Until now, wife and I have been campertrailing ( if that's a real word) but now find the lack of a toilet/shower impacting on our quality of life, especially at two in the morning.
We are also aware that future health issues could prevent us from undertaking the manual tasks involved with caravanning.
For these reasons, we are now actively considering going the motorhome route.
It would only need to cater for 2 people, have a shower/toilet and a bed that doesn't have to be assembled every day, i.e. can be left "made up".
At this stage we are only considering trips no longer than 2 months at a time away from our home in Cairns.
We have looked at ex-rental units, and while comforted by the fact that they are regularly serviced, they are high mileage (and not always in caring hands) and sooner or later mechanical issues will arise. I am unaware whether Merc/VW parts and servicing are as expensive as rumour would have us believe.
However, we also note that good folk purchase these and appear happy with the outcome.
We have also looked at Jayco's Freedom RM.20-5 and at first pass, it appears to tick all the boxes. It is brand spanking new and comes with a 3 year 200,000 km warranty and comes in at the top of our budget.
If Jayco can garner nearly half the RV market, they must be doing something right!
With a price of $100,000 drive away, they appear to stack up favourably for us against an ex-rental in the $60/70,000 region.
My only reservation is with the front wheel drive configuration as opposed to the rear wheel drive of the ex-rentals.
The Renault Master turbo-diesel engine seems to have the torque at 350nm but a limited number of product reviews have not been kind with gearbox issues arising although only those that have problems would normally bother with a review.
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions from anyone familiar with the Freedom or Renault Master, particularly real world experience with the engine/drivetrain combination.
Further comments in general on our cunning plan would also be welcomed.
adreamer said
08:43 PM Aug 2, 2017
I am an older lady who has just purchased a Jayco conquest 20ft, This is with the permanent bed at the rear, shower, toilet. microwave. Built on a very reliable Fiat. Mine is a manual and bought it with 40,000 klms on clock for $70,000 after spending some time looking.
I am very, very happy with it so far. I love the layout inside. Front wheel drive, diesel and lots of storage.
Caravan and camping website should have some for sale, if you go for the for the 23ft it will have a bed over cabin as well.
Good luck and hope you find what suits.
Helen
Eaglemax said
10:42 PM Aug 2, 2017
The front wheel drive models have their fans but Ive met two owners recently on our trip that are about to trade them. Both stick to the bitumen but on most occasions hit dirt/mud, soft surface in free camps even caravan parks and get bogged.
Yesterday one owner at a camp here in Bingara nsw wouldnt take his Fiat up a slight dirt incline so he took another track and had issues there.
They might suit some though. Oh, and the other owner I met at Biggenden is sick of getting bogged. He plans to buy a 4x4 toyota with glide on. As I implied, they do their job well for some. I would go rear drive.
Desert Dweller said
05:33 AM Aug 3, 2017
Another option. You can stay in a lot of cabins for $100,000. Even more when you pay half price using travel auctions. All you need is a small economical hatchback & two suitcases. Easy.
Wizardofoz said
07:46 AM Aug 3, 2017
Desert Dweller wrote:
Another option. You can stay in a lot of cabins for $100,000. Even more when you pay half price using travel auctions. All you need is a small economical hatchback & two suitcases. Easy.
As a matter of fact, that option is one I am intending to take up next year as my wife's health is no longer suitable for caravanning. a very timely post as I am walking the Main Street of Port Douglas today visiting every Real Estate Agent to register my request and details.
I looked at the other option of buying a property, say a villa in Nth Qld to spend our winters in, but the price of $250k plus for a nice little villa/unit doesn't stack up at our age to renting the same for 4 months each year for around $500 - $800pw. Even at $12,000 for each 4 month stay we would have to live for another 20 years to recover the cost, in our mid 70's, I'll take the odds on that and there is no on costs and maintenance to worry about, plus you can miss a stay at any time or end the deal whenever you desire, the flexibility and benefits outweigh absentee ownership on almost all fronts. Sure, some may say, oh but you can rent an owned property out, maybe so, but I wouldn't want to rent my property out, did that once and was not that happy about it!
