I have decided to take a test drive of a couple of motorhomes that I like which is ok but the family think I should hire one before I make the decision. I know that I want to see more of Oz before I get too much older and also the security side comes into it as well. I will only be a part time GN but have any of you had the dilemma as to whether you should hire first or had you made up your mind pretty well straight away?
wendyv said
03:48 PM Sep 13, 2014
Hiring and driving a couple of motorhomes will give you an idea of how it feels to drive different sized ones.
If you have a car driving licence, then the larger, heavier motorhomes (over 4.5 t) will not be legal for you. Make sure you do your research carefully on this matter. If you decide to buy, do not take the word of a seller about vehicle weight, but insist on seeing paper documentation.
It is natural to be a little apprehensive about security before you start, but there are lots of solo females travelling the country and we don't hear of them having security issues. Common sense goes a long way - like driving in daylight hours only. Stay in caravan parks to start if camping worries you. As you go, you may well meet up with other travellers with whom you can form a travelling group - but, of course, travel with others limits your choices and options.
My best friend - now 69 - retired 9 years ago and has been roaming the country in her Troopy-based camper. She has driven, solo, from Katherine to Nhulunboy in the NT; done the Savannah Way alone; ditto the Bridsville Track; did Cape York and the Canning Stock Route in tandem with a couple of friends; did the Oodnadatta Track, Davenport Ranges, Bungles, Gibb River Road in tandem with us. No problems or issues re security.
Dougwe said
07:47 PM Sep 13, 2014
I like the idea of maybe hiring a motorhome for a week or two first Nelly. I know someone that did that on a couple of occasions and is now driving around in the playground in her own motor home and loving it. The motorhome and the playground.
I wish you well with whatever you choose.
shekon said
07:19 AM Sep 14, 2014
Hi Nelly,
Definitely hire a couple before you buy. Hire a couple of different sizes so you are aware of what it is like to move around in out on the road and also of course how you intend to live inside. I did this once with my cousin, and then on my own, just to make sure it was the right way to go. I also knew that I wanted a larger MH, as it would be my full time home so wanted to make sure that I could handle it all. Also gives you an idea on what you may or may not like regarding layout of the interior also.
Go for it girl, and get out there on the road and have a ball. I know you will.
Sharon.
the rocket said
01:54 PM Sep 14, 2014
Hi Nelly, I would definitely hire first. there is another option. most hire companies need people to drive there vans back to base. say, they were hired in Brisbane and went to Cairns- the company gets someone to drive it back to Brisbane. some pay for fuel and some want insurance but from what I understand it is a small amt. so flying to the destination and driving home will give you a good idea and would cost less than hiring for a few weeks. food for thought
Cruising Granny said
02:36 PM Sep 14, 2014
Hi Nelly. Hire motorhomes with various layouts. The layout is very important in the long run. Get a feel for driving the vehicle, manual or auto, cruise control, height, fittings and equipment, general comfort, visibility from the drivers seat.
I now have a Mercedes Sprinter long wheel base motorhome which is my work vehicle. It has shower and toilet, hot water service, deep cycle batteries but not solar.
You need to know a little about the maintenance of your vehicle and what to watch for if there is a problem. e.g. overheating, loss of power etc.
Then hit the road. You're gonna love it!
jules47 said
03:44 PM Sep 14, 2014
Sorry to hijack you post Nelly - hey Chris - Cruising Granny - we was talking about you today, Wombat put a post up in General looking for you - I was going to ring you later.
What you up to? Got lots of work? We are still in WA - heading down towards Albany tomorrow - then have twelve weeks before Christmas to get to Melbourne - so not going too fast. Hope you are well - we are - and having a great time.
Talk soon - Billeeeeeee says - "how's the Old Girl"?
Cruising Granny said
04:07 PM Sep 14, 2014
The "Old Girl" is just fine now thanks for asking.
I've had some work but it's been all over the place. Otherwise I'm at home working on other projects for the National Pilot Vehicle Drivers Association, as the PR Officer.
If thinking was slimming I'd look like Jennifer Hawkins, pre-pregnancy.
Take care and stay safe.
jules47 said
04:30 PM Sep 14, 2014
Goodo - maybe that's my problem I don't think enough!!!!
Sorry Nelly - this is to make up for it - on the road between Winton and Boulia, Qld.
That's ok Jules - good to 'find' cruising granny. I have been out that way to Boulia - on a camel trek and then went to the camel races one year - was so much fun as was the trek. Anyway thank you for everyone's thoughts on the 'decision'.
pawsoz said
12:43 PM Sep 15, 2014
Hi Nelly,
I bought in relative haste and although I like my little H on W (house on wheels) due to a heavy back end (bit like it's owner really) it is not always fun to drive....I would definately want a really good test drive at least, including hills etc.
The problem with hiring or test drives is that it is often not until one has ones belongings in the vehicle and have experianced all sorts of travel conditions do you realise that maybe you could have been better off with a different lay out/motor or whatever...!
