Firstly, enjoy preparing your vehicle and planning your trip.

Second, get the facts on the range of options for what you are considering.  I thought I understood 12VDC until I started checking solar - it's taking me longer than I thought to decide the exact specifications and as it is expensive, I want to be sure to get it right the first ime.  I am about to set off on my first solo wander and will use the next few months getting a feel for what I need.

Third, include Tasmania in your travels! 

That's my advice for now, for what it is worth.  Hve fun!

 

Thanks Loki....There is already solar on my van as well as an inverter but you are right I will have to know all about them before I venture out as for planning the voyage I was for a number of years in the 70's a tour coach cptn and never got to see many places only took others there so now its my turn

Be safe out there

Michael

Hello cruising granny...It is a MWB. mercedes sprinter camper van.. high top ..used but in good condition shower and toilet and a large fridge duel wheeled rear 314 CDI .

As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA but with so many things to see ..thats the basic plan must be back in Melb. for my great grand child's birth in Nov. 

Then its to continue following the sunshine and the dream of adventure

Cheers   .Nu one

nu one wrote:

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  Hello every body.... Im just starting out on this new and exciting venture, I'v decided on a used sprinter  and that will probably by ready by late August 2011.

there are a ton of questions but right now any general advice would be great, please donate any frigments you can spare

Thanks in advance ....Michael

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 Just enjoy every minute of the experence......Today will never pass by U again....Billeeeeee

Hi there - welcome to the Forum

Billee - you joker, you!! - you can get small safes quite cheaply from Bunnings, or locksmiths will have what could be better quality ones, some of them are "hideaway", and I suppose it depends how big you want it - if it is only to keep important papers, a small one would probably do the job.

And Nu - as to clothes - take the bare minimum - not like my husband who had 52 pairs of sox in the van!! ?? I carry two bath towels, and a beach towel, one good outfit - i.e. pants, dress. A warm jacket, and lots of shorts and t shirts - underwear - 6 -7 pairs nickers, 3 - 4 pairs sox, etc., Pair of jeans and track suit pants - walking boots, blunnys, sneakers, rubber thongs (for showers), croc type slip ons, and sandals.

Crockery and utensils - is there only you? Two plates, two cups etc - sharp knife, basic essentials really.
A really comfortable outside chair, and a fold up table for outside (my husband made a stand so we could also take our van table out, and use it as a second table, i.e, for cooking on, or food prep etc.

Somewhere I read of a person who packed everything they thought they would need for a three month trip, as they used something they put a white mark on it, when they got back, anything that wasn't marked was taken out of the van. Pretty good idea I reckon.

Anyway - my thoughts, for what they are worth.

Hi Nu one, I noticed you're from melb and your 1st trip is going to be to wa. Maybe I've missed a post but for my 1st trip I'd be spending some weekend in the local caravan park just to get used to it all. Oh and welcome to the forum.

 

nu one wrote:

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As for my first trip I will be going to stand with the dolfin's in WA

 

Thank you all for your input and interest ,I am more convinced that this is the life that keeps one young.
Will do regular up dates.

I set off about 6 weeks okay taveled from vic to Nt in a hiace toyota auto diesel, so far no dramas plan on going over kununurra- broome and down the west coast across the nullabor and back to vic. Only thing has been the cost of fuel in isolated areas nearly $2.00 litre. Have called in and caught up with lots of old friends. Traveling as a solo female has presented no problems. Lots of friendly people to chat to. Ive enjoyed the driving and the magic scenery in the outback. i dont drive at night or too early in the morning, no bullbar so im playing it safe.

It would be nice to meet more solos though, have only met a few so far.
happy traveling everyone.
may

The Pod, If you don't want to buy a generator, what about an inhouse battery with an inverter attached. Thats what I have or will have when I replace the inhouse basttery with one that works. I couldn't manage a generator, would never be able to lift it in and out of the van.
Also you could make sure you have cig lighter attachments for most of those luxuries and charge them while travelling. Expecially phone and ipad.

Hello and welcome to the Pod.
There are easier options than a generator. As Happy Wanderer has so very expertly explained, using cigarette lighter attachments to charge appliances, a deep cycle battery on board, charged as you drive.
Even solar would be easier if you want to go that way.
There are so many accessories available for vehicles these days. Check out the auto shops, Jaycar, Dick Smith, and any others in your area. Ask questions, get advice and keep an open mind.
It's a great life. Take your time. Safe and happy travels.

G'day and welcome to....

Nu One...May...and The Pod.

Sorry I'm a bit late....but I've been away for a week.

Cheers. Pam.

Nu one,
I find that an electric frypan is of great value. I use mine heaps - have an outside power point on van - to avoid cooking inside. You can do many different sorts of cooking with the frypan, apart from the obvious frying. Does good roasts and "toasted" sandwiches. I have cooked corned beef in boiling water in it.