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Thursday 3rd of August 2017 10:58:52 AM
Woody n Sue said
08:20 AM Aug 3, 2017
Just my two bobs worth I would go with a rear wheel drive too
Woody
hako said
08:34 AM Aug 3, 2017
There are also places like Hometogo.com.au and airbnb.com.au that offer much cheaper short stays from $45 a night - I just checked hometogo and they have more than 30 advertisers in Iluka and probably the same for Airbnb. You can book single nights if you like and many do not charge if you cancel. So easy to do on the computer you can pick a place and then view all the rooms etc and read guests reports. Pay via credit card online. Cabins in caravan parks have really priced themselves out of the market now that other options are available - they used to be quite cheap but not any more. Same with the holiday booking agents.
Good Luck.
PeterInSa said
12:30 PM Aug 3, 2017
Prior to purchasing a motor home whether it be front or rear wheel drive, confirm the mh's payload (what you can load into it) met a fellow RV'er in Tassie some years ago who told me that after filling up with fuel and water, he could only add 50Kg not sure whether that included his partner. So had to make decisions on what to take re food/clothes/camp chairs/Bar BQ/plates/knifes/forkes/Diesel Heater/Sat dish etc etc.
Peter
-- Edited by PeterInSa on Thursday 3rd of August 2017 12:31:49 PM
Onedodger said
03:50 PM Aug 3, 2017
Go on the cmca site and look at the Motor Homes for sale. I too recommend a rear wheel drive job. Some have a bed over the cab plus a double in the rear. You can then use the overcab space for storage.(My Sis does) If you look long enough and do a little homework you could easily get a reasonable rig for under 100 grand. My sisters one cost 60k with 80k on the clock and being a diesel is just about run in. It has a 3ltr donk with 385n and the gearing is good so it is economical and handles hills ok. But still no express.
macka17 said
08:28 PM Aug 3, 2017
Go the Rental home. Van way.
Unless you going permanent for several yrs or more.
Just remember. You will ALWAYS get less than you paid for it when you sell.
Just go a quick balance up on Purchase costs. Maint costs. Running costs. Storage when not using costs. and VAN Park fees. For an estimated period of time.
Then do a rough one on AVERAGE running costs of 4wd you can go anywhere in.
With Camping gear for where you go where the motorhomes can't anyway,
BUT you can in that situation
ADD the estimated costs of Motels. Cabins in van parks. etc.
Add that up. lay it over the prev figures of purchase.
And time frame.
adding the extra freedom of going where you CAN'T in Motorhome.
Then decide.
I've sailed round. Been round on Motorbike. In Campervan and had Caravans for over 50 yrs.
Most enjoyable. Obviously the sailing.
Most freedom. Dirt bike and motels, pubs. under bush tarp, etc.
Next the camper.
I could leave places easy and cheaply.
and not too much money involved if somebody likes it more than me.
Caravan. (Mine) Off road so not restricted.
Lovely long term comfortable living long term.
BUT still restrictive against a Big Dirt bike of 4wd with camp gear.
Motorhomes.
I always figured too big\clumsy to get places. leave while you do alternatives.
and cost the next step up in relation to anything else.
OK for bitumin ONLY. when you OLD.(I'm 75 and NOT old yet)
and apparently 26ft min for space.
I have friends with ALL. We ALL love what we got.
AT THE TIME we have them at least. Some change.
There you go.
One mans ideas on what's what. (In his case) over the yrs,
IF a person does go front wheel drive.
Finding a place you can't get UP...
Reverse.
It gets load OVER the driving wheels.= Traction..
And have a 4wd winch mounted for when you stuck.
Believe me. You'll need one.
Have fun.
SouthernComfort said
09:12 AM Aug 5, 2017
hako wrote:
There are also places like Hometogo.com.au and airbnb.com.au that offer much cheaper short stays from $45 a night - I just checked hometogo and they have more than 30 advertisers in Iluka and probably the same for Airbnb. You can book single nights if you like and many do not charge if you cancel. So easy to do on the computer you can pick a place and then view all the rooms etc and read guests reports. Pay via credit card online. Cabins in caravan parks have really priced themselves out of the market now that other options are available - they used to be quite cheap but not any more. Same with the holiday booking agents.
Good Luck.
Bitten badly by an Airbnb experience recently and lost a substantial prepayment on what turned out to be a total hovel. On arrival we refused to stay in it. Not saying there aren't good properties out there but check them out very carefully, computer images are not always what they seem and "cheap" definitely does not assure good value.
hako said
04:22 PM Aug 5, 2017
SouthernComfort wrote:
SNIP
Bitten badly by an Airbnb experience recently and lost a substantial prepayment on what turned out to be a total hovel. On arrival we refused to stay in it. Not saying there aren't good properties out there but check them out very carefully, computer images are not always what they seem and "cheap" definitely does not assure good value.
