selling up to hit the road but in need of advice

ultraviolet · Newbie

selling up to hit the road but in need of advice

The Gnome · Senior Member

Welcome Violet,
You will receive nothing but excellent advice on this forum.I am not a solo or on the road full time,but I do love the lifestyle when travelling.I drive a Ford Ranger 3.0lt turbo diesel 4wd with canopy and boat on top,towing a 5.35m Golden Eagle caravan.I find this perfect for my & SWMBO purposes.

goinsoon · Guru

In a word (or two) "DO IT" you will never regret it yawn

Rolly · Guru

A consistent opinion given to newbies and singles traveling has been to start with the proverbial 'baby steps'.

Start off inexpensive and simple to gain some first hand experience of the lifestyle and a better idea of what kind of outfit would suit your newly discovered needs.
Nothing needs to be perfect at first attempt. It rarely is.
Get out there and 'suck it and see'.

I do not believe that anyone other than yourself can decide for you, but - and this is a very big but - you can/should most assuredly ask for help in achieving your goals.

Internet sites such as this one are replete with good natured and well informed people who are only to pleased to pass on the wisdom of their experiences.

Learning how to sort the wheat from the chaff is one of the skills that you will need to develop though, as there are a few whose egos will never permit them to admit that they are misinformed on any subject. confuse

In other words, just your usual run of folk wink

So take your time, spend your money wisely, and you are in for the time of your life biggrin

Happy Travels. smile

dave06 · Guru

cut the constant inuendos rolly and name these folk who are never wrong! we would be very interested in your comments! and would be very interested in a right of reply!

Cruising Granny · Guru

Hi Ultraviolet. After you sell your house and buy the unit, you may want to try a couple of short trips in a hire camper van or small motor home to "get the feel".
I tow a van with landcruiser, my full time home, but I already planned my lifestyle before I bought both. I don't have real estate and furniture anywhere. Where I park is where I live.
Travelling alone is a great experience. I don't have a dog or pet with me. I don't free camp and many parks don't allow dogs, national parks don't allow dogs, and it can be restrictive.
Once again it's all about choices and personal preferences. So if you are determined to follow this dream, you go girl! You'll love it. You have registered on a very down to earth, practical site. Most of us will help if we can. It's up to you to take what you want and leave the rest, as it applies to you. Take care and all the best. Cheers Chris

Bubs · Senior Member

Hi Violet!
I am a 55yr old woman, and did exactly what you are planning to do. (Not the unit though - couldn't afford that as well as the motorhome).
I have now been on the road for 12 months, in a winnebago freeway motorhome.
It's 18ft, perfect for one person, drives like a car, parks in shopping centre car parks,
and is economical. The only thing is that I can't go too far off road. (But I wouldn't on
my own anyway).
The worst bit for me is that I feel the aloneness of it sometimes. What I mean by that is that you arrive somewhere special, and have noone special by your side to share it
with. I don't have to be lonely, there are lots of new friends to make.
I stop and work, as I am not pensioned, or wealthy enough to travel without working,
so find I have to stop and my new found friends carry on. Not always a bad thing!
If you want to chat further just drop me a personal message.
Cheers,
Dianne

-- Edited by Bubs on Wednesday 6th of January 2010 12:35:48 PM

justcruisin01 · Guru

Hello Violet,
Sounds like you know what you want to do , its the how to?
If you have not travelled this way before ,I suggest you hire a medium sized m/home
for a couple weeks & try before you buy as a mistakes can be very expensive .

This will give you an indication as to whether this is the way you want go or not .
you may like bigger or smaller , or not at all .The car/van may suit better .
The hire cost may seem like money wasted ,but if it saves a mistake its well spent.

Only you can make the choice , we have opinous & often differ , thats why its each to his/her own .

I beleive its good to have a base as you have indicated ,but thats just my view.
I,m shure you will make the right choice ,dont rush in ,think about it & then go for it .

Cheers.

twobob · Guru

Hey Violet

What you have in mind is the way to go as far as I see. Buy a unit and a means of travel.

What type is very much up to you, and the ladies here should be able to advise you, as they already have started to do. One lady that should put in her "twobobs worth" is Monica. PM her if she does not.

She has had her van (Hiace) for just over 12 months, done 80,000 km, with 78,000 on one set of tyres!!!. Completed the big lap (in sections) and has a personal issues. Add to that, she has only ever stayed in about 3-4 caravan parks, free camping mostly with her dog, Max.

