Hi everyone. Well, I made it! I left Melbourne and traveled north to spend nearly 4 months exploring all quadrants of Queensland. With zero experience, a total newbie, I survived two episodes of losing the 16' caravan in a 180 degree mid road u turns. No damage at all--my angel was a better driver than me. As a 66yo, it was the best life experience that I have ever had. I became addicted during that time and met people who are the salt of the earth--too many to thank for their help and wisdom. I am preparing myself to leave and spend the rest of my days in the playground and I cannot wait to meet as many of you as I can. I am now able to free camp 80% of the time.
Great to read of your pleasure in the lifestyle.
BUT - I would be having a good look at the weight of the van, the way it is packed etc. Do you know why you had those two episodes of lost control? Events like that should not happen and you need to remedy something before you head off again!
When I said that I was newbie, I meant it. LOL. I left on the day we had Wind gusts of up to 90 KLMs an hour and torrential, horizontal rain. That didn't slow the semi trucks down though and I thought that I would be ok doing 70-80klm. Passing trucks certainly woke me to the realities of towing a van. Did you folks ever start as naive as me?? I now pick my days to travel and 90klm is fine by me and I always pull over to let traffic past. I have so much to learn but I cannot wait to hit the road again
We met you at green lake. I towed our 17' poptop back from moe and was proud of myself as hubby fractured his elbo after a fall. I plan on doing a towing course. Can you perhaps tell me why are there so many roll overs with vans. I want to be safe. We have esc braking, weight distribution hitch. Any advice would be appreciated. We have a colarado.
Hey rainy1850-- I remember you. Congratulations on your accomplishment, it was well done in returning safe and sound. Inexperience, ghastly weather and wind turbulence from overtaking trucks were my downfall, but the lessons learned back then were invaluable and I now enjoy my safe caravaning. I am hoping that a new (second hand) 1997 Prado Grande will tow my 16 footer a little easier than the VT Commodore. Perhaps our paths will cross again!!
Yabbo2u,love your post I to am a solo caravaner and also a truck driver have been for 40 years I only driver part time now,I drive a B double 3 days a week,and take about 4 month off traveling in my 16 ft van,a good tip with a truck travelling behind you is to keep to the speed your travelling at don't slow down,they will work out how to over take you,when they decide to go round you and there along side you then slow down so they can get back in front of you they will grateful,don't be intimidated with a truck sitting behind you,there only trying to work out how to get around you...good look in your travels
Longreach69, what a great guy you are. I am so thankful for your advise and to also have someone like yourself, who has experience from both sides, is really invaluable. Truckies are the backbone of this great country that I respect very much and I know that we all want them to return home safely to their loved ones. Everyone on the road is always at a higher degree of risk of turmoil due to the inexperience of newbies, like myself, and so I take the new responsibility very seriously. To all of those people who interact on this forum, your unselfish desire to forward your knowledge is what helps make this site such a joy to partake in.
