Finally Decided to do what I want most to do - to travel around Australia (while I still can!) in a free living style for the most part (only using camps a couple of days a week) so I can get to see as much as possible. But After having researched god knows how many used campervan and motorhomes sites and decided that the ones with the best layout for me would be the avan applause or the avida escape or the sunliner sarina (all same layout actually)..... I find I can't afford them. Nope- not even the used ones.
Not without a loan that is. And the fact I have to give up my job to do this, of course a loan is not possible. Of course I intend to work my way around Australia (qualified in heath/ body therapy/ massage PLUS front of house/ office/retail PLUS teaching qualification...... oh, you get the drift...... gimme a broom I'll use it, if it is paid)- but no job/no loan. Fair 'nuff really. But that means either stay in a job and never travel - cos lets face it the living expenses today are too much to live AND save! And if I did eventually manage to Id probably be so old Id be coughing dust!
OR. Go buy a cheap little campervan that will getme from A to B.- but one with a toilet and shower! And hopefully reliable! Not exactly the best start.
Anyone else had this sort of dillemma? Any advice? Cheers Di
-- Edited by didi on Sunday 15th of June 2014 07:09:54 PM
Happywanderer said
03:46 PM Jun 15, 2014
Welcome didi, you would be best to look for a campervan that you can afford or you will never get out there. That's the only advice I can give you on that.
You could also use your skills to make some money on the road. I have seen plenty of signs out at campsites for Hairdressers etc. I sure could do with a massage about now. My back is giving me a lot of grief at the moment. Would certainly pay if I saw a sign up on a van.
didi said
07:13 PM Jun 15, 2014
Hey thanks Happy Wanderer. Going to do just that. Its not so bad I just need to find something in my price range. And Im definately going to put up a sign on my van for massage Hope to see you out there. Cheers Didi
GaryKelly said
07:54 AM Jun 16, 2014
It's taken me a couple of years to put my dream together. Rather than borrow and pay for something ready to roll, I bought it piece by piece as I could afford it. Older vehicles inevitably require repairs. Now I own it. Incidentally, as many GNs have said, living on the road is a lot cheaper if you free camp.
_wombat_ said
08:52 AM Jun 16, 2014
Happywanderer wrote:
Welcome didi, you would be best to look for a campervan that you can afford or you will never get out there. That's the only advice I can give you on that. You could also use your skills to make some money on the road. I have seen plenty of signs out at campsites for Hairdressers etc. I sure could do with a massage about now. My back is giving me a lot of grief at the moment. Would certainly pay if I saw a sign up on a van.
maybe didi would fly up to give you a massage
dazren said
09:30 AM Jun 16, 2014
WOMBAT . wrote
Happywanderer wrote:
Welcome didi, you would be best to look for a campervan that you can afford or you will never get out there. That's the only advice I can give you on that. You could also use your skills to make some money on the road. I have seen plenty of signs out at campsites for Hairdressers etc. I sure could do with a massage about now. My back is giving me a lot of grief at the moment. Would certainly pay if I saw a sign up on a van.
Good Idea Wombat, ?? didi would get to travel, ?? and Marj, would get her Massage ?? I love stories with a ''Happy Ending ??
_wombat_ said
09:35 AM Jun 16, 2014
dazren wrote:
WOMBAT . wrote
Happywanderer wrote:
Welcome didi, you would be best to look for a campervan that you can afford or you will never get out there. That's the only advice I can give you on that. You could also use your skills to make some money on the road. I have seen plenty of signs out at campsites for Hairdressers etc. I sure could do with a massage about now. My back is giving me a lot of grief at the moment. Would certainly pay if I saw a sign up on a van.
Good Idea Wombat, ?? didi would get to travel, ?? and Marj, would get her Massage ?? I love stories with a ''Happy Ending ??
when you say it like that is is good to see a happy ending like that.
where have you been mate? have not see you around for a while.
I'm not sure what is going on but Dougwe called me mate this morning.
didi said
09:50 AM Jun 16, 2014
Thanks Gary looking at this too. But want to be ready in 6mths. Have enough to buy a cheap basic campervan/ motorhome- but like you said there may be a lot more costs added to repairs there. Had hoped to find something with a warranty/ service history. But will have an RAC check done anyway. The fit out (may need to put a shower/toilet in) will have to be done by a proffessional too. New at this.