I tip my hat to the lady.

After all she is also my partner

-- Edited by twobob on Thursday 7th of January 2010 07:13:06 PM

ultraviolet · Newbie

Thank you all for your swift replies and Dianne you seem closest to what l am about to do, l am sure there will be no regrets and l had all intention of the try before l buy, l will be hiring a motor home after the sale of my house and with my best girlfriend in Melbourne we are planning to tour the great ocean road in the hired van and l am sure after that trip things will be much more clear to me as to which way to go regarding motor home or caravan, l also know dogs are not welcome in a lot of parks but l cant part with her and l would feel more secure and she is good company in my all alone times, l too am looking at the Winnebago motor home as it seems very comfortable but in the end what l end up with depends on my research and common sense l don't intend to buy something that looks good in the sales yard but is going to be a burden on the road, l have lived in Yamba and alsonville in nsw and have travelled up and down the coast for eight years and loved every minute of it the only difference now would be l take my home with me and stop and stay where l want as long as l want, l enjoy driving especially long distance and l am in my element when l am on the road so l cant see any problem with my plans, l enjoy my own company and also love the company of others, l have started to declutter my life but still not sure where to put my possessions that l don't want to part with but dont want to take with me either, self storage seems so expensive and l may be looking at years and l really dont want to burden my family with all my things, so yet another dilemma, but l was thinking that after 12 months if l am still happy to be out there then sell it all, still l cant explain the excitement l feel that finally l will be doing what l have wanted to do for so long....to finally be free
regards violet

seonau · Senior Member

Hi Violet.
I think we are members of a fantastic forum. The support here from everyone is fabulous. Friendship to be had too.

I am a wantabe so i cant offer much help to you but i am interested in the advice you receive because that part is revellent to my own situation.

My sister is a grey nomad living somewhere is Tassie right now. When she packed up she allocated her precious stuff to different family members giving the ultra important gear to those she trusted most. I feel proud to be the custodian of two draws of her gear and it is safe as. Others may see storing your gear in the same light as i do for my sister, its an honour for me to do so.

rosey · Senior Member

Hi Violet. You seem to be worried about the inconvenience of having to drive your "home" everywhere, even down to the nearest shop for milk etc. Have you thought of a bike? Either a little motor-scooter or a push-bike? Have seen lotsa people with one or even two of these attatched to the back of their motorhome.

Enjoy your travels. smile

joebee · Veteran Member

Violet, are you by chance Hungarian extraction, as I am this way, as your name means valuable in hungarian. Are there any Hungarian extractions by chance on here?.

-- Edited by joebee on Thursday 7th of January 2010 04:40:02 PM

ultraviolet · Newbie

Hi all thank you for all your help and yes this is a great forum and wonderful to get help from everyone and l will have many more questions, and for rosey l will be getting a push bike it was one of my intentions to do so even though l haven't ridden a bike in years last time was somewhere in Asia and l remember having a really sore butt for days but for convenience sake l will persevere and who knows l may even get to like it... bike ridding that is not the sore butt lol And for joebee you are right l am Hungarian, l was born here though in Melbourne but l do speak read and write the language, seems like you speak it too, and yes l am valuable lol, just another question to anyone out there travelling with a dog, what do you do with the dog when you go shopping or swimming or see a movie etc etc, are people you meet happy to look after it for a few hours for you or you just don't go to places where dogs can't go, some advice on this subject would be wonderful thanks.
regards to all
Violet

Monica · Member

Hi Violet,

I have a small dog, Max, who goes everywhere with me even when I am not travelling. I have no trouble with leaving him in the van, I open the top windows and leave the front windows down a little for air. I also leave his water bowl full. He roams around the back of the van at will. I also park it in the shade. Bob also has a small dog and when we did the trip around Australia we took both dogs with us, again we had no trouble except in Longreach when it was very hot so we left the motor running with the Air Conditioner going, locked the van and took the spare keys with us. Of course we were not gone for long but still the "kids" were safe and cool.

