The Big Lap on the Cheap

Jasbro · Member

The Big Lap on the Cheap

Dougwe · Chief one feather

If you are already living in the Econovan then you are used to it probably. Can you get enough money to put a new engine in it and anything else needed confuse That way the main cost would be fuel as you have to eat etc anywhere.

If you 'alternative' (free) or similar camp it helps keep your cost's down. Showgrounds are good too. Wiki Camps or Camps/Caravan Parks Australia are your friends. Maybe go into a CVP once a week for a treat. If you are doing some work in an area then maybe stay in a CVP more often for a little more security.

All just a thought on my part Jasbro. Trying to help you in a small way 'ta get out in the playground'

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Desert Dweller · Guru

Leave it for another 10-15 years. The people with the huge caravans & 4WD's have worked their whole life to get where they are in comfortable retirement

Enjoy traveling on your annual leave like the rest of us did when we were in the work force.

Jasbro · Member

Dougwe, unfortunately the econovan is not worth the $$$ to replace the engine, mechanic (who we have been with for many many years) told us to not spend anymore $$$ on it, we got a lemon we now look at it as a sign we are extremely grateful for the van as it has given us a cheaper option of living in order to save and also has shown us that it is a tad small especially to put all your essentials in to travel - we do wish to travel for a few years we have no end as such.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

There is plenty of work out there for those who want that lifestyle. and living costs in the bush can be less than they are in the big smoke, if you can control the budget.
But the potential of vehicle breakdown won't go away by buying another one. it is something you must live with and be prepared for. It may be better to fix the one you have rather than buy another unknown.
You MUST stay in the bush and away from the popular tourist areas.

Cheers,
Peter

Jasbro · Member

Desertdweller, good advice, but we are of the opinion take the chance - why wait we dont want to wait and then god forbid something happens to one of us and we cant go. Life is too short, ive already had one health scare.

Grandad5 · Senior Member

Ralph Waldo Emerson once (apparently) said....."One can live infinitely better with limited money and lots of spare time than with lots of money and limited spare time"

Learning how to live on the smell of a oily rag (as we used to say) is a skill that has to be learned from practise the same as any other skill.
I've been a student of this for several years. And I'm loving it.

Don't be put off by the ones who have the large motor homes or fancy rigs. They've earned that level of comfort and are entitled to enjoy it.
But don't be jealous of them. They're only people the same as you who have lived a different style of life.

I can't offer you any practical first hand advice on the "hows" in nomading. I'll leave that to people who have the experience.

But whatever you learn or don't learn here, don't give up. Keep plugging away and you will get there.

Did you know the Ford Motor Company was old Henry's third attempt at building cars? He went broke the first two times.

Cheers
Jim

Jasbro · Member

Grandad5 you made me smile on the smell of an oily rag - I havent heard that in years..... Thankyou sooo much for your post it brings me hope

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Thought of good 80 series ( Cruiser or Patrol ) and second hand camper trailer ? Yes I thought they where rubbish etc . But after our lap I was surprised how well they are especially top 3/4 of Aust . Warnerer areas . Go south in warmer months . Which you should if planning correctly. ESP seeing your starting from Queensland. The tow well , light , little wind resistance . Gives you vehicle to drive around in . Itâs the extras like solar or setting up vehicle to charge batteries to free camp . Makes life so much more pleasurable!

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Thought of good 80 series ( Cruiser or Patrol ) and second hand camper trailer ? Yes I thought they where rubbish etc . But after our lap I was surprised how well they are especially top 3/4 of Aust . Warnerer areas . Go south in warmer months . Which you should if planning correctly. ESP seeing your starting from Queensland. The tow well , light , little wind resistance . Gives you vehicle to drive around in . Itâs the extras like solar or setting up vehicle to charge batteries to free camp . Makes life so much more pleasurable!

Yuglamron · Guru

I take it that like a hell of a lot of us you run pay to pay and pension to pension.