Yes I do intend to do free camping
Cheers Di
-- Edited by didi on Monday 16th of June 2014 10:06:50 AM
Twillett said
11:08 AM Jun 16, 2014
Hi Didi,
im also a new member. Decided to hit the road before I totally burnt myself out with work. I leave in 2 weeks heading up toward the gulf and savannah way. I'm doing things a little more simply tho. This may be good or it may be not but I will soon see. I'm very used to camping so decided if I was to do this, camping was the only way I could afford to go. I feel I am well set up and have kept it very simple. I figure the only thing that will be an issue is rain. Not much fun setting up when its hosing down but I'm pretty quick, its all part of the challenge lol. I also plan on working along the way ....maybe.....anyway when you get started give me a yell I'd love to catch up.
cheers
dazren said
11:13 AM Jun 16, 2014
Wombat wrote [ in part ] when you say it like that is is good to see a happy ending like that.
where have you been mate? have not see you around for a while.
I'm not sure what is going on but Dougwe called me mate this morning.
Sorry Mate, I have been awol a bit lately, been very, very, busy, my working life comes to an end in 3 weeks time, [ YAHOOO ] and I have been putting a lot of things in order, ? as we are going to Europe for 3 months and had to organise house/dog sitters etc,Plus I was off line for 4 weeks as we were away, I have logged in a few times to see what going on, But just about every topic I see, Dougwe is going ''OFF TOPIC'' ? and I find it very confusing,
By the way, If Dougwe is starting to call you ''Mate'' ?? I hope you are being PAID, ? like the rest of his ''Mates'' ?? The starting rate he has to pay is $18.64 per conversation, for the first 5 posts, and $25.62 for any further posting
PS.. My apologies, to 'didi' for going off topic, ?? but it was Dougwe's fault [ Yet again ] as he called Wombat a mate, ?? which forced me to respond ?
dazren said
11:23 AM Jun 16, 2014
Twillet wrote in part,
im also a new member. Decided to hit the road before I totally burnt myself out with work. I leave in 2 weeks heading up toward the gulf and savannah way. I'm doing things a little more simply tho. This may be good or it may be not but I will soon see. I'm very used to camping so decided if I was to do this, camping was the only way I could afford to go. I feel I am well set up and have kept it very simple. I figure the only thing that will be an issue is rain. Not much fun setting up when its hosing down but I'm pretty quick, its all part of the challenge lol. I also plan on working along the way ....maybe.....anyway when you get started give me a yell I'd love to catch up.
At the risk of going 'Off Topic '' again, [ but not as much as Dougwe ]
May I also take this opportunity to say *** WELCOME *** to the forum Twillet, I see you have already met Wombat, Dougwe, and Vic 41, Shame about that However I do suggest that you still stick around, as you will find Lots of helpful , Kind, and Courteous, people on this forum, [ just like me ]
_wombat_ said
11:26 AM Jun 16, 2014
dazren wrote:
Wombat wrote [ in part ] when you say it like that is is good to see a happy ending like that.
where have you been mate? have not see you around for a while.
I'm not sure what is going on but Dougwe called me mate this morning.
Sorry Mate, I have been awol a bit lately, been very, very, busy, my working life comes to an end in 3 weeks time, [ YAHOOO ] and I have been putting a lot of things in order, ? as we are going to Europe for 3 months and had to organise house/dog sitters etc,Plus I was off line for 4 weeks as we were away, I have logged in a few times to see what going on, But just about every topic I see, Dougwe is going ''OFF TOPIC'' ? and I find it very confusing,
By the way, If Dougwe is starting to call you ''Mate'' ?? I hope you are being PAID, ? like the rest of his ''Mates'' ?? The starting rate he has to pay is $18.64 per conversation, for the first 5 posts, and $25.62 for any further posting
PS.. My apologies, to 'didi' for going off topic, ?? but it was Dougwe's fault [ Yet again ] as he called Wombat a mate, ?? which forced me to respond ?
thanks for that info mate.
now what was the topic, oh yes didi welcome to GN and enjoy yourself on the open road, I am sure you will.
didi said
11:43 AM Jun 16, 2014
thanks Twillet. would love to catch up. Hope to see you around. Not quite as adventurous as you as I hope to be on the road for quite a while so need more of a 'home' on wheels, but think you are so right... do it before you burn out!!!
