I have been to the Adelaide Caravan and Camping show, had a great time, had decided that the first choice I had made as far as a motorhome was the correct one, my cousin whom I took for advice as she is straight talking, agreed with me. Problem of new home solved. Great.
Then later that evening after starting to read some phamplets and watching a DVD I bought about said lifestyle, it was becoming clear that if I was to have a motorhome these authors seemed to think that a small car would be necessary also. Ok here is the problem.......(for me)....
One of the reasons I had settled on a motorhome was for the fact that one I would be a solo grey nomad, two, I have never towed anything in my life, and three I figured that given I will be complete novice at this whole thing to have everything in one vehicle would be more convenient for me.
So my question is, if you have a motor home 1. Do you need a small car also? 2. If you don't have a small car is sightseeing and so forth really that disadvantaged? 3. How do others deal with the motorhome lifestyle?
I understand that each of us is different and have differing points of view, and that is exactly why I have asked these questions because I know on here the advice will be sound, humorous, and helpful.
Thanks guys.
Sharon.
Now that is better. Thumbs up all way around.
-- Edited by fireheart on Monday 27th of February 2012 08:20:43 AM
Sheba said
10:42 AM Feb 27, 2012
fireheart wrote:
The little Suzuki seems to be the small vehicle of choice also from what I have seen out on the road.
Hi Sharon. My sister has a little Getz that she tows on an A-frame for running around. She does House-sittng for about 6 months of the year. Doesn't go off-road though.
I got a Hi-ace Pop-top Campervan, so that I can use it as an ordinary vehicle too. And again, I only have one lot of Rego., Tyres, and Insurance.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 27th of February 2012 10:43:49 AM
fireheart said
03:59 PM Feb 27, 2012
Oh dear, I believe the pic may be just a tad too big. Sorry everyone that is a scary sight first thing in the morning. Must work out how to downsize the pics as well as my goods and chattels.
PeterS said
04:14 PM Feb 27, 2012
Fire heart Iamwith you, motorhome is the way to go,not that I have a choice now having commited to one, hopefullypick it up tomorrow ( Tues ). I have also purchased a Suzuki 4WD to tow behind, not sure how much use it will get. A friend did the first lap without one and is now on his second lap to see all the places her couldnt go without the little one. Towing on an A-frame is pretty simple because you cant reverse it have to take it off if you want to go backwards. I feel that it will be much easier and conveniant to park the MH out of towns or in CP and use small one for shopping sightseeing etc. also cheaper on fuel and as my home is so high less damage fromroadside trees etc. as they have in most country towns. Time will tell weather my choice is right or wrong but it is MY choice. Everyone will have a differace of opinion. What did you decide to get?
fireheart said
04:27 PM Feb 27, 2012
I am going with a Winnebago Peter. Checked them all out and keep being drawn back to the one I originally thought about. An A-Frame seems to be an option, I will have to check it all out. Love this learning about things I never knew existed before. Exciting day for you tomorrow picking up your new house. The little Suzuki seems to be the small vehicle of choice also from what I have seen out on the road.
Gerty Dancer said
04:46 PM Feb 27, 2012
You might think about a little motor-scooter... have see those on a little platform accross the backs of motorhomes.
gst said
04:51 PM Feb 27, 2012
Rent a motorhome for a weekend or so and see how you feel then find a towing course to see if your ok towing and you can always buy a small elec bike to take for small trips untill your ready to tow
Yuglamron said
05:09 PM Feb 27, 2012
Need a car to tow?
I for one went 'A' frame and a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I visited the McHitch site and took the Towball off and did the conversion to a McHitch for my peace of mind.
I felt that because the only downward weight on the towball was the weight of the 'A' frame it would be safer in the long term.Never regretted it.
Check out their website,used to be a link on the GN homepage,if not Google it.
I also wished I had bought a different 'A' frame.The type that had telescoping arms that automatically lock when you straighten up. A much easier way to hitch the tow vehicle up. You don't have to be exactly lined up to hitch up.
I bought a stone guard which attached to the 'A' frame.
Not needed if you modify your mudguards with spray suppressant matting and brushes. Does the job and no stone chips.
Hope that helps.
