I am a single 66yr old female and have just sold my home to travel full time, but there in lies the problem I am really conflicted. What do I get to travel in.
Can anyone single females give me advice on there choice of travel vehicle.
I am leaning toward 5th wheelers but am concerned about the size.
Any feed back would be appreciated.
Rondavoo
Mike C said
12:12 AM Sep 7, 2013
I would be looking at something that required minimum hassle for setup and minimal stress.
I think a motorhome is often a better choice and offers a bit more security in that you can just drive away. Towing a small car adds flexibility.
I have owned caravans and campers and all are great just can be a bit weighty unhitching and hitching up and setting up on your own.
It also depends a lot on your traveling style. Moving around or staying parked up for long periods, Free camping or caravan parks, Staying on the blacktop or extreme off road driving.
cheers
Mike
(sorry not a single female)
Nelly said
12:20 AM Sep 7, 2013
Hello Rondavoo - hello and welcome. I am like you not knowing what to travel in. I have a slide-on at the moment - hubby doesn't travel so I am solo. I have thought about it a lot and decided that if I win the lotto I would buy a campervan (one with a shower and toilet) and there would be minimal set-up if any. If you didn't feel comfortable somewhere you wouldn't even have to hop out of the vehicle. Also security is another thing. Anyway just my thoughts - happy camping.
Rondavoo said
12:22 AM Sep 7, 2013
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your imput, will take your advice onboard.
Rondavoo
Rondavoo said
12:26 AM Sep 7, 2013
Thank you Nelly
Dougwe said
06:27 PM Sep 7, 2013
Hi Ronda and welcome from me too, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I am not female but a Solo male so thought I would contribute anyway.
I have a Avan 'Sportliner' Camper. It is easy to handle as a solo and has insulated solid walls around you not canvas, full kitchen and 3 way fridge. There are a few design options and would suggest the front bench option as I had the table and seats at front but pulled them out in the first month or so and put in a bench. I Mention all this as an option for you.
I have met a few solo ladies in the playground that have smallish motor homes and are very comfortable and happy with them. I have also met solo ladies and men that have Coaster's or similar sizes and also are very happy.
In fact, I think if I ever upgrade or change I would consider seriously looking at either motorhome size or coaster size.
As for the 'Fifth Wheeler', my late wife and I were looking at the 'Travel Home' Fifth Wheeler so when I decided to continue with our travel plans I went straight to the said fifth wheeler but sitting in the back of it and looking forward then realising I had to handle and set all this up by myself, gave it all a miss.
Main reason for my final choice was storage at home as I live in a village with no storage facilities and my final choice fits under my carport so no external storage fees.
Whatever you decide on enjoy and most of all,
VKPORTABLE said
07:26 PM Sep 7, 2013
Hi Ronda and welcome.
I think Nelly, Doug and Mike have knocked it on the scone, and most have battled this dilemma as well, including me.
The easiest to set up is the best, and think of where you want to go. If you are intending on sticking to sealed roads only then a caravan of sorts will do just fine. If you are thinking of going more remote then a campervan may be a better option (you can get them with remote controls these days).
With the coaster I used to ramble about in, it had a canvas annexe - great I thought! Yeah, it was great until trying to get the damn thing up, you - or rather I - would near snap your arms in two just trying to feed it through the railing by myself, I did come up with this ingenious idea of using a tent pole to push it along whilst I fed it in, worked but still made it a very painful job to the point I just threw it in the trailer and rarely used it. Actually I only ever used it about four times when I was staying for extended periods at a place - more then a month.
So I like easy, easy to set-up, easy to pack-up - if you need to move camp quickly for whatever reason you are not tooling around and doing battle with things to do so.
gunnago said
08:44 PM Sep 7, 2013
if you are good at parking go for it have met lots of solo ladies who have 5th wheelers go for it and safe travels most guys would say lucky you have fun may catch you out there sometime bye a tug that's diesel more economical
pawsoz said
02:50 AM Sep 8, 2013
Hi Ronda
Solo lady here - I have a smallish motorhome, a Sunliner Mirage, with an over cab bed - not quite as bad as it sounds, a 2 step ladder and you are in bed!
Mine does not allow me to scramble through...although I guess if it was a case of life and death I could try...knowing my luck I would get stuck half way though!
Small enough to park in a car space, big enough (just) not to get too stir crazy if one gets a few very wet days in a row.