Cheers Di
didi said
11:45 AM Jun 16, 2014
Thanks Dazren for the welcome (or was it wombat- this forum can get confusing lol)
Happywanderer said
01:14 PM Jun 16, 2014
didi, you don't need a toilet and shower set up. That is an added expense you may not be able to do. I had an old campervan with a portaloo, showered where I could.
Now have a newer model with an inbuilt toilet but still no shower. We stop at roadhouses where we can get showers for usually $4.00. But there other places you can go into to camp the night for a reasonable price which have showers included. Victoria River Roadhouse is one example $7.50 a night. Showers and washing machines provided.
It is amazing what amenities you will find out there that will do the job at little or no cost.
The longer you wait to get all the mod cons the longer it will take you to get out there.
Twillett said
02:45 PM Jun 16, 2014
Thanks for the welcome Dazren. You've put my mind at rest
Vic41 said
02:51 PM Jun 16, 2014
As has been said, some roadhouses have showers for a small fee. On my last trip last month I stopped at a large roadhouse on the main highway just north of Geraldton, WA, the showers were free, key at the counter, so not all charge...
PS: And I did not even buy fuel there as I didn't need it, but I did buy a few food/drink items after my shower.
-- Edited by Vic41 on Monday 16th of June 2014 02:53:03 PM
didi said
03:10 PM Jun 16, 2014
Thanks happy wanderer. Didnt even know about the roadhouse showers! Any website/book to tell you where these are? dont need the shower then. But dont fancy sitting outside either! So still need a little cubicle indoors. But what about long haul trips? cant be roadhouses everywhere? BTW your rig looks great! Was looking for similar. Cheers Didi
Happywanderer said
03:14 PM Jun 16, 2014
I haven't had a shower in days didi. We have what we call a birdbath (handwash in the sink) or lots of baby wipes will do the trick.
We just ask at roadhouses when we are passing through.
_wombat_ said
03:59 PM Jun 16, 2014
Happywanderer wrote:
I haven't had a shower in days didi. We have what we call a birdbath (handwash in the sink) or lots of baby wipes will do the trick. We just ask at roadhouses when we are passing through.
I thought there was a strange smell coming from my computer
didi said
04:18 PM Jun 16, 2014
as I said... total newbie
the rocket said
04:41 PM Jun 16, 2014
Hi didi, Welcome to the playground. I don't worry about shower either. just spent time in northern new south wales and had no problems. Information centre at Casino has free hot shower. Transit centre at Lismore has free hot shower and local cp. had showers $5. Not a problem. Even a caravan without a built in toilet is no problem. You can get a porta potty - works just the same. have fun.
mongrel said
04:42 PM Jun 16, 2014
Tread lightly wombat, and I wouldn't put up with that comment Marj. Give him what for.
Mongrel.
_wombat_ said
04:47 PM Jun 16, 2014
mongrel wrote:
Tread lightly wombat, and I wouldn't put up with that comment Marj. Give him what for. Mongrel.
hello mate, how are you today
mongrel said
04:53 PM Jun 16, 2014
I am very good my friend. Hope you are asking me mate.
Whats this . Am I your mate this week. What a good idea .
Mongrel
Dougwe said
04:56 PM Jun 16, 2014
Gee I havn't even been in this thread until now and I get the blame for going "off topic".
Welcome to the gang DiDi, enjoy here (if you can) and out in the playground.
As you can see by the other's I am not the one that starts to go "off topic"
mongrel said
05:01 PM Jun 16, 2014
We are not really going off topic Dougwe. we are just showing the newbies what not to do.
Would you agree wombat my maaaaaaaaate.