Haven't mentioned the manufacturer of my 'A' frame for obvious reasons.It's OK but others with telescopic arms are better.
beiffe said
05:15 PM Feb 27, 2012
I have been on the road for nearly 4 years without a toad and I don't miss it. I don't do the touristy thing of running around every where. I like to visit a small town for supplies and water etc and I might look at things that interest me and then get out bush and find a good camp site. If it suits, I might stay for a week or more. If not I will move on the next day. I do voluntary work so often stay in an area for a month or more and then I look around by walking. Get a better idea of an area like that. Often people take me for a look around their area so in that way I see the local spots that a general traveler would miss.
Suck it and see first. You can get one after a while but if you get one before you leave it is hard to get rid of it afterwards without loosing a lot of money.
Regards Brian
Golly said
05:28 PM Feb 27, 2012
Hi Sharon,
You could always take my motorbike,then you would have wheels. Maybe a push bike as you can purchase 3 wheelers.
Its getting really exciting to see you are making great head way.
Sue
Elle on Wheels said
06:29 PM Feb 27, 2012
Hi Sharon
at least you now know for sure about what you want to get around in which is the biggest decision so rest easy. I originally wanted to get a coaster but after research ended up with a caravan because it didn't mkae sense to trade in my relatively young deisel ute. I will be happy with that for a while and will probably end up with a coaster or similar a few years down the track since some unforeseen medical issues have arisen. Towing a vehiclebehind a motorhome is a secondary consideration in my humble opinion and can be a hassle. Lots of people get by without them and don't miss them.There's always the opportunity to hook up with other travellers in day outings or even jump on the odd organised tour - saves you heaps in the long run in terms of tyres, towing costs etc. I would seriously consider the option of a smallcc motor bike (90cc or so as I reckon scooters are a bit more dangerous/unstable) bolted onto a small bracket at the back of your home. This would enable you to duck into town for supplies etc. if it was an off road bike you could do a bit of trail riding if you were into that sort of thing. This would be a low cost option and not add to your fuel and rego costs very significantly. Get on the road and leave it a year or so to see how you go and if you really need anything else.
jonathan said
06:43 PM Feb 27, 2012
I do have a motorbike as well .. carried in a small trailer which also carries extra water and fuel when needed ..
Not for everyone, but suits me ..
Jon
-- Edited by jonathan on Monday 27th of February 2012 07:34:59 PM
Thanks everyone, I knew I would be well informed on here. I have been thinking about it during the morning while doing other things and tossing it around, I think I might just take the first step and get out there and then see what is needed. As has been said, try and then decide if it is needed. I had also considered the extra costs of rego, insurance, etc, and thought well that is a lot of tours, rental cars if needed etc. Like you Beiffe I don't do tourist very well and prefer to look at things that take my interest as to what the mainstream tend to sail through. Guess that comes from being in the industry for many years. I like the idea of actually basing in a place that looks interesting and then getting to know what is around that area and the locals. The other thing I was thinking also, if you are free camping would one really want to leave the motorhome in a remote spot for a few hours while out and about. Don't know just a thought. God, I have a headache now. It is a wonderful learning curve and certainly has had me stepping outside of the box so to speak.
Sharon.
Elle on Wheels said
07:39 PM Feb 27, 2012
From what I understand about free camping Sharon, it's often pretty easy to form a friendship with someone and get them to keep an eye on your rig if you go out as it's not often such places are entirely empty...... you always take a risk wherever you are really. If you don't feel safe leaving your rig then don't. The same thing would apply to anyone on a daytrip in a car and lots of cars get broken into. Sorry, back on the positive side of things, the beauty is that you can make your own decisions when and if you want to go day tripping or not.
ChiChi1 said
08:58 PM Feb 27, 2012
As the owner of a motorhome, my thoughts only. I purchased a motorhome because I didn't like the idea of towing something. So, for me towing a small car, sort of defeats the purpose. That said, although my MH is only small and will fit into a carpark, it can often be too hard to stop somewhere. (particularly those towns with reverse 45degree angle parking) and unless I can find a convenient spot I drive straight through. I am now considering attaching a bike rack with bike for these situations.
bill12 said
10:51 PM Feb 27, 2012
I have a ford courier with a slide on and will tow a box trailer with a postie bike on it and a tinnie on a rack on the trailer. I used a postie bike at Narooma and it was great transport. A small tinnie with a 4hp motor doesn,t need to be reg,and is a boon to fishing the many spots allong the coast.Bill
fireheart said
02:17 AM Feb 28, 2012
Thanks for that Golly, your motorbike would be too big for me and a three wheeler, well, I might not be up for that advanced technology just yet.
