living permanently in a bus - how often will I have to move?
Dyani said
05:51 PM Oct 4, 2016
Hi everyone,
I keep bring drawn back to my dream of living permanently on the road in a converted bus, and have decided to really research the idea properly and see if it is a viable option for me. It's partly a financial thing - I am unlikely to be able to afford my own house, and am sick of renting. I think being able to afford a bus is more achievable for me (yes I know there are lots of costs associated with conversion, maintenance, insurance etc - these are the things I am currently looking into). The other reason is that I have not yet found one place where I really want to put down roots, and the idea of a nomadic life has always appealed to me.
I would likely have a small income from my handmade stationery business, and will hopefully pick up odd jobs along the way as I need to, but my funds will still be quite limited, so I would be wanting to free camp most of the time, and just stay in CPs when I needed mains power or other facilities. My idea is to be pretty self-sufficient with solar power etc.
Because my bus would be my permanent home, I won't necessarily want to be travelling constantly. I might want to stay in one area for a while. I do want to do a lot of travel also but will hopefully have 25 or so years at least living this life so can take my time. I'm also conscious of the fact that more driving means more fuel consumption which requires more money.
My understanding is that most free campsites only allow one or two night stopovers, so what does one do if you want to stay longer?
If I choose this lifestyle, am I resigned to having to keep moving frequently unless I pay for CP?
I know most of you are probably wanting to keep moving and see lots of places, but would appreciate any insights from folks doing this long term.
Weedpharma said
06:40 PM Oct 4, 2016
Most free sites that are anywhere near civilisation have a time limit of 24 hours or so.
Weedpharma
El Gringo said
07:08 PM Oct 4, 2016
If you don't want to be on the move constantly try looking for caretaking positions.
We have so far spent 18 months on a farm near Rockhampton and then on a Motocross track for another year.
Loved both places, with free power, water, etc for a minimum of work.
We just put an add on Gumtree for an area we wanted to go to and got good replies.
There are also some property minding web sites that you could try.
It's a great life style, we both love it - were in a similar financial situation as well.
Found a converted bus we liked and haven't looked back.
Cheers,
Bernie
elliemike said
07:31 PM Oct 4, 2016
Weedpharma wrote:
Most free sites that are anywhere near civilisation have a time limit of 24 hours or so.
Weedpharma
Yes there are limits and rules these days, but you need to ask around other campers just like your doing.
In NZ in the 70's 80's I had various friends who lived full time on the road and got work locally. They had family's as well. One was a Physio, another a Saw Doctor/Knife/Scissor grinder. Anyway they used to phone the council or shire office up and ask did they have any areas that needed a caretaker type presence on sites at facilities such as Parks or Council yards. etc. They even asked local farm shops if any Farmers in the area needed work doing. They used to get sometimes long periods looking after places like Historical Society Park, Child Care Centre, Council Depot, School Grounds during Holidays, Farms just helping out, painting, fencing repairs etc. Mostly it was just a presence required in vandal prone places. They usually had access to toilet shower and HOT Water, 240v power and sometimes a phone.
Not sure if anything like this still happens there or here. But the ideas of other forumites will be informative I am Sure.
We currently have friends who spend the whole of WA's winter Hosting in the warmer climes of WA's NP's moving from one hosting job to the next. Cape Range, Karijini, Millstream, Mt Augusta, Broome Bird Observatory, etc.
Good luck with you endeavour hope it all works out for you.
-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 5th of October 2016 08:04:37 AM
Dyani said
09:55 PM Oct 4, 2016
Thanks Bernie will keep that in mind. Elliemike it's funny you mentioned the camp hosting as I've just been reading about that on the grey nomads website. Sounds like something I'd really enjoy I think although being in national parks it would mean not being able to have pets. Lots to think about. Good to know there are different options anyway.
Tony Bev said
11:01 PM Oct 4, 2016
Hello Dyani
Usual disclaimer, that I am not on the road full time, but have talked to plenty of travellers who are
Firstly welcome to the forum
As Weedpharma has said, there is usually a time limit on free camps near towns Away from the towns the rangers are more tolerant, but will move you on, if others are complaining about you
Employment, while travelling on the road is certainly not guaranteed
People who are on the road, and on the old age pension gave me this advice
It is all about having, and sticking to a budget Know how much your expenses are going to be in respect of vehicle rego/insurance etc Put a portion of this money (and a bit for repairs etc), away every pension day Know how much your food cost are from one pension day to the next What is left over is yours to use as you will, fuel/liquid refreshments etc When you get short of money (unexpected repair bills), do not spend your savings, just sit tight until you have built up your bank balance
I hope that this info is helpful to you
Dougwe said
08:19 AM Oct 5, 2016
Welcome to the gang Dyani, enjoy here and out in the playground.
