Ideal vehicle for travelling the lap

jetj · Guru

Ideal vehicle for travelling the lap

Beth54 · Guru

I don't know that my rig is ideal, but this my story.

I have a Hyundai i30 which I bought new in '09.

Sometimes I wish I'd chosen differently, but money was an issue.

A year or so later I bought a very small hard floor camper trailer.

I was happy enough with that, but after last years trip, I decided I wanted more comfort.

So I bought my 1988 Viscount Nipper. It needed a bit of a reno, which is almost finished, and I set out on my first big trip with 'Lulu' in October.

I can't see me ever being a fulltime nomad, so for me, I think this will work out for the best. When at home I can scoot around town economically, and I have comfort while travelling.

jetj · Guru

Thanks Beth, I can see why you made that decision, I like the Nippers and the i30. I have trouble getting a van on and off and think I would be less inclined to use one than my Hiace or something similar. I do my back in lol.

I don't think the ideal vehicle exists yet. I think there is a market for something that is not available. Large campervan with 4 wh drive and not european containing a shower and toilet is what I keep hoping to see on the market. And then second hand and not to expensive. I think I'm dreaming but I keep looking.

The manufacturers seem to be redoing what is already available.

Beth54 · Guru

Yes, I have back problems too, so I'm hoping it'll work out.

I used it for the first time when several of us met up for a week near Gympie in May. There were a few gliches, but nothing that can't be ironed out.

I would probably prefer not to tow, but I didn't fancy having a campervan that I'd be driving around as my everyday vehicle as well.

Also, I wanted a brand new vehicle for the first time in my life, so I didn't have to worry about breaking down anymore. I know new vehicles can sometimes still have issues, but I've had none with my 'Lucy'.

jetj · Guru

I agree I like low klms 3 to 5 yr old vehicle that someone has loved only.

yeoeleven · Guru

jetj wrote:
Having read John's (yeoeleven) travels with a Hiace, I wonder what the ideal vehicle for a single to travel extensively is? Taking into account fuel consumption and having access to out of the way places, not heavy off road. Also the ease of fitting into camp spots.
Would love to hear what others think. Especially John with the travels you have just experienced.

Hi,
I had little choice when I bought the Hi Ace it was the first one that had what I wanted in it at a reasonable price. My funds were very limited so a 1979 model was in the price range.
I wanted a van that I could stand up in and do my cooking etc without getting out having seen some with the back lifted up doing their stuff. A pop top was a neccessity
I have never done any towing and did not even consider a caravan or camper trailer but 4WD would have been nice but if I waited until I could afford one I would still be waiting.
Surprisingly enough I have been many places that would have frightened me when starting out but the old bus kept on going and will park easily.
My vote would be for a Hi Ace within the 2005 on date and either high top or pop top but that was beyond my finances so I did what was available and enjoyed it immensely.
John

Beth54 · Guru

yeoeleven wrote:

I had little choice when I bought the Hi Ace it was the first one that had what I wanted in it at a reasonable price. My funds were very limited so a 1979 model was in the price range.
I wanted a van that I could stand up in and do my cooking etc without getting out having seen some with the back lifted up doing their stuff. A pop top was a neccessity
I have never done any towing and did not even consider a caravan or camper trailer but 4WD would have been nice but if I waited until I could afford one I would still be waiting.
Surprisingly enough I have been many places that would have frightened me when starting out but the old bus kept on going and will park easily.
My vote would be for a Hi Ace within the 2005 on date and either high top or pop top but that was beyond my finances so I did what was available and enjoyed it immensely.
John

John, I've never been able to afford a new car before either. It was only because of inheriting some money after Dad's passing that I could. That was the first thing on my list, a brand new car!

But I agree, the van's are great. I've heard of them going nearly everywhere a 4WD can go.

jetj · Guru

Thanks John and Beth,
I bought my van with the idea of fitting it out myself to save money on a campervan. To raise the roof is $5000 or $6000 and my fitout does the job but not well, hence my question. I wanted auto diesel and to find one fitting the criteria was rare and quite expensive.

Sheba · Guru

Hi jetj. Mine is a '96 Pop-top Diesel Auto. Didn't want a Hi-top, as you get more wind-drag, and therefore use more fuel. Don't know how much it would cost to convert yours to a Pop-top.

Like John, I would have loved a 4x4, but there weren't many available then, and I didn't want to wait. Had to get it before I ran out of money.

Cheers,

Sheba.

jetj · Guru

Thanks Sheba,
Sorry I did mean a pop top costs 5 to $6000, I agree a hitop creates wind resistance and won't fit into underground carparks. You did well to find a diesel auto.

bill12 · Guru

I have had most types from the old Kombi and Hiace vans to slide ons with a 4wd ute, to a caravan now, and can only say that it depends on your circumstances. If you want to live in your vehicle, get a large motorhome or a caravan with ensuite. Being an avid isherman , I need a tinny on the roof, or on a trailer , so have picked my vehicles to suit. Diesels are cheaper to run , and 4wds can go to more places. If I were to keep it simple, I would go for a hiace , diesel automatic. They are tough and reliable, and easy to fix.If I won the lotto, I would buy a 4wd extra cab ute with tinny on rack, and a medium sized off road caravan with ensuite. I like to go to the out of the way places as thats where the fish are. Bill

Popeye · Senior Member

Go to a Army Clearance Sale & buy a Mog. Then deck it out your self.