I admire your tenacity to take the plunge and take off on the big lap. A worthwhile aim to buy a Coaster and go. I recently saw a Mercedes Sprinter in Carrum Downs. It had been modified to be a freezer delivery vehicle. Freezer was stuffed so it was on sale for $4K Mechanically A1 I looked at it with my son because it was fully insulated about six inches thick on the inside and all the interior was flat fibreglass. An ideal base for a self build.

Was considering buying it and putting in windows and a roof vent. Then adding stuff bit by bit. It's an option we decided against only because we live in SE Qld and getting it up here was a problem at the time. There are vehicles out there that would suit. Coasters are hard to find that are good both body wise and rust free. Lots of options.

Doing it on the cheap.....We have tens of thousands of backpackers doing it on the cheap. Doing everything from fruit picking to the grain harvesting. House sitting is also an option to cut down costs. I am sure there are lots of Grey Nomads doing it pension by pension too.

If you have specialised skills in work it can help. For one, a Diesel mechanic can find work virtually anywhere. I met a couple in Hervey Bay who are financing their travels by buying Linen "Fancy Pants" from China by the carton and selling them as they go. I think they said they buy them for $4 a pair and normally sell for twenty.( Not sure what the new GST will do to their bottom line). They buy them and get them delivered to someplace they will be in time for them to get there. Another couple bought a Vinyl printer/cutter and make and sell stickers for Vans and Motor Homes. Their main sell are the Bruce and Sheila are on channel 40 and 18 stickers. Lots of options to make a few bucks extra to fund your travels.

I know I run pension to pension and my MH is all paid for. Biggest costs for me are insurance and rego and fuel. Services are 18 months apart because I don't do the high mileages. Food, like everyone else on a fixed budget is not rump steak more the mince and pasta. Whatever is on special at the supermarket. Lots you can do to keep costs down and like all of us living permanently in our MH or van you adapt to the space you have. Yes it would be nice to have the U Beaut bells and whistles stuff but some of us don't have that sort of Moolah.

As others have said the Camping books and WikiCamps help find cheap or free places to stay.

Keep looking for that vehicle and don't listen to the Nay Sayers.

If you want to go, you'll find the way forward.

Good luck and go for it.

If it works out for you ,great, at least you can't say down the track I wished we had persevered and gone on the Big Lap and regretted not going.

yobarr · Guru

Jasbro wrote:
Dougwe, unfortunately the econovan is not worth the $$$ to replace the engine, mechanic (who we have been with for many many years) told us to not spend anymore $$$ on it, we got a lemon we now look at it as a sign we are extremely grateful for the van as it has given us a cheaper option of living in order to save and also has shown us that it is a tad small especially to put all your essentials in to travel - we do wish to travel for a few years we have no end as such.

Hi Brooke...As Graeme (Aus-Kiwi)suggested,an 80 series Cruiser is a good bet.They go forever,and you might even consider fitting a roof tent for sleeping,and many have an annexe for relaxing in,cooking etc. Carry a few containers of water,and away you go! Whatever you decide,good luck....set it up to suit yourselves,and you can live anywhere you want! Cheers

matildatraveller · Guru

HI guys,

Just giving my 2 cents worth of experience here. Being in your position (thinking of doing the BIG lap in 2016) my decision on which rig to buy came down to: Economics, necessities, lifestyle, durability and convenience. After much soul searching and information gathering my choice was a lightweight 'Active Camper' fully self-contained (450kg) slide-on tightly held down to the 4X4 diesel Toyota steel chassi by solid steel brackets and chains. (I paid $22,500 for the slide-on)

Reliably taking me to places other rigs could not go, she (Beauty & the Beast) has been on roads not for the faint hearted. River crossings, mud flats, sand dunes, steep climbs and rugged corrugation, while taking me to the real outback. This solar power & 240 volt & gas camper has all the conveniences of home including shower and toilet facilities. All through my many arduous journeys North/South/ East and West (28,000 km) nothing has moved or come out of place.