You have already been given some info so will not add to that mix but will add a little for when you are in the playground.
I am full time on the road and like to stay for various extended periods of time at different favourite locations but the most important thing to remember IMO is when actually travelling around, travel to the road and weather conditions and even when staying for extended periods keep an eye on the various conditions.
I am currently sitting in some very rough and wet weather in my van (not in my van but outside) like a lot of people more than likely, but I check the weather maps etc a few times a day and take appropriate precausions. I love the colour red but have got to dislike deep red and purple colours on a weather map also those 'icybars' that are close together, don't like those either.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Grubbygypsy said
09:37 AM Oct 5, 2016
I travel full time also, so only move along at snails pace. Ive never had a problem parking up for lengths of time. I'm usually in the bush, unseen from the road and of course leave no trace. Even in places with so called time restrictions, no one is ever around anyways so you can hole up for a while I find. Sometimes they like it as you are putting a presence in an area that for example is a high litter area and I've seen what I call tongue in cheek 'permanents' 'looking after' the area with regard to that. I am a bush dweller though. Hate cities and towns....so I'm talking out in the bush.
At present...I needed to do some maintenance, so have done a pet sit for 5 weeks or so. Ends on Saturday- so I'll be back to the road. Oh...and I'm very much like Dougwe......I'm constantly monitoring weather systems (if Telstra are kind enough to lend me a tower.....groan).
I've looked at those camp host situations before and I've done varying other caretaking over the times...but imho....they expect too much out of you for what it's worth.....ie one I'd read about was 2 hours work a day....and they make it sound attractive - but unless you like working for $3.40 an hour or you just like work - why would you do it??
I don't think you'll have a drama. By the time the times up, you've usually got itchy feet to move on anyways. .
the rocket said
12:02 PM Oct 5, 2016
Hello and welcome. Strop n i live permanently on the road. We do a mixture of free camping, sgowgrounds n caravan pks.
everywhere has a different time limit. Enjoy.
Santa said
06:32 PM Oct 5, 2016
Tony Bev wrote:
Hello Dyani
Usual disclaimer, that I am not on the road full time, but have talked to plenty of travellers who are
Firstly welcome to the forum
As Weedpharma has said, there is usually a time limit on free camps near towns Away from the towns the rangers are more tolerant, but will move you on, if others are complaining about you
Employment, while travelling on the road is certainly not guaranteed
People who are on the road, and on the old age pension gave me this advice
It is all about having, and sticking to a budget Know how much your expenses are going to be in respect of vehicle rego/insurance etc Put a portion of this money (and a bit for repairs etc), away every pension day Know how much your food cost are from one pension day to the next What is left over is yours to use as you will, fuel/liquid refreshments etc When you get short of money (unexpected repair bills), do not spend your savings, just sit tight until you have built up your bank balance
I hope that this info is helpful to you
And just hope you don't experience a life threatening medical emergency, this can be an instant game changer and leave your partner in a very precarious position.
beiffe said
08:56 AM Oct 6, 2016
Santa old man,much rather die out in the bush whilst travelling than in a hospital where they pump you full of drugs etc to keep you alive as long as possible to get the most money out of you.
Little regard for the pain, discomfort and humiliation that your endure while they attempt to suck your account dry.
I hopefully will be able to end my life my way. I have the plan and the means and when the time comes they will find my dinghy (no rego details on it) floating at sea, No body as it will be weighted down.
Kids don't want to waste money burying me so I will attempt to leave my assets to Blazeaid.
Kids are ****ty that I am travelling and wasting money when I could have stayed working while capable, and accumulate more money for them LOL
I have a friend who will tie up the ends as they know my wishes.
So I think a lots of us are not worried about the getting sick we are tooo busy out here enjoying life while we can.
Dyani said
01:52 PM Oct 6, 2016
no partner and not in a hurry to get one so don't have to worry about that! And I'm not worried about getting sick on road anymore than I am worried about getting sick at home.
I'm in my early forties so plenty of life in me yet I hope!
