Looking to start a new life early next year as a permanent traveller. Mainly free camping as it looks like I'll be on a restricted budget for a while.
Researching campervan or pop up van. Problem is I've never towed anything before. My biggest dread is losing my 20-30 minute hot showers. Not sure if I can cope with being "unclean".
This seems to be a good group to run things past.
Terry
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Towing a Chief Arrow with a Colorado LTZ (All by Myself)
Hi if you want to bush camp and you get near a river then just boil the billy and you can shower outside with the birds for as long as the water last. I have a bucket and I sometimes boil that over the wood fire and then have the extended shower, but you will find that you will worry less about showers when you are too busy enjoying the scenery around you.
One thing to remember is that we all are relaxed on the road and no one will judge you as you should not judge others. I worked in offices etc where I had to shower and shave every day and wear the stiff shirts etc and now I wear shorts and Tshirts have a beard etc and shower when I need it "PHEW whats that smell" naw every couple days in winter and most days in summer. A good wash down with a flannel works wonders in the summer as well when you are conserving water and if you are a swimmer then dunk in the river but don't go catching MY fish OK.
Just remember when you hit the road there is no room for worries or moods or negative thinking and no point worrying. Enjoy every thing that you can and don't worry about what you have not got, just what will I see or do tomorrow.
Regards Brian
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11 Mtr house Boat based at Mannum hoping to travel up the Murray as far as I can get then drift back again
after lots of good advice from here and doing my own research I decided on a pop top. There's also another debate about poptop vs full van but that's probably only relevant if you have the funds to buy a fairly new van.
I had towed a great little camper trailer 10 yrs or so ago and loved it. Brought it across the Nullabor and it was really great. No fuel consumption and lots of room for me and the dogs.
But now I will be on the road full time and need more space and less hassles as I am 10 yrs off a pension and will have to rob petrol stations to buy dog food. So I can't afford to have to replace canvas or have too many things go wrong. And I don't think a camper trailer is ideal for full time living although others will think differently and be very happy with their campers.
I was really worried about towing a caravan as I could not even reverse my camper trailer but could manipulate it by hand because it was so light.
Anyway I took the plunge and bought a grand old lady Viscount and have just recently taken her on a caravan training weekend followed by a week of living in her and it was great.
The course involved a lot of theory plus lots of reversing practice and an over night stay in a caravan park travelling about 100km in convoy.
I am now fully confident about reversing and towing but am fully aware of being very green.
I've sorted out the shower issues with a pop up tent and a 40lt solar bag plus another nifty thing that works off the battery. But in any case long showers are not ideal in this era of diminishing resources.
I hit the road in March/April but have the great opportunity of going for short trips with another nomad who will be staying at my place for a while.
Anyway people here are very helpful and have lots of wisdom so good luck and you've come to the right place.
Its amazing how many days you can go without a shower. There are bird baths, body washes, standing in a bucket in your shower tent or even baby wipes. The solar shower units, battery ones are a bit up market if you want to go that way, which I will soon. Or you stop at toilet shower blocks along the way for a shower as you travel.
Welcome to the forum Terry, all good advice given in the posts. Also most roadhouses have showers and will allow you to have one for a small fee, usually a few dollars unless you are a truckie who get them free.
I usually combine my free camps with stops in town for shower, stock up on food and fuel, and then drive onto the next free camp, works well for me.
In a pinch, some hot water heated in a kettle or saucepan on a gas or spirit stove, put in a container (ice cream containers are good or small dish) and use a face cloth for an all over wash. Starting at the head and working down of course. If it is after dark and you are not near someone else and hidden from view you can usually stand outside your van/campervan and have it if you wish otherwise stand on a towel inside.
Baby wipes are also good for a body wash as well. The scented ones make you smell like a baby that's just had it's nappy changed, but who cares, at least you smell nice, lol !
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
If you buy fuel and food at the roadhouse they'll usually let you use the showers for free. I use them all the time as I'm in the transport industry but not a truckie. Baby wipes work well for the day between showers. You'll find personal hygiene is relevant but not the priority when you get out there. Just like the hairdryer and makeup. I do still wonder at the "girls" who spend ages in front of the mirror grooming and preening with the hair dryer and the makeup every morning, not just or special occasions. These days for me it's moisturiser on the cool days, and nothing when it's hot. A lesson learned in the Kimberley heat. Anyway, welcome to the Grey Nomads. I hope you enjoy your stay.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
. Not sure if I can cope with being "unclean".