Now I am on the road permanantly I have to think that a coaster or slightly bigger motorhome would be nice.
There are some really neat smaller 5th wheelers around you could take a look at on line.
Anyway once you get it - enjoy!
see you out there!
annie
adreamer said
03:42 AM Sep 8, 2013
Hi Ronda, Like you I knew I just wanted to travel. Had no idea what to purchase but was also was limited with my budget. I bought a lwb mid height Ford Transit 2002 and it is fitted out with two single beds or a double, fridge, sink, toilet, awning, sola power and that is it and guess what it's been sitting in my driveway for the last two months as I have been dithering about where to go and also listening to too many people with their opinions. Now the weather is getting hotter, I will just do some short trip as I have a small dog that suffers with the heat (french bulldog).
ps I am 68 young. But I now know my limitations and just try and make things as simple as possible!!
Good luck
Helen
Sheba said
03:59 AM Sep 8, 2013
adreamer wrote:
Hi Ronda, Like you I knew I just wanted to travel. Had no idea what to purchase but was also was limited with my budget. I bought a lwb mid height Ford Transit 2002 and it is fitted out with two single beds or a double, fridge, sink, toilet, awning, sola power and that is it and guess what it's been sitting in my driveway for the last two months as I have been dithering about where to go and also listening to too many people with their opinions. Now the weather is getting hotter, I will just do some short trip as I have a small dog that suffers with the heat (french bulldog). ps I am 68 young. But I now know my limitations and just try and make things as simple as possible!! Good luck Helen
Hi Helen. When I first bought my Hi-ace Campervan, it was used only as a normal vehicle for the first 18 months. Then one day, some-one who was a friend at the time, came along and said " I want to take a trip to Cairns. Come with me." She had her own Hi-ace, so, 2 days later, we hit the road.
I learned a lot on that trip !!! When I got back, I couldn't wait to go again. The next long trip I did, [some months later,] was from CQ to Mildura and back, on my own.
Can't wait to be able to travel a hell of a lot more. The bug will bite you, and when you realise that you can do it easily on your own, you'll be fine.
I'm 72, and have a Chihuahua who travels with me.
Cheers,
Sheba.
jetj said
04:49 AM Sep 8, 2013
Rondavoo wrote:
Hi All,
I am a single 66yr old female and have just sold my home to travel full time, but there in lies the problem I am really conflicted. What do I get to travel in.
Can anyone single females give me advice on there choice of travel vehicle.
I am leaning toward 5th wheelers but am concerned about the size.
Any feed back would be appreciated.
Rondavoo
Hi,
I have a Hiace and want something a bit bigger but small enough to use as my only vehicle. I don't know how difficult a 5-er is to put on or off a vehicle so can't comment on that. Some are not suitable for rough roads though, so make sure what you buy is suitable for the type of travelling you intend.
There isn't a better feeling than getting into your vehicle with food clothes etc and not having to be anywhere in particular at any point in time. It's a freedom thing.
Helen,
I have always travelled with dogs and a bird and with a sliding door and rear door open generally the vehicle is not to bad when stopped. I have always managed to put the bird cage and dogs in a yard or carrier in the shade of the vehicle and keep them cool. I do worry as well about their comfort.
BRAGGABB said
02:58 PM Sep 8, 2013
I am a69 Female. I went for a Sunliner Holiday. Less work setting up on your own( have taught the dogs to help yet).
I like the way you can just walk through and drive away if you don't feel safe or it is raining. Had to have a toilet & shower and LOTS & LOTS of storage,.
barina said
03:43 PM Sep 8, 2013
Like you I will be travelling solo and was in the dilema of what to buy. I knew I could not handle towing, so I looked at MH and after looking at 100's I decided on a Mercedes Sprinter. I will be collecting from my sons place in October and bringing back to Melb. and plan to get moving for short trips come the warmer weather as I am still working FT. It has shower/ toilet single or double bed and I have access from the front to the back all things I considered for safety. I plan to be set up for free camping where possible. Storage is an issue as I live in a unit, but I have found out I can park at storage facility 30 mins away and collect anytime, leave my car there for when I return van.
Look at all that is available, I went to car yards, shows, asked questions on this forum and feel I have made the right choice, as I was not in a real hurry and had the time to decide.
Good luck with your venture...