Appreciate everyone's responses. Seems there are enough options out there if I want to stick around in one spot for any length of time.
Now just have to get stuck into the research and see if I can actually afford this and whether I'm going to make my dream into an actual plan :)
NeilandRaine said
09:31 PM Oct 6, 2016
I am sitting in the caravan park in Warracknabeal at the moment, in a Ensuite site at 125 a week, 25 a night pay 6 get 7th free. Powered site $20 a night.
Anyway if you stay a month or more it is 120 a week. Woman behind us has been here 6 years
BTW it is a great little council owned park with only a couple of long termers.
RosieW said
08:43 AM Oct 9, 2016
If you can't find a free camp close enough to civilisation to suit, try showgrounds. There are those that have a 7 day limit, but often others are essentially limitless (Toogoolawah had a nominal month period, but we stayed 3, and there were 'permanents'). You can get unpowered or powered sites at showgrounds as a rule.
Roving-Dutchy said
05:16 PM Oct 10, 2016
Santa old man,much rather die out in the bush whilst travelling than in a hospital where they pump you full of drugs etc to keep you alive as long as possible to get the most money out of you.
Little regard for the pain, discomfort and humiliation that your endure while they attempt to suck your account dry.
Hi Brian
Can't agree re your take on hospitals, my most recent stay didn't cost a cent and came out with a pacemaker fitted, without which I would now be pushing up daisies, not really ready to go just yet if I can help it.
Three other stays in hospital have fortunately had a good outcome with a better quality of life than before the hospital stay and with medicare there is no cost for your hospital stay.
Present under going treatment for prostate cancer and looking forward to a cure, again all covered by medicare.
Cheers
David
Hi everyone,
I keep bring drawn back to my dream of living permanently on the road in a converted bus, and have decided to really research the idea properly and see if it is a viable option for me. It's partly a financial thing - I am unlikely to be able to afford my own house, and am sick of renting. I think being able to afford a bus is more achievable for me (yes I know there are lots of costs associated with conversion, maintenance, insurance etc - these are the things I am currently looking into). The other reason is that I have not yet found one place where I really want to put down roots, and the idea of a nomadic life has always appealed to me.
I would likely have a small income from my handmade stationery business, and will hopefully pick up odd jobs along the way as I need to, but my funds will still be quite limited, so I would be wanting to free camp most of the time, and just stay in CPs when I needed mains power or other facilities. My idea is to be pretty self-sufficient with solar power etc.
Because my bus would be my permanent home, I won't necessarily want to be travelling constantly. I might want to stay in one area for a while. I do want to do a lot of travel also but will hopefully have 25 or so years at least living this life so can take my time. I'm also conscious of the fact that more driving means more fuel consumption which requires more money.
My understanding is that most free campsites only allow one or two night stopovers, so what does one do if you want to stay longer?
If I choose this lifestyle, am I resigned to having to keep moving frequently unless I pay for CP?
I know most of you are probably wanting to keep moving and see lots of places, but would appreciate any insights from folks doing this long term.
Weedpharma
We have so far spent 18 months on a farm near Rockhampton and then on a Motocross track for another year.
Loved both places, with free power, water, etc for a minimum of work.
We just put an add on Gumtree for an area we wanted to go to and got good replies.
There are also some property minding web sites that you could try.
It's a great life style, we both love it - were in a similar financial situation as well.
Found a converted bus we liked and haven't looked back.
Cheers,
Bernie
Yes there are limits and rules these days, but you need to ask around other campers just like your doing.
In NZ in the 70's 80's I had various friends who lived full time on the road and got work locally. They had family's as well. One was a Physio, another a Saw Doctor/Knife/Scissor grinder. Anyway they used to phone the council or shire office up and ask did they have any areas that needed a caretaker type presence on sites at facilities such as Parks or Council yards. etc. They even asked local farm shops if any Farmers in the area needed work doing. They used to get sometimes long periods looking after places like Historical Society Park, Child Care Centre, Council Depot, School Grounds during Holidays, Farms just helping out, painting, fencing repairs etc. Mostly it was just a presence required in vandal prone places. They usually had access to toilet shower and HOT Water, 240v power and sometimes a phone.
Not sure if anything like this still happens there or here. But the ideas of other forumites will be informative I am Sure.