Mongrel
Sheba said
06:20 PM Jun 16, 2014
Welcome from me too Didi. I don't know if it's still true, but I remember reading in a Forum quite a while ago, that most, if not all Caravan Parks will let you use their Showers for about 5 or 10 dollars.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 16th of June 2014 10:46:22 PM
_wombat_ said
06:24 PM Jun 16, 2014
mongrel wrote:
We are not really going off topic Dougwe. we are just showing the newbies what not to do. Would you agree wombat my maaaaaaaaate. Mongrel
yes, can't have too many people going off topic, can we MATE
_wombat_ said
06:25 PM Jun 16, 2014
Sheba wrote:
Welcome from me too Didi. I don't know if it's still true, but I remember reading in a Forum quite a while ago, that most, if not all Caravan Parks will let you use their Showers for about 5 or 10 dollars.
Chers,
Sheba.
Hi Sheba, I think I have seen that somewhere, would depend on how busy they were at the time
Finally Decided to do what I want most to do - to travel around Australia (while I still can!) in a free living style for the most part (only using camps a couple of days a week) so I can get to see as much as possible. But After having researched god knows how many used campervan and motorhomes sites and decided that the ones with the best layout for me would be the avan applause or the avida escape or the sunliner sarina (all same layout actually)..... I find I can't afford them. Nope- not even the used ones.
Not without a loan that is. And the fact I have to give up my job to do this, of course a loan is not possible. Of course I intend to work my way around Australia (qualified in heath/ body therapy/ massage PLUS front of house/ office/retail PLUS teaching qualification...... oh, you get the drift...... gimme a broom I'll use it, if it is paid)- but no job/no loan. Fair 'nuff really. But that means either stay in a job and never travel - cos lets face it the living expenses today are too much to live AND save! And if I did eventually manage to Id probably be so old Id be coughing dust!
OR. Go buy a cheap little campervan that will getme from A to B.- but one with a toilet and shower! And hopefully reliable! Not exactly the best start.
Anyone else had this sort of dillemma? Any advice? Cheers Di
-- Edited by didi on Sunday 15th of June 2014 07:09:54 PM
You could also use your skills to make some money on the road. I have seen plenty of signs out at campsites for Hairdressers etc. I sure could do with a massage about now. My back is giving me a lot of grief at the moment. Would certainly pay if I saw a sign up on a van.
Hey thanks Happy Wanderer. Going to do just that. Its not so bad I just need to find something in my price range. And Im definately going to put up a sign on my van for massage Hope to see you out there. Cheers Didi
maybe didi would fly up to give you a massage
WOMBAT . wrote
maybe didi would fly up to give you a massage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Idea Wombat, ?? didi would get to travel, ?? and Marj, would get her Massage ?? I love stories with a ''Happy Ending ??
when you say it like that is is good to see a happy ending like that.
where have you been mate? have not see you around for a while.
I'm not sure what is going on but Dougwe called me mate this morning.
Thanks Gary looking at this too. But want to be ready in 6mths. Have enough to buy a cheap basic campervan/ motorhome- but like you said there may be a lot more costs added to repairs there. Had hoped to find something with a warranty/ service history. But will have an RAC check done anyway. The fit out (may need to put a shower/toilet in) will have to be done by a proffessional too. New at this.
Yes I do intend to do free camping
Cheers Di
-- Edited by didi on Monday 16th of June 2014 10:06:50 AM
Hi Didi,
im also a new member. Decided to hit the road before I totally burnt myself out with work. I leave in 2 weeks heading up toward the gulf and savannah way. I'm doing things a little more simply tho. This may be good or it may be not but I will soon see. I'm very used to camping so decided if I was to do this, camping was the only way I could afford to go. I feel I am well set up and have kept it very simple. I figure the only thing that will be an issue is rain. Not much fun setting up when its hosing down but I'm pretty quick, its all part of the challenge lol. I also plan on working along the way ....maybe.....anyway when you get started give me a yell I'd love to catch up.
cheers
Wombat wrote [ in part ] when you say it like that is is good to see a happy ending like that.
where have you been mate? have not see you around for a while.