I hope you reported it back to Airbnb as you should be entitled a full refund unlike most holiday letting agents. Don't just write if off as a bad experience.
Hello Jonesboy & wife, (my comments regarding your post 2/8/2017)
I would like to provide you with another option to consider than buying a Motorhome. I drove a Motorhome around OZ for 9 months and found similar issues (as already provided below) such as, wet weather access/ height restrictions and dirt and sandy road conditions, I was unable to access many remote areas and also had to be always mindful of wet conditions.
I sold my motorhome and after an extensive six month research I found the ideal set-up for me, a 4X4 Toyota Hilux tray top utility & I put on it a slide on "ACTIVE CAMPER"model on the back. The camper is vacuumed sealed, lightweight, durable, versatile, compact but roomy, with loads of storage both inside & outside. It comes with roof mounted solar panels, water storage & a porta pottie for bush camping. I can put up my camper up in minutes alone as it has GAS STRUTS to raise the roof. Please contact me if there are any further questions you may have on my experience with this set-up. Gwynnie
Until now, wife and I have been campertrailing ( if that's a real word) but now find the lack of a toilet/shower impacting on our quality of life, especially at two in the morning.
We are also aware that future health issues could prevent us from undertaking the manual tasks involved with caravanning.
For these reasons, we are now actively considering going the motorhome route.
It would only need to cater for 2 people, have a shower/toilet and a bed that doesn't have to be assembled every day, i.e. can be left "made up".
At this stage we are only considering trips no longer than 2 months at a time away from our home in Cairns.
We have looked at ex-rental units, and while comforted by the fact that they are regularly serviced, they are high mileage (and not always in caring hands) and sooner or later mechanical issues will arise. I am unaware whether Merc/VW parts and servicing are as expensive as rumour would have us believe.
However, we also note that good folk purchase these and appear happy with the outcome.
We have also looked at Jayco's Freedom RM.20-5 and at first pass, it appears to tick all the boxes. It is brand spanking new and comes with a 3 year 200,000 km warranty and comes in at the top of our budget.
If Jayco can garner nearly half the RV market, they must be doing something right!
With a price of $100,000 drive away, they appear to stack up favourably for us against an ex-rental in the $60/70,000 region.
My only reservation is with the front wheel drive configuration as opposed to the rear wheel drive of the ex-rentals.
The Renault Master turbo-diesel engine seems to have the torque at 350nm but a limited number of product reviews have not been kind with gearbox issues arising although only those that have problems would normally bother with a review.
I would appreciate any comments/suggestions from anyone familiar with the Freedom or Renault Master, particularly real world experience with the engine/drivetrain combination.
Further comments in general on our cunning plan would also be welcomed.
I am an older lady who has just purchased a Jayco conquest 20ft, This is with the permanent bed at the rear, shower, toilet. microwave. Built on a very reliable Fiat. Mine is a manual and bought it with 40,000 klms on clock for $70,000 after spending some time looking.
I am very, very happy with it so far. I love the layout inside. Front wheel drive, diesel and lots of storage.
Caravan and camping website should have some for sale, if you go for the for the 23ft it will have a bed over cabin as well.
Good luck and hope you find what suits.
Helen
As a matter of fact, that option is one I am intending to take up next year as my wife's health is no longer suitable for caravanning. a very timely post as I am walking the Main Street of Port Douglas today visiting every Real Estate Agent to register my request and details.
I looked at the other option of buying a property, say a villa in Nth Qld to spend our winters in, but the price of $250k plus for a nice little villa/unit doesn't stack up at our age to renting the same for 4 months each year for around $500 - $800pw. Even at $12,000 for each 4 month stay we would have to live for another 20 years to recover the cost, in our mid 70's, I'll take the odds on that and there is no on costs and maintenance to worry about, plus you can miss a stay at any time or end the deal whenever you desire, the flexibility and benefits outweigh absentee ownership on almost all fronts. Sure, some may say, oh but you can rent an owned property out, maybe so, but I wouldn't want to rent my property out, did that once and was not that happy about it!
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Thursday 3rd of August 2017 10:58:52 AM
Woody
There are also places like Hometogo.com.au and airbnb.com.au that offer much cheaper short stays from $45 a night - I just checked hometogo and they have more than 30 advertisers in Iluka and probably the same for Airbnb. You can book single nights if you like and many do not charge if you cancel. So easy to do on the computer you can pick a place and then view all the rooms etc and read guests reports. Pay via credit card online.
