Michael
Cruising Granny said
09:14 PM Jul 17, 2011
Hi and welcome Nu One. Tell us about your travel plans. What is a "sprinter"? Please explain? It's much easier to offer assistance if I know your range of travel plans and how you plan to take it on.
nu one said
09:42 PM Jul 17, 2011
Hello cruising granny...It is a MWB. mercedes sprinter camper van.. high top ..used but in good condition shower and toilet and a large fridge duel wheeled rear 314 CDI .
As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA but with so many things to see ..thats the basic plan must be back in Melb. for my great grand child's birth in Nov.
Then its to continue following the sunshine and the dream of adventure
Cheers .Nu one
nu one said
09:47 PM Jul 17, 2011
Oh by the way thank you all for just being there.. my view is "A friend is just a stranger you do not know" ..thank you friends.
billeeeeeee said
04:47 PM Jul 18, 2011
nu one wrote:
Hello every body.... Im just starting out on this new and exciting venture, I'v decided on a used sprinter and that will probably by ready by late August 2011.
there are a ton of questions but right now any general advice would be great, please donate any frigments you can spare
Thanks in advance ....Michael
Just enjoy every minute of the experence......Today will never pass by U again....Billeeeeee
Welcome Nuone - enjoy your travels - and your time on this friendly site - join in, ask questions, share information, keep us up to date on your travels.
Esmeralda said
05:26 PM Jul 18, 2011
Hi there - welcome to the Forum
billeeeeeee said
05:59 PM Jul 18, 2011
nu one wrote:
Thanks Jules I suppose its to do with ...clothes and utensiles ....ohh and a fire froof safe -- my family have seggested that too.
Nuone
Sooooo Nu,,, thinking about burning it to the ground,,,Billing
Billee - you joker, you!! - you can get small safes quite cheaply from Bunnings, or locksmiths will have what could be better quality ones, some of them are "hideaway", and I suppose it depends how big you want it - if it is only to keep important papers, a small one would probably do the job.
And Nu - as to clothes - take the bare minimum - not like my husband who had 52 pairs of sox in the van!! ?? I carry two bath towels, and a beach towel, one good outfit - i.e. pants, dress. A warm jacket, and lots of shorts and t shirts - underwear - 6 -7 pairs nickers, 3 - 4 pairs sox, etc., Pair of jeans and track suit pants - walking boots, blunnys, sneakers, rubber thongs (for showers), croc type slip ons, and sandals.
Crockery and utensils - is there only you? Two plates, two cups etc - sharp knife, basic essentials really. A really comfortable outside chair, and a fold up table for outside (my husband made a stand so we could also take our van table out, and use it as a second table, i.e, for cooking on, or food prep etc.
Somewhere I read of a person who packed everything they thought they would need for a three month trip, as they used something they put a white mark on it, when they got back, anything that wasn't marked was taken out of the van. Pretty good idea I reckon.
Anyway - my thoughts, for what they are worth.
lilly31 said
07:15 PM Jul 18, 2011
I Think when we start out we take lots of things ..that we may need ... it soon culled down to what we actually use and that where the little trips come in Sometime for a item that we may need cost more in fuel and space to carry around that what it would cost if we brought it on the road when we did actually need it .
Only thing i have added more of the less is towels i use to take 2 and once beach towel but now i take 4 and one beach towel after i had wet 2 weeks on a trip and had no dry towels on smelly wet ones LOL
gordon_adl said
07:56 PM Jul 18, 2011
Hi Nu one, I noticed you're from melb and your 1st trip is going to be to wa. Maybe I've missed a post but for my 1st trip I'd be spending some weekend in the local caravan park just to get used to it all. Oh and welcome to the forum.
nu one wrote:
As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA
nu one said
02:11 PM Jul 19, 2011
Thanks Billeeeee.
You inspired me to follow my dream and I thank you --I do hope to meet you out there as our paths cross I will stay in touch via the forum..Cheers 4 now
-- Edited by nu one on Tuesday 19th of July 2011 02:13:15 PM
nu one said
02:17 PM Jul 19, 2011
Thank you all for your input and interest ,I am more convinced that this is the life that keeps one young. Will do regular up dates.
