Do I or don't I?

ChiChi1 · Guru

Do I or don't I?

ZedJay · Veteran Member

Hi Almurta

Ballina campers are a good mob and friendly

Beth54 · Guru

Almurta, When I had the chance to buy a new vehicle I decided to go brand new, as I'd always had dodgy old cars. At that stage road trips were an idea in the back of my head. I wasn't sure that I could do it. I've been very happy with my choice of car, as I'm not a full time nomad, and wanted a vehicle that I could still drive around town. So I got the little lightweight camper..see avatar...which has served me well. But after my most recent trip, I decided I wanted more comfort, but I had to be careful not to get anything too heavy. So I now have a Viscount Nipper. I haven't been anywhere in her yet..still getting things done...but she's still light enough to be able to tow with my i30.

I think I have the best of both worlds...I can zip around town, but I can also take off when I like. The only drawback is the i30 is a bit low to the ground, so I have to be conscious of that on dirt roads.

I bought the camper off ebay and the Nipper off Gumtree...both privately as it's always cheaper. Just make sure if you go 2nd hand, to get someone reliable to check it out completely before you buy.

wendyv · Guru

There are definite registration advantages in Victoria. There is no annual inspection needed. Rego fees for vehicles are comparable or less than other states. Caravan rego fees are definitely very much cheaper than in other states.

Vic · Guru

Hi Almurta,

Zedjay mentioned Balina campers, they are part of the Frontline conversion chain which are also in several states including Melbourne, have a look at their website here; http://www.frontlinecamper.com.au/

I think Chi Chi also made a good choice with hers which is manual only, however some older models of Ford Transit were auto and I believe they have had a lot of trouble with the auto's and that is why they stopped making them. KEA only have the manual Ford Transits, but auto VW's.

Some points to consider;

Are you going to use your campervan as your main and only source of vehicle when not travelling? If so, I would go for a smaller campervan such as High Ace, VW or maybe Ford Transit, but nothing bigger. Easier to park and more fuel efficient. If you are going to have another vehicle at home to run around with then not a problem, go bigger.

If thinking a tow vehicle and a caravan or camper trailer, bear this in mind.

Both your tow vehicle and caravan or camper trailer will be similar in cost for insurance, so you will have two insurances. You will also have two registrations, one for the tow vehicle and one for the caravan/camper trailer. Also two lots of maintenance/servicing.

If you only have a campervan and no other vehicle, then you will only have one lot of insurance, one lot of registration and only one RV to maintain/service.

All types of RV have their advantages, with a caravan or camper trailer, you can leave that at a caravan park set up while you tour around (or shop) the place in your tug (tow vehicle). If going for a camper trailer, I would go for the A'Van camper trailer like a couple of our GN's on here have, easy to set up for a cuppa/snooze etc and no canvas or time consuming setting up etc, unless you want to put up the awning or annex.

Have a good look around before you make a decision, and hire one if need be to see what suits you best.

Good luck with whatever you get smile

Beth54 · Guru

The Motorhome Conversion company near me said they won't touch conversions on transit vans. He said they run a mile when one comes in. I don't know the reason.

JPIOT...just putting it out there!

Vic · Guru

Hi Beth,

I thought you had bought a small pop top caravan, or am I confusing you with someone else?

Beth54 · Guru

Vic wrote:
Hi Beth,

I thought you had bought a small pop top caravan, or am I confusing you with someone else?

No, you're right Vic. I just don't have a photo of it with the car hooked up yet. This is what the new one looks like.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

That's a groovy looking van Beth - I looked at them as well. Beautifully fitted out and very elegant

Vic · Guru

Beth54 wrote:
Vic wrote:
Hi Beth,

I thought you had bought a small pop top caravan, or am I confusing you with someone else?
No, you're right Vic. I just don't have a photo of it with the car hooked up yet. This is what the new one looks like.

Thanks Beth.......so i'm not going bonkers after all......how could I, I am already there! biggrin

Ma · Guru

Join the family Vic.........think we are all a little bit "touched". It's good isn't it

Almurta · Veteran Member

Being a bit 'touched' it took me ages to realise these replies had gone onto a second page!

I'm likely all these suggestions - you are helping me get ideas clear in my mind. In some ways I wish I could just go today. I'll check out Ballina Campers first and go from there. Thanks for all your replies.

Elle on Wheels · Guru

Hey Sue - I sent you a PM it will be in your inbox

Vic · Guru

Ma wrote:
Join the family Vic.........think we are all a little bit "touched". It's good isn't it

Dare I say it, I think it goes with our age group Ma... wink biggrin biggrin biggrin

Beth54 · Guru

Vic wrote:
Ma wrote:
Join the family Vic.........think we are all a little bit "touched". It's good isn't it
Dare I say it, I think it goes with our age group Ma...

I'm not admitting to being 'touched'! wink biggrin

Ma · Guru

Age group or not guys, it's still nice to be touched....... blankstare

Beth54 · Guru

Ma wrote:
Age group or not guys, it's still nice to be touched.......

It's been a looong time Ma! wink biggrin

Happywanderer · The Master

biggrin smile

Ma · Guru

confuse I got touched the other day, paid top dollar for an item and found it way cheaper down the road............ Now you lot, what on earth did you think I meant......

Vic · Guru

Take no notice Ma, it is just their "evil" minds, but I will volunteer to be the touchee if any of you ladies feel up to it, he he....

I don't know about touched, but I think I lost the plot a long, long time ago, lol.

Beth54 · Guru

Ma wrote:
I got touched the other day, paid top dollar for an item and found it way cheaper down the road............ Now you lot, what on earth did you think I meant......

We thought exactly what you meant us to think Ma!

Ma · Guru

OF COURSE YOU DID................... wink

beiffe · Guru

If you buy a vehicle in ANY state and then pass through SA in the first 12 months you go to the motor vehicle registry with your rego details a receipt from a caravan park or similar your drivers licence nd some money and HEY presto you have SA rego.

Re register via internet, no road worthy checks unless your vehicle is pulled over and found un road worthy and not much chance of that.

I ha a QLD bus and they did it all in about 10 minutes including rego and license checks. Even gave me a new drivers license as the QLD one you could not read. They transfer the time left on your old one and if you take another 5 years they dont charge you a transfer fee.

On travel times seeing you know Victoria it took me 3 months to travel from Albury/Wodonga to Port Pirie SA.

I always have a three day stop EVERY week and the new week starts when I leave that spot so if the next stop warrants a good look then I stop again. Be aware sometimes that 3 days can expand to 10 LOL

It will take a while to settle down and we all travel different and prefer different things so do it YOUR way.

You will never be on your own, as once you settle you will be glad for the times you are on your own and then the next stop you may enjoy company. The main difference with bush camps is every one has the same dreams etc just we all use different means to achieve those dreams.

Go Get em girl

Brian fellow solo.