Lorries said
03:53 PM Sep 8, 2013
Another solo lady here - I have a 25ft Motorhome. I looked at all options including the fifth wheeler. In the end I decided that age had to be a consideration (now 65) and that the older I got the harder it would be to handle fiddly things and I consider hitching and unhitching a fiddly thing. With the motorhome it is virtually just pack up and go. There was also the security side to it in that if I had a caravan or fifth wheeler I would have to go outside to get to the motorised vehicle. My wish was to free camp and so this was a big factor for me.
shekon said
03:58 PM Sep 8, 2013
Welcome Rondavoo, I have thought a lot about this and as a single lady a MH for me is the only option. I had never towed anything before in my life and thought about a course, but once I started looking at all the darn stuff and things to do with a caravan and car on my home, know I have made the right choice in purchasing a MH.
Have fun exploring your options and the choice will present itself with what is right for you.
spida said
05:11 PM Sep 8, 2013
Am I the only woman towing a Caravan - surely not!
Have an 18' Expanda and love it although had I known I was going to travel so much I may have bought one with 2 single beds. I sleep inside now - dropped table down, but have the choice of beds either end if I have a travel companion - like my sister. Just got sick of having to pack the bed up every time I moved camp. Because it has a slideout side I have plenty of room inside and dont feel the need to set up under awning very often unless I am camped for several days. Everything improves with practice. I can now back, and hitch up very quickly. I am not shy about asking for help if there is anyone around. When camping I dont always unhitch anyway. I have never felt 'unsafe' in 15 months on the road even at free camps, and have had 2 occasions totally alone! If you are looking for problems/troubles then no doubt you will find them
My reason for a van was that I wanted to drop it off and go exploring areas. Will leave at a camp if I have met people who will look out for it but mostly stay at a CP for a couple of days and explore. Have a lock for the towball hitch.
If I won lotto I may buy an off road van to allow for more adventurous travel Tow with a 2006 Nissan Navara double cab- plenty of space for all the 'bits'
Andrea said
05:47 PM Sep 8, 2013
Hi, Rondavoo - and welcome to the forum.
I'm not a solo as such, but have been driving our 5th-wheeler since John had a mini-stroke 18 months ago. Ours is 25'6" (7.7 m), so much bigger than you would probably want, but we can thoroughly recommend the configuration. I'm 68, and discovered very quickly last year that hitching up, unhitching and otherwise getting everything in order on my own was quite do-able (soon became easy!). We've been full-timers now for five years, with no real-estate base, and find it so convenient to park, unhitch the Mazda BT-50 and then wander off wherever we want.
Our van was made in Brisbane by Southern Cross Caravans, who make several smaller models as well, even down to 18'; do have a look while you're researching options. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions, or if you're up Port Macquarie way before the end of November come and share a cuppa.
Cheers -
Andrea
gypsy rover said
06:24 PM Sep 9, 2013
Hi Ronda
Welcome to the Forum. I am also a solo female traveller and have a motorhome. Mine is 7m long and 3.6m high, which I find a bit cumbersome at times especially when trying to park in a shopping centre or town. It won't fit in a normal car space. I think if I could afford to change, I would go for a Coaster as you don't have the height worries, although you would probably have to compromise a little on space. Of course, you can get smaller motorhomes as well, but parking and low bridges for me is the main issue. However, I think a motorhome is a lot easier to set up than a caravan. I can pull up and be sitting down with a cuppa in a few minutes. I can't reverse a 6 x 4 trailer so a caravan was totally out of the question for me. I guess there are fors and againsts on both sides, it really boils down to what you are comfortable driving, reversing and parking. Good luck with your decision, I am sure whatever your mode of travel, you will have a ball.
Cheers!
Chris
Duh said
08:14 AM Sep 18, 2013
Just a males opinion Rondavoo, I have had caravans, camper trailers and campervans and find as I am getting older things are more difficult to do, also you don't have the strength you had when younger. Hitching up, putting down stabilizer legs etc can be a chore as you get older, also having to remember to check things outside properly before taking off, hitch etc.
A good motorhome or coaster with backing camera and sensors may be the go, but as has been said just choose your shopping centre carparks carefully (try to park in the less crowded ones), straddle two bays if the RV won't fit in one. Also watch overhanging trees, telegraph poles, low bridges etc.
Someone told me about an acquaintance of theirs who drove a borrowed motorhome through a bottle shop drive through and took the air conditioner and part of the roof off. So Maccas and similar drive throughs are out, and also some shopping centre and other carparks with height booms on them, especially underground. Just a matter of being mindful.