My time on the road has been almost trouble free and I could not be happier with my chosen rig! Gwynnie

On the BIRDSVILLE Trip 2017.jpg

Mike Harding · Guru

Yuglamron wrote:
Services are 18 months apart because I don't do the high mileages.

May I suggest that if at all possible try to do an engine oil and filter change at no more than 12 months apart (ideally less).

Even though your mileage may be low the oil gradually looses its lubrication properties once it begins to be contaminated by the engine waste products. It's impossible to guess how well it's still working at 18 months but regular oil and filter changes are probably the best form of vehicle support there is.

Most (all?) of the rest of the servicing can wait a while.

PeterInSa · Guru

I think an 80 series Landcruiser and a 16ft+ Caravan is the way to go, better value than a 15K Coaster which will most likely have rust and a tired engine. If you have vehicle problems you can still live in the caravan, where as with the Coaster it will be at the workshop.

Sprinters make great Campervans/Motorhomes, but to me require more costly maintenance than a Coaster(post 2000) of a similar age.

Peter

Kebbin · Guru

Sorry Jasbro but if you think your going to get something to travel Australia and live in it for $15k your kidding, it will need to be mechanical fit for purpose motor, transmission, tyres,brakes & rego. You seem to have a great ambition but in all honesty are you even close to achieving it?

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

There will be some who say you can't and others that just do it.

Cheers,
Peter

Desert Dweller · Guru

Jasbro wrote:
Desertdweller, good advice, but we are of the opinion take the chance - why wait we dont want to wait and then god forbid something happens to one of us and we cant go. Life is too short, ive already had one health scare.

I felt the same way as you do back when I turned 50 years of age, too early, I retired at 60 ( 8 years ago ) & haven't looked back since. Unfortunately there are no health guarantees in life. We've all had our moments.

Work hard & save up some pennies to buy something reliable & avoid traveling on a ''wing & a prayer''. Someone's gotta keep the countries economy going.

We've traveled this country extensively since 1972 when we were first married, using annual leave & long service leave on half pay/double time. It's no use saving it all up until you retire, too much pressure to see it all before you fall off the perch.

Your situation sounds like one punctured tyre could sink the whole dream. You may end up scavenging through supermarket skips. blankstare

p.s. God is always spelt with a capital G.

-- Edited by Desert Dweller on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 06:30:57 PM

Mike Harding · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
p.s. God is always spelt with a capital G.

How should atheists spell it?

And does the collective noun rate a capital?

Desert Dweller · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
p.s. God is always spelt with a capital G.
How should atheists spell it?
And does the collective noun rate a capital?

Have a little respect for your maker. You'll be better off for it.

Dave1952 · Senior Member

If you choose to buy an 80 series Cruiser, plan to be safe and change the timing belt as soon as possible and note the ms on the clock when you do. The 80 series will give you 100000 km of trouble free motoring if you change the oil every ten thousand km. My previous tug was an 80 series which I bought privately. The previous owner claimed that he had changed the timing belt but had not and it broke before the next scheduled change - we only got 50 thousand km out of it before it broke and the T Belt light never came on to warn us. A very costly exercise. My present tug is a 100 series and I changed the timing belt immediately I bought the vehicle and noted the kms on the clock in the owners manual so I know when to change it next. Lesson learned!

rayaroundoz · Senior Member

Jasbro I am heading off fulltime next year. Will be 59 years young and just not prepared to wait until I reach retirement to live my dream. Been saving extremely hard past 3 years and should have enough cash to last me 2 1/2 or 3 years, but plan to pick up work along the way as opportunities arise.
I brought me a 1984 Toyota Coaster 2 years ago. I thought it was a bargain at $15,000. Fully decked out. Mechanically sound. Have added my own bits to it to suit my needs. Its not flash, has rust issues but still roadworthy. After a (married) lifetime of trying to keep up with the Joneses, I am now single, happy in my own skin and happy to live within my means. If I had to wait to get a fancy set up then it wouldn't be happening.

