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Post Info TOPIC: Keen to be a grey nomad
lianc


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Keen to be a grey nomad
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I am new to this site and have been contemplating becoming a solo nomad. My daughter have a jeep I can convert to use. I have been traveling overseas heaps on my own. It is the lack of knowledge to deal with a car problems that makes me anxious. I guess it is taking that initial big step to get on the road. I have driven from Melbourne to Sydney twice but on the 2nd time I found I was not able to drive that stretch on my own. Any advice?



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Irene
Aus-Kiwi


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Welcome .,Try 3 or 4 or less hours at a time ? Search Wiki, camps etc for overnight stays . Get vehicle serviced and checked before leaving . Things like fan belts , brake pads, tyres etc . Especially states that have no vehicle safety check with registration . Yes youâll get over the anxiety . Slow down and take it EASY !

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Tony Bev


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Welcome to the forum, lianc

I sometimes travel solo, so therefore know just a few of the trials and tribulations, of solo travellers

There are no rules, which say that we have to travel a certain distance, each day/week/month

As Aus Kiwi above has already said, just take your time and go on small hops, rather than a long journey each day

There are plenty of travellers, who know very little of maintaining their vehicles

Make sure that the vehicle has had a good service, carry a few basic spares such as fan belts and radiator water hoses, and join a motoring organisation, such as RAC

There are plenty of travellers who will stop and help others, just stand near your vehicle and give a wave





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Panther


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Hello and welcome, Lianc.
I totally agree with the advice of Tony Bev and Aus-Kiwi. They give good sound advice.
You can do it, plenty of us already are.
Find a good HONEST mechanic and carry spares recommended by him/her and have your car serviced. Join RACV (or equivalent) and install their Road Assistance App on your phone and tablet.

Gain confidence by traveling smaller distances in a shire or area that is within your comfort zone and leave the more remote or further afield trips for later.

Use (as already recommended) Wiki Camps to check out your camping choice and what is available. For example, I also include Telstra Reception in my preferred search as this gives me the knowledge that I can communicate with the outside world for security. You can then phone, PM, Skype etc anyone or any Forum or Facebook Group that you are a member of. 
I have a portable 5G modem (small enough to fit in the palm of your hand) that gives me coverage in most parts of Aust and can be charged by 12v. Charge your phone, modem, tablet, lap-top computer and other communication devices while you're travelling so you will have communication choices once you stop for camping or stop due to a mechanical problem.

Be prepared with extra water, food and camping magazines just in case you are grounded for a while with car troubles. You may never need your extra supplies BUT it may give you the peace of mind that you seek.

Don't let your worries stop you from following your camping/travelling dreams. You, like many of us, can do it, one little bit at a time.

Regards, Panther.







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Aus-Kiwi


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Yep .. even though we have 120l or so water . We always buy bottled water . Or filter some from home take it with us for drinking or emergencies .. Especially out in playground . Way from towns .

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Yuglamron


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I do know the RACQ in Qld run courses for people to get them aware of the various aspects of their vehicles re all the things you need to know. changing tyres, Spark plugs oil, water. brake fluids. All the general stuff that is good to know. I expect the other States car clubs do the same.

The other thing is to join one of them and have good roadside coverage, Look at the Satellite phone options as well. Great peace of mind knowing you can get help even out of normal cellular range.



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PeterD


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lianc wrote:

 It is the lack of knowledge to deal with a car problems that makes me anxious.

 Another recommendation to join RACV if you are not already a member. See link RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance. I would suggest getting something more than the standard Roadside Care. The benefits are better and if you decide to get a small caravan then there will be assistance for it as well. RACV membership includes reciprocal basic assistance when interstate, if you need more than basic care they will transfer you to an RACV operator to get permission to act for you. I have used that to get extended towing in Western Australia.

How do you intend to travel? are you going to sleep in the Jeep or a small tent? Do you intend to investigate a small van or camper trailer? If you do I suggest you complete a tow education course first If you have not reversed a trailer they will get you doing that with success in the one lesson. I can also recommend one of the small rear entry vans about 10 - 12" length. I also recommend joining a caravan club and get some tips from their members. They will assist you when you attend their rallies. Click here to find a Victorian club.



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matildatraveller


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Hello Irene,

A very warm welcome to the Solo travellers forum!!   I have travelled solo around Australia and am about to go for my second circumnavigation around OZ.  I am currently house sitting on Kangaroo Island SA until 6/12/2018.  There are a few ideas I have gathered over my journey and here are a few ideas I would like to share with you.

