My husband and I have decided to sell up and travel around Australia over the next 12 months (or as long as it takes).
Whilst we are embracing the idea of minimisation (having lived in a large home for many years) we are considering what sort of wheels to buy to embark on this epic journey.
The 5th wheelers have taken our fancy as being something that we won't feel claustrophobic in and as a home away from home for a year (or more).
Before we go down that track, we'd love to hear some thought on the pro and cons of different vans that we should maybe consider before becoming too focussed on a 5th wheeler.
Also, what are the things that are 'must have' items in a van?
Would really appreciate the feedback from those who have done the miles and have had the experience.
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:22 PM Apr 22, 2015
Towing anything restricts where you can go, but a 5er is a safer option than a "dog trailer" caravan.
"As long as it takes" would only be a motorhome, for us.
Cheers,
Peter
deverall11 said
12:44 PM Apr 22, 2015
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Towing anything restricts where you can go, but a 5er is a safer option than a "dog trailer" caravan. "As long as it takes" would only be a motorhome, for us.
Cheers, Peter
Absolutely correct. When looking at our options, we found 5er to be small unless it has a slide out. The van we have now is our own floorplan and we have plenty of room. Happy to share it for a small fee. (only kidding).
Larry
dazren said
02:26 PM Apr 22, 2015
This is really a decision of personal choice, and your individual idea's wants and needs,, ! We all have our idea's of what, where, and how to travel, And have set up our units to suit those needs and wants, ! Some people like the motorhome stlye of travel, others prefer caravan, or tents, or 5th Wheelers, There are pro's and Con's in all preference's, ! Personally I prefer Full Ensuite type Caravan, because my Personal preference, is a mixture of freedom camp, and Caravan parks, where i can go to an area, and prop for 2 days, 10 days, or 50 days, !! whatever it takes, to fully explore the area i am at , !! Hence for My choice, a Motor home would be more of a hinderence, As I like to Unhook my Home, and have a separate vehicle, to do the exploring in,,, So you do need to do your homework on your OWN personal wants, needs, and desires, and then purchase the set up to suit, !! There is No perfect decision,, All set ups you will find have positives, and negatives,, Just take your time, work out your wants, and buy what will suit you best,, -- Happy Hunting, Happy Decision making, and Most of all HAPPY and Safe Travels
Tumeke4u said
04:30 PM Apr 22, 2015
I agree with Darren, it is a very personal choose. We looked at everything to the stage we went crazy, then we stopped and threw the big 25 ft out the window and realised by the time we put our toothbrushes in we would have been over weight, so we settled on the same layout with a slide out bed and we are very happy, personal choice you bet.
Woody n Sue said
06:58 PM Apr 22, 2015
Dazern has summed it up well everyone is different.
For us it was a no brainier to go 5th wheeler simply on the towing safety angle, we also get a longer van for the same overall length of car and van and quich hitch up and unhook, which gives us a travel vehicle just like a car and van I know there lots out there with motor homes that love them but wasn't for us, also no real concerns about loading the van perfectly so as to not put too much weight on the car tow ball, but I must add that I have had a semi licence since I were 19 and a farmer so I am used to driving large tractors and equipment
We have two slide outs which certainly gives us plenty of room in a 24 footer, I can also use the ute for farm work, bonus for our situation , it is also safer for SWAMBO to drive who has only driven a car and occasionally a small 6x4 trailer
I could rattle on more but it's you who have to work out what you want to do,
Have fun looking and safe traveling when you get on the road
iana said
07:13 PM Apr 23, 2015
I am also looking at having a 5 wheeler made, as there are no s/h ones of the type I am aiming for. If you want me to share my notes and research send me a pm. I am in Perth.
My husband and I have decided to sell up and travel around Australia over the next 12 months (or as long as it takes).
Whilst we are embracing the idea of minimisation (having lived in a large home for many years) we are considering what sort of wheels to buy to embark on this epic journey.
The 5th wheelers have taken our fancy as being something that we won't feel claustrophobic in and as a home away from home for a year (or more).
Before we go down that track, we'd love to hear some thought on the pro and cons of different vans that we should maybe consider before becoming too focussed on a 5th wheeler.
Also, what are the things that are 'must have' items in a van?
Would really appreciate the feedback from those who have done the miles and have had the experience.
"As long as it takes" would only be a motorhome, for us.
Cheers,
Peter
Absolutely correct. When looking at our options, we found 5er to be small unless it has a slide out. The van we have now is our own floorplan and we have plenty of room. Happy to share it for a small fee. (only kidding).
Larry
This is really a decision of personal choice, and your individual idea's wants and needs,, ! We all have our idea's of what, where, and how to travel, And have set up our units to suit those needs and wants, ! Some people like the motorhome stlye of travel, others prefer caravan, or tents, or 5th Wheelers, There are pro's and Con's in all preference's, ! Personally I prefer Full Ensuite type Caravan, because my Personal preference, is a mixture of freedom camp, and Caravan parks, where i can go to an area, and prop for 2 days, 10 days, or 50 days, !! whatever it takes, to fully explore the area i am at , !! Hence for My choice, a Motor home would be more of a hinderence, As I like to Unhook my Home, and have a separate vehicle, to do the exploring in,,, So you do need to do your homework on your OWN personal wants, needs, and desires, and then purchase the set up to suit, !! There is No perfect decision,, All set ups you will find have positives, and negatives,, Just take your time, work out your wants, and buy what will suit you best,, -- Happy Hunting, Happy Decision making, and Most of all HAPPY and Safe Travels
For us it was a no brainier to go 5th wheeler simply on the towing safety angle, we also get a longer van for the same overall length of car and van and quich hitch up and unhook, which gives us a travel vehicle just like a car and van I know there lots out there with motor homes that love them but wasn't for us, also no real concerns about loading the van perfectly so as to not put too much weight on the car tow ball, but I must add that I have had a semi licence since I were 19 and a farmer so I am used to driving large tractors and equipment
We have two slide outs which certainly gives us plenty of room in a 24 footer, I can also use the ute for farm work, bonus for our situation , it is also safer for SWAMBO to drive who has only driven a car and occasionally a small 6x4 trailer
I could rattle on more but it's you who have to work out what you want to do,
Have fun looking and safe traveling when you get on the road