Hi All...I'm looking at motorhomes and becoming (you know). I don't want a caravan and tow vehicle because of double rego, insurance etc. I would like to hear from people with motorhomes and their experiences, pitfalls etc. Am I making the right decision ?? I would like to freecamp most of the time so what setup would I need, solar power, water, etc. I am single and happy to do the lifestyle. Any thoughts ??
Possum3 said
04:29 PM Feb 19, 2019
Gonzo, Caravan Council Of Australia have a free on-line service specifically designed to assist RV and Motorhome purchasers see www.caravancouncil.com.au/motorhome
They are certainly able to point you in the right direction and are not affiliated with any Manufacturers or Dealers.
Yuglamron said
04:31 PM Feb 19, 2019
I have lived in my MH full time for the last eight out of ten years.
My MH is 8.2 Tons so requires a MR licence, I have an HC so not a problem.
Flat towed a Suzuki Grand Vitara for most of the time. Since I have a few tons of load capacity weights are not a problem.
Yes two regos but one is a concession and I'm insured through the CMCA. I've had one windscreen claim and one new Bumper in that time and all with a minimum of fuss.
Spend time in Family's driveways when visiting and probably 40% of my time in CP's or Showgrounds. The rest freecamping and rest stops when going say from Melbourne to Qld for family visits.
Having the Suzuki gives me the ability to visit the local attractions and go shopping, leaving the MH set up.
All I can say is whatever way you go small large or have a tow vehicle behind you. You soon get into routines that get quicker as you go along. Setting up used to take me an hour and down the track it's 15 mins normally. Since I have a lot of load capacity I don't have to worry too much about the stuff I keep onboard. Smaller vehicles you have to keep weight in mind and only keep essentials. Smaller vehicles can fit in normal carparks height restrictions apply of course.
I found like many on the road tooling along at 90kph is far better for fuel consumption than foot to the floor.
One of the major tools you should have is a radio to talk to the truckers, They are working and on timetables ,most of us are on " Holidays" Dashcams and a decent GPS all make life easier especially if you have a high or larger vehicle. A GPS where you can put in your vehicle dimensions can help.
Obviously with the internet and phone coverage Telstra is still the best option for coverage of the geography of Australia. Satphone if you are going to be off grid can be a lifesaver.
Gas and water are important things to look at. I'm looking at going over to an induction range so I can use the solar and the inverter and get rid of the gas altogether. Something to research further.
If you intend to freecamp a lot, water capacity can be important and keeping usage down takes a while to get used to. Self contained is another thing to look at.Lots of places these days require you to be self contained so something else to consider. Toilet waste and disposal is another topic to look at.Depends on your system in your MH. Cassette or black water tank and dump points.
Lots of smartphone apps out there to get to make life a little easier.
Wikicamps can be big help to find campsites and it has a few other useful tools. Lots of others people will recommend.
Sat TV is yet another option to look at.
Well that's a few things to look at and there are lots more people will give you advice about.
Remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
outlaw40 said
05:46 PM Feb 19, 2019
as you say you dont want double rego insurance etc i presume you dont plan on towing a suzuki etc behind the motorhome . my biggest concern would be that if you want to go site seeing, or even to the shops you have to pack up your camp . wouldnt suit me but thats just me . anyway something to consider, maybe a pushbike .
Peter_n_Margaret said
06:09 PM Feb 19, 2019
We have toured by 4WD motorhome for the last 25 odd years and would never consider a caravan.
Providing you keep the length moderate, you can go anywhere and park anywhere (including city streets and shopping centres) and that is usually not possible with a caravan. We are 6m long and that is sufficient to include shower, toilet and N-S bed.
Taking everything with you when you go touring is actually a big plus. You always have the option to change your mind and stay somewhere else and the lunch, coffee making and cold drinks are always on hand, not back at camp miles away.
Tight tracks through the scrub to that special spot are much easier with a MH than with a car and caravan and there is always the option to tow a boat if you wish.
Go first class, go motorhome :)
Cheers,
Peter
gonzo said
06:20 PM Feb 19, 2019
thanks very much for that...hope I meet you out there oneday soon. take care.
Eaglemax said
07:53 PM Feb 19, 2019
Nowadays you can buy battery powered fold up bicycles if you dont plan on towing a 4x4.
Or combine the two and have no rego
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Tuesday 19th of February 2019 07:57:04 PM
If your preferance is for a motorhome and you don't wish to tow a small vehicle behind it, an electric bicycle may be worth considering. They are less physically demanding than conventional bikes, no licence required, have a good range (up to 60 - 80 kms, depending on terrain/conditions etc) and there is a large range of types/models available, including fold up types. They are heavier than conventional bikes (up to 10 kgs) but can be carried on a rack on the rear of the motorhome or inside it.