NOW is the only time we own, so I say go for it. Do your research, get what you can afford, get a few dollars behind you for "just in case" and hit the road as soon as you can. I made a plan, and a budget, set a date and worked towards that goal. Got so focussed on the prize that I will go 17 months ahead of schedule.

Whatever it takes, Make it happen for YOU.
Good luck and hope to see you out there somewhere on the road.

matildatraveller · Guru

Hey Jasbro...and Ray, I am with you on every point....Get going and work it out along the way.....Only advise.....take care, enjoy life as every day above ground is a good day! As for work....presently on beautiful Kangaroo Island house sitting and joining in all the activities I can fit in....Bushwalking, lawn bowls, fishing, old time dancing and barbeques by a log fire with the locals...... Take care....Gwynnie

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Jasbro,
I totally endorse what most of the other writers have written - backpackers generally do travel "on the cheap" but they work too in the agricultural industries, at remote pubs, etc in all sorts of temperatures, often doing work that a lot of Australians would baulk at. I've seen websites that show work for those willing to assist people "of the bush". I'm certain you'd find some of them by "Search"ing this forum.

To do it "on the cheap" the first requirement is to have a RELIABLE car & I'd hardly consider a bus (if it has been converted to live in) for $15,000 as being reliable. As some of the others have said 80 Series Toyotas (some did have transmission problems) & GQ Nissan Patrols (both with 4.2L diesel engines) fall into your price range. Servicing is laid down by the manufacturers is to be done at 5,000 kms but that is generally for hard 4WDing - I've done all of my three Patrols at 7500-8000kms (oil & filters - the Patrol has two oil filters) & never had any problems. Look after any of these two cars & it will look after you.
The Patrol isn't as flash as the Toyota - it doesn't have a camshaft belt - just push rods (very old tech) but are very reliable.

Before you buy - have a trusted friend (not like your last one), mechanic or the RACQ check out a prospective purchase & then you'll know if it is worth spending the money on it.

We're in our 70s & haven't wanted to do the "big lap" - we've done lots of trips in all states to all sorts of interesting places so don't feel obliged to do long distance. Find some suitable work, see how it turns out & save some money, moving on when you're comfortable.

All the best

Eaglemax · Guru

In 2016 we took off on our quick lap. How many of you have done a lap with $1900 fuel cost? Towing a caravan with shower and toilet?

I dont think Jaspro can afford to run a 4x4, maybe in years to come? Our rig was a Hyundai i30 diesel and 11ft van. Reliability is critical and small diesels are on the used car market for reasonable prices. Will pm you.

-- Edited by Eaglemax on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 11:29:59 PM

-- Edited by Eaglemax on Sunday 22nd of July 2018 11:51:30 PM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Whatâs wrong with Econo ? If engine ? Consider a low k wrecker engine ? Unless rust and future defects issues ? Mazda engine ??

Jasbro · Member

Aus-Kiwi,

yes the engine definitely needs re-doing, and believe me we have thought about it, its better the devil you know, it even ourmechanic stated its just not worth it, way too small for what we want to do with it, the biggest Thing is its too small inside for us (we have found this out since staying in it) - inside the van there is a double bed, aircon, water tank (have no idea how many litres) but to use it you need to drive the van to heat up the engine in order to receive hot water than its an outside portable shower, small bar fridge, no stove top we took it out too scary to cook in that close to curtains etc. its just too small for us to live in fulltime. I say we live in it at my husbands work which we do but we have use of a bathroom (with our portable shower) and a kitchen. So really I class the van as our bed & storage on wheels. Our concern with the van is, there is no table to go and sit at, its just our bed so when its raining its a pain, the fridge we could not put enough food in there to last days (we dont want to shop everyday) and to use a shower we have a portable tent type thing but now that its cold who wants to stand out in that washing yourself - not me

i appreciate all the advice saying buy an 80s Cruiser but theres no way we are towing a caravan - it scares the crap out of us everyday just about on the Bruce highway there is a caravan rollover - no Thankyou!!