Cruising Granny said
09:13 PM Jul 19, 2011
gordon_adl wrote:
Hi Nu one, I noticed you're from melb and your 1st trip is going to be to wa. Maybe I've missed a post but for my 1st trip I'd be spending some weekend in the local caravan park just to get used to it all. Oh and welcome to the forum.
nu one wrote:
As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA
My "shakedown" trip was towing my van home from Nowra to Broome. Then I spent a year setting up for long term travel, and headed to the Daintree via the Great Ocean Road. I already had towing experience, I knew my rig from front to back, and was happy with my set up. I haven't changed anything since day 1 leaving Broome except packing the wheel bearings and replacing a couple of seals. If it feels good, go for it.
May said
08:37 PM Jul 21, 2011
I set off about 6 weeks okay taveled from vic to Nt in a hiace toyota auto diesel, so far no dramas plan on going over kununurra- broome and down the west coast across the nullabor and back to vic. Only thing has been the cost of fuel in isolated areas nearly $2.00 litre. Have called in and caught up with lots of old friends. Traveling as a solo female has presented no problems. Lots of friendly people to chat to. Ive enjoyed the driving and the magic scenery in the outback. i dont drive at night or too early in the morning, no bullbar so im playing it safe.
It would be nice to meet more solos though, have only met a few so far. happy traveling everyone. may
Evie n Rhys said
08:44 PM Jul 21, 2011
Welcome NuOne. It all sounds great. It's exciting isn't it?
I have a question about generators. I have a small vintage van with minimal luxuries which draw power and was wanting advice on a generator to just power phone charger, iPad charge, light and perhaps a fan. Some advice on size and power would be appreciated. I am heading off in october I hope for about 6 months. No where in particular and nowhere off the beaten track. I just have my car (not 4wd) and my "pod" . I have to start somewhere so I'll be off soon to put the toe in the water so to speak. If I free camp I will need to be able to charge these things. Am I heading in the right direction with this stuff or are there other options out there? Help please. I will be heading to NSW first up the Victorian coast. Need to be there in November for the birth of a grandchild, from there not sure. All I know is I can't wait. A fair bit to do before then I know but you have to start somewhere I guess. The Pod.
Happywanderer said
09:20 PM Jul 21, 2011
The Pod, If you don't want to buy a generator, what about an inhouse battery with an inverter attached. Thats what I have or will have when I replace the inhouse basttery with one that works. I couldn't manage a generator, would never be able to lift it in and out of the van. Also you could make sure you have cig lighter attachments for most of those luxuries and charge them while travelling. Expecially phone and ipad.
justjo said
09:21 PM Jul 21, 2011
Sounds great NuOne, good luck.
Hello May, I'm setting off tomorrow up the west coast and over the top. Looking to spend time in Kununurra so we might see each other! I'm driving a Toyota Hiace Commuter, petrol auto and hoping to be trouble free too ! Jo
Cruising Granny said
09:44 PM Jul 21, 2011
Hello and welcome to the Pod. There are easier options than a generator. As Happy Wanderer has so very expertly explained, using cigarette lighter attachments to charge appliances, a deep cycle battery on board, charged as you drive. Even solar would be easier if you want to go that way. There are so many accessories available for vehicles these days. Check out the auto shops, Jaycar, Dick Smith, and any others in your area. Ask questions, get advice and keep an open mind. It's a great life. Take your time. Safe and happy travels.
nu one said
08:00 PM Jul 26, 2011
Thank you for your advice...I think that the towels is very good and to cut to basic was also relevent..I have put a list together and reviewing it more than once...Im shure I will be able to thank all those that have given me advice face to face some where on my journy's ...Michael
Travel Bug said
10:54 PM Jul 26, 2011
G'day and welcome to....
Nu One...May...and The Pod.
Sorry I'm a bit late....but I've been away for a week.
Cheers. Pam.
milo said
04:56 PM Jul 31, 2011
gordon_adl wrote:
Hi Nu one, I noticed you're from melb and your 1st trip is going to be to wa. Maybe I've missed a post but for my 1st trip I'd be spending some weekend in the local caravan park just to get used to it all. Oh and welcome to the forum.
nu one wrote:
As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA
yup we did a few short trips in the tardis, now comming up with our first major trip to adlaide then to alice.. you gotta learn to walk before you can run, and welcome to the site
milo
wendyv said
06:06 PM Aug 2, 2011
Nu one, I find that an electric frypan is of great value. I use mine heaps - have an outside power point on van - to avoid cooking inside. You can do many different sorts of cooking with the frypan, apart from the obvious frying. Does good roasts and "toasted" sandwiches. I have cooked corned beef in boiling water in it.
