motorhome vs caravan - solo lady travellers help??
peacewalker said
05:23 PM Jan 28, 2012
Please help solo ladies out there. Been researching so confused yet again??
No spring chicken, motorhomes look the easiest and safest, but have limitations for sightseeing.
Never towed a caravan let alone try and hitch one up.
Would love your opinions on what decision you came to.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Happywanderer said
06:06 PM Jan 28, 2012
Being a solo and having never towed anything peacewalker, I wasn't about to start now. Thats why I bought Myrtle.
old briney said
06:23 PM Jan 28, 2012
i have had both, motorhome is a lot easier than a van not as much setting up (& not having to get out in the rain), however, only having the motorhome i found it a bit hard (being disabled) with short trips (needed a small car to get around) but if 1 of us passes i think it well be trading the van for a motorhome
Yuglamron said
06:53 PM Jan 28, 2012
I'm a guy but have met lots of solo travellers both men and women and it's a personal decision to which is best.Lots of the ladies out there doing it solo are in motorhomes for ease of life.
No Hitching up.
No reversing a van.
Don't have to get out to set up in the rain.
Size depends on budget and facilities required.
From Hi-Aces and Commuters to Coasters and full coach sized,there are solos in all of them.
Met two ladies in Bundaberg doing the big lap.One in a Coaster with one dog another in a Hi-Ace with two dogs.
Both used to travel together for various reasons,security and assistance for tyre stuff and breakdowns.Neither needed but there in case.
Pretty sure a Coaster would get to most of the stuff except 4x4 stuff to sightsee and just have to park a little further from the mall when shopping.
Also depends on factors like rego,roadworthies, insurances etc.Only one with a motorhome.
I am biased I prefer a motorhome for ease of use.
You will get others who prefer Caravans and they will give their views too.
Hope you sort out which way to jump and get travelling.
Travel Bug said
07:19 PM Jan 28, 2012
Hi Peacewalker. The choice of van...and even choice of layout...is all a matter of personal preference, largely based on your own lifestyle.
I have a Hi Ace Commuter bus and I love it. I really like the safety factor. If ever I should be unfortunate enough to feel unsafe for any reason, I can just drive away without getting out of the van. I also like that I have only one lot of rego and insurance.
I was recently caught in a bad traffic jam in the pouring rain. I pulled over to the side of the road, had a cup of coffee and a sandwich, then read my book for an hour until the traffic started moving again...all without getting out of the van and getting wet.
What suits me may not suit you...but whatever you decide...I wish you lots of safe and happy travels.
Hope to catch up with you on the road sometime.
Cheers.
Sheba said
04:40 AM Jan 29, 2012
I'm another Hi-ace solo female. My reasoning was the same as Travel Bugs, re Rego., Insurance, and Safety. It's also easy to park in Shopping Centres, and I can make a cuppa anytime, anywhere.
I usually make a fresh cup of coffee in the Car Park when I've finished my shopping, to drink on the way home.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Esmeralda said
07:11 AM Jan 29, 2012
I have a small poptop caravan - it is easy to hook up and set up really doesn't take that long (really the only difference is needing to put down the legs). OK reversing into a site is not all that much fun but there is a saviour in the form of drive through sites!!
I can pull over for lunch or morning tea and everything is there or have a nap or anything else I want/need, just like a motorhome.
However it means I can go sight seeing or shopping or a drive to the closest town without having to pack up my camp.
beiffe said
09:00 AM Jan 29, 2012
Post deleted.
