As an intending solo traveller, I would like some opinions on what vehicle to go for. Firstly, it will be-come my permanent home, so must be comfortable enough to live and relax in. I am coming up to 70, but still considered in good condition and young for my age (aren't we all).
Secondly, I will want it set-up for Free Camping, and to be a reliable vehicle able to handle the rougher roads if need be. I do like to have some space to move, so I don't want it too small. Some space for maybe a Stand Up Paddleboard and bicycle.
Possibly an extra bunk for an occasional guest. Price wise, around $60,000 give or take.
Thanks for your help.
Lesley F said
03:00 PM Mar 25, 2015
I'm also interested in your answers.
When I first went solo for 2 years, I was confident I'd made the right choices, and thought "too easy", store my household goods, rent house, find a small tent, YES TENT, the head north.
Luckily, my plan "worked" for a few months, until my tent disintegrated. I then purchased a Toyota Hi-Ace, which served it's purpose, until it's size resulted with me feeling restricted. Hindsight is valuable, but now I'm confused with countless choices.
Do I tow? can I tow?, if so what size, which type of car can pull it, do I want an indoor bathroom?, set myself up for free camping?, solar power and tv? buy a motorhome/campervan?, how much do I spend? will I be permanent or temporary?
Lot's of homework and choices.
yeoeleven said
04:19 PM Mar 25, 2015
It must be difficult having multiple options. It was so easy for me all I could afford was a 1979 Hi Ace which cost $4000.
Later I was able to upgrade to a 1980 Coaster paid for with a $3000 deposit and by now little by little have it as I want it.
I started out 4 years ago aged 74 and had the best 4 years of my life, the best is yet to come.
I winter in Qld and summer in Vic how good is that, look me up at Wuruma Dam or Greens Lake if you want a chat about being a solo traveller.
Cheers John
TropicalRose said
04:31 PM Mar 25, 2015
I have a hiace but if I had a choice I'd go for a coaster. Manuverable and you can just hop in the drivers seat and go without getting out if there are adverse conditions outside. You can still park easily at shops too. Really comes down to personal choice though.
barina said
07:10 PM Mar 25, 2015
I am a part time solo female traveller and wanted the security that a Motorhome offered.. I have never towed anything so that was not an option. I am very happy with my Mercedes Sprinter which has shower, toilet and open from driver seat to the back. I think maybe hire some different types and see what suits you best.
wendyv said
08:49 PM Mar 25, 2015
Do some research on Coasters. They are a popular vehicle for conversion to motorhome - for good reasons. They are used in very punishing conditions up north - tourism operations, aboriginal communities, mining transport. Can handle corrugations and dirt.
The Long Wheel Base ones are about 7m long - gives a fair amount of space to use. But will probably need to have a light rigid licence to drive it - depending on the conversion.
Reasonable roof space to put solar panels on.
Dougwe said
10:48 AM Mar 26, 2015
Hi Vern, welcome to the gang. I am Solo as well but never feel on my own. I travel with what is in my Signature and find it all very comfy indeed. Had a few problems with the new Den but still love it. Would I recommend a "Chief" Van?? The jury is still out at this stage. The twins can't decide yet.
Glenelg said
11:18 AM Mar 28, 2015
I have a 5th wheeler ultima cafe, no I don't sell coffee and Dmax to pull it along , very happy with it. This setup would cost between $120.000 to $130.000 .i know you are not wanting to spend that sort of money. A new MH would cost about the same new. Have a look at second hand vans. I am solo to and good luck with it all
escape-artist said
08:26 PM Mar 28, 2015
Well, thanks for your replies. Think I will need to look into this further. Previous searches and considerations cause me to think that the Hino RB 145 or the RH 160 would be suitable. I do have a HR license. The Hino pics I have seen make it look comfortable and spacious as well as being a good Free Camping vehicle.
There are questions I have about (extra) load limit which seems to vary in different States; registration and running cost; approximate camping fees etc. All in all, apart from the freedom of lifestyle, is it more expensive to live and travel in a MH than to rent?
Thanks again
Glenelg said
09:21 AM Apr 5, 2015
I would think a lot more money to rent , do not go into caravan parks as I am fully contained I am a solo free camper
wendyv said
04:05 PM Apr 5, 2015
Do a lot of checking on the Hino RB 145. When I was looking into various buses before buying Coaster, considered the Hino, but read that there were some issues with body roll. There was an add on kit an engineer was selling but it seemed like a lot of stuffing around.
As an intending solo traveller, I would like some opinions on what vehicle to go for. Firstly, it will be-come my permanent home, so must be comfortable enough to live and relax in. I am coming up to 70, but still considered in good condition and young for my age (aren't we all).
Secondly, I will want it set-up for Free Camping, and to be a reliable vehicle able to handle the rougher roads if need be. I do like to have some space to move, so I don't want it too small. Some space for maybe a Stand Up Paddleboard and bicycle.
Possibly an extra bunk for an occasional guest. Price wise, around $60,000 give or take.
Thanks for your help.
I'm also interested in your answers.
When I first went solo for 2 years, I was confident I'd made the right choices, and thought "too easy", store my household goods, rent house, find a small tent, YES TENT, the head north.
Luckily, my plan "worked" for a few months, until my tent disintegrated. I then purchased a Toyota Hi-Ace, which served it's purpose, until it's size resulted with me feeling restricted.
Hindsight is valuable, but now I'm confused with countless choices.
Do I tow? can I tow?, if so what size, which type of car can pull it, do I want an indoor bathroom?, set myself up for free camping?, solar power and tv? buy a motorhome/campervan?, how much do I spend? will I be permanent or temporary?
Lot's of homework and choices.
It must be difficult having multiple options. It was so easy for me all I could afford was a 1979 Hi Ace which cost $4000.
Later I was able to upgrade to a 1980 Coaster paid for with a $3000 deposit and by now little by little have it as I want it.
I started out 4 years ago aged 74 and had the best 4 years of my life, the best is yet to come.
I winter in Qld and summer in Vic how good is that, look me up at Wuruma Dam or Greens Lake if you want a chat about being a solo traveller.
Cheers John
I am a part time solo female traveller and wanted the security that a Motorhome offered.. I have never towed anything so that was not an option. I am very happy with my Mercedes Sprinter which has shower, toilet and open from driver seat to the back. I think maybe hire some different types and see what suits you best.
The Long Wheel Base ones are about 7m long - gives a fair amount of space to use. But will probably need to have a light rigid licence to drive it - depending on the conversion.
Reasonable roof space to put solar panels on.
There are questions I have about (extra) load limit which seems to vary in different States; registration and running cost; approximate camping fees etc. All in all, apart from the freedom of lifestyle, is it more expensive to live and travel in a MH than to rent?
Thanks again