I am relatively new to Grey Nomads. I have recently retired and am divorced. So I am on my own. I am just over 60 years of age. I have been looking at motorhomes recently trying to get an idea of what is available. I have also been researching on wiki travel getting an idea what is out there. Prior to my sudden urge to "check out" motorhome travelling/living, I was investigating over 55's secure living in Hervey Bay and the Hunter NSW. Has anyone had any experience in one or both? I must admit motorhome travel sounds to me like an adventure. But what is the living like? I realise that over 55 living is probably the comfortable way, given one finds the right area to live. I guess with motorhome travel my main concern is the heat that can be generated within a motorhome. We all know that cars tend to get very hot sitting in the sun. I guess motorhomes are the same unless you are parked in a shady area or connected by power in a paying caravan park. I must admit I do like the sound of travelling with my home attached. However am not sure whether it is the most comfortable way to do it. Can anyone enlighten me or convince me that motorhome is the way to go. Thanking you in advance. Brenden
Welcome to the site I looked at and reread your post thinking this is a difficult post to answer without knowing a little more about you (Nothing personal though).
Before you venture out into Australia's great backyard and become nomad, are you a city slicker or country hick (no malice intended). Its more about what you like to do, if you love the outdoors and are adventurous then a the wide open spaces is for you, but you like a secure structured no problems lifestyle then the other option is the go.
But if you a bit like me you have a few good friends (my best friend is my wife) who are not part of your day to day life and you prefer your independence, the open road is very appealing, I retire in about 3.5 months and road is calling me, however I am at home living in suburbia but I fear if I stayed in the box in the suburb I would be grossly inactive and likely croak it in a few years.
Its best to ask yourself what you will be comfortable doing.
Brendan. Can you think of anything more boring than waking up in the same place, every day, for the rest of your life? Can you think of anything more boring than being surrounded by other retired people, all banging on about how smart their grandchildren are or how hot the weather has been? Would you like endless conversations about the council rates and cost of electricity? How about this. Wake up and see a new horizon every day or every so often, just depending how you feel. Meeting new people with different ideas, different values but all young at heart. Looking at nature, having a cold beer with a few new friends followed by cooking out in the open. I think the best thing of all though is knowing that you are part of a large group that will freely offer help whenever required.
Now that rant is over, what type of motor home do you think you would buy? Don't forget to look at caravans, they are great too!
wow. hello Phantomrider and welcome to the playground. I can only tell you what we did. We recently sold everything and purchased a Colorado and a caravan and now live on the road full time. Best decision we ever made. When in our home we went weeks without seeing a neighbour but heard their dog barking endlessly. At least now if we don't like where we are we hitch up and head off and there is always someone new and interesting to talk to. We free camp, showground and caravan park camp so have tried them all and love it, love it, love it. There are quite a few people on here doing the same so you are not alone. Maybe sometime in the future we will need to go to a permanent place to live but for now 'LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IT BEFORE DEMENTURE'. ENJOY. Rocket n Strop
oh. the heat is not a problem. We have an air conditioner and if we are free camping we use our generator Yamaha 2400is which is not very loud and if we are in showgrounds or caravan park we use electricity and that is included in the cost of the site. win win.
-- Edited by the rocket on Friday 30th of January 2015 05:49:43 PM
Well Brenden on average you probably have 25 active years left unless you suffer Arthritis as I do.
Any irreversible decision you make now you're stuck with for a long time so think things through, weigh up all the options, that sort of thing.
Judie and I have held off retirement so we can build a larger nest egg so to speak to dodge the problem you face. We plan to buy a retirement home
in an over 55's AND have resources enough to get the MH or whatever and do a few laps. Or even live full time out there, rent the home base and when
we get really buggered then move into the house.
Some of my earliest memories and certainly the ones I can picture the most vividly and were my happiest, involved camping. Apart from a car and a decent SLR camera, my first major expense after I started full-time work was a caravan. My wife (I married late) was the exact opposite, preferring apartments and never took a shine to being close to the Earth. There are things about the lifestyle I like and seek, that most who never took it up, are either turned cold by, or dislike and avoid.