Don't think I would be looking at a 5th Wheeler but it is what you think is best for you, take your time and choose wisely.
-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 18th of September 2013 08:14:39 AM
Rondavoo said
02:15 PM Sep 18, 2013
Hi Andrea.
Do you find a problem with caravan parks and parking your 5th wheeler.
Are there a lot of parks that don't take them?
I have been looking at a Travelhome 5th wheeler which is built in Boolaroo near Newcastle.
Rip and Rosie said
03:29 PM Sep 18, 2013
Nothing is impossible for a woman who puts her mind to it !
Although we now have a few years travel behind us, we find a caravan presents us with nothing we can't manage.
Towing .... take it easy, learn from the comments on this forum, less than 90 kms per hour, careful around trucks, etc. takes 2nd hourly breaks, and never do more than 5 hours in a single day.
Hitching.... have a routine, use aids to make it easier
Reversing ... take a tow-ed course, practice and be stubborn about it (don't ask for help if you can possibly do it yourself!) I can now reverse into the drive way, up a steep slope and blocking local traffic while I do it. Yesterday some old bloke stopped and was waving his arms around.... I waved him on.... have to be able to do it myself. However, in CPs with very tight sites, I ask the staff on my way in.
Set up ... if staying a night or 2, we usually stay hitched unless we want to go exploring. Roll out awning- no annex- takes 1 minute, throw down a piece of flooring, done.
Best thing about the van is that it can be left behind, all set up, while we go exploring. I can park and shop normally with just the car. If the car is off the road for repairs, we still have someplace to live/sleep.
You will find your own way, as we all have done.
Enjoy
Andrea said
06:44 PM Sep 18, 2013
Rondavoo wrote:
Hi Andrea.
Do you find a problem with caravan parks and parking your 5th wheeler.
Are there a lot of parks that don't take them?
I have been looking at a Travelhome 5th wheeler which is built in Boolaroo near Newcastle.
No problems so far in our five years of travelling, though we do try to avoid the denser populated areas, and we've never been asked for more than one site fee - even been given a double length without asking (we don't need it!). As well as occasionally free-camping, we also do quite a bit of property-minding in rural and semi-rural areas. That allows us free accommodation, with all the facilities of a CP (barring the jumping pillow! ) and plenty of time to go exploring - a sort of up-market free-camping! - and we get to play with the pets until their owners come home, then hand them back...like grandchildren. We've met some wonderful people and been invited back to stay 'any time, you're always welcome!'. We're often only 20 or 30 km from major attractions, sometimes less, so don't miss out on anything.
We looked at the Travelhome five years ago before we decided on the Southern Cross but it didn't suit us at the time, mainly because we didn't like having the bed at the front over the hitch - SC build most of their vans with a 'proper' walk-around bedroom and put a lounge/dining area over the hitch. Like all manufacturers, though, Travelhome may be doing different thing now.
Oh, and as far as stabiliser legs are concerned, I think most '5-ers' use electric controls to raise and lower the front end, so no winding up and down, and as the wheels are further back on a 5-er than on a caravan we find that we don't often bother dropping the back legs - it's stable enough without.
Good luck with the research, Rondavoo - we'll be interested to see what you decide on!
Cheers -
Andrea
my van said
08:31 PM Oct 2, 2013
Yep..... 16 ft caravan or MH what do I buy I have been thinking about this too long The time is near when I need to make a choice. Maybe a 3lt sprinter diesel is there one for sale ?
Rip and Rosie said
08:41 PM Oct 2, 2013
The absolute bottom line is.... just do it !
If you make a mistake, or can't manage ... sell it ... the resale on these things are really good.
Or you can "think about it" and time goes by... and the 16 months, 2 years or 10 years you could have had on the road are gone, wasted worrying.
Rondavoo said
12:20 AM Oct 3, 2013
Thank you all for your advice, I have decided to go with a Nissan Narvara and a Travelhome.
Yes will be looking into a tow ed course.
Thank you all again.
Look forward to meeting up with some or all of you at some stage.
Travel safe.
Rondavoo
neilnruth said
12:25 AM Oct 3, 2013
I've been delighted to discover how many single ladies are out there - just enjoying themselves - by reading through this thread. Good on you all.
jules47 said
12:55 AM Oct 3, 2013
my van wrote:
Yep..... 16 ft caravan or MH what do I buy I have been thinking about this too long The time is near when I need to make a choice. Maybe a 3lt sprinter diesel is there one for sale ?
