i have had both, motorhome is a lot easier than a van not as much setting up (& not having to get out in the rain), however, only having the motorhome i found it a bit hard (being disabled) with short trips (needed a small car to get around) but if 1 of us passes i think it well be trading the van for a motorhome

Hi Peacewalker. 
The choice of van...and even choice of layout...is all a matter of personal preference, largely based on your own lifestyle.

I have a Hi Ace Commuter bus and I love it. I really like the safety factor. If ever I should be unfortunate enough to feel unsafe for any reason, I can just drive away without getting out of the van. 
I also like that I have only one lot of rego and insurance.

I was recently caught in a bad traffic jam in the pouring rain. I pulled over to the side of the road, had a cup of coffee and a sandwich, then read my book for an hour until the traffic started moving again...all without getting out of the van and getting wet.

What suits me may not suit you...but whatever you decide...I wish you lots of safe and happy travels.

Hope to catch up with you on the road sometime.

Cheers.

 

  

I have a small poptop caravan - it is easy to hook up and set up really doesn't take that long (really the only difference is needing to put down the legs).  OK reversing into a site is not all that much fun but there is a saviour in the form of drive through sites!!

I can pull over for lunch or morning tea and everything is there or have a nap or anything else I want/need, just like a motorhome. 

However it means I can go sight seeing or shopping or a drive to the closest town without having to pack up my camp.

Just to add another option, am purchasing a ute on which I will be placing my slide on camper.
No towing, difficult parking, etc and I can jack up the slide on and drive off in the ute, then return load up and drive off.
Once the trip is over, the slide on goes into storage until I do another trip and I can continue to use my ute (which will be my everyday vehicle).
It will work for me anyway.
Best wsihes with your decision. It sounds as if you are like me and want to make it an informed decision.
Just remember to decide on what you feel will work best for you. Only you can determine that.
Don't be surprised if there is not any option that ticks all the boxes, by the way.
Whatever you decide, you need to be confident using your "rig" and be able to enjoy using it.
I look forward to hearing what you decide on.
Regards,
Lyn

I have not taken delivery yet but have inspected it twice.
I believe it would probably be too cramped for a full time home.
It would be fine for relatively temporary purposes.
One benefit of mine, which has an internal toilet and shower, is that it will make me self sufficient.
I may look into the possibility of obtaining an annexe of some sort.
Lyn

Peacewalker, your decision will depend on a couple of things you have to consider before making your decision.
Is it to be your full-time home in which you plan to travel and park? There's the matter of storage and comfort, bearing in mind you'll have to store all your wordly goods, if you don't have anywhere to store the stuff you won't need in the kid's shed or similar.
If it's a part-time, mobile accommodation a smaller vehicle would suffice. You only need to stow your day to day equipment, clothing and utensils.
Safety and your driving capabilities will also have a huge bearing on the vehicle you decide to purchase.
If you want to go off-road, free camp or caravan park will also determine the type of vehicle whether it's 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission.
Then there's the inclusion of pop-top or solid top. The bottom line is $'s.
All the best with your decision, and many kms of safe and happy travels.

Hi Peacemaker. You decision will obviously be dictated principally by your own preference and your budget. I wanted a motorhome because of the safety issues and hitching and unhitching issues - oh and because I'm crap at reversing too. I also wanted to be able to get out and about without the hassle of packing everything up. I solved the problem by buying a motor scooter and having a rack put on the back of the motorhome to carry it. It was a bit of a hassle to get it all organised but it was worth it - the whole system works beautifully for me. Incidentally I have a Jayco Conquest and I'm on the road full time.

Happy travels!

Whatever you decide, don't forget to take present and future health into account.  What you can do today, you may not be able to further down the track.

I have breathing problems which will only get worse, so that influenced my decision to go with a Camper-van, as well as the financial and safety considerations.

   No way would I be able to cope with hitching and un-hitching a Caravan.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Space, comfort, manageability within your means and capabilities.
You seem to have a good handle on it.
Some of us have health issues and get on with whatever we can within our determination and capabilities.
Good luck with the house sale and motorhome decision.

Just another thought, Peacewalker - I'm not a solo but we met a full-time solo lady today who has set up a small 5th wheeler van with a Navara 4WD. She's been on the road for three years, has no trouble at all hitching up (they're much easier than a caravan - I know, we live in one!), and they're much more stable to pull than a caravan, never get the wobbles when passing a road train.

She's not the first, either - we'd met another one a couple of years ago, too, with a 'fiver'.

Something else to think about...  ;)

Andrea

Hi Peacewalker,  I've bought a Toyota Matilda 4x4, 3lt Turbo (see Milo's link because it's the same as mine) I live in it full time and love it. I have a Coleman instant tent (I call it the Shed)twhich fits next to the awning so I can drive away and not have to pack up every time. I'm looking for a fold up push bike to ride around on and then I won'y need to pack up at all! 

Cheers, Cate

Thanks Lily, that price sounds very reasonable, bike shops were quoting much higher. 

I'm leaving Emerald today and heading towards Barcaldine where I'll camp a few days before Longreach.

Cheers, Cate

wendyv wrote:

---

 Some motorhome travellers solve the sightseeing issue by A frame towing a compact vehicle behind the motorhome. One of these wouldn't get you across the Simpson Desert or up the OTC Track, but would still get you a lot of places.

---

This is my sisters' outfit.  She's a Solo.

 Next Pic. is her leaving.  She has no trouble with the A -  Frame at all.

Cheers,

Sheba.

hi elle and everyone, thinking of going to poptop caravan and jeep, as making my base in mackays setting up a granny flat, in my sons paddock. So when
health declines I have somewhere to go. still trying to sell house, so can't do anything until this happens. just wanta get on the road and meet some nomads.