Love it Sue. Golly golly miss molly.
Welcome Sue, you will love it here and find out so much.
sharon.
Campfire said
03:27 AM Feb 28, 2012
Hi, I have a Toyota/Matilda motorhome, very small but perfect for me. I now have a push bike and ride around everywhere (cheap and healthy). Good luck with all your decisions and hope to see you soon out here.
Cheers, Cate.
nomadic1 said
01:26 AM Feb 29, 2012
I have a Jayco Conquest and I have a 150cc that I carry on the back. I had to have a rack made up for it especially. This arrangement works beautifully for me. I can park 20km from the nearest shop and don't have to pack up the whole van when I run out of bread; and I can sight see to my hearts content. It also means I'm not towing anything - and that was one of the reasons for going with a motorhome rather than a caravan. If you don't want to go with a motorbike or scooter and you don't feel energetic enough for a bicycle then you could consider an electric bike - I considered it but decided against it simply because they're slow and I wouldn't feel safe on highways with the traffic going 80+kph.
If you want any more information feel free to email me - nomadic1.lynda@gmail.com.
jetj said
07:38 AM Mar 3, 2012
I have a Hiace and take a folding bicycle with me. I wouldn't mind an electric folding bike, no rego or licence and I wouldn't have to get off and walk up the hills.
I love the little chihuahuas in the photo. My heart melts when I see a chi, I love them heaps. the motorhome and campervan are lovely too.
Sheba said
05:36 PM Mar 3, 2012
jetj wrote:
I love the little chihuahuas in the photo.
Only have the White one now jetj. The other one was bitten by a snake a few months ago.
Cheers,
Sheba.
ChiChi1 said
07:22 PM Mar 3, 2012
Hi Sheba, Molly was sitting in the van just like yours. Would you believe, she saw to dobermans coming and wanted to get them. So she jumped. Could not believe it. She landed and rolled, but was unhurt. Frightened the life out of me. I have to watch her very carefully now.
jetj said
06:41 AM Mar 6, 2012
Hi Sheba, I'm so sorry to hear you lost one of your little dogs. I had a white one similar to yours and I lost her with heart failure.
Chichi, mine will attack anything, size doesn't matter.
milo said
06:56 AM Mar 6, 2012
sorry to hear about your dog sheba
pricey43 said
07:52 AM Mar 6, 2012
Hi Mel,
That little Molly will take on anything. (LOL)
Give her a cuddle and a scratch for me. I do miss my little Benny
ChiChi1 said
04:14 PM Mar 6, 2012
Hi Robyn & Ted,
Losing your best mate leaves a big hole in your life. Sorry to hear about Benny. Will always remember him.
Then later that evening after starting to read some phamplets and watching a DVD I bought about said lifestyle, it was becoming clear that if I was to have a motorhome these authors seemed to think that a small car would be necessary also. Ok here is the problem.......(for me)....
One of the reasons I had settled on a motorhome was for the fact that one I would be a solo grey nomad, two, I have never towed anything in my life, and three I figured that given I will be complete novice at this whole thing to have everything in one vehicle would be more convenient for me.
So my question is, if you have a motor home 1. Do you need a small car also? 2. If you don't have a small car is sightseeing and so forth really that disadvantaged? 3. How do others deal with the motorhome lifestyle?
I understand that each of us is different and have differing points of view, and that is exactly why I have asked these questions because I know on here the advice will be sound, humorous, and helpful.
Thanks guys.
Sharon.
-- Edited by fireheart on Monday 27th of February 2012 08:20:43 AM
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 27th of February 2012 10:43:49 AM
Rent a motorhome for a weekend or so and see how you feel then find a towing course to see if your ok towing and you can always buy a small elec bike to take for small trips untill your ready to tow
Need a car to tow?