While it is not unusual for people to take up new activities late in life and enjoy them, a motor-home can be a major expense and a risk.
Why not suck it and see? Book a couple of stays in a stationary van somewhere interesting. Then rent a MH a couple of times? That will sort a lot of things and put you in contact with nomads too.
Who knows how it might turn out? You might end up putting your serious money into the lifestyle you are used to, ie a secure home but maybe smaller and easier to take care of, lock up and leave, and say a small motorhome, even ex-rental, that you can do trips with, or a manageable pop-top van for the same purpose.
Welcome to the gang Brenden, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I lived in a over 55's village for ten years and loved it but in the end was away for 8 months a year for 3 years and felt I was just chucking money away so sold up, updated my Tug and got a nice size Den with full ensuite.
I am now on the road full time and enjoying every minute. Sure there are a few things now and then that could be better but you get through them and over them very quickly.
Whatever you decide enjoy and keep safe.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Thankyou for all your responses. I was not really expecting so many replies so soon. I will answer some points from each of you. And thanks some of your replies were just what I needed.
Firstly Graham. It is interesting you mention about being a city slicker or otherwise. Strangely I was born and bred in the big city of Melbourne. Currently living in Brisbane and have done so for the last 10 years. Having said that I cannot wait to break out (while I was working) and heading for Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay or even parts of NSW. I have been a city slicker through necessity of work, however, I really enjoy the open spaces and slow pace of outer city areas. Whether I would be totally at home roaming sparsely populated areas in the far north - I am not sure. It is funny how you mention secure. Very true. Often I think about the security of travelling. However that I guess with travelling that is a choice one has - as to where one stays. Caravan Parks I assume are reasonably secure. Dropping by the side of the road not so. But I get your point. Yes independence is something I do enjoy (now) :) Having the opportunity to travel, see places I have not probably seen due to work commitments (through life), and be on the open road to expect the unexpected is somewhat appealing. Yes I agree with you. I believe that by surrendering myself to the routine life of suburbia (which some of these over 55's are like), could bring on an earlier than wanted ageing onset. I think some call it a rut while ageing. What I will feel comfortable doing? At the moment I feel that I have been rather restricted by life's requirements ie work, family etc. Life is short. My work is done. My thought domination is to get out there and enjoy something different before I fall victim to a community, and there is nothing wrong with these communities, but I have been there and done that for 40 years. Surely something more exciting awaits.
DMaxer. Well if nothing else you made me smile when you made me think of waking up every day in the same place for the rest of my life. Other retired people with all their boring ideas and all (I am sure set in their ways) - point taken. You know you hit home with a number of points. Seeing new things - often. Meeting new people often but keeping friends with past acquaintances. Having a cold beer is of course the ultimate with people around. Particularly people who talk about normal things or adventures rather than electricity bills or rates. Your last point is reassuring. Being a part of a big group who are prepared to help. That's cool !! I have been looking at a Fiat Ducato 2011 / 2012 model. Have seen a couple of fairly good ones (I think), have about 70000ks, slide out facility for extra room etc. I guess my main concern is being mobile while stationed somewhere ie shopping or whatever. I guess a couple of bicycles on the back could be useful but not really ideal for shopping :) I have contemplated a caravan but carting something around always concerns me. Particularly if it has to be reasonably big to live in. Thanks for your thoughts. Really good.
The Rocket. Thankyou for your welcome. Great to hear from someone who has taken the "plunge". Yes I understand where you are coming from. The freedom of moving on if you are not particularly happy with your surroundings is a good point. Meeting new people is always a rewarding experience and a learning venture. This free camp stuff I would have to get a handle on. But I am sure with further research I can perhaps put together a detailed map of where everything is. But I also sure that a lot of that learning is by being out there. Yes I notice a number of people endeavouring to take on this lifestyle. And it is all very positive. So it makes one feel that one is not alone. Dementure - hopefully we are a long way from that :) But I know what you are saying. I would have thought that by leading the life of adventure you are now, you would find it really hard to settle back into suburbia (unless of course health issues warranted it). Yes I was reading something the other day in a mag about generators and I believe a generator is a "must do" when it comes to motorhomes or caravans. I have taken note of your Yamaha 2400is. I believe heat is a big issue so need to cater for it. Because lets face it I think the general idea is to escape to cold and head northwards in the winter. So one would be faced with warm to hot conditions mostly I would think. Thanks for your suggestions Rocket.
