We are in the process of sorting out a design requirement for a fifth wheeler van. I was advised by the manufacturer yesterday that the layout I was aiming for would be better with more length, maybe 24 foot. This is probably the equivalent of a 20 foot normal van in towing length.
However the wife keeps going back to the 18 footer, saying that the longer size will restrict us using free camp sites around Aus. The 18 ft'er will have a towing length equivalent to about a 14 ft. van, because of its shorter length it may be harder to back, but in general, all info. states 5 wheelers are easier to back and manoeuvre than caravans.
So just your opinion does size (length) matter ---- with free camping areas?
-- Edited by iana on Saturday 17th of January 2015 10:04:34 AM
justcruisin01 said
10:15 AM Jan 17, 2015
We are a 20ft van a truck so overall allmost 14.5 mtrs. Free camp all the time; best advise is dont leave it to late in the day to find a camp.
villatranquilla said
10:25 AM Jan 17, 2015
our van is 25' plus draw bar and have found we are a bit restricted but still manage to do a lot of free camping. Beach sites are usually the worst. I believe a 5th wheeler is easier to back etc. But another consideration is the height and overhanging trees that my pose a problem.
We have been travelling for 3 years and have always found accessible sites.
iana said
11:14 AM Jan 17, 2015
This is what I envisage the rig will look like, I think this is a 24-25 foot van. so do I hear that height maybe a problem at free camping sites?
Height will be no more of an issue than many other full height vans and motorhomes.
I always keep and eye out for low hanging branches when entering and leaving a site. The same applies to some cp's as well.
you just need to be aware of the height of your rig for low bridges, trees, road signs etc.
frank
Cloak said
03:40 PM Jan 17, 2015
That's not too long at all. Take the advice and go for as much room as you can afford.
If there's no room at a free camp there's always another just up the road.
PeterS said
05:00 PM Jan 17, 2015
Our 5th Wheeler is 8.5m (28ft) from pin to box on bumper and we have not had any problems in CP's or free camping.
The height is 3.2m to the top of the aircon.
Bruce and Bev said
05:12 PM Jan 17, 2015
as already advised, just watch for low hanging tree branches in free camping areas - the State or local authorities that maintain these areas aren't concerned about this problem. Oh, and the same applies in some CP's - one I went into and was allocated a site (a large and busy CP) allocated me a powered site. I always get out and walk the site before driving or reversing into it. In this case it was obvious that a smallish but solid branch would scratch the roof of my hard top and possibly hook up on the air con or hatches.
When I went back to the office they were surprised (shows how often their staff walk and inspect the Park) bt gave me another site. We were there 3 nights and that branch wasn't trimmed off during that time - slack, huh!
As well as inspecting where I intend to park (ground as well as trees) before I drive in, I also get the BOSS to stand back and shout (shes very good at that!!!) if it looks like there may be a problem
johnq said
09:23 PM Jan 17, 2015
iana wrote:
We are in the process of sorting out a design requirement for a fifth wheeler van. I was advised by the manufacturer yesterday that the layout I was aiming for would be better with more length, maybe 24 foot. This is probably the equivalent of a 20 foot normal van in towing length.
However the wife keeps going back to the 18 footer, saying that the longer size will restrict us using free camp sites around Aus. The 18 ft'er will have a towing length equivalent to about a 14 ft. van, because of its shorter length it may be harder to back, but in general, all info. states 5 wheelers are easier to back and manoeuvre than caravans.
So just your opinion does size (length) matter ---- with free camping areas?
-- Edited by iana on Saturday 17th of January 2015 10:04:34 AM
From your own account the other half of your partnership seems to be running flags up the hoist trying to communicate something to you.
Maybe she is not completely on board with the design, cost (and residue), running costs (eg fuel), resale value, ability to handle the rig, who knows, however it would be useful to get a third party familiar to your wife to do a wee bit of moderating, either way, to surface the real issues of concern. That comes first, solutions later.
Perish the thought that any of us might get carried away with our own ideas of course.
PeterD said
10:34 AM Jan 18, 2015
Most of the Oz style 5th wheelers are not as high as the off road caravans. Particularly the Bushtracker with air-conditioning.
woollie said
03:35 AM Jan 29, 2015
Hi we have a 17.6 jayco poptop and mostly freecamp and we are usually the smallest of the vans etc that park we would like to get a longer van between 20-22 ft but thats upto the minister of finance
the hardest thing in life is to be the person your dog thinks you are
We are in the process of sorting out a design requirement for a fifth wheeler van. I was advised by the manufacturer yesterday that the layout I was aiming for would be better with more length, maybe 24 foot. This is probably the equivalent of a 20 foot normal van in towing length.
However the wife keeps going back to the 18 footer, saying that the longer size will restrict us using free camp sites around Aus. The 18 ft'er will have a towing length equivalent to about a 14 ft. van, because of its shorter length it may be harder to back, but in general, all info. states 5 wheelers are easier to back and manoeuvre than caravans.
So just your opinion does size (length) matter ---- with free camping areas?
-- Edited by iana on Saturday 17th of January 2015 10:04:34 AM
We are a 20ft van a truck so overall allmost 14.5 mtrs. Free camp all the time; best advise is dont leave it to late in the day to find a camp.
We have been travelling for 3 years and have always found accessible sites.
This is what I envisage the rig will look like, I think this is a 24-25 foot van. so do I hear that height maybe a problem at free camping sites?
I always keep and eye out for low hanging branches when entering and leaving a site. The same applies to some cp's as well.
you just need to be aware of the height of your rig for low bridges, trees, road signs etc.
frank
If there's no room at a free camp there's always another just up the road.
Our 5th Wheeler is 8.5m (28ft) from pin to box on bumper and we have not had any problems in CP's or free camping.
The height is 3.2m to the top of the aircon.
When I went back to the office they were surprised (shows how often their staff walk and inspect the Park) bt gave me another site. We were there 3 nights and that branch wasn't trimmed off during that time - slack, huh!
As well as inspecting where I intend to park (ground as well as trees) before I drive in, I also get the BOSS to stand back and shout (shes very good at that!!!) if it looks like there may be a problem
From your own account the other half of your partnership seems to be running flags up the hoist trying to communicate something to you.
Maybe she is not completely on board with the design, cost (and residue), running costs (eg fuel), resale value, ability to handle the rig, who knows, however it would be useful to get a third party familiar to your wife to do a wee bit of moderating, either way, to surface the real issues of concern. That comes first, solutions later.
Perish the thought that any of us might get carried away with our own ideas of course.
the hardest thing in life is to be the person your dog thinks you are
Ford courier and 17.6 jayco disco poptop