Check out the "classified" section on this forum Paul.
wendyv said
03:06 AM Oct 3, 2013
my van wrote:
Yep..... 16 ft caravan or MH what do I buy I have been thinking about this too long The time is near when I need to make a choice. Maybe a 3lt sprinter diesel is there one for sale ?
Google CMCA, then go to their Members Market section - it is open to non-members. Lots of used motorhomes of all sorts advertised there for sale.
Hi All,
I am a single 66yr old female and have just sold my home to travel full time, but there in lies the problem I am really conflicted. What do I get to travel in.
Can anyone single females give me advice on there choice of travel vehicle.
I am leaning toward 5th wheelers but am concerned about the size.
Any feed back would be appreciated.
Rondavoo
I think a motorhome is often a better choice and offers a bit more security in that you can just drive away. Towing a small car adds flexibility.
I have owned caravans and campers and all are great just can be a bit weighty unhitching and hitching up and setting up on your own.
It also depends a lot on your traveling style. Moving around or staying parked up for long periods, Free camping or caravan parks, Staying on the blacktop or extreme off road driving.
cheers
Mike
(sorry not a single female)
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your imput, will take your advice onboard.
Rondavoo
Thank you Nelly
I am not female but a Solo male so thought I would contribute anyway.
I have a Avan 'Sportliner' Camper. It is easy to handle as a solo and has insulated solid walls around you not canvas, full kitchen and 3 way fridge. There are a few design options and would suggest the front bench option as I had the table and seats at front but pulled them out in the first month or so and put in a bench. I Mention all this as an option for you.
I have met a few solo ladies in the playground that have smallish motor homes and are very comfortable and happy with them. I have also met solo ladies and men that have Coaster's or similar sizes and also are very happy.
In fact, I think if I ever upgrade or change I would consider seriously looking at either motorhome size or coaster size.
As for the 'Fifth Wheeler', my late wife and I were looking at the 'Travel Home' Fifth Wheeler so when I decided to continue with our travel plans I went straight to the said fifth wheeler but sitting in the back of it and looking forward then realising I had to handle and set all this up by myself, gave it all a miss.
Main reason for my final choice was storage at home as I live in a village with no storage facilities and my final choice fits under my carport so no external storage fees.
Whatever you decide on enjoy and most of all,
Hi Ronda and welcome.
I think Nelly, Doug and Mike have knocked it on the scone, and most have battled this dilemma as well, including me.
The easiest to set up is the best, and think of where you want to go. If you are intending on sticking to sealed roads only then a caravan of sorts will do just fine. If you are thinking of going more remote then a campervan may be a better option (you can get them with remote controls these days).
With the coaster I used to ramble about in, it had a canvas annexe - great I thought!
Yeah, it was great until trying to get the damn thing up, you - or rather I - would near snap your arms in two just trying to feed it through the railing by myself, I did come up with this ingenious idea of using a tent pole to push it along whilst I fed it in, worked but still made it a very painful job to the point I just threw it in the trailer and rarely used it. Actually I only ever used it about four times when I was staying for extended periods at a place - more then a month.
So I like easy, easy to set-up, easy to pack-up - if you need to move camp quickly for whatever reason you are not tooling around and doing battle with things to do so.
if you are good at parking go for it have met lots of solo ladies who have 5th wheelers go for it and safe travels most guys would say lucky you have fun may catch you out there sometime bye a tug that's diesel more economical
Solo lady here - I have a smallish motorhome, a Sunliner Mirage, with an over cab bed - not quite as bad as it sounds, a 2 step ladder and you are in bed!
Mine does not allow me to scramble through...although I guess if it was a case of life and death I could try...knowing my luck I would get stuck half way though!
Small enough to park in a car space, big enough (just) not to get too stir crazy if one gets a few very wet days in a row.
Now I am on the road permanantly I have to think that a coaster or slightly bigger motorhome would be nice.
There are some really neat smaller 5th wheelers around you could take a look at on line.
Anyway once you get it - enjoy!
see you out there!
annie
ps I am 68 young. But I now know my limitations and just try and make things as simple as possible!!
Good luck
Helen
Hi,
I have a Hiace and want something a bit bigger but small enough to use as my only vehicle. I don't know how difficult a 5-er is to put on or off a vehicle so can't comment on that. Some are not suitable for rough roads though, so make sure what you buy is suitable for the type of travelling you intend.