There are places you just cant go to as in National Parks, it is no loss, if the kids cant go we dont go. Having our dogs with us is more important.

pawsoz · Senior Member

Hi Violet (and Bubs and Monica and all the other 'sisters' doing it for themselves)
I am in a Hi Ace like Monica's, but mine does not look quite that clean and neat! I sold up in 2004 and hit the road but then caught up with an old pal here in Darwin and have been his p/t carer and working here since then.
But I have had a 7 month trip down WA coast and a couple of other trips away too.
My Hi Ace has solar reflective paint on the roof, 2 x sliding windows (and if I keep it I will put a third in too) and I have a uv stabilised wind up roof vent as well - all for the sake of my boys - Clancy and Connor (both Whippets).
I find having the boys along does negate some of that 'no one to share the wonderful scenery/food/wine etc etc with' feeling.
The van stays quite cool with all the air options and if I cannot find a slightly bigger/younger van before I head out in June/July I shall also geta set of sola screens for the 2 big windows as well.
I have often met people who are happy to babysit the boys in return for you babysitting their treasure, that worked well in WA where their were 3 vehicles with pets and we were all travelling at roughly the same speed/destinations although not in any sort of convoy-I would arrive some place and within a day or two the others would roll up! We shared the pooch sitting between us so got to have 2 days to go explore non doggy places.
I certainly would not even dream of going without the boys!
I too will have to work whilst on the road as I am 56 but I think working your way around gives you that great opportunity to do different things - for instance I work in Public Housing here in Darwin and have met so many interesting people and been invited to communities as well.
It is a great life, just as well I enjoy it as I do not think I could ever get back in the housing market now!
I am like you though, when I venture out again I am torn between my older camper, an updated one or a tow vehicle and a small caravan, it is a hard choice and I change my mind several times a week!
I do like the fact that with a campervan you can get away with parking up in Cities and other places that you could not with a tow vehicle and van.
Keep us all informed and stay in touch with the board!
What sort of dog is Mia?

Annie and her boys

lynn · Member

Hi Violet..my decision to (later) buy a motorhome rather than the rig is based on safety and finance and convenience ..for me......one rego payment, one set of tyres, one insurance.....also you can walk through the cabin..in most..when you arrive late at night somewhere, without going outside, especially if you are free camping...i know the problems of the parking, the size of it sometimes difficult etc but have traded off my needs...At the moment i too have a Hiace camper, with solar batteries and all the bells and whistles, but i want a larger one when i give up work...i have had many questions answered on this forum from people who have been there and have done...or are doing that !!!! Fantastic support and information...Another decision against the car and van for me was the hitching..i had a Prado and Jayco van and found it difficult to hitch with the stabilizer bars etc..so when i am..MUCH older...i don't want the problem of maybe not being able to do it..and don't want to keep changing vehicles...so when i finally go on the road it will be with a Winnie or another type of motorhome that will be my last....and i will LOVE IT!!! FREEDOM as you said..is what so many of us have craved for a long time, some able to do it dooner than others, each a different journey..Good Luck with your Violet....

ultraviolet · Newbie

Hi everyone out there, and still on the road to be on the road ha ha , l have told all of my friends and family of my plans and most are supportive but have some negative ones around me as well mainly because l am alone and a woman and l may end up meeting the Texas chain saw copy cat, and my thoughts are that if l worried of what could happen l would not set foot outside my house or step into a shower who knows l could slip on the soap, but there will always be those who would never do what l want to do and all they see is the negative side. l will have my dog Mia with me and she is a killer kelpie l have seen her kill so many flies lol, she is a pound poochie and l have had her for over a year now and she is the most affectionate dog l have ever had, she is also a tv addict, her favourite movies are snow dogs and eight below, no matter how many times l put the movie on she sits through the whole movie every time, l think because my daughter has 3 huskies and they are good friends. And to Lyn l too have decided on the motorhome after much pondering, the reason for my decision was mainly l just don't think l want to pull a van or hitch and unhitch the thing, l know l would like a car to run around in to the shop here and there but what sort of car would l need anyway to pull a caravan, it would have to be a huge four wheel drive and you are right extra tyres and insurance etc etc, and besides the motorhome just feels more like a home, small but cosy and for me to be happy on the road my home has to feel like home, is anyone out there who has a motor home and is not happy with their choice let me know why you are not happy. Its very comforting to know that if l have any questions or fears it will be answered so thank God for this forum you have all been so helpful thanks again
violet