Sorry I replied previously to other replies and then realised I had some more respondents. Thanks.
Hi Cloak. Well you started positively by suggesting that I probably have 25 years to go. I reckon I probably have about 15 years of "hopefully" good enough health to still be cruising around in a MH. But then having said that I suppose after 15 years have passed and my years of travelling too far are behind me I should have a pretty good selection of places to call my more permanent "hide out" :) And no I am in pretty good health. Arthritis has not got me yet. So hopefully I can keep it at bay for a few years yet. Yes I can understand where you are coming from. That is why I am taking this decision fairly seriously. And getting some information to add to the mix. Your thinking is pretty solid. I guess the ideal is to have something more permanent, which you can come home to and recuperate, while allowing the MH to recuperate "out the back" until its next venture. I think this is an ideal situation if one can do this. Yes your point is taken and I have considered this as an option should it be possible.
Johng. Thanks for your comments. Your thoughts are thoughts that have crossed my mind as well. I think this travelling "on wheels" is either something that you take on like a duck to water or you become overawed by. Everyone is different and I have considered "plonking" somewhere for awhile, perhaps investing in something that is "safe haven", and perhaps buying an al cheapo (ish) MH to travel with the weather. Comments received with understanding. Thanks
Doug. Thanks for your welcome. I am interested to hear that you lived in an over 55's for 10 years and enjoyed it. However it looks like the enticement of travel kept you away from your beloved over 55's ranch. Can I ask how long you have been on the road now? Any regrets you do not have your "ranch" still? How long do you think it takes to "get over" not having a permanent pad, to accepting the nomad lifestyle? And what has been the biggest saviour which keeps you going with being on the road? Thanks Doug. Appreciate your comments.
Thankyou for all your responses. I was not really expecting so many replies so soon. I will answer some points from each of you. And thanks some of your replies were just what I needed.
Firstly Graham. It is interesting you mention about being a city slicker or otherwise. Strangely I was born and bred in the big city of Melbourne. Currently living in Brisbane and have done so for the last 10 years. Having said that I cannot wait to break out (while I was working) and heading for Sunshine Coast or Hervey Bay or even parts of NSW. I have been a city slicker through necessity of work, however, I really enjoy the open spaces and slow pace of outer city areas. Whether I would be totally at home roaming sparsely populated areas in the far north - I am not sure. It is funny how you mention secure. Very true. Often I think about the security of travelling. However that I guess with travelling that is a choice one has - as to where one stays. Caravan Parks I assume are reasonably secure. Dropping by the side of the road not so. But I get your point. Yes independence is something I do enjoy (now) :) Having the opportunity to travel, see places I have not probably seen due to work commitments (through life), and be on the open road to expect the unexpected is somewhat appealing. Yes I agree with you. I believe that by surrendering myself to the routine life of suburbia (which some of these over 55's are like), could bring on an earlier than wanted ageing onset. I think some call it a rut while ageing. What I will feel comfortable doing? At the moment I feel that I have been rather restricted by life's requirements ie work, family etc. Life is short. My work is done. My thought domination is to get out there and enjoy something different before I fall victim to a community, and there is nothing wrong with these communities, but I have been there and done that for 40 years. Surely something more exciting awaits.