Sorry was not aware of not being able to offer for sale. was only trying to help
Regards Brian
-- Edited by beiffe on Sunday 29th of January 2012 09:08:54 AM
Lynnie said
04:01 PM Jan 29, 2012
Just to add another option, am purchasing a ute on which I will be placing my slide on camper. No towing, difficult parking, etc and I can jack up the slide on and drive off in the ute, then return load up and drive off. Once the trip is over, the slide on goes into storage until I do another trip and I can continue to use my ute (which will be my everyday vehicle). It will work for me anyway. Best wsihes with your decision. It sounds as if you are like me and want to make it an informed decision. Just remember to decide on what you feel will work best for you. Only you can determine that. Don't be surprised if there is not any option that ticks all the boxes, by the way. Whatever you decide, you need to be confident using your "rig" and be able to enjoy using it. I look forward to hearing what you decide on. Regards, Lyn
Antique Pete said
04:40 PM Jan 29, 2012
Hi Lyn. Do you find the slide ons a bit cramped? i am in the process of deciding which way to go as well but this will be my full time home so I need to get it right
Lynnie said
06:35 PM Jan 29, 2012
I have not taken delivery yet but have inspected it twice. I believe it would probably be too cramped for a full time home. It would be fine for relatively temporary purposes. One benefit of mine, which has an internal toilet and shower, is that it will make me self sufficient. I may look into the possibility of obtaining an annexe of some sort. Lyn
Antique Pete said
08:37 PM Jan 29, 2012
thanks lyn
Cruising Granny said
01:32 AM Jan 30, 2012
Peacewalker, your decision will depend on a couple of things you have to consider before making your decision. Is it to be your full-time home in which you plan to travel and park? There's the matter of storage and comfort, bearing in mind you'll have to store all your wordly goods, if you don't have anywhere to store the stuff you won't need in the kid's shed or similar. If it's a part-time, mobile accommodation a smaller vehicle would suffice. You only need to stow your day to day equipment, clothing and utensils. Safety and your driving capabilities will also have a huge bearing on the vehicle you decide to purchase. If you want to go off-road, free camp or caravan park will also determine the type of vehicle whether it's 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission. Then there's the inclusion of pop-top or solid top. The bottom line is $'s. All the best with your decision, and many kms of safe and happy travels.
the rocket said
04:43 AM Jan 30, 2012
Hi Peacemaker, good luck with your choice. rocket n strop
nomadic1 said
05:01 AM Jan 31, 2012
Hi Peacemaker. You decision will obviously be dictated principally by your own preference and your budget. I wanted a motorhome because of the safety issues and hitching and unhitching issues - oh and because I'm crap at reversing too. I also wanted to be able to get out and about without the hassle of packing everything up. I solved the problem by buying a motor scooter and having a rack put on the back of the motorhome to carry it. It was a bit of a hassle to get it all organised but it was worth it - the whole system works beautifully for me. Incidentally I have a Jayco Conquest and I'm on the road full time.
Happy travels!
peacewalker said
03:39 PM Jan 31, 2012
hey thanks everyone for your opinions. It will be my full time home, but still stuck in the middle. I know a coaster would be great, or something similar, but want to sight see around aussie as I go and a 4wd will do it. Haven't sold house yet, so still have time up my sleeve. Hope to see you all on the road, got my bumper stickers and raring to go!!!!!
Sheba said
05:14 PM Jan 31, 2012
Whatever you decide, don't forget to take present and future health into account. What you can do today, you may not be able to further down the track.
I have breathing problems which will only get worse, so that influenced my decision to go with a Camper-van, as well as the financial and safety considerations.
No way would I be able to cope with hitching and un-hitching a Caravan.
Cheers,
Sheba.
fireheart said
06:27 PM Jan 31, 2012
Hi Peacewalker,
I have thought about this question long and hard and at this point in time, I am convinced for me a Motorhome is the way to go. I have never towed anything in my life and it does not really appeal to me to learn how. As far as reversing, well I have trouble getting out of the garage in my car, so with a towing a caravan, hmmm probably best not too. I have looked at different motorhomes and have just about decided upon going the Winnebago route, tossing up between two different styles at present. I am a little way off yet, about 2 weeks away from putting the house on the market and then will have to start getting really serious.
Whatever you choose, have fun and somewhere, someday we may just cross paths.
Regards, Sharon.
Cruising Granny said
10:44 PM Jan 31, 2012
Space, comfort, manageability within your means and capabilities. You seem to have a good handle on it. Some of us have health issues and get on with whatever we can within our determination and capabilities. Good luck with the house sale and motorhome decision.
wendyv said
03:47 AM Feb 1, 2012
peacewalker wrote:
hey thanks everyone for your opinions. It will be my full time home, but still stuck in the middle. I know a coaster would be great, or something similar, but want to sight see around aussie as I go and a 4wd will do it. Haven't sold house yet, so still have time up my sleeve. Hope to see you all on the road, got my bumper stickers and raring to go!!!!!