as for whomever said wed be scavenging through supermarketbins - really?? i see youre full of positive vibes cant wait to cross you on our travels - theres no way well be waiting 10-15years Id rather jump try and maybe fail than be sitting in my rocking chair regretting it. Life is way too short and where theres a will theres a way and besides, from reading all the comments, im Sure if we did get into a spot of bother theres a lot of you out there that would give some help and advice and maybe a cup of tea smile

-- Edited by Jasbro on Monday 23rd of July 2018 08:13:10 AM

Jaahn · Guru

Hi Jasbro smile

GO FOR IT. You must remember that a lot of members on here are conservative old farts who will not take a chance. Most GN want to lug all their belongings with them in their new big vans and new 4wds. So that is what they like and perhaps they worked their life for it. But plenty of others like backpackers just go and do what they like in some old vehicle. Years ago we went north to Darwin and NT in an old dodgey Toyota Hiace with a couple of hundred thousand Kms on it. Was a fun trip and no major problems. Had a drum of extra fuel and extra spare tire on the roof. Four of us and a small tent for the big kids. But too small for full time living. We have a Sprinter mini bus now which is about the minimum size.

The most important thing you need is a reliable vehicle. Does not matter what type it is. I am a mechanic so I do my own inspection to select one, but you will need to spend some time to get that right with a reliable mechanic. Do not believe the BS about this 4WD or another, they can all fail and cost all your money. Old Coasters can be just as bad and most already had a long hard working life before they became campers. They are also old so be careful and buy with your head not your heart, and with a mechanic beside you. I have looked at quite a few old busses and rejected them as money pits. Learn a bit about basic maintainance and how to spot a problem coming so you can fix it before it goes bad.

My current Sprinter had only 125000 kms on it when we got it even though it was a 2000 model. It cost about what you are looking at. Then we converted it with a simple conversion. Starting with a vehicle with some hundreds of thousands of Kms will lead to a disaster sooner or later IMHO.

Cheers Jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 23rd of July 2018 09:31:21 AM

Possum3 · Guru

Tend to agree with most on here go for an older hiace or transit van and knock up some swing down beds in rear, put on a cheap side awning - you don't need a custom built camper van to get out there and enjoy it. Also unless an older diesel (prior to common rail injection) go for a petrol model.

Inland_Sailor · Veteran Member

Jasbro,

It may be true that there are roll overs on the Bruce Highway, but statistically given the No of caravans travelling our roads, they are not really that frequent. Then some of these can be attributed to the state of the road, towing experience of the drivers and many other factors.

You may be inexperienced to begin with, but as your going to be on the road full time, you'll quickly gain that experience. And as your leaving Qld to do your lap, you won't be gaining that initial experience travelling the Bruce, but rather on lesser travelled outback roads.

What I'm trying to say is seriously consider picking up a solid tow vehicle and a sound older van. Those without the bells and whistles like an inbuilt shower/toilet are at the lower end pricewise, but do the job equally well, maybe better, because there not so long and are lighter and therefore easier to tow than the travelling "Gin Palaces". An external shower [lots available] and a portapotti will give you the same "luxuries" anyway!!

This way your home can be set up for periods of time, whilst you work and gain the funds to move on. I think you'll soon discover that a campervan is not as convenient as a caravan set up on a site. For instance, you'll have to pack up your bits and bobs to run down to the supermarket to get "milk and bread", and perhaps pack up to go to work or whenever you need to go about your daily life. It's particularly difficult if you have the need to go in separate directions.

You'll also be able to get one or the other and be able to use it before your ready to set off on the "journey of your lives" You'll be able to live in the caravan instead of the econovan or have a vehicle to get about in. Stageing your purchases will also allow you to manage your finances and see the way ahead.

Good luck with your decision!

-- Edited by Inland_Sailor on Monday 23rd of July 2018 10:08:17 AM

-- Edited by Inland_Sailor on Monday 23rd of July 2018 10:18:39 AM