Hi. This is my very first post. i am a solo senior female and live in country WA
I have read, with much interest, lots of previous posts weighing up caravan v RV.
if I were to go for an RV Id like something small enough to be stored in my home garage (so would probably need to be a pop top I imagine), have inside cooking facilities, shower/toilet, preferably diesel, up to $25000. Where would I start looking for such a rig?
I spent six months travelling 27500kms around the coast of Aust in 2001, by myself, with a Holden Calais and a new 14ft Jayco Feedom poptop and loved every minute of it. I know I could handle such a rig, though would be looking for something small with shower/toilet
Id really value your input. Thanks in anticipation.
Hi Aussie,
Welcome to the forum. I trust you'll find what you are seeking & more. We all try to be helpful, mostly.
Can I suggest you have a look in the "Solo Grey Nomads" tab - there is a post similar to yours only posted recently. There is some good info there.
We have a poptop caravan - it suites us but there are pros & cons - my dream rig is a Dodge Ram 2500 & a similar sized van to what we have at the moment but there are extra problems (cost, the car won't go in our garage, would be NBG in shopping centre car parks).
It is all a compromise - list where you want to go, what you want to see. Do you need 2WD or 4WD?
Could you put a porta-potti in your van & one of those springy shower tents (NO, DON'T go to them, an ordinary folding one is fine)?
Advice offered by other female members over the years - carry a pair of men's boots, a hat to put off the jerks.
Two bits of advice -
1. visit a caravan park & have a look around, ask questions of people who own similar rigs that you're comfortable with.
2. consider hiring a RV for a weekend, week to see if you cope ok with it. This might swing you one way or the next.
Also consider your licence - what class is it? What could you drive, tow with it? If you're young, you might be ok with upgrading it if necessary. If you're my age, forget it.
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Had a giggle at your dont go there advice re springy tents theyre sods of things!!!
Im happy with 2WD - think it wouldnt be wise to go 4WDing solo. I just want to tonk around small country towns Australia wide and soak up our extraordinary history.
Id love to free camp as much as possible.
Will certainly check out Solo Grey Nomads section of the Forum, Thanks.
I used the boots and male clothing trick on my big lap (years ago,) Had no trouble on that trip, thankfully.
I actually have a truck drivers licence -wouldnt be keen to have a big rig though these days.
I live very close to a caravan park so will take you advice and check out rigs there.
Welcome to the gang Aussiefolk, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Sounds like you know a fare bit about the playground so keep on keeping on.
As for your home away from home. I started out as a forced solo 9 years ago part time with a Avan Camper Trailer because it fitted down the side of my unit and under the car port in a village and had no canvas. It was easy to set up and unpack. Easy to tow as well even. I had great times with my Avan Camper and met many people from this forum and other travellers as I travelled around.
After 3 years, I loved the life so much and some unwanted memories around the unit, I needed to leave, so I decided to go full time on the road. I decided I wanted my own shower and toilet and a bit more room around me for those, well, not so nice days in the playground. I spent ages researching etc and finally got the aluminium teepee etc listed in my signature and love it.
I thought of Camper Vans or Motor homes but didn't like the idea of having to pack up every time I forgot the bottle of milk and I am very independent. I then thought I could tow a small car for those times but then thought, if I am going to tow something I will get a better car and tow a caravan. I haven't regretted that choice once in the last 6 years and I tell you that for free.
I have met and seen many solo ladies over the last 9 years travelling in small camper vans or motor homes and probably equal amounts in small or even medium sized caravans and all are happy with their choice.
I reckon the most important thing is to just enjoy your choice and the playground but,
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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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)
Appreciate your thoughts Dougwe. I travelled with an Avan and loved it. Think it might be a bit difficult for me to set one up these days though. Im not as strong as I once was - dammit!!!!!
Thanks Tony. By external pop top toilet/shower tents do you mean those ones that you twist and pack down into a circle (if you hold your mouth right!!! )
Thanks Tony. By external pop top toilet/shower tents do you mean those ones that you twist and pack down into a circle (if you hold your mouth right!!! )
Hi Suzanne,
I would be definitely be looking at shower/toilet on board, anything external you might as well get a tent !!!
We are not getting any younger and good to have the basics on board for those nightly calls, plus showering, teeth and washing hands etc.
Maybe a Coaster bus or similar Camper Van fitted out.
Thanks Tony. By external pop top toilet/shower tents do you mean those ones that you twist and pack down into a circle (if you hold your mouth right!!! )
Yes that is the type, Aussiefolk
I had one with my old caravan, and along with a porti potty, and 12 volt shower, I did the lap in 2013/14 without going into any caravan parks
I purchased the pop up tent from a BCF (Boating Camping Fishing) shop I cheekily asked them to show me how it is refolded They showed me, then allowed me to do it a few times
It is actually easy, when you know how, and it got easier with practice
Thanks Tony. By external pop top toilet/shower tents do you mean those ones that you twist and pack down into a circle (if you hold your mouth right!!! )
Hi Suzanne,
I would be definitely be looking at shower/toilet on board, anything external you might as well get a tent !!!
We are not getting any younger and good to have the basics on board for those nightly calls, plus showering, teeth and washing hands etc.
Maybe a Coaster bus or similar Camper Van fitted out.
Cheers Bob
Suzanne,
On your budget I was thinking exactly the same.
Shower/ Toilet a bit squeezy but it gives you most of what you want...plus no towing.
Hi, welcome
Here is my thoughts. We towed our 11ft homemade caravan around Iz in 2016. It had a toilet/shower combo. Id never tolerate a shower/toilet NOT being inside a caravan.
If your garage/carport can house a non pop top caravan Id look at the small European vans. If the weather is good youll fine outside. Id look for a utility to tow it leaving you with storage room in the back, a smaller diesel Ute is all you need.
Tony
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.caravancampingsales.com.au/amp/editorial/details/top-5-small-caravans-113514/
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