Some motorhome travellers solve the sightseeing issue by A frame towing a compact vehicle behind the motorhome. One of these wouldn't get you across the Simpson Desert or up the OTC Track, but would still get you a lot of places.
Andrea said
04:39 AM Feb 1, 2012
Just another thought, Peacewalker - I'm not a solo but we met a full-time solo lady today who has set up a small 5th wheeler van with a Navara 4WD. She's been on the road for three years, has no trouble at all hitching up (they're much easier than a caravan - I know, we live in one!), and they're much more stable to pull than a caravan, never get the wobbles when passing a road train.
She's not the first, either - we'd met another one a couple of years ago, too, with a 'fiver'.
Something else to think about... ;)
Andrea
milo said
09:05 AM Feb 1, 2012
if you got the money (i wish i had ) and wanted a 4wd and motorhome combined you could look at one of these
Hi Peacewalker, I've bought a Toyota Matilda 4x4, 3lt Turbo (see Milo's link because it's the same as mine) I live in it full time and love it. I have a Coleman instant tent (I call it the Shed)twhich fits next to the awning so I can drive away and not have to pack up every time. I'm looking for a fold up push bike to ride around on and then I won'y need to pack up at all!
Cheers, Cate
lilly31 said
03:22 PM Feb 9, 2012
I'm looking for a fold up push bike to ride around on and then I won'y need to pack up at all!
Cheers, Cate
Have a look at K mart Cate i pick one there was while back so i am not sure if they still carry them ..it was about $250.00 ..All bike shops have them Kmart was about half the price ....
Campfire said
03:43 PM Feb 9, 2012
Thanks Lily, that price sounds very reasonable, bike shops were quoting much higher.
I'm leaving Emerald today and heading towards Barcaldine where I'll camp a few days before Longreach.
Cheers, Cate
lilly31 said
03:57 PM Feb 9, 2012
How the water up that way Cate ... still look bad on the news ..... I just look at my bike the brand is a Cyclopes if that helps ...
Sheba said
03:29 AM Feb 10, 2012
wendyv wrote:
Some motorhome travellers solve the sightseeing issue by A frame towing a compact vehicle behind the motorhome. One of these wouldn't get you across the Simpson Desert or up the OTC Track, but would still get you a lot of places.
This is my sisters' outfit. She's a Solo.
Next Pic. is her leaving. She has no trouble with the A - Frame at all.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Elle on Wheels said
09:16 AM Feb 10, 2012
Hi Peacewalker I ended up with a small older poptop caravan because of budget considerations and also because I have a relatively young deisel ute which I didn't want to trade in on a coaster or similar. I'm really happy with the van and have done some towing courses and at least know I can do a successful reverse park and have enjoyed the challenge of learning to manage the van. It may well be that I will need to change to a motor home down the track if health gets in the way. I hope to be able to combine sale of the old rig with a small emergency fund to finance changeover to a coaster but who knows.
peacewalker said
12:32 AM Feb 11, 2012
hi elle and everyone, thinking of going to poptop caravan and jeep, as making my base in mackays setting up a granny flat, in my sons paddock. So when health declines I have somewhere to go. still trying to sell house, so can't do anything until this happens. just wanta get on the road and meet some nomads.
ChiChi1 said
06:07 AM Feb 11, 2012
I am quite happy with my choice (for me) I don't intend travelling in it as my home. Just go away when it suits me. Will probably do the big lap in it though. It has all the tricky things and is very comfortable but for a full time traveller I would say it would be short on storage space. However, by the same token, it would pull a trailer quite comfortably.
Going to get a bike rack fitted. I have been told you will see much more of a town by cycling around than by driving and I tend to agree. People say that everytime you want a bottle of milk you have to pack up everything. True, but I also find this only takes minutes. Its been good in that way, because I have learned to be very tidy and put things away as I use them. lol.
Good luck with you choice Peacewalker and happy travelling.