Regards EJP
Aus-Kiwi said
10:53 PM Feb 19, 2019
Our motorhome is 8m, MR licence . No issues stopping at shops or any place we need to go . Not interested in 4x4 type roads anymore . We stop overnight out of the way in truck stops. Plenty of solar . Built in sound proof generator . Toilet, shower, large enough fridge / freezer to hold Atleast 2 weeks supplies . 250L water tank . 2/9kg gas bottles last a long time since fitting compressor fridge . We only put the awning out on short stays . Takes 2min to fold away if we need to move .
PeterInSa said
10:10 AM Feb 23, 2019
I suggest you also consider a Campervan, Mercedes Benz Sprinter rear wheel drive or Fiat based front wheel drive. These are available in Long Wheel Base, High Roof or extra Long Wheel Base High Roof. and can also tow a boat.
hokianga said
01:32 PM Feb 23, 2019
Everyone has given you some good advice, I used to own a Winnebago escape, 21ft, self contained, it had a 3 way fridge, and was very easy to drive, I never got around to putting solar panels on it, or installing a diesel heater, things I would now look for in a van. After I bought it, down the track i wish i had bought a slightly bigger motorhome, I sold my escape in 2014 and now am looking at possibly a Jayco Conquest, slightly bigger but can still be driven on a car lisense, as long as you are careful how much weight you load it up with. sadly my large dog is no longer with me, but i still have 2 small furkids so a bit of extra floorspace would be nice. Good luck in your search, I am still tyre kicking for a few more months and won't be seriously looking until the end of this year unless an absolute bargain comes up.
Hi All...I'm looking at motorhomes and becoming (you know). I don't want a caravan and tow vehicle because of double rego, insurance etc. I would like to hear from people with motorhomes and their experiences, pitfalls etc. Am I making the right decision ?? I would like to freecamp most of the time so what setup would I need, solar power, water, etc. I am single and happy to do the lifestyle. Any thoughts ??
They are certainly able to point you in the right direction and are not affiliated with any Manufacturers or Dealers.
I have lived in my MH full time for the last eight out of ten years.
My MH is 8.2 Tons so requires a MR licence, I have an HC so not a problem.
Flat towed a Suzuki Grand Vitara for most of the time. Since I have a few tons of load capacity weights are not a problem.
Yes two regos but one is a concession and I'm insured through the CMCA. I've had one windscreen claim and one new Bumper in that time and all with a minimum of fuss.
Spend time in Family's driveways when visiting and probably 40% of my time in CP's or Showgrounds. The rest freecamping and rest stops when going say from Melbourne to Qld for family visits.
Having the Suzuki gives me the ability to visit the local attractions and go shopping, leaving the MH set up.
All I can say is whatever way you go small large or have a tow vehicle behind you. You soon get into routines that get quicker as you go along. Setting up used to take me an hour and down the track it's 15 mins normally. Since I have a lot of load capacity I don't have to worry too much about the stuff I keep onboard. Smaller vehicles you have to keep weight in mind and only keep essentials. Smaller vehicles can fit in normal carparks height restrictions apply of course.
I found like many on the road tooling along at 90kph is far better for fuel consumption than foot to the floor.
One of the major tools you should have is a radio to talk to the truckers, They are working and on timetables ,most of us are on " Holidays" Dashcams and a decent GPS all make life easier especially if you have a high or larger vehicle. A GPS where you can put in your vehicle dimensions can help.
Obviously with the internet and phone coverage Telstra is still the best option for coverage of the geography of Australia. Satphone if you are going to be off grid can be a lifesaver.
Gas and water are important things to look at. I'm looking at going over to an induction range so I can use the solar and the inverter and get rid of the gas altogether. Something to research further.
If you intend to freecamp a lot, water capacity can be important and keeping usage down takes a while to get used to. Self contained is another thing to look at.Lots of places these days require you to be self contained so something else to consider. Toilet waste and disposal is another topic to look at.Depends on your system in your MH. Cassette or black water tank and dump points.
Lots of smartphone apps out there to get to make life a little easier.
Wikicamps can be big help to find campsites and it has a few other useful tools. Lots of others people will recommend.
Sat TV is yet another option to look at.
Well that's a few things to look at and there are lots more people will give you advice about.
Remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
Providing you keep the length moderate, you can go anywhere and park anywhere (including city streets and shopping centres) and that is usually not possible with a caravan. We are 6m long and that is sufficient to include shower, toilet and N-S bed.
Taking everything with you when you go touring is actually a big plus. You always have the option to change your mind and stay somewhere else and the lunch, coffee making and cold drinks are always on hand, not back at camp miles away.
Tight tracks through the scrub to that special spot are much easier with a MH than with a car and caravan and there is always the option to tow a boat if you wish.
Go first class, go motorhome :)
Cheers,
Peter
thanks very much for that...hope I meet you out there oneday soon. take care.
Nowadays you can buy battery powered fold up bicycles if you dont plan on towing a 4x4.
Or combine the two and have no rego
-- Edited by Eaglemax on Tuesday 19th of February 2019 07:57:04 PM
Regards EJP