  1. Firstly be ready to have a fabulous and exciting time out there as many happy campers are on the same journey.
  2. If you have a 4X4 or are new to towing, take care to do a handling course on bitumen, mud and sandy conditions.
  3. Camp with others and always keep an outside light on
  4. Place an old size 12 mens boots outside your door
  5. Carry mens shirts, shorts and undies to hang out on any line you set up around your camp
  6. Insure with a company that covers any breakage, theft and breakdown and medical service, including windscreen and towing inclusive in the cover. (I have had to use my Kentame Insurance on a couple of occasions around Australia, and may I say without issues.)

Take care and enjoy as every Grey Nomad is available on forums to ask for assistance, where applicable.  Gwynnie.... floating.gif



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Roy E


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Irene,
That advice from Gwynnie (matildatraveller) sounds clever and very good to me. I'm also a solo traveller though I usually travel with friends and as a bloke don't have many worries about security.
Enjoy your travels and I hope I meet you on the road or, preferably, a nice camping spot one day.
Cheers,
Roy.

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lianc


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Tks heaps for your tips and reassurance!



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Irene
lianc


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Yes...I will check out with RACV on the course. It would be very useful. Yes, and a satellite phone too. Tks for all the useful tips.



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Irene
lianc


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I plan to start with the jeep , sleeping in the Jeep and/or tent if I am in a secure site...otherwise I will lock myself inside the jeep for the night! lol

I would eventually invest in a camper van or motorhome. I am not keen on a caravan or trailer...compact is good.

I will also look into your recommended site for membership and tips. Thank you.



-- Edited by lianc on Thursday 28th of June 2018 09:24:46 AM



-- Edited by lianc on Thursday 28th of June 2018 09:27:45 AM

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Irene
lianc


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Tks Gwynnie. All your advice, tips are noted. I am digesting them all.



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Irene
lianc


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Yes Roy, it is always nice to have friends to travel with. I may have the option in Dec to drive with a couple from Adelaide to Perth. I am very excited about it!

It would be nice if groups post their planned trip for solo normad to tag along. It would be great if we do meet...



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Irene
lianc


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Thank you all for tips/advices and encouragment! I will let you all know when I venture out.



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Irene
matildatraveller


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READY, STEADY....GO!!   We will all watch safe in the knowledge that we have all been there before you and survived...Just take a deep breath and  JUMP IN....  Choices are personal, my rig is totally self sufficient, reliable, loads of storage and is lightweight. (450 kg) With good clearance and a 4X4 can go almost anywhere. (I even managed to get it up the sand dunes at BIG RED!! OMG.

When considering my journey I looked at where I was going to take 'Beauty & the Beast' and considered such things as: Price, towing experience (NIL), reversing, tare weight, convenience, added costs if I purchased a caravan/off-road camper being two registrations & insurances.   Finally decided on a slide on with attitude!!   Could not ask more of my rig and I am a 100% 'Happy Camper.'  Go You Good Thing!  Take care..... Gwynnie floating.gif



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Lanock


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Hi there,

 

Two words of advice from this old solo nomadwoman.

Make sure you have the best coverage with your roadside assistance.  My package with the NRMA covers me all over OZ and I have used it many many times. It is essential for peace of mind to know that IF you have a problem there is mechanic only a phone call away.

The other thing is to have your 2 way in good working order as you can get truckies help when there is no mobile phone signal.

These two things allow you to have peace of mind and enjoy your travels.



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Free Lassie


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wow! all the encouragments and advices helps indeed. Thank you!

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Possum3


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Contact Colin Young at Caravan Council of Australia to get an unbiased opinion www.caravancouncil.com.au/
You will also be able to download heaps of free information from their site.

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lianc


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Tks. I will check that out.



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Irene
tallowood


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RE: Hitting the road - Solo
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Hi Everyone. I'm a single 60 year old male looking to join up with other solo travelers male or female to maybe travel in convoy. Would love to head off in January 2019. If anyone is interested please post a message. Cheers Ross.

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Gary and Barb


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RE: Keen to be a grey nomad
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Hello, Tallowood.

Like you, I am a newbie 4x4er with scant knowledge of mechanics. I was keen to travel in my 4x4 cab chassis with a Trayon slide-on, but felt I needed some background experience.

Certainly, a good mechanic to prepare the vehicle is essential as is Roadside Assist. These have been mentioned by most other respondents. 

However; seriously consider joining a 4x4 club. I did just over 12 months ago and the wealth of free advice, knowledge and experience is invaluable. I now feel a lot more capable of tackling anything the bush can throw at me, but importantly, I know what NOT to tackle!

You will find the camaraderie of the club is an added bonus, but they will almost certainly run training in first aid, advanced 4x4 driving, vehicle maintenance, chainsaw use, recovery and safety, etiquette, among other important programs.

You can't afford to pass up this to augment the other advice given in this thread!



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Trayon Diesel Deluxe slide-on camper.
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