I'm not sure what is going on but Dougwe called me mate this morning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry Mate, I have been awol a bit lately, been very, very, busy, my working life comes to an end in 3 weeks time, [ YAHOOO ] and I have been putting a lot of things in order, ? as we are going to Europe for 3 months and had to organise house/dog sitters etc,Plus I was off line for 4 weeks as we were away, I have logged in a few times to see what going on, But just about every topic I see, Dougwe is going ''OFF TOPIC'' ? and I find it very confusing,
By the way, If Dougwe is starting to call you ''Mate'' ?? I hope you are being PAID, ? like the rest of his ''Mates'' ?? The starting rate he has to pay is $18.64 per conversation, for the first 5 posts, and $25.62 for any further posting
PS.. My apologies, to 'didi' for going off topic, ?? but it was Dougwe's fault [ Yet again ] as he called Wombat a mate, ?? which forced me to respond ?
Twillet wrote in part,
im also a new member. Decided to hit the road before I totally burnt myself out with work. I leave in 2 weeks heading up toward the gulf and savannah way. I'm doing things a little more simply tho. This may be good or it may be not but I will soon see. I'm very used to camping so decided if I was to do this, camping was the only way I could afford to go. I feel I am well set up and have kept it very simple. I figure the only thing that will be an issue is rain. Not much fun setting up when its hosing down but I'm pretty quick, its all part of the challenge lol. I also plan on working along the way ....maybe.....anyway when you get started give me a yell I'd love to catch up.
cheers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the risk of going 'Off Topic '' again, [ but not as much as Dougwe ]
May I also take this opportunity to say *** WELCOME *** to the forum Twillet, I see you have already met Wombat, Dougwe, and Vic 41, Shame about that However I do suggest that you still stick around, as you will find Lots of helpful , Kind, and Courteous, people on this forum, [ just like me ]
thanks for that info mate.
now what was the topic, oh yes didi welcome to GN and enjoy yourself on the open road, I am sure you will.
thanks Twillet. would love to catch up. Hope to see you around. Not quite as adventurous as you as I hope to be on the road for quite a while so need more of a 'home' on wheels, but think you are so right... do it before you burn out!!!
Cheers Di
Thanks Dazren for the welcome (or was it wombat- this forum can get confusing lol)
Now have a newer model with an inbuilt toilet but still no shower. We stop at roadhouses where we can get showers for usually $4.00. But there other places you can go into to camp the night for a reasonable price which have showers included. Victoria River Roadhouse is one example $7.50 a night. Showers and washing machines provided.
It is amazing what amenities you will find out there that will do the job at little or no cost.
The longer you wait to get all the mod cons the longer it will take you to get out there.
Thanks for the welcome Dazren. You've put my mind at rest
As has been said, some roadhouses have showers for a small fee. On my last trip last month I stopped at a large roadhouse on the main highway just north of Geraldton, WA, the showers were free, key at the counter, so not all charge...
PS: And I did not even buy fuel there as I didn't need it, but I did buy a few food/drink items after my shower.
-- Edited by Vic41 on Monday 16th of June 2014 02:53:03 PM
Thanks happy wanderer. Didnt even know about the roadhouse showers! Any website/book to tell you where these are? dont need the shower then. But dont fancy sitting outside either! So still need a little cubicle indoors. But what about long haul trips? cant be roadhouses everywhere? BTW your rig looks great! Was looking for similar. Cheers Didi
We just ask at roadhouses when we are passing through.
I thought there was a strange smell coming from my computer
as I said... total newbie
Hi didi, Welcome to the playground. I don't worry about shower either. just spent time in northern new south wales and had no problems. Information centre at Casino has free hot shower. Transit centre at Lismore has free hot shower and local cp. had showers $5. Not a problem. Even a caravan without a built in toilet is no problem. You can get a porta potty - works just the same. have fun.
Mongrel.
hello mate, how are you today
Whats this . Am I your mate this week. What a good idea .
Mongrel
Welcome to the gang DiDi, enjoy here (if you can) and out in the playground.
As you can see by the other's I am not the one that starts to go "off topic"
Would you agree wombat my maaaaaaaaate.
Mongrel
Welcome from me too Didi. I don't know if it's still true, but I remember reading in a Forum quite a while ago, that most, if not all Caravan Parks will let you use their Showers for about 5 or 10 dollars.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Monday 16th of June 2014 10:46:22 PM
yes, can't have too many people going off topic, can we MATE
Hi Sheba, I think I have seen that somewhere, would depend on how busy they were at the time