Thoughts needed please

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

RE: Thoughts needed please

msg · Guru

Totally agree. MOAB & Peter & Margaret.

In my 10yrs I have only broken down once. My first trip. It was really a Claytons breakdown. The engine management light came on. Still drove Ok no limp mode or anything like that.
Arrived in Gunndawindi and contacted NRMA. The repair shop diagnosed all sorts of terrible things turbo, ECG, water pump, fuel pump. They had heart failure and said they couldn't fix it. But they let me stay in their yard overnight.

NRMA organised a truck to take me & the van to Maroochydore. 400ks. where I had an appointment and set me up in a CP. Risked it and drove about a kilometre to the dealership the next morning. Dealership kept it all day, (was allowed to occupy when they weren't working on it. They ended up fitting a new fuel pump and reset the the computer.

This problem with the light coming on continued every 300 ks or so. down the east coast. Calling in to various dealerships who recommended various fixes. Finally hit Sydney and took it into KEA (Hire co where I had purchased). Apparently they had dealt with this issue a few times. Had something to do with the different driving styles. They remapped the computer which took about 1/2hr. and everything has been fine from then on.

Mike Harding · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
The breakdown problem with a motorhome being discussed is an imagined one. We have never experienced it.

You have clearly forgotten the lady in Perth with the Fiat with the broken axle. And, of course, you have no knowledge of my friend Michael whose motorhome was in the repair shop for months whilst they removed the body in order to effect the necessary repairs upon the engine.

Peter; just because something has not, yet, happened to you doesn't mean it can't. But even if it did it won't really matter, to you, because you don't *live* in your motorhome - you'll just suffer a ruined holiday and return to your home.

And as for the concept of shadowing the repair mechanic! Tell that to Workcover in these overly safety conscious days.

It is beyond me why you people are so desperate to deny the possibility of an obvious potential problem - confirmation bias to the extreme, it appears.

dogbox · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
The breakdown problem with a motorhome being discussed is an imagined one. We have never experienced it.

You have clearly forgotten the lady in Perth with the Fiat with the broken axle. And, of course, you have no knowledge of my friend Michael whose motorhome was in the repair shop for months whilst they removed the body in order to effect the necessary repairs upon the engine.
Peter; just because something has not, yet, happened to you doesn't mean it can't. But even if it did it won't really matter, to you, because you don't *live* in your motorhome - you'll just suffer a ruined holiday and return to your home.
And as for the concept of shadowing the repair mechanic! Tell that to Workcover in these overly safety conscious days.
It is beyond me why you people are so desperate to deny the possibility of an obvious potential problem - confirmation bias to the extreme, it appears.

something like murphy'law and anything is possible . i can remember reading about a lady breaking down(maybe same one) an not having access to her home for a long period of time while waiting for parts.
we were traveling in a motor home out back an hit a kangaroo, had to stay in a motel while waiting for new radiator to be sent out from Brisbane 3 days no big problem, parts were available for the vehicle (Toyota) some have to be ordered from overseas

msg · Guru

Mike, You seem dead against motor homes. Why? Of course, bad things can happen. But they only happen on rare occasions. Bad things can happen when stranded with a caravan. Only you are relying on two vehicles to perform as necessary. For that women in Perth, what was wrong with hiring a cabin until everything was fixed. This is what having sufficient backup to cope with disasters is for. Going off without sufficient contingency planning is foolish.

-- Edited by msg on Wednesday 22nd of July 2020 01:01:10 PM

Mike Harding · Guru

msg wrote:
Mike, You seem dead against motor homes.

Not at all - you're making that up because you don't like my criticisms.

Motorhomes are fine for holidays (I had one in the USA) and I looked long and hard at converting a bus for my current permanent nomad lifestyle but, for the reasons I've given, are not best suited for *permanent living*.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Mike Harding wrote:
msg wrote:
Mike, You seem dead against motor homes.

Not at all - you're making that up because you don't like my criticisms.
Motorhomes are fine for holidays (I had one in the USA) and I looked long and hard at converting a bus for my current permanent nomad lifestyle but, for the reasons I've given, are not best suited for *permanent living*.

I suggest that most of the rest of the world (with the possible exception of Australia and the USA) disagrees with you Mike, but whatever "floats your boat" as the saying goes.

Cheers,

Peter

Whenarewethere · Guru

Vehicles will break down & you need appropriate options.

Many decades ago other half was working in shop & a customer was letting off steam that her Mercedes Benz had broken down. The lady was annoyed by the inconvenience as she didn't like driving her spare Rolls Royce!

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Whenarewethere wrote:
Vehicles will break down & you need appropriate options.

A little off topic, but here is a story.

And there is generally more than one option available so a choice needs to be made.

In 2017, we broke a rear axle half way across the Simpson. There was no way we could continue through the dunes in front wheel drive only.

There were several options....

1. Have our friend tow us to Birdsville with us providing what traction we could from the front wheel drive. This would put considerable stress on both vehicles and risk a second break down or more damage.

2. Get a recovery vehicle to come and get us. There was a suitable vehicle in Birdsville. The hourly rate was about $300 per hour from the time he got the 'phone call until he was back in the pub after the job. Cost would be closer to $10,000 than $5,000.

3. Fix the axle where it was.

Most vehicles that cross the Simpson do it in 4 or 5 days. They are limited because of their ability to carry food and water in addition to the large fuel requirement. We had no such restrictions, so we ordered a new axle from Melbourne via sat phone and waited. The axle took 5 days to get to Birdsville by post and then our friends drove in, picked it up and brought it back to us. That was a 3 day round trip.

In the mean time, we relaxed and enjoyed the desert for an extra 8 days.

When the axle arrived, it was a 10 minute job to fit it and we were on our way. The repair cost us our mate's fuel plus dinner in the pub at Birdsville.

Cheers,

Peter

KJB · Guru

Do not spend time and money trying to make someone else responsible for the break and the repair - just fix it and get on with life......Good story.....that is what made Australia what is used to be.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

KJB wrote:
Do not spend time and money trying to make someone else responsible for the break and the repair - just fix it and get on with life......Good story.....that is what made Australia what is used to be.

As it turned out, the axle I broke was supplied second hand by the same bloke who supplied the new replacement.

It had broken in an unusual place and there were signs that there was a weakness in it where it broke.

The supplier did not charge me for the new axle. I paid the postage to Birdsville.

He gets all my business..... smile

Cheers,

Peter

the rocket · Guru

KayCeeT wrote:
Hi all, I am yet to become an active grey nomad, but this is my dream / goal / bucket list, call it what you will but I will not be defeated I am a 60 year old female and will be hitting the road solo when it happens. I will only have enough in Super to purchase a van, which will be my home, and tow vehicle. My plan is to travel on a pension. Do you think this is achievable please? I would love to hear any thoughts or suggestions but please be kind. Also I am currently thinking maybe a 20 - 21ft van, do any solo lady nomads have any thoughts on this please? Any other information / tips / suggestions etc. gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

Hi kayCee, i know ladies who live in their hiace vans and i have lived in my caravan solo for months at a time too But parked up On a farm.

we have a caravan as there is strop and i. We need 2 tvs. If i were on my own full time, i would buy a hiace or something similar and fit it out with solar and 12 volt. My friend has this and she has lived very happily in her hiace van for many years. I think a caravan would be too difficult for me On my own. travelling on a pension is very doable. We have lived in our