There isn't a better feeling than getting into your vehicle with food clothes etc and not having to be anywhere in particular at any point in time. It's a freedom thing.
Helen,
I have always travelled with dogs and a bird and with a sliding door and rear door open generally the vehicle is not to bad when stopped. I have always managed to put the bird cage and dogs in a yard or carrier in the shade of the vehicle and keep them cool. I do worry as well about their comfort.
I am a69 Female. I went for a Sunliner Holiday. Less work setting up on your own( have taught the dogs to help yet).
I like the way you can just walk through and drive away if you don't feel safe or it is raining. Had to have a toilet & shower and LOTS & LOTS of storage,.
Like you I will be travelling solo and was in the dilema of what to buy. I knew I could not handle towing, so I looked at MH and after looking at 100's I decided on a Mercedes Sprinter. I will be collecting from my sons place in October and bringing back to Melb. and plan to get moving for short trips come the warmer weather as I am still working FT. It has shower/ toilet single or double bed and I have access from the front to the back all things I considered for safety. I plan to be set up for free camping where possible. Storage is an issue as I live in a unit, but I have found out I can park at storage facility 30 mins away and collect anytime, leave my car there for when I return van.
Look at all that is available, I went to car yards, shows, asked questions on this forum and feel I have made the right choice, as I was not in a real hurry and had the time to decide.
Good luck with your venture...
Another solo lady here - I have a 25ft Motorhome. I looked at all options including the fifth wheeler. In the end I decided that age had to be a consideration (now 65) and that the older I got the harder it would be to handle fiddly things and I consider hitching and unhitching a fiddly thing. With the motorhome it is virtually just pack up and go. There was also the security side to it in that if I had a caravan or fifth wheeler I would have to go outside to get to the motorised vehicle. My wish was to free camp and so this was a big factor for me.
Have fun exploring your options and the choice will present itself with what is right for you.
Am I the only woman towing a Caravan - surely not!
Have an 18' Expanda and love it although had I known I was going to travel so much I may have bought one with 2 single beds. I sleep inside now - dropped table down, but have the choice of beds either end if I have a travel companion - like my sister. Just got sick of having to pack the bed up every time I moved camp. Because it has a slideout side I have plenty of room inside and dont feel the need to set up under awning very often unless I am camped for several days. Everything improves with practice. I can now back, and hitch up very quickly. I am not shy about asking for help if there is anyone around. When camping I dont always unhitch anyway.
I have never felt 'unsafe' in 15 months on the road even at free camps, and have had 2 occasions totally alone! If you are looking for problems/troubles then no doubt you will find them
My reason for a van was that I wanted to drop it off and go exploring areas. Will leave at a camp if I have met people who will look out for it but mostly stay at a CP for a couple of days and explore. Have a lock for the towball hitch.
If I won lotto I may buy an off road van to allow for more adventurous travel
Tow with a 2006 Nissan Navara double cab- plenty of space for all the 'bits'
Hi, Rondavoo - and welcome to the forum.
I'm not a solo as such, but have been driving our 5th-wheeler since John had a mini-stroke 18 months ago. Ours is 25'6" (7.7 m), so much bigger than you would probably want, but we can thoroughly recommend the configuration. I'm 68, and discovered very quickly last year that hitching up, unhitching and otherwise getting everything in order on my own was quite do-able (soon became easy!). We've been full-timers now for five years, with no real-estate base, and find it so convenient to park, unhitch the Mazda BT-50 and then wander off wherever we want.
Our van was made in Brisbane by Southern Cross Caravans, who make several smaller models as well, even down to 18'; do have a look while you're researching options. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions, or if you're up Port Macquarie way before the end of November come and share a cuppa.
Cheers -
Andrea
Hi Ronda
Welcome to the Forum. I am also a solo female traveller and have a motorhome. Mine is 7m long and 3.6m high, which I find a bit cumbersome at times especially when trying to park in a shopping centre or town. It won't fit in a normal car space. I think if I could afford to change, I would go for a Coaster as you don't have the height worries, although you would probably have to compromise a little on space. Of course, you can get smaller motorhomes as well, but parking and low bridges for me is the main issue. However, I think a motorhome is a lot easier to set up than a caravan. I can pull up and be sitting down with a cuppa in a few minutes. I can't reverse a 6 x 4 trailer so a caravan was totally out of the question for me. I guess there are fors and againsts on both sides, it really boils down to what you are comfortable driving, reversing and parking. Good luck with your decision, I am sure whatever your mode of travel, you will have a ball.