DMaxer. Well if nothing else you made me smile when you made me think of waking up every day in the same place for the rest of my life. Other retired people with all their boring ideas and all (I am sure set in their ways) - point taken. You know you hit home with a number of points. Seeing new things - often. Meeting new people often but keeping friends with past acquaintances. Having a cold beer is of course the ultimate with people around. Particularly people who talk about normal things or adventures rather than electricity bills or rates. Your last point is reassuring. Being a part of a big group who are prepared to help. That's cool !! I have been looking at a Fiat Ducato 2011 / 2012 model. Have seen a couple of fairly good ones (I think), have about 70000ks, slide out facility for extra room etc. I guess my main concern is being mobile while stationed somewhere ie shopping or whatever. I guess a couple of bicycles on the back could be useful but not really ideal for shopping :) I have contemplated a caravan but carting something around always concerns me. Particularly if it has to be reasonably big to live in. Thanks for your thoughts. Really good.
The Rocket. Thankyou for your welcome. Great to hear from someone who has taken the "plunge". Yes I understand where you are coming from. The freedom of moving on if you are not particularly happy with your surroundings is a good point. Meeting new people is always a rewarding experience and a learning venture. This free camp stuff I would have to get a handle on. But I am sure with further research I can perhaps put together a detailed map of where everything is. But I also sure that a lot of that learning is by being out there. Yes I notice a number of people endeavouring to take on this lifestyle. And it is all very positive. So it makes one feel that one is not alone. Dementure - hopefully we are a long way from that :) But I know what you are saying. I would have thought that by leading the life of adventure you are now, you would find it really hard to settle back into suburbia (unless of course health issues warranted it). Yes I was reading something the other day in a mag about generators and I believe a generator is a "must do" when it comes to motorhomes or caravans. I have taken note of your Yamaha 2400is. I believe heat is a big issue so need to cater for it. Because lets face it I think the general idea is to escape to cold and head northwards in the winter. So one would be faced with warm to hot conditions mostly I would think. Thanks for your suggestions Rocket.
hi phantomrider, thanks for your reply. we shopped around for our generator and got a 4 year warranty. only one we could find with that. it took us no time to settle into this lifestyle. we, like yourself, have spend 40 years paying the mortgage, raising kids, doing what society expected of us so now it is our time to live, travel and do as we want. yahooooo Our only regret is that we did not do it sooner. Rocket.
I sold up only last September, 2014. I have not looked back once and can't see that changing. As I said I was out in the playground for 8 months each year for 3 years so was away from my "Ranch" most of the time, even then I never really thought of it, only the money I was spending for something I wasn't using.
I have siad this before but will say it again. Even though I am a Solo traveller I never feel I am on my own. There is always someone around to talk to or even share a drink with. It's a great life out here.
I always felt like I needed my home base to go back to but not any more. I got rid of everything I didn't really need anymore as I only have the Tug and Den to store things in NO STORAGE SHED anywhere storing "stuff". I don't have any more "stuff" just what I need for day to day living in the playground. Being just me does make it easier I spose.
As far as "getting over it" Really, there was nothing to get over. Just like when I retired, I walked out the last night and have never looked back. I got home that night, took my watch of, got up the next morning and chucked that watch in the bin and never had one on since. I do have my poota and phone with me though and would be lost without them. Instead of being used for business they are both now for pleasure.
Good luck with your choice of lifestyle PR, enjoy.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Following this thread with interest. I'm a solo lady, have retired and done the first step, bought into the Over 55's, which I love. We kick our heels up, no sitting around talking non stop about grandchildren or the price of electricity here. Now for the next - take a deep breath - step - to buy the motorhome and be brave enough to set off whenever and wherever into the wide blue yonder as takes my fancy. I have never done it, never caravanned or camped but the idea of my own bed and "stuff" with me appeals. Own bathroom is mandatory! I'm doing a trial run soon with the caravan group from my village. I'll tag along with them in my car, hire a cabin and see if I think I'd like the lifestyle. A Sunliner Pinto or Vibe are what I'm considering at present.
I've been a member here for quite a while, rarely post but follow along with all the stories with envy. I think my turn is approaching!
welcome to the 'funny farm' Phantomrider
We have been permanently 'on the road' for over 3 yrs now and love the freedom. We opted for a van and ute because there are places to see that are not always accessible to a larger rig. Its nice to park up and be able to day trip to these places.