Helen · Veteran Member

Hi Violet, I have been on the road for two and a half years. I find towing a breeze and prefer to stay in one spot for a while, set up "home" and have the vehicle for geting about. I have a few bits in storage, but otherwise all I possess is with me. It is a great life, don't be daunted by the thought of it, just do it!!
Good luck, Helen

milo · Senior Member

Hi , my dad (86) and I travel in our motor home , and its great (we still have our own houses), can be abit frustrating when travelling with a dog, as you know some parks do not allow for them, so you just have to find the ones that do, we have a 23 foot fiat/jayco motorhome with shower/toilet etc and very comfy in it, got some good trips planned,
but if you do get a motorhome you can tow a small car on either a car trailer or one of those car things that just lift the front up and is with the van, not sure what there called, but good luck and enjoy it...

milo

-- Edited by milo on Wednesday 3rd of February 2010 11:04:33 PM

Cully · Veteran Member

Electric Bikes can be good as well, they have some great ones now and even folding ones for caravan/car boots etc.

milo · Senior Member

we were going to get one of those or the little scooters on the back but from a certain size you need a motor bike licence, at least thats what i was told.. hmm

xina · Guru

Hi Violet,
Welcome from me too. I have a Toyota H-ace Pop-top at present. Up to now, I haven't felt confident enough to get a bigger unit, but I'm slowly warming to the idea, when I see how many other solo girls handle bigger vehicles with no problems. I've done 2 longish trips, and a few shorter ones.
Can't get enough of travelling though. Really close now to selling the house, so I can go full-time while I can.
You have to live your life for you. I've wasted too many years staying in one place to please other people. Not any more. You go girl.

Cheers,
xina.

Beams · Veteran Member

Hello Violet,

I have only done a few short trip and I am due to go on another soon. Cannot wait to get back on the road.

Some thoughts on town transport whilst travelling. Have you looked at either a step-through bike [like the postman's] or an electric bike or trike? So many different models. Good enough for a trip into town wherever you stop.

Did not give you a link because there are so many of them. Just put "electric transport + au" into Google and away you go.

Good luck and have fun.

Lotsa, Beams

VK3FEMT · Senior Member

Gidday Violet;

Its been a while since I was here last, been busy adding bits n pieces to my on-road set-up as well.

Since I (as are some others here) are in the same boat, eg: been in chosen vehicle full-time on the road, I think I can offer some ideas.

Granny shot a whole in my sails and stole my wind!!!
Go with what Gran said, definately hire and 'try before you buy' it may cost you a few bucks, although in the long run you will be thankful you spent that extra dough. You simply cannot get any rational idea of how comfortable (or horrible) a motorhome or van will be until you spend time in it. For christsake don't make the error of only taking it out for the weekend (the hire ones), go for a week, a weekend isn't long enough. You need time to get over the excitement and bells and whistles.

I have a Toyota Coaster, which I brought S/H, I am now finding it to be a little on the cramped side, and am seriously looking to upgrade to something bigger. Since I used to drive buses and trucks I don't have many issues with swinging a coach/bus through most streets, and hey your bigger then most of the others anyway, they are gonna be more scared of you :))

Layout of the interior is very very important, not only from an ergonomic point of view, but again a comfort factor. My Coaster has one of those combo bed/table things at the back, as luck has it I'm about 4 inches longer then the width of the interior, so I am trying to track down a cabinet maker or such that isn't going to charge the earth, I want the table thing tossed, as I never use it, and have the cupboard that is on the door side of the bus moved to the rear drivers side, and then have the bed down the left side, and with some sort of fold-up/down arrangement so I can get it out of the road when I need a bit extra room for whatever.

The point of this ramble is, that it has taken me a fair few months to work out that the current bed/sleeping arrangmement isn't going to suit long-term, and it will only serve to send me even more around the bend then I already am :) So it has to go!
And only by spending time in it can you assess these things.

In my opinion the interior layout of my coaster, while it looks nice, isnt at all very practical, so I need to make some changes before I set sail again, currently still in Geelong, and just need to get a few things done to the chariot before I can depart to other pastures.

Hope my blurb helps in some way.