I for one went 'A' frame and a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I visited the McHitch site and took the Towball off and did the conversion to a McHitch for my peace of mind.
I felt that because the only downward weight on the towball was the weight of the 'A' frame it would be safer in the long term.Never regretted it.
Check out their website,used to be a link on the GN homepage,if not Google it.
I also wished I had bought a different 'A' frame.The type that had telescoping arms that automatically lock when you straighten up. A much easier way to hitch the tow vehicle up. You don't have to be exactly lined up to hitch up.
I bought a stone guard which attached to the 'A' frame.
Not needed if you modify your mudguards with spray suppressant matting and brushes. Does the job and no stone chips.
Hope that helps.
Haven't mentioned the manufacturer of my 'A' frame for obvious reasons.It's OK but others with telescopic arms are better.
Suck it and see first. You can get one after a while but if you get one before you leave it is hard to get rid of it afterwards without loosing a lot of money.
Regards
Brian
Hi Sharon,
You could always take my motorbike,then you would have wheels. Maybe a push bike as you can purchase 3 wheelers.
Its getting really exciting to see you are making great head way.
Sue
at least you now know for sure about what you want to get around in which is the biggest decision so rest easy. I originally wanted to get a coaster but after research ended up with a caravan because it didn't mkae sense to trade in my relatively young deisel ute. I will be happy with that for a while and will probably end up with a coaster or similar a few years down the track since some unforeseen medical issues have arisen. Towing a vehiclebehind a motorhome is a secondary consideration in my humble opinion and can be a hassle. Lots of people get by without them and don't miss them.There's always the opportunity to hook up with other travellers in day outings or even jump on the odd organised tour - saves you heaps in the long run in terms of tyres, towing costs etc. I would seriously consider the option of a smallcc motor bike (90cc or so as I reckon scooters are a bit more dangerous/unstable) bolted onto a small bracket at the back of your home. This would enable you to duck into town for supplies etc. if it was an off road bike you could do a bit of trail riding if you were into that sort of thing. This would be a low cost option and not add to your fuel and rego costs very significantly. Get on the road and leave it a year or so to see how you go and if you really need anything else.
I do have a motorbike as well .. carried in a small trailer which also carries extra water and fuel when needed ..
Not for everyone, but suits me ..
Jon
-- Edited by jonathan on Monday 27th of February 2012 07:34:59 PM
I had also considered the extra costs of rego, insurance, etc, and thought well that is a lot of tours, rental cars if needed etc. Like you Beiffe I don't do tourist very well and prefer to look at things that take my interest as to what the mainstream tend to sail through. Guess that comes from being in the industry for many years. I like the idea of actually basing in a place that looks interesting and then getting to know what is around that area and the locals.
The other thing I was thinking also, if you are free camping would one really want to leave the motorhome in a remote spot for a few hours while out and about. Don't know just a thought.
God, I have a headache now. It is a wonderful learning curve and certainly has had me stepping outside of the box so to speak.
Sharon.
Love it Sue. Golly golly miss molly.
Welcome Sue, you will love it here and find out so much.
sharon.
Hi, I have a Toyota/Matilda motorhome, very small but perfect for me. I now have a push bike and ride around everywhere (cheap and healthy). Good luck with all your decisions and hope to see you soon out here.
Cheers, Cate.
If you want any more information feel free to email me - nomadic1.lynda@gmail.com.
I love the little chihuahuas in the photo. My heart melts when I see a chi, I love them heaps. the motorhome and campervan are lovely too.
Only have the White one now jetj. The other one was bitten by a snake a few months ago.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Molly was sitting in the van just like yours. Would you believe, she saw to dobermans coming and wanted to get them. So she jumped. Could not believe it. She landed and rolled, but was unhurt. Frightened the life out of me. I have to watch her very carefully now.
I'm so sorry to hear you lost one of your little dogs. I had a white one similar to yours and I lost her with heart failure.
Chichi, mine will attack anything, size doesn't matter.
Hi Mel,
That little Molly will take on anything. (LOL)
Give her a cuddle and a scratch for me. I do miss my little Benny
Losing your best mate leaves a big hole in your life. Sorry to hear about Benny. Will always remember him.