I never thought I'd see the day that I'd consider myself a Grey Nomad, but here I am, time goes by so fast, and life is so short, isn't it?
I'm 53 and based in Cairns, with my two boxer dogs/fur babies, Hugo & Paisley. I decided to buy another van in July 2020, and I do a lot of weekends away to the surrounding areas, mainly Hull Heads and Brampton Beach. If any other nomads want to convoy with me, I'd totally love that.
I also did an awesome 2 week trip over Christmas, starting at Cairns, then through to Mt Surprise, George Town, Karumba, then south to Burke and Wills, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Longreach. Then north back to Cairns via the inland route, Emerald, Clermont, Charters Towers. I was going to continue through to The Lyndd and Ravenshoe, but flooding during that period made me return through Townsville.
Here's my rig, it's not much, but I own every nut and bolt, and I'm hoping to upgrade to a turbo diesel Triton or Navara later in the year.
I also upgraded the van to the new melenium, (led touch lights, water pump, battery bank, new vinyl plank floor covering, solar panels, 12v ceiling fans, sat TV, etc. It is totally setup for off grid), so if anyone needs any advice on how to do this stuff, I'm more than happy to help. I'm really gifted with most things related to 12v, so if you're having issues, let me know.
Anyway, I'm excited to be a part of your forum, and look forward to getting to know you all. Regards, David.
-- Edited by DavidC on Friday 5th of March 2021 01:21:57 AM
I did my first lap with a similar (but older) rig like yours
I just carried a porta potty, and pop up shower tent, and stayed in free/donation camps
I have the rig in my Avatar, as the wife wanted a vehicle the cat could walk from the back to the cab, when we were driving
DavidC said
03:16 PM Mar 4, 2021
Hey Tony, funny you should say that, I do the same thing, I have a Thetford porta pottie, and a 12v shower system, that I bought at BCF with an Anderson plug, instead of the cigarette socket. I put about 8 liters of water in one of those large made in China laundry buckets, put the pump in the water, then stand in there. You can have a 20 minute shower as the water flows down your body back into the bucket.
Tony Bev said
04:06 PM Mar 4, 2021
I was not as sophisticated as you David, if I was going to be on a campsite all day, I would use a solar bag to heat some water, then put it on a pole (attached to the caravan) and use gravity
Alternatively I would heat a kettle of water, add some cold water to a 9 litre bucket, and use a 12 volt shower pump.
I could then see how much water was left
Eventually I found that if I wet myself down, turned off the water, used shower gel and a flannel, to wash myself, and then used the water to rinse myself, I used about 5 litres of water
Dougwe said
04:21 PM Mar 4, 2021
Welcome to the gang David, Enjoy here and out in the playground.
I think most of us start the way you have. I started part time with a Avan camper Trailer then after 3 years got what is in my signature below and have been living full time for 6 years, now in my 7th. I have met some great people in my travels and seen great places, so I'm sure you will do the same.
Hey everyone,
I never thought I'd see the day that I'd consider myself a Grey Nomad, but here I am, time goes by so fast, and life is so short, isn't it?
I'm 53 and based in Cairns, with my two boxer dogs/fur babies, Hugo & Paisley. I decided to buy another van in July 2020, and I do a lot of weekends away to the surrounding areas, mainly Hull Heads and Brampton Beach. If any other nomads want to convoy with me, I'd totally love that.
I also did an awesome 2 week trip over Christmas, starting at Cairns, then through to Mt Surprise, George Town, Karumba, then south to Burke and Wills, Cloncurry, McKinlay, Longreach. Then north back to Cairns via the inland route, Emerald, Clermont, Charters Towers. I was going to continue through to The Lyndd and Ravenshoe, but flooding during that period made me return through Townsville.
Here's my rig, it's not much, but I own every nut and bolt, and I'm hoping to upgrade to a turbo diesel Triton or Navara later in the year.
I also upgraded the van to the new melenium, (led touch lights, water pump, battery bank, new vinyl plank floor covering, solar panels, 12v ceiling fans, sat TV, etc. It is totally setup for off grid), so if anyone needs any advice on how to do this stuff, I'm more than happy to help. I'm really gifted with most things related to 12v, so if you're having issues, let me know.
Anyway, I'm excited to be a part of your forum, and look forward to getting to know you all. Regards, David.
-- Edited by DavidC on Friday 5th of March 2021 01:21:57 AM
I did my first lap with a similar (but older) rig like yours
I just carried a porta potty, and pop up shower tent, and stayed in free/donation camps
I have the rig in my Avatar, as the wife wanted a vehicle the cat could walk from the back to the cab, when we were driving
Alternatively I would heat a kettle of water, add some cold water to a 9 litre bucket, and use a 12 volt shower pump.
I could then see how much water was left
Eventually I found that if I wet myself down, turned off the water, used shower gel and a flannel, to wash myself, and then used the water to rinse myself, I used about 5 litres of water
I think most of us start the way you have. I started part time with a Avan camper Trailer then after 3 years got what is in my signature below and have been living full time for 6 years, now in my 7th. I have met some great people in my travels and seen great places, so I'm sure you will do the same.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.