Winnebago with Pugs

Bassman · Veteran Member

Winnebago with Pugs

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

We have the Explorer with fold up bed . We added two extra solar panels . The 5500 watt generater does everything you want . We turn it off when late or going to sleep . If we don't set up the annex it's almost as manoverable as anything els . Just use double car park with room to spare in shopping centres . We get 1200 to 1500 klmrs to $180 / $220 of fuel . Setting cruise control on 95 to 100 kph seems to get netter fuel consumption .. We have an extra 60 litre fridge freezer . Had no issues with 3 way std fridge / freezer . Added a solar extractor fan on top vent and extra fan on lower duct switched by thermostat to keep efficiency in hotter climates . Heading towards NT . Working great at present . We free camp most the time . Although over here on WA coast it's not easy .,

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello Bassman

Further to the excellent advise of Aus-Kiwi

Purchasing a Recreation Vehicle, is sometimes a personal thing, and what one person sees as utopia, another may see as a compromise.
I will attempt to answer some of you questions

A) Winnebago, (too heavy for wife's licence).
I am led to believe that some insurance policies will get the Recreation Vehicle home, in the event of the driver having medical conditions, which make them unable to drive. I do not have this type of insurance, so I can not comment on it.
But... make sure there is such a policy, before you purchase a Winnebago

B) Pugs to travel up front in the cab
A good piece of ply board alongside the driver seat, will keep the pugs from interfering with the pedals.

C) Air conditioning must keep the pugs (and driver) cool not luke warmish
Some seasoned travellers make and fit a curtain, from the roof to the floor, behind the passenger and driver seats, to cool only the front of the vehicle. There is no normal vehicle air conditioner which I know of, which will cool the entire area of a motorhome

a), b), c), d), and unforseen issues
May I suggest that you hire different types of Winnebago, for a weekend, to find out what configuration suits you requirements.

I am sure that many others will come along with their recommendations.
I hope that this answer helps you out

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yep personal choice for sure . The A/C cools our unit fine when traveling . The RV A/C works fine actually both work if anything too good ! We keep things clean and well maintained.,My Mrs wouldn't drive with van anyway . Why we offloaded our old van . It was ok when younger and liked the 4WD thing .. We have an old Subatu we may use next trip on A frame ? Either way it's about preparation . I find we are more secure too . Not that's really an issue ..

Bassman · Veteran Member

I am aware of these two sites for Winnebago Motor Homes:

gowinnebago.com.au/motorhomes.aspx

www.australianmotorhomes.com.au/

I am unable to find Aus-Kiwi's Explorer. Nice looking bus by the way.

Are there others please?

Warm regards,

Mitch.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I looked at new ., We found with depreciation . A 5 year old $200+k when "new" . Was the right price second hand . Under a new Fiat bodied price . Nearly 1/2 price in 5 years . Helped RV centre had 5 of same model .. Again personal choice .,

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

It's Avida now . Explorer is no longer made . https://www.avidarv.com.au/used-motorhomes/winnebago-explorer

montie · Guru

Winnebago are now Avida as a result of a still ongoing court case.

AusKiwi's Explorer looks like a 25ft Warden Special with the drop down bed at the rear. Great layout!
If you have the necessary licence to drive (MR) and your partner has done the written test then she can drive if you are a passenger. Not ideal but ok in an emergency.

Most new motorhomes have "cold" airconditioning but their standard fridges are simply not up to keeping your beer at the correct temperature. I would recommend an Engel or similar for that job.

Bassman there is now a large selection of motorhomes on the market with all the comforts you are after that can be driven on a car licence.
The leading manufacturers are Jayco, AVan,Sunliner,Avida,Suncamper.
I have omitted the current Winnebago.
The most popular chassis is Fiat and by far the most comfortable to drive. It is however a FWD vehicle and some people don't like that.
You also have Iveco,Mercedes Benz, VW and Isuzu which are all a bit more "trucklike" to drive.

Google is your friend

Montie

-- Edited by montie on Sunday 1st of May 2016 08:19:07 AM

dorian · Guru

Bassman wrote:
Shelley's wants:
B) Pugs to travel up front in the cab.

Surely that can't be legal?