Cheers!
Chris
Just a males opinion Rondavoo, I have had caravans, camper trailers and campervans and find as I am getting older things are more difficult to do, also you don't have the strength you had when younger. Hitching up, putting down stabilizer legs etc can be a chore as you get older, also having to remember to check things outside properly before taking off, hitch etc.
A good motorhome or coaster with backing camera and sensors may be the go, but as has been said just choose your shopping centre carparks carefully (try to park in the less crowded ones), straddle two bays if the RV won't fit in one. Also watch overhanging trees, telegraph poles, low bridges etc.
Someone told me about an acquaintance of theirs who drove a borrowed motorhome through a bottle shop drive through and took the air conditioner and part of the roof off. So Maccas and similar drive throughs are out, and also some shopping centre and other carparks with height booms on them, especially underground. Just a matter of being mindful.
Don't think I would be looking at a 5th Wheeler but it is what you think is best for you, take your time and choose wisely.
-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 18th of September 2013 08:14:39 AM
Hi Andrea.
Do you find a problem with caravan parks and parking your 5th wheeler.
Are there a lot of parks that don't take them?
I have been looking at a Travelhome 5th wheeler which is built in Boolaroo near Newcastle.
Although we now have a few years travel behind us, we find a caravan presents us with nothing we can't manage.
Towing .... take it easy, learn from the comments on this forum, less than 90 kms per hour, careful around trucks, etc. takes 2nd hourly breaks, and never do more than 5 hours in a single day.
Hitching.... have a routine, use aids to make it easier
Reversing ... take a tow-ed course, practice and be stubborn about it (don't ask for help if you can possibly do it yourself!) I can now reverse into the drive way, up a steep slope and blocking local traffic while I do it. Yesterday some old bloke stopped and was waving his arms around.... I waved him on.... have to be able to do it myself. However, in CPs with very tight sites, I ask the staff on my way in.
Set up ... if staying a night or 2, we usually stay hitched unless we want to go exploring. Roll out awning- no annex- takes 1 minute, throw down a piece of flooring, done.
Best thing about the van is that it can be left behind, all set up, while we go exploring. I can park and shop normally with just the car. If the car is off the road for repairs, we still have someplace to live/sleep.
You will find your own way, as we all have done.
Enjoy
No problems so far in our five years of travelling, though we do try to avoid the denser populated areas, and we've never been asked for more than one site fee - even been given a double length without asking (we don't need it!). As well as occasionally free-camping, we also do quite a bit of property-minding in rural and semi-rural areas. That allows us free accommodation, with all the facilities of a CP (barring the jumping pillow!
) and plenty of time to go exploring - a sort of up-market free-camping! - and we get to play with the pets until their owners come home, then hand them back...like grandchildren. 
We've met some wonderful people and been invited back to stay 'any time, you're always welcome!'. We're often only 20 or 30 km from major attractions, sometimes less, so don't miss out on anything.
We looked at the Travelhome five years ago before we decided on the Southern Cross but it didn't suit us at the time, mainly because we didn't like having the bed at the front over the hitch - SC build most of their vans with a 'proper' walk-around bedroom and put a lounge/dining area over the hitch. Like all manufacturers, though, Travelhome may be doing different thing now.
Oh, and as far as stabiliser legs are concerned, I think most '5-ers' use electric controls to raise and lower the front end, so no winding up and down, and as the wheels are further back on a 5-er than on a caravan we find that we don't often bother dropping the back legs - it's stable enough without.
Good luck with the research, Rondavoo - we'll be interested to see what you decide on!
Cheers -
Andrea
Yep..... 16 ft caravan or MH what do I buy I have been thinking about this too long The time is near when I need to make a choice. Maybe a 3lt sprinter diesel is there one for sale ?
If you make a mistake, or can't manage ... sell it ... the resale on these things are really good.
Or you can "think about it" and time goes by... and the 16 months, 2 years or 10 years you could have had on the road are gone, wasted worrying.
Yes will be looking into a tow ed course.
Thank you all again.
Look forward to meeting up with some or all of you at some stage.
Travel safe.
Rondavoo
Check out the "classified" section on this forum Paul.
Google CMCA, then go to their Members Market section - it is open to non-members. Lots of used motorhomes of all sorts advertised there for sale.