Rip and Rosie said
09:00 AM Aug 3, 2011
I agree with you Wendyv, the frypan is a "must have".
I love cooking, and get a bit carried away with what I think I might need. I survive so far with a small and a large saucepan, and the small frypan. With these I can do most things + of course using BBQs when available. I also carry a small butane stove which lets me cook outside the van when there's no power. I avoid as much as possible cooking with the gas stove in the van.
I get enthused when I see the adds for thermal cooking pots- but can't really see that I would get enough use out of one to justify the space it would take up ..... interested to hear from anyone who has one. I also have been tempted to get a camp oven, but don't really do enough campfire cooking for it to earn its keep either.
We used to carry plastic crockery, but I hate plastic coffee cups and now carry good coffee cups and decent wine glasses. Don't forget a small salad bowl - which doubles as a mixing bowel and a fruit bowl and as a chip bowl, a decent cutting board and sharp knives, wooden spoon etc.
Ma said
09:13 AM Aug 3, 2011
Wouldn't dream of leaving home without my camp ovens. I have two, one large and one small oh and also my cast iron frying pan. Can't beat the taste of food cooked over an open fire. Did I mention the billy...........best cuppa ever
Hello every body.... Im just starting out on this new and exciting venture, I'v decided on a used sprinter and that will probably by ready by late August 2011.
there are a ton of questions but right now any general advice would be great, please donate any frigments you can spare
Thanks in advance ....Michael
And welcome, by the way - enjoy the ride.
Firstly, enjoy preparing your vehicle and planning your trip.
Second, get the facts on the range of options for what you are considering. I thought I understood 12VDC until I started checking solar - it's taking me longer than I thought to decide the exact specifications and as it is expensive, I want to be sure to get it right the first ime. I am about to set off on my first solo wander and will use the next few months getting a feel for what I need.
Third, include Tasmania in your travels!
That's my advice for now, for what it is worth. Hve fun!
Thanks Jules I suppose its to do with ...clothes and utensiles ....ohh and a fire froof safe -- my family have seggested that too.
Nuone
Thanks Loki....There is already solar on my van as well as an inverter but you are right I will have to know all about them before I venture out as for planning the voyage I was for a number of years in the 70's a tour coach cptn and never got to see many places only took others there so now its my turn
Be safe out there
Michael
It's much easier to offer assistance if I know your range of travel plans and how you plan to take it on.
Hello cruising granny...It is a MWB. mercedes sprinter camper van.. high top ..used but in good condition shower and toilet and a large fridge duel wheeled rear 314 CDI .
As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA but with so many things to see ..thats the basic plan must be back in Melb. for my great grand child's birth in Nov.
Then its to continue following the sunshine and the dream of adventure
Cheers .Nu one
Just enjoy every minute of the experence......Today will never pass by U again....Billeeeeee
Hi there - welcome to the Forum
Sooooo Nu,,, thinking about burning it to the ground,,,Billing
And Nu - as to clothes - take the bare minimum - not like my husband who had 52 pairs of sox in the van!! ?? I carry two bath towels, and a beach towel, one good outfit - i.e. pants, dress. A warm jacket, and lots of shorts and t shirts - underwear - 6 -7 pairs nickers, 3 - 4 pairs sox, etc., Pair of jeans and track suit pants - walking boots, blunnys, sneakers, rubber thongs (for showers), croc type slip ons, and sandals.
Crockery and utensils - is there only you? Two plates, two cups etc - sharp knife, basic essentials really.
A really comfortable outside chair, and a fold up table for outside (my husband made a stand so we could also take our van table out, and use it as a second table, i.e, for cooking on, or food prep etc.
Somewhere I read of a person who packed everything they thought they would need for a three month trip, as they used something they put a white mark on it, when they got back, anything that wasn't marked was taken out of the van. Pretty good idea I reckon.
Anyway - my thoughts, for what they are worth.
Sometime for a item that we may need cost more in fuel and space to carry around that what it would cost if we brought it on the road when we did actually need it .