-- Edited by Popeye on Thursday 21st of June 2012 05:36:16 PM

scotia59 · Senior Member

we have done all our travelling in a 1974 Kombi, its been great for the two of us and our large dog.

We have decided though for the big trip to do up an old Viscount caravan as we plan working and staying long term (few months) in each place.

Never towed before but looking forward to it.

Keith19837 · Senior Member

jetj wrote:
I don't think the ideal vehicle exists yet. I think there is a market for something that is not available. Large campervan with 4 wh drive and not european containing a shower and toilet is what I keep hoping to see on the market. And then second hand and not to expensive. I think I'm dreaming but I keep looking.

The manufacturers seem to be redoing what is already available.

I don't know if this suits, but Winnebago (and similar) make a small motorhome on an Isuzu Elf chassis. It's almost the smallest production made motorhome around (except for the Fargo, no shower). The elf is under 6 metres, has shower, toilet, kitchen and come in a couple of layouts including a six berth, all seatbelts etc. They are available in diesel with auto and 4wd as well as 2WD. They are ex Japan and brought in by a couple of companies (big one in Qld) who do the conversions to Australian Standards. Not much needs doing as the Janpanese drive on the same side as us. They start in the $40k range upwards and have less than 100,000 due to milage restrictions in Japan. I'm running a larger Winnie on an Isuzu chassis and find the milage very good when kept under 85 k.p.h. Any 'high' vehicle is going to chew juice over about 80 to 90 k.p.h. My Rodeo is O.K. under 90 clicks but go over that and the consumption increases hugely due to the big mirrors, flat windsreen etc. Anyhow, if you google Isuzu elf motorhomes you'll get an idea. They're beautifully fitted out and when you consider the cost of a three or four year old Hiace plus conversions, the Elf is not hugely outside the ball park. For what it's worth.

bill12 · Guru

Its a cross between a cat and a huge army truck.All wheel drive, best ground clearance ever, and will go anywhere, all be it slowly.Would make a great camper. Bill

-- Edited by bill12 on Thursday 21st of June 2012 08:07:29 PM

jetj · Guru

Near as I can tell, it's a fairly heavy 4 wheel drive ex army vehicle. Please correct me if wrong.

Thanks Bill, as I suspected.

-- Edited by jetj on Thursday 21st of June 2012 08:09:00 PM

jetj · Guru

Thanks Keith,
I know of the Elf and I guess I discounted them because of import and the possibility in my mind that parts might be hard to get. I like Isuzu from a reliability point of view, and value for money is certainly there and the fitouts are great. I had a petrol Rodeo and very thirsty vehicle, I had to convert to gas.

Thanks, I really value all your opinions and experience.

jetj · Guru

Thanks but no thanks.

Beth54 · Guru

Popeye wrote:
Go to a Army Clearance Sale & buy a Mog. Then deck it out your self.

-- Edited by Popeye on Thursday 21st of June 2012 05:36:16 PM

Okay, I'll bite. What's a Mog? confuse

Beth54 · Guru

Hooly dooly! I'd need a bl**dy great ladder to get into it! wink

wendyv · Guru

The Coaster is a very versatile vehicle. They are used extensively in communities up north and seem to handle off-bitumen conditions pretty well. I have worked in some places up there and seen what they can do, so have much respect for their capabilities. Because they are so common, getting mechanical work done is easier than with some imported makes. I believe that automatic diesel Coasters can be imported from Japan, and there are even 4WD ones.
Having already travelled much of the country with offroad caravan, a Coaster conversion would be my choice for a motorhome, if was to get one.

Loki · Senior Member

I am solo touring in a HiAce poptop, currently in Kakadu after travels in QLD & the Territory, roughly 20,000km so far, I live in TAS with family in Brisbane. The van is very versatile for getting about the city and has all I need for traveling. The compromise is in limited space. If I could, I'd carry a table & chairs, BBQ, good external canopy and a few other 'luxuries' (It's a matter of priorities-I filled my van with other things).

I have managed fine so far, my view is that 'camping' is roughing it a bit, the vn is an economical and convenient way to get around and I can't say it has limited me in terms of where I can get & see EXCEPT for areas requiring 4WD.

I considered a small caravan, favouring a small poptop with beds folding out the front & back as my 6cyl car could easily pull it: I see this being marginally better for my purposes. It is a bother having to stow everything to go out for a days sightseeeing and I am thinking of perhaps getting a medium size tent to set up where I am going to stay in one spot for a while but go off on day trips.