Cabins in caravan parks have really priced themselves out of the market now that other options are available - they used to be quite cheap but not any more. Same with the holiday booking agents.
Good Luck.
Prior to purchasing a motor home whether it be front or rear wheel drive, confirm the mh's payload (what you can load into it) met a fellow RV'er in Tassie some years ago who told me that after filling up with fuel and water, he could only add 50Kg not sure whether that included his partner. So had to make decisions on what to take re food/clothes/camp chairs/Bar BQ/plates/knifes/forkes/Diesel Heater/Sat dish etc etc.
Peter
-- Edited by PeterInSa on Thursday 3rd of August 2017 12:31:49 PM
Go on the cmca site and look at the Motor Homes for sale.
I too recommend a rear wheel drive job.
Some have a bed over the cab plus a double in the rear. You can then use the overcab space for storage.(My Sis does) If you look long enough and do a little homework you could easily get a reasonable rig for under 100 grand.
My sisters one cost 60k with 80k on the clock and being a diesel is just about run in.
It has a 3ltr donk with 385n and the gearing is good so it is economical and handles hills ok. But still no express.
Unless you going permanent for several yrs or more.
Just remember. You will ALWAYS get less than you paid for it when you sell.
Just go a quick balance up on Purchase costs. Maint costs. Running costs. Storage when not using costs. and VAN Park fees. For an estimated period of time.
Then do a rough one on AVERAGE running costs of 4wd you can go anywhere in.
With Camping gear for where you go where the motorhomes can't anyway,
BUT you can in that situation
ADD the estimated costs of Motels. Cabins in van parks. etc.
Add that up. lay it over the prev figures of purchase.
And time frame.
adding the extra freedom of going where you CAN'T in Motorhome.
Then decide.
I've sailed round. Been round on Motorbike. In Campervan and had Caravans for over 50 yrs.
Most enjoyable. Obviously the sailing.
Most freedom. Dirt bike and motels, pubs. under bush tarp, etc.
Next the camper.
I could leave places easy and cheaply.
and not too much money involved if somebody likes it more than me.
Caravan. (Mine) Off road so not restricted.
Lovely long term comfortable living long term.
BUT still restrictive against a Big Dirt bike of 4wd with camp gear.
Motorhomes.
I always figured too big\clumsy to get places. leave while you do alternatives.
and cost the next step up in relation to anything else.
OK for bitumin ONLY. when you OLD.(I'm 75 and NOT old yet)
and apparently 26ft min for space.
I have friends with ALL. We ALL love what we got.
AT THE TIME we have them at least. Some change.
There you go.
One mans ideas on what's what. (In his case) over the yrs,
IF a person does go front wheel drive.
Finding a place you can't get UP...
Reverse.
It gets load OVER the driving wheels.= Traction..
And have a 4wd winch mounted for when you stuck.
Believe me. You'll need one.
Have fun.
Bitten badly by an Airbnb experience recently and lost a substantial prepayment on what turned out to be a total hovel. On arrival we refused to stay in it. Not saying there aren't good properties out there but check them out very carefully, computer images are not always what they seem and "cheap" definitely does not assure good value.
I hope you reported it back to Airbnb as you should be entitled a full refund unlike most holiday letting agents. Don't just write if off as a bad experience.
See the link below for info.
https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/248/what-should-i-do-if-something-s-missing-or-not-as-expected-when-i-check-in
Hello Jonesboy & wife, (my comments regarding your post 2/8/2017)
I would like to provide you with another option to consider than buying a Motorhome. I drove a Motorhome around OZ for 9 months and found similar issues (as already provided below) such as, wet weather access/ height restrictions and dirt and sandy road conditions, I was unable to access many remote areas and also had to be always mindful of wet conditions.
I sold my motorhome and after an extensive six month research I found the ideal set-up for me, a 4X4 Toyota Hilux tray top utility & I put on it a slide on "ACTIVE CAMPER" model on the back. The camper is vacuumed sealed, lightweight, durable, versatile, compact but roomy, with loads of storage both inside & outside. It comes with roof mounted solar panels, water storage & a porta pottie for bush camping. I can put up my camper up in minutes alone as it has GAS STRUTS to raise the roof. Please contact me if there are any further questions you may have on my experience with this set-up. Gwynnie
(See photos attach)