Cheers;
Stew

Raineygirl · Veteran Member

Hi Ultra Violet - Good on you!!!! I have made the same decision as you - I will be heading off for Cairns (eventually) on April 25 - I am so excited about it - I know I will love it and I am sure you will too. The people on here seem nice and welcoming - I don;t feel alone. Good luck - cheers Rainey blankstare

denninelli · Veteran Member

Hi Ultra Violet, I'm new to this site too. I'm going to put in a word for towing a van. I went through all of those thoughts too, but so far have preferred to keep my home as its a small one. I can't go away for long now as I have a very ancient mother in a nursing home nearby and no-one else to chase her. My van is only 10 ft long which is not all that good if there are a couple of wet days. It's so easy to tow and back though. My family laugh that I back better with the van than without. A small van and a reversing camera make it easy to hitch up. But I now have an Oztent as well which holds the junk or whatever I feel like. Then with the bag awning and the tent I feel like I have plenty of space. Its easy to set up and store when at home.
I did have an electric folding bike, but it was awfully heavy to get in and out of the car.
I have always travelled with a dog. Right now I have two tiny dogs. Yes, there are some problems with having dogs, which have been well explained by the people who have already answered. But like someone said, I wouldn't be wandering around alone in the national parks anyway. Travelling in hot weather with the dogs is not so easy though. But we females can be pretty inventive at working things out.
A good old RACV camping guide tells you which parks take dogs and I've never really had troubles there as I am upfront about any dog I have.

deespath · Member

HI ultraviolet and everyone smile

I spontaneolsy decided in late Jan to pack up and travel oz for as long as I am guided to with the intention of becoming a better solo parent. I am dematerialising as much as I can and storing only personals and some furniture. I have bought a hicae high top lwb campervan and it has taken me several weeks to to get use to driving a manual diesel without air con after an automatic daewoo with ! lols ! I am really beginning to love driving it around, i love the layout and how easy it has become to drive. I am finding the size to be ok for the 3 of us ~ at the very least anything bigger in the future will be luxury so I am super happy to be happy with small and compact. I also have an oztent, a gazebo and I will put on a roll out awning as well. I have booked into a local less touristy camp ground for a month in April with the plan to be out of my rental home and doing a practice run before heading out to the red center from the Byron Bay region in May with my two girls 2 and 4yrs .... arrrrr ! what am I doing ? I also want to publish and write about the purpose of my journey and see how far my wishes can take me smile

I to have been faced with the grave fears and my grandparents are horrified that I am even considering taking 2 small chn traveling on my own ? hmmmm hard one when the fears do mess with you sometimes ! however, I also believe in guidance, trust and manifesting the best of every situation so I am practising complete surrender and trust and well am beginning to pack and sort through all of our clothes trying to figure out how many do I really need for 2 years ? so I guess the fears are not getting in my way !

Would love to connect with any traveler for company, tips and great stories and very happy to supply beautiful, magical very cute girls for anyone who may be missing any kids, I know we would love to meet nanas and grandads, aunts, uncles, buddies !

Look forward to this support forum as I know I know I will need it X lols ~ and my surname is Grey ! hmmm more confirmation on my decison !

-- Edited by deespath on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 10:24:23 PM

-- Edited by deespath on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 10:27:37 PM

-- Edited by deespath on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 10:28:40 PM

Cruising Granny · Guru

Wow, big challenge! Good for you - making the decision and acting on it.
There was a lady in this park a few months ago appearing to be doing what you will be doing.
It will be close quarters for you and the kids, but I guess you've addressed that in your plans.
I've been a single mum, and now a single granny for more than 25 years.
I haven't had an offer I couldn't refuse, and I keep finding out why the blokes are single.
I've even written a couple of stories about it. Yeah, I write - short stories in a genre of their own, Australiana Real Life.
I tow a van with my 4WD, starting in Broome and currently parked up in Cairns, via the southern states.
I'm planning to hitch up again in mid-May.
All the best to you and you passengers, and I hope it turns out to be the best thing you've done in your life. Cheers

bundyroy · Member

Hi Violet, congrats on your decision to travel around oz, you'll have a ball, my mum is 65 and she bought a winnebago freewind [btw we thought was very appropiate as we know all about her bowel movement lol] she travels alone with her 2 doggies and doesnt seem to have any problems with parking ect ect but she did upgrade from a winnebago freewind to a winnebago esperance which was bigger because she had problems with getting into the very high bed in the freewind and also had problems with the ford engine both winnebago's were purchased new so just make sure you check out all the different makes and models of motorhomes, if you're in melb there is a rv place in cambellfield on sydney road and good luck, feel free to pm if you have any questions, Mark...