Only thing i have added more of the less is towels i use to take 2 and once beach towel but now i take 4 and one beach towel after i had wet 2 weeks on a trip and had no dry towels on smelly wet ones LOL
Thanks Billeeeee.
You inspired me to follow my dream and I thank you --I do hope to meet you out there as our paths cross I will stay in touch via the forum..Cheers 4 now
-- Edited by nu one on Tuesday 19th of July 2011 02:13:15 PM
Will do regular up dates.
My "shakedown" trip was towing my van home from Nowra to Broome.
Then I spent a year setting up for long term travel, and headed to the Daintree via the Great Ocean Road.
I already had towing experience, I knew my rig from front to back, and was happy with my set up.
I haven't changed anything since day 1 leaving Broome except packing the wheel bearings and replacing a couple of seals.
If it feels good, go for it.
It would be nice to meet more solos though, have only met a few so far.
happy traveling everyone.
may
Welcome NuOne. It all sounds great. It's exciting isn't it?
I have a question about generators. I have a small vintage van with minimal luxuries which draw power and was wanting advice on a generator to just power phone charger, iPad charge, light and perhaps a fan. Some advice on size and power would be appreciated. I am heading off in october I hope for about 6 months. No where in particular and nowhere off the beaten track. I just have my car (not 4wd) and my "pod" . I have to start somewhere so I'll be off soon to put the toe in the water so to speak. If I free camp I will need to be able to charge these things. Am I heading in the right direction with this stuff or are there other options out there? Help please.
I will be heading to NSW first up the Victorian coast. Need to be there in November for the birth of a grandchild, from there not sure. All I know is I can't wait. A fair bit to do before then I know but you have to start somewhere I guess.
The Pod.
Also you could make sure you have cig lighter attachments for most of those luxuries and charge them while travelling. Expecially phone and ipad.
Hello May, I'm setting off tomorrow up the west coast and over the top. Looking to spend time in Kununurra so we might see each other! I'm driving a Toyota Hiace Commuter, petrol auto and hoping to be trouble free too !
Jo
There are easier options than a generator. As Happy Wanderer has so very expertly explained, using cigarette lighter attachments to charge appliances, a deep cycle battery on board, charged as you drive.
Even solar would be easier if you want to go that way.
There are so many accessories available for vehicles these days. Check out the auto shops, Jaycar, Dick Smith, and any others in your area. Ask questions, get advice and keep an open mind.
It's a great life. Take your time. Safe and happy travels.
Thank you for your advice...I think that the towels is very good and to cut to basic was also relevent..I have put a list together and reviewing it more than once...Im shure I will be able to thank all those that have given me advice face to face some where on my journy's ...Michael
G'day and welcome to....
Nu One...May...and The Pod.
Sorry I'm a bit late....but I've been away for a week.
Cheers. Pam.
yup we did a few short trips in the tardis, now comming up with our first major trip to adlaide then to alice.. you gotta learn to walk before you can run, and welcome to the site
milo
I find that an electric frypan is of great value. I use mine heaps - have an outside power point on van - to avoid cooking inside. You can do many different sorts of cooking with the frypan, apart from the obvious frying. Does good roasts and "toasted" sandwiches. I have cooked corned beef in boiling water in it.
I love cooking, and get a bit carried away with what I think I might need. I survive so far with a small and a large saucepan, and the small frypan. With these I can do most things + of course using BBQs when available. I also carry a small butane stove which lets me cook outside the van when there's no power. I avoid as much as possible cooking with the gas stove in the van.
I get enthused when I see the adds for thermal cooking pots- but can't really see that I would get enough use out of one to justify the space it would take up ..... interested to hear from anyone who has one. I also have been tempted to get a camp oven, but don't really do enough campfire cooking for it to earn its keep either.
We used to carry plastic crockery, but I hate plastic coffee cups and now carry good coffee cups and decent wine glasses. Don't forget a small salad bowl - which doubles as a mixing bowel and a fruit bowl and as a chip bowl, a decent cutting board and sharp knives, wooden spoon etc.
Wouldn't dream of leaving home without my camp ovens. I have two, one large and one small oh and also my cast iron frying pan. Can't beat the taste of food cooked over an open fire. Did I mention the billy...........best cuppa ever