Please help solo ladies out there. Been researching so confused yet again??
No spring chicken, motorhomes look the easiest and safest, but have limitations for sightseeing.
Never towed a caravan let alone try and hitch one up.
Would love your opinions on what decision you came to.
Please let me know your thoughts.
i have had both, motorhome is a lot easier than a van not as much setting up (& not having to get out in the rain), however, only having the motorhome i found it a bit hard (being disabled) with short trips (needed a small car to get around) but if 1 of us passes i think it well be trading the van for a motorhome
I'm a guy but have met lots of solo travellers both men and women and it's a personal decision to which is best.Lots of the ladies out there doing it solo are in motorhomes for ease of life.
No Hitching up.
No reversing a van.
Don't have to get out to set up in the rain.
Size depends on budget and facilities required.
From Hi-Aces and Commuters to Coasters and full coach sized,there are solos in all of them.
Met two ladies in Bundaberg doing the big lap.One in a Coaster with one dog another in a Hi-Ace with two dogs.
Both used to travel together for various reasons,security and assistance for tyre stuff and breakdowns.Neither needed but there in case.
Pretty sure a Coaster would get to most of the stuff except 4x4 stuff to sightsee and just have to park a little further from the mall when shopping.
Also depends on factors like rego,roadworthies, insurances etc.Only one with a motorhome.
I am biased I prefer a motorhome for ease of use.
You will get others who prefer Caravans and they will give their views too.
Hope you sort out which way to jump and get travelling.
Hi Peacewalker.
The choice of van...and even choice of layout...is all a matter of personal preference, largely based on your own lifestyle.
I have a Hi Ace Commuter bus and I love it. I really like the safety factor. If ever I should be unfortunate enough to feel unsafe for any reason, I can just drive away without getting out of the van.
I also like that I have only one lot of rego and insurance.
I was recently caught in a bad traffic jam in the pouring rain. I pulled over to the side of the road, had a cup of coffee and a sandwich, then read my book for an hour until the traffic started moving again...all without getting out of the van and getting wet.
What suits me may not suit you...but whatever you decide...I wish you lots of safe and happy travels.
Hope to catch up with you on the road sometime.
Cheers.
I'm another Hi-ace solo female. My reasoning was the same as Travel Bugs, re Rego., Insurance, and Safety. It's also easy to park in Shopping Centres, and I can make a cuppa anytime, anywhere.
I usually make a fresh cup of coffee in the Car Park when I've finished my shopping, to drink on the way home.
Cheers,
Sheba.
I have a small poptop caravan - it is easy to hook up and set up really doesn't take that long (really the only difference is needing to put down the legs). OK reversing into a site is not all that much fun but there is a saviour in the form of drive through sites!!
I can pull over for lunch or morning tea and everything is there or have a nap or anything else I want/need, just like a motorhome.
However it means I can go sight seeing or shopping or a drive to the closest town without having to pack up my camp.
Post deleted.
Sorry was not aware of not being able to offer for sale. was only trying to help
Regards
Brian
-- Edited by beiffe on Sunday 29th of January 2012 09:08:54 AM
No towing, difficult parking, etc and I can jack up the slide on and drive off in the ute, then return load up and drive off.
Once the trip is over, the slide on goes into storage until I do another trip and I can continue to use my ute (which will be my everyday vehicle).
It will work for me anyway.
Best wsihes with your decision. It sounds as if you are like me and want to make it an informed decision.
Just remember to decide on what you feel will work best for you. Only you can determine that.
Don't be surprised if there is not any option that ticks all the boxes, by the way.
Whatever you decide, you need to be confident using your "rig" and be able to enjoy using it.
I look forward to hearing what you decide on.
Regards,
Lyn
Hi Lyn. Do you find the slide ons a bit cramped? i am in the process of deciding which way to go as well but this will be my full time home so I need to get it right
I believe it would probably be too cramped for a full time home.
It would be fine for relatively temporary purposes.
One benefit of mine, which has an internal toilet and shower, is that it will make me self sufficient.
I may look into the possibility of obtaining an annexe of some sort.