Bassman · Veteran Member

It is most likely not. I suppose we will do it until our first ticket. There are Winnebagos with a roof top bed which might be handy. Ones I have seen also come with a retaining net so occupants do not fall out. It is early days and reality is yet to set in.

dorian · Guru

My dog is restrained on the back seat of my car by a seat-belt strap that is clipped to her harness. But then I don't want my dog flying through the windscreen or into the back of my head.

Bassman · Veteran Member

G'day Dorian, Shelley does the same when taking her pugs to the vet. With respect to motor homes I do not know what is available. We were originally going to purchase a caravan and there was no issue with what to do. Now Shelley has changed her mind to a motor home. So I am a fish out of water in what is available. Not living in a major city we do not know how motor homes are constructed and what facilities for small robust dogs are available. It is good that you restrain your dog appropriately.

dorian · Guru

My cousin was involved in an accident that sent a sharp tool flying out of his toolbox into one of the seats in his van. Thankfully he was not injured. I always have that incident in my mind.

I don't yet travel in a motorhome, but ISTR that some forum members have recommended a screen of some kind placed behind the front seats. Presumably this screen would be padded.

Jaahn · Guru

Bassman wrote:
G'day Dorian, Shelley does the same when taking her pugs to the vet. With respect to motor homes I do not know what is available. We were originally going to purchase a caravan and there was no issue with what to do. Now Shelley has changed her mind to a motor home. So I am a fish out of water in what is available. Not living in a major city we do not know how motor homes are constructed and what facilities for small robust dogs are available. It is good that you restrain your dog appropriately.

Hi Bassman,

If I was purchasing such a big commitment I would make the time and effort to get to a major city, stay a week and get around the big dealers who have lots of stock, new and used. The used ones are good to look at as often owners have done a few mods ect to improve them. Good ideas often, not always ? Some of the older ones are better layouts too ! But it will give you plenty to think about as you then search on the internet for what is available further afield or at a better price.

Actually that is what we did do before purchasing our first one. biggrin

As for the pugs. Perhaps a low box with the bedding inside can be belted to the center seat or fixed to the floor. What ever you see as necessary.

jaahn

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I assume they have a dog box etc ? neatly fitted inside with restraining leashes is a good way . They soon learn . I assume they have learnt with car restraint. ? Not a problem realy ..

Bassman · Veteran Member

Hello Everyone,

We are off to Melbourne on Tuesday to have a look around and kick some tyres. Just looking and gathering some facts. Money is staying in the bank for the time being.

Thank you for your help and advice.

LLD · Senior Member

Not sure if it's useful or not (and still applies) but pets under 5kg don't have to be restrained. They can sit on the passengers knee - I think. When I just had a single door ute, my dog just sat quietly on a big cushion in the passengers seat as the restraint would just cause him to whip around and hit me should I stop suddenly.

adreamer · Senior Member

Bassman wrote:
I have read the four articles on Winnebagos in this forum though did not find anything that answered my questions. I have two questions.
1. My dear wife has her heart settled on the idea of traveling around Oz in a Winnebago. I am not pro the idea as I can see issues with shopping, sightseeing and maybe refueling. I do have a Heavy Rigid "C" class license so size does not matter. How much it effects the wallet is also something we have to contend with. There is the issue if I do become ill who is going to drive it. I do not plan on becoming ill at age 53.
2. My dear wife also wishes to travel with her two companions which are a pair of male fawn pugs.
Shelley's wants:
A) Winnebago.
B) Pugs to travel up front in the cab.
C) Air conditioning must keep the pugs (and driver) cool not luke warmish.
My wants if we purchase a Winnebago:
a) A good fridge for keeping the wine and beer cold. Not cool, COLD!
b) As I have sleep apnoea we will require two comfortable beds. The pugs will sleep with Shelley.
c) Air conditioning in sleeping area must be cold not cool. If it can stay between 19C to 21C that will be fine. It also must be quiet.
d) It must be comfortable. I would prefer ready made beds instead of moving tables and cushions around to make a second bed every night.
Unforeseen issues:
Could you please list all your reasons for and against purchasing a Winnebago. We have never caravaned before though do own a Jayco cabin in a caravan park for the last four years.
I hope I have covered everything. Though there will be sure to be something I have missed.
Warm regards,
Mitch.

Sounds like you should stay home and relax.

Bassman · Veteran Member

HAHAHAHAHA! Good reply :)