If you tend to stick to the more populated places (especially the coast) as opposed to the outback, you are often obliged to stay in caravan parks which can be very expensive. We have found free camps very safe as generally there are other like-minded folk there.
We downsized out house to a 2 bed strata unit that is let to great tenants giving us an income as we are not quite pensionable age. It will eventually be home when we can no longer travel for what ever reason. We did this because we were worried our limited funds may be eroded by inflation and limit our purchasing power for a home if/when we need it.
The best advice given here is rent a motorhome for a few weeks and 'dip you toe in the water'.
__________________
Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
Hi ChrisC. Thanks for your comments. It looks like you are 2 steps ahead of me :) At least you have got yourself into an over 55's. Now your considering a MH. I am pleased that you stated that people in an over 55's do not talk about grandchildren or electricity bills. I did not think for one minute that would probably be the case anyway. And if it were true I am sure one would tend to attach oneself to people who are more to one's own interests. It will be interesting to see how you go with your "trial" journey to the "outback" :) At least if you need to escape you will have your own vehicle to speedily disappear :) Yes, it is not such an easy decision to run with a mobile home. However I am assuming this is mainly due to the uncertainty of what's out there. It appears many people have tackled this form of living and do rave about it. For a city slicker like myself who has always had the comforts of bricks on the ground and working in air conditioned offices the thought of embarking on a "run in the jungle" is daunting but exciting. I am sure it is just a matter of getting used it and chasing all the positives. I am interested in your consideration of the Sunliner Pinto. I can't say I have really looked at those (yet). I have been looking at the Fiat Ducato, as in models of recent years. They appear to be a fairly comfortable home for something on wheels :) Anyway time will tell. Great to hear from you on the Grey Nomads. Hope your adventure goes the way you would like it. I would be interested to hear how you go. Thanks for your message. Brenden
Hi Barry & Jenny. Thanks for your comments. You have made some wise decisions. Always handy to have something to fall back on when your travelling days are exhausted. While in the meantime enjoying the funds that it is throwing at you. Yes I guess the travel along the coast would be rather expensive and one would have to visit areas such as these in off peak seasons. If one can travel inland during peaks I would imagine one could save a considerable amount of money. You stated that you have been on the road for 3 years. May I ask you if you feel you are exhausting your places to visit or are there many more places that you have yet to "conquer". Yes I have considered the fact that with a MH one would be a little bit restricted to get to the "hard to get to" places. I guess it is a matter of weighing up what is best. As a minimum I would get a couple of push bikes strapped onto the back of the MH. At least this way one can tackle some of the bikeways or paths (which may be available). Your suggestion to rent a mobile home for a few weeks is a good idea. Not sure whether 3 weeks would be enough to determine a decision but it certainly would give you the feel of the whole operation. Thanks for your comments. Most appreciated.
Hi , I would definitely rent a MH for at least a 3 week run so you get a 'feel' if it, that way you'll be aware of things that you do or don't need if you buy one. I suggest too you don't stick to just the bigger towns & CP's, we found the inland & country folk are definitely friendlier. Do let us know how you go
I liked the Sunliner range because of the drop down (electric) bed. I don't want anything too big so the bed being elevated during the day is a great space saver. I'll take the advice of people here and rent one before I invest in one myself though. I too have always been a "city slicker", worked, lived in air conditioning etc. so for me too it would be a bit of a leap and thus a little daunting. The first leap of moving to the country after a lifetime in the city is working out just great so far.
I have done both. Bought into an over 55s Village (Casino Resort) and have a motorhome. Spend most of my time on the road and get withdrawal symptoms when at home to be honest. I do feel secure knowing that I have a "base" but I also think that maybe it is tying up money so am in two minds. I can't say much about the Village life as I haven't gotten into it as I am not here to do so but lots do and enjoy it. It will be there for me when I can no longer travel for long periods or I downsize the motorhome and just do short trips. There will eventually come a time when I will need to give the travel away I guess.
You stated that you have been on the road for 3 years. May I ask you if you feel you are exhausting your places to visit or are there many more places that you have yet to "conquer". appreciated.