Lyn
thanks lyn
Is it to be your full-time home in which you plan to travel and park? There's the matter of storage and comfort, bearing in mind you'll have to store all your wordly goods, if you don't have anywhere to store the stuff you won't need in the kid's shed or similar.
If it's a part-time, mobile accommodation a smaller vehicle would suffice. You only need to stow your day to day equipment, clothing and utensils.
Safety and your driving capabilities will also have a huge bearing on the vehicle you decide to purchase.
If you want to go off-road, free camp or caravan park will also determine the type of vehicle whether it's 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission.
Then there's the inclusion of pop-top or solid top. The bottom line is $'s.
All the best with your decision, and many kms of safe and happy travels.
Hi Peacemaker, good luck with your choice. rocket n strop
Happy travels!
my sleeve. Hope to see you all on the road, got my bumper stickers and raring to go!!!!!
Whatever you decide, don't forget to take present and future health into account. What you can do today, you may not be able to further down the track.
I have breathing problems which will only get worse, so that influenced my decision to go with a Camper-van, as well as the financial and safety considerations.
No way would I be able to cope with hitching and un-hitching a Caravan.
Cheers,
Sheba.
I have thought about this question long and hard and at this point in time, I am convinced for me a Motorhome is the way to go. I have never towed anything in my life and it does not really appeal to me to learn how. As far as reversing, well I have trouble getting out of the garage in my car, so with a towing a caravan, hmmm probably best not too. I have looked at different motorhomes and have just about decided upon going the Winnebago route, tossing up between two different styles at present. I am a little way off yet, about 2 weeks away from putting the house on the market and then will have to start getting really serious.
Whatever you choose, have fun and somewhere, someday we may just cross paths.
Regards, Sharon.
You seem to have a good handle on it.
Some of us have health issues and get on with whatever we can within our determination and capabilities.
Good luck with the house sale and motorhome decision.
Some motorhome travellers solve the sightseeing issue by A frame towing a compact vehicle behind the motorhome. One of these wouldn't get you across the Simpson Desert or up the OTC Track, but would still get you a lot of places.
Just another thought, Peacewalker - I'm not a solo but we met a full-time solo lady today who has set up a small 5th wheeler van with a Navara 4WD. She's been on the road for three years, has no trouble at all hitching up (they're much easier than a caravan - I know, we live in one!), and they're much more stable to pull than a caravan, never get the wobbles when passing a road train.
She's not the first, either - we'd met another one a couple of years ago, too, with a 'fiver'.
Something else to think about... ;)
Andrea
if you got the money (i wish i had ) and wanted a 4wd and motorhome combined you could look at one of these
http://sydneyrvcentre.com.au/gallery.html?id=964
Hi Peacewalker, I've bought a Toyota Matilda 4x4, 3lt Turbo (see Milo's link because it's the same as mine) I live in it full time and love it. I have a Coleman instant tent (I call it the Shed)twhich fits next to the awning so I can drive away and not have to pack up every time. I'm looking for a fold up push bike to ride around on and then I won'y need to pack up at all!
Cheers, Cate
Have a look at K mart Cate i pick one there was while back so i am not sure if they still carry them ..it was about $250.00 ..All bike shops have them Kmart was about half the price ....
Thanks Lily, that price sounds very reasonable, bike shops were quoting much higher.
I'm leaving Emerald today and heading towards Barcaldine where I'll camp a few days before Longreach.
Cheers, Cate
I just look at my bike the brand is a Cyclopes if that helps ...
Next Pic. is her leaving. She has no trouble with the A - Frame at all.
Cheers,
Sheba.
health declines I have somewhere to go. still trying to sell house, so can't do anything until this happens. just wanta get on the road and meet some nomads.
It has all the tricky things and is very comfortable but for a full time traveller I would say it would be short on storage space. However, by the same token, it would pull a trailer quite comfortably.
Going to get a bike rack fitted. I have been told you will see much more of a town by cycling around than by driving and I tend to agree.
People say that everytime you want a bottle of milk you have to pack up everything. True, but I also find this only takes minutes. Its been good in that way, because I have learned to be very tidy and put things away as I use them. lol.
Good luck with you choice Peacewalker and happy travelling.