The National Parks in WA use Camp Hosts as the front person at a lot of NP campsites. They look after the campsite take bookings, clean the toilet, for free camping and a bit of gas and diesel for the gennie maybe. Some of them stay for six weeks Look up https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/get-involved/volunteering-opportunities/100-campground-hosting
We currently have friends who spend the whole of WA's winter Hosting in the warmer climes of WA's NP's moving from one hosting job to the next. Cape Range, Karijini, Millstream, Mt Augusta, Broome Bird Observatory, etc.
Good luck with you endeavour hope it all works out for you.
-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 5th of October 2016 08:04:37 AM
Hello Dyani
Usual disclaimer, that I am not on the road full time, but have talked to plenty of travellers who are
Firstly welcome to the forum
As Weedpharma has said, there is usually a time limit on free camps near towns
Away from the towns the rangers are more tolerant, but will move you on, if others are complaining about you
Employment, while travelling on the road is certainly not guaranteed
People who are on the road, and on the old age pension gave me this advice
It is all about having, and sticking to a budget
Know how much your expenses are going to be in respect of vehicle rego/insurance etc
Put a portion of this money (and a bit for repairs etc), away every pension day
Know how much your food cost are from one pension day to the next
What is left over is yours to use as you will, fuel/liquid refreshments etc
When you get short of money (unexpected repair bills), do not spend your savings, just sit tight until you have built up your bank balance
I hope that this info is helpful to you
You have already been given some info so will not add to that mix but will add a little for when you are in the playground.
I am full time on the road and like to stay for various extended periods of time at different favourite locations but the most important thing to remember IMO is when actually travelling around, travel to the road and weather conditions and even when staying for extended periods keep an eye on the various conditions.
I am currently sitting in some very rough and wet weather in my van (not in my van but outside) like a lot of people more than likely, but I check the weather maps etc a few times a day and take appropriate precausions. I love the colour red but have got to dislike deep red and purple colours on a weather map also those 'icybars' that are close together, don't like those either.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
At present...I needed to do some maintenance, so have done a pet sit for 5 weeks or so. Ends on Saturday- so I'll be back to the road. Oh...and I'm very much like Dougwe......I'm constantly monitoring weather systems (if Telstra are kind enough to lend me a tower.....groan).
I've looked at those camp host situations before and I've done varying other caretaking over the times...but imho....they expect too much out of you for what it's worth.....ie one I'd read about was 2 hours work a day....and they make it sound attractive - but unless you like working for $3.40 an hour or you just like work - why would you do it??
I don't think you'll have a drama. By the time the times up, you've usually got itchy feet to move on anyways. .
Hello and welcome. Strop n i live permanently on the road. We do a mixture of free camping, sgowgrounds n caravan pks.
everywhere has a different time limit. Enjoy.
And just hope you don't experience a life threatening medical emergency, this can be an instant game changer and leave your partner in a very precarious position.
Little regard for the pain, discomfort and humiliation that your endure while they attempt to suck your account dry.
I hopefully will be able to end my life my way. I have the plan and the means and when the time comes they will find my dinghy (no rego details on it) floating at sea, No body as it will be weighted down.
Kids don't want to waste money burying me so I will attempt to leave my assets to Blazeaid.
Kids are ****ty that I am travelling and wasting money when I could have stayed working while capable, and accumulate more money for them LOL
I have a friend who will tie up the ends as they know my wishes.
So I think a lots of us are not worried about the getting sick we are tooo busy out here enjoying life while we can.
I'm in my early forties so plenty of life in me yet I hope!
Appreciate everyone's responses. Seems there are enough options out there if I want to stick around in one spot for any length of time.
Now just have to get stuck into the research and see if I can actually afford this and whether I'm going to make my dream into an actual plan :)
Anyway if you stay a month or more it is 120 a week. Woman behind us has been here 6 years
BTW it is a great little council owned park with only a couple of long termers.
Santa old man,much rather die out in the bush whilst travelling than in a hospital where they pump you full of drugs etc to keep you alive as long as possible to get the most money out of you.
Little regard for the pain, discomfort and humiliation that your endure while they attempt to suck your account dry.
Hi Brian
Can't agree re your take on hospitals, my most recent stay didn't cost a cent and came out with a pacemaker fitted, without which I would now be pushing up daisies, not really ready to go just yet if I can help it.
Three other stays in hospital have fortunately had a good outcome with a better quality of life than before the hospital stay and with medicare there is no cost for your hospital stay.
Present under going treatment for prostate cancer and looking forward to a cure, again all covered by medicare.
Cheers
David