If we stay travelling for another 10 yrs I'm sure we will not see all there is to see and then there is the pleasure of going back and re-visiting the places we love which we tend to do now. Our travel seems to revolve around the seasons - southern OZ for summer and further north for winter.
Initially I said "give it 12 mths". Now 3.5 yrs later the end is not in sight.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Saturday 31st of January 2015 02:41:45 PM
__________________
Jenny and Barry
2009 Roma Elegance / 2013 Colorado. Permanent travellers 2011-2015 now just travel for 4-6 mths
Phantomrider. We left Port Macquarie 3 1/2 years ago for what we thought would be a twelve month trip. 3 1/2 year down the track we are NO closer to getting back home, enjoying life on the road too much. We recently purchased a home in an over 55's Village (Casino Resort - see y'a there sometime Lorries) and are planning on using this as a base. Me thinks your biggest decision is to get a caravan or a MH. Both have pros and cons. Larry
-- Edited by deverall11 on Saturday 31st of January 2015 03:19:35 PM
We lived in Hervey Bay for 14 years and saw it grow from a nice country town into a small city that developed into a rat race IMHO. We finally sold our house after 5 years on the market during that time we where doing 6 - 12 week trips with our Ute and Caravan but always had to return home to maintain the house & gardens. We tried housesitters on one trip and returned to a $$$ disaster but that's another story, less to say we were turned of the idea of leaving the house to unknown's. Also Hervey Bay is a tourist town so cost of living is a lot higher than say Maryborough. Whatever you do don't buy a house & land there, rates are higher than Brisbane. Our cost of living is now more affordable in country NSW.
Just before selling the house we did a trip to Melbourne and on the way back we visited numerous over 55's villages including Casino, that trip gave us a better understanding of what WE wanted in a village. Anyway, we sold the house in April last year (finally) and bought a home in Faringdon Village Nambucca Heads NSW. Then sold the Ute & Caravan and bought a used motorhome (and now I don't miss towing one bit). We spent six months at the village getting the home to how we want it and now we're back on the road doing a 12+ month trip, currently in Perth WA.
Do your research on villages and find the one you want that suits you. For us we wanted the ability to have a pet (and be able to replace it if need be), Secure parking for our Rig, access to shopping/doctors/etc, and above all an affordable rent. Faringdon ticked all the boxes for us and it seems that they only have an average 3% vacancy rate which equates to easier to sell IF we ever needed to. Some villages we visited had vacancy rates of 20% and more. Also some villages won't allow you to "rent" the home whilst on tour, not that we want that but you might. We also took into account if/when (more when for me) our health fails are we able to have a full time carer?, the majority of villages say max 2 full time residents (Faringdon Max=3). If you've got rellies, friends or grandkids that want to come to visit check out what your limits are, one village we saw had a rule max 1 week in any 6month period and max 2 guests.
Again, do your research and find a village that suits you, not all over 55's villages are the same. Also, if you've never had a motorhome before, then rent one with a similar layout and do a small trip to see how you like it.
__________________
Steve, Di & Ziggy We named our Motorhome "Roadworx" because on the road works "On The Road Again" Ford Transit with 302 Windsor V8 conversion, C4 Auto, 9 Inch Ford Diff All Lighting L.E.D., 260 Amp/h AGM, 530 Watt Solar + Kipor Backup Gen.
We've been retired for 2 years now and bought our Ford KEA 2 berth motorhome in the second half of 2014.....and basically left home for 7 weeks!!!! Loving the lifestyle and learning heaps...we called this time our shakedown trip and did 12,000km to sort everything out as it was a new vehicle to us (....we had prior appointments in Victoria and had to keep going home). We discovered very quickly that we are much, much happier on the road than at home.... :)
-- Edited by AUSSKY on Thursday 5th of February 2015 09:34:56 AM
, I would definitely rent a MH for at least a 3 week run so you get a 'feel' if it, that way you'll be aware of things that you do or don't need if you buy one. I suggest too you don't stick to just the bigger towns & CP's, we found the inland & country folk are definitely friendlier. Do let us know how you go 