Good luck deciding, it is a challenge!

Happywanderer · The Master

Like you Loki I have a HiAce Poptop. I found it very interesting in regards to your storage space having the same problem. I do find the cupboards for food is very limited because of the wheel arch being in the back of the cupboard. In regards to table and chairs I do carry a fold up table which fits in a bag like the fold up chairs. It all slides in under the bed from the outside which is handy. There really is no space for a lot of large items and still working out the best place to put my new portable solar panels while travelling so they will be safe.
Interesting to see others views on this storage problem.
Oh, the other thing is having to make my bed up every night, It can be quite tiresome but I can't see any other way as leaving it made all the time gives me limited space.

Colls · Senior Member

Considering I've only been from Perth to Albany and some smaller towns in SW this may sound strange but here goes. My apologies uprfront for the longwinded story. My ex and I planned to do the whole travel thing years ago. Kids were still in primary school (now they're 27 & 29)...We didnt do it. I decided to go solo, and being stubborn set about to find a "rig" I went with a friend when he bought a small caravan. I was very excited and wanted to go too. All I had was a well kept but old corolla sedan.I needed something bigger so bought a Mitsubishi starwagon with the intention of fitting it out myself.....I became very disgruntled, for some reason soooo I bought a small poptop caravan which was definately all I needed. It was suggested to me that all I would need to tow this was a 6 cyl car. Soooo being partial to Toyotas I bought a Camry, thus leaving me with 1 corolla, 1 starwagon,1 camry and 1 caravan. Did I mention I was solo!!!! it was about then that I realised I could only drive one and tow one. Never having towed anything before a friend suggested I go to Albany till I knew what I was doing and learn the art of towing a CV. That was 2years ago. I towed the caravan with the starwagon,sold the camry and a hge loss, sold the corolla to my ex. I didnt like to whole towing thing so guess what! I sold the caravan. Now I have made a final decision to fit out my Starwagon and go tag along with a friend to Brisbane.
I have yet to buy a mobile home so I dont know what will happen next but I know that it doesnt matter anymore .....I'm just doing it. Roll on Sept.
A DECISION IS JUST THAT....IT CAN BE CHANGED

jetj · Guru

Thank you, I love hearing your stories and experiences.

I have always enjoyed my Hiace when using it, so I'm refitting it out myself again. I'm not sure the professional fitouts will allow for more room for stuff than what I have. I only need one single bed, prefer to cook outside with a gas can stove.

My big problem is that I usually end up with too much stuff to make the stuff I need easily accessible. The dog and bird also take up space as well. I may consider having the roof converted to a pop-top to hopefully cool the van in warm weather. Do they leak when it rains?

Happywanderer · The Master

No Janette, they do not leak. I have had mine up in rain many times. The only time I have taken it down at night is when got too windy. How do you manage with a dog and a bird? Wouldn't leave much room for yourself?

Clyde Camel · Veteran Member

I have a Kedron ATV and a V8 Deisel Troopy and the whole thing loaded weighs in at 6 tonnes. That drinks up quite a bit of fuel, but allows me to go almost anywhere and if the van can't go then the Troopy is long enough to sleep in the back.

But after 60,000 km in 18 months, I reckon if I was starting again I would get the same tow vehicle but in a ute. I would then put one of those camper van backs on it which I can unload easily using powered legs. This means I can have a home base and still travel in the vehicle. I would optinoally then be able to tow a trailer in which I could put my motorcycle which is currently in storage as there was nowhere to put it with my present rig.

In reality, you can do "the lap" in almost anything as most of the way is tar. It is the side trips that really need the 4WD offroad capability. If you know which ones you want to do, it would almost be economical to rent when you got to those locations.

Anyhow, those are my observations.

-- Edited by Clyde Camel on Monday 25th of June 2012 09:41:26 PM

-- Edited by Webmaster on Tuesday 26th of June 2012 10:10:10 AM

jetj · Guru

Happywanderer wrote:
No Janette, they do not leak. I have had mine up in rain many times. The only time I have taken it down at night is when got too windy. How do you manage with a dog and a bird? Wouldn't leave much room for yourself?

Thank for your reply, I was also wondering about the wind.

It isn't easy, I assure you with the animals, last time took a folding bike as well. The dog is a chihuahua so not too bad but the bird takes lots of room for her cage. I have to avoid the heat and cannot leave the van in warm weather because of them. You can take a dog places but not a bird.

I went fishing last trip with the dog and birdcage on the wharf, people were looking at me quite strangely.

Happywanderer · The Master

Good on you Janette, you can't leave your babies behind.
I'm still looking into getting myself a little dog as soon as the right one comes along. Not a bird though, one dog will be enough.

milo · Guru

I like Beth's little van idea but I think for me Id like the campervan. Idea as I don't like towing.
I like the coasters too like Mazda one I saw recently, the motor homes are great and so is dads,
but would be too big for just me... Just dreaming as usual