Annie
Nelly said
08:41 AM Sep 16, 2014
Yes Annie I know what you mean. It is the same with most things I think - different situations - different people see and find different things. I have been doing a lot of research and looking and I know that I don't want a biggish mh as I will be a part timer so it won't be my permanent home as such. Also as hubby doesn't travel I will be solo. I have actually been in a couple of mhs and as soon as I walk in I know this is not for me. So I think I will have a test drive and see if I feel comfortable in driving a mh in the first place I suppose. I also appreciate everyone's thoughts and advice on this.
What sort of H on W do you have Annie (heavy back end or not) Lol!!!
Dougwe said
09:21 AM Sep 16, 2014
Gee, glad I didn't ask that question
Nelly said
12:04 PM Sep 16, 2014
It is a Sisterhood thing really Doug. Lol!!! This really sums me up!! Lol
I wish my dad did that before buying the one we did, might have had
a better layout for both of us and we probably would have used it more.
defiantly rent them... good luck
I have decided to take a test drive of a couple of motorhomes that I like which is ok but the family think I should hire one before I make the decision. I know that I want to see more of Oz before I get too much older and also the security side comes into it as well. I will only be a part time GN but have any of you had the dilemma as to whether you should hire first or had you made up your mind pretty well straight away?
If you have a car driving licence, then the larger, heavier motorhomes (over 4.5 t) will not be legal for you. Make sure you do your research carefully on this matter. If you decide to buy, do not take the word of a seller about vehicle weight, but insist on seeing paper documentation.
It is natural to be a little apprehensive about security before you start, but there are lots of solo females travelling the country and we don't hear of them having security issues. Common sense goes a long way - like driving in daylight hours only. Stay in caravan parks to start if camping worries you. As you go, you may well meet up with other travellers with whom you can form a travelling group - but, of course, travel with others limits your choices and options.
My best friend - now 69 - retired 9 years ago and has been roaming the country in her Troopy-based camper. She has driven, solo, from Katherine to Nhulunboy in the NT; done the Savannah Way alone; ditto the Bridsville Track; did Cape York and the Canning Stock Route in tandem with a couple of friends; did the Oodnadatta Track, Davenport Ranges, Bungles, Gibb River Road in tandem with us. No problems or issues re security.
I wish you well with whatever you choose.
Definitely hire a couple before you buy. Hire a couple of different sizes so you are aware of what it is like to move around in out on the road and also of course how you intend to live inside. I did this once with my cousin, and then on my own, just to make sure it was the right way to go. I also knew that I wanted a larger MH, as it would be my full time home so wanted to make sure that I could handle it all. Also gives you an idea on what you may or may not like regarding layout of the interior also.
Go for it girl, and get out there on the road and have a ball. I know you will.
Sharon.
Hi Nelly, I would definitely hire first. there is another option. most hire companies need people to drive there vans back to base. say, they were hired in Brisbane and went to Cairns- the company gets someone to drive it back to Brisbane. some pay for fuel and some want insurance but from what I understand it is a small amt. so flying to the destination and driving home will give you a good idea and would cost less than hiring for a few weeks. food for thought
I now have a Mercedes Sprinter long wheel base motorhome which is my work vehicle. It has shower and toilet, hot water service, deep cycle batteries but not solar.
You need to know a little about the maintenance of your vehicle and what to watch for if there is a problem. e.g. overheating, loss of power etc.
Then hit the road. You're gonna love it!
What you up to? Got lots of work? We are still in WA - heading down towards Albany tomorrow - then have twelve weeks before Christmas to get to Melbourne - so not going too fast. Hope you are well - we are - and having a great time.
Talk soon - Billeeeeeee says - "how's the Old Girl"?
I've had some work but it's been all over the place. Otherwise I'm at home working on other projects for the National Pilot Vehicle Drivers Association, as the PR Officer.
If thinking was slimming I'd look like Jennifer Hawkins, pre-pregnancy.
Take care and stay safe.
Goodo - maybe that's my problem I don't think enough!!!!
Sorry Nelly - this is to make up for it - on the road between Winton and Boulia, Qld.
I bought in relative haste and although I like my little H on W (house on wheels) due to a heavy back end (bit like it's owner really) it is not always fun to drive....I would definately want a really good test drive at least, including hills etc.
The problem with hiring or test drives is that it is often not until one has ones belongings in the vehicle and have experianced all sorts of travel conditions do you realise that maybe you could have been better off with a different lay out/motor or whatever...!
Annie
What sort of H on W do you have Annie (heavy back end or not) Lol!!!
Gee, glad I didn't ask that question
It is a Sisterhood thing really Doug. Lol!!! This really sums me up!! Lol![safe_image[1] (2).png](/download.spark?ID=1600568&aBID=51933 "safe_image[1] (2).png")
a better layout for both of us and we probably would have used it more.
defiantly rent them... good luck