Hi, I am technically not a grey nomad being 42 so thank you for accepting me....I am about to quit Corporate life and take my wife and young son on the road...I hope you can help with imparting some wisdom and experience.
1.) We like the Safari Legacy 226 Family van, anybody had experience with Safari?
2.) Anybody towing with a Ranger? how do you find it?
3.) How many you kiddies do you see on the road, probably east coast to start with from Melbourne?
4.) Who do you recommend for caravan and 4X4 training in MEL?
Now to the embarrassing part.....
I want to learn to fish and if I rocked up next to you randomly on a beach with a few coldies would you teach me????
Thanks heaps for any advice you can provide and you never know we may cross paths...I am a loud Yorkshireman so can't be missed
I won't sign my name as I haven't quit my job yet but will become more personable next week.....
-- Edited by MrGrumbles on Thursday 21st of May 2015 06:06:23 PM
Hi Scott (yep - your details can be accessed like everyone elses just by right clicking on your handle name lol.
Cant answer your questions about vehicles - Im sure you will get a heap of conflicting replies from everyone with any opinion (and we are strongly opinionated on this Forum haha) on them.
Yes,there are caravan training schools in the Eastern States - check with your States motoring body (RAVC or whoever) as they often do their own or go into a caravan dealer.
As far as people teaching you to fish - just make sure its not another newbie trying to work it out the hard way or a hard-nosed Ocker who will tell you to sling your lead (not on the end of fishing line either). Just watch them for a little while and if they seem to be doing a pretty good job, wander over and say gooday and explain youre new to fishing and could they give you some help - most people will be flattered at being asked and fall over themselves (hopefully not into the ocean) to assist and a couple of beers may help. But don't be put off if the 1st few you strike are grumpy or unhelpful - persist and you will get as much help as you need. There are some good mags and books in camping shops to help you with basic tackle and knots needed. Buy your gear from KMart or Big W - very cheap and quality is pretty good and MUCH MUCH cheaper than a tackle shop. If you break it - it doesn't matter that you paid $80 for rod and reel - but if it cost you $400 from a tackle shop......
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
I too am middle age, 45, about to do the same we have own busines, did a road trip last June to Longreach & back to east coast back down to north west NSW, we noticed quite a few children traveling range from toddlers to teenagers including 1 of mine, cant help with your caravan choice, we bought a Retreat Brampton towed buy 200 series Land cruiser. And yes my son is fishing mad so should we run into you I am sure he will render assistance ? Maybe look on net for 4x drive lessons pretty sure you will have that luxury in Melbourne or caravan dealers may offer advice.
Enjoy your new life we can't wait to head off either.
Yes I have met several young families on the road. It's a great life for the kids before they get into serious high school years.
We tow with a BT 50 which is if I'm right, the ranger is the ford version of the BT. We love it, plenty of power , no problems but as someone stated, there will be lots of opinions.
We haven't done a 4 x4 course but did a Tow-ed towing course at the Geelong Racecourse . It was stress free and gave us a lot of confidence.
all the best
-- Edited by gooba53 on Thursday 21st of May 2015 10:05:12 PM
As far as fishing goes, you'll find anyone who has the time of day to chat will be more than willing to give you some tips and pointers. Fishermen oops.. and fisherwomen are pretty good people mostly.
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Yes I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
the one thing I have noticed that in life there more than enough people to offer advice, when out in the big back yard a glass of red around a camp fire will fill you with enormous amount of knowledge. If you think you could fit no more in then pick up your rod and then empty your head because the advice will come thick and fast.
now the hard part,
1. You have to be able to apply the contradictory advice to your senario,
2. You will need to define what is actually advice,
3. The most important of all, keep smiling because it is a blast
G'day Grumbles, Just pull into camp and lift the bonnet - you'll have everyone there in minutes giving an opinion. First rule with fishing is don't fish with kids because they will catch more and better fish than you.
Main thing is to enjoy. Don't be bashful about saying g'day when you pull in.
Possum
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Possum is right - always say hello and try to start up a conversation with all those in RVs around you. There are a few who wont want to talk to you (the loners and weirdos you get in any neighbourhood) and the rest will always have a yap with you. If I stay in a caravan park (CP) I always go for a walk around - not just to talk, but look at others good ideas and modifications to their vehicles. There are so many great ideas out there that you can ask them why - most are more than proud and pleased to tell you why they have done what they've done and then can decide if you want to do it of not. Its a great way to learn how to make your vanning easier and more pleasant and meet and socialize with people.
AND why are there so many KIDS on this post LOL !!!!
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
Giday mate
I've got a mate who has a ranger, it's nearly as good as my Colorado.
My way of fishing is to go to the shop but sure as shooting someone will help you if you look los,t always advice out there.
G'day, Mr Grumbles
Well i have a Ranger extra cab with all the usual extra"s, had it for about a year now, after a few other 4x4"s, i love it, it does all the things that i need it to do plus more,
tows well and funnily enough i have just ordered a Safari delta 20 footer weight 2100kg.
Your legacy 226 weigh"s in at 2320 kg so you will have no problems towing .
Fuel consumption with mine towing a old pop top was about 11.5 litres per 100 klms but that will go up, obviously with the bigger caravan.
Safari caravans i think are very well made, and also i love the fact that they will change things and add on with little problems, and they are much cheaper than a lot of others without sacrifice the quality.
Fishing :- i think everybody is learning there !! the advice you have received so far on that is all good, Don't forget the rivers.
Pomme.
(Ex- London)
I have a 2012 XL Dual Cab Ford Ranger, I must admit I actually looked at the collar rood o before I purchased the Ford (being a cold blooded ford man, that was difficult) lol.
I am surprised that such a small 2.2 L common rail turbo diesel can pull my 2700KG van so easily, we get 14L per 100KMs on a nice day. We recently did 3 weeks on the Eyre Peninsula with some high winds on the highway and the whole trip returned the 14L per 100.
As for the rest, get the van fitted with ALKO ESC and the bearings and brakes checked by a competent person. I also advocate a complete electrical check on 2nd hand vans including a battery condition check (under load) as these are a limited life item if not looked after.
Other than that, get insurance through CIL, the very best IMHO. They know how to look after you when needed.
Cheers
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Phil C speaks with fork tongue about the Collie's BUT he does speak with no fork when it comes to Insurance, especially when things jump out at you from the rear. I am not incinerating that insurance company is better than any other though
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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)
We have a Safari Delta which we have been very pleased with. We live in SA but have taken it back to Ballarat for service as we have found them professional and helpful. Took the van around WA last year with a lot of off road with no problems. Good luck with your plans
I have Ranger one yr old towing 3000kg van and get 13.9ltr/100km. Tows like a dream straight out of the showroom, no need for suspension mods. I use a WDH but doubt it is necessary.
Phil C speaks with fork tongue about the Collie's BUT he does speak with no fork when it comes to Insurance, especially when things jump out at you from the rear. I am not incinerating that insurance company is better than any other though
No eagle hawk, it's about what works for each of us. Still can't convince me a hold on is better. But I still luvs ya.
OH nearly forgot. Still no recall on Rangers, not even for the airbag on ours
-- Edited by Phil C on Friday 22nd of May 2015 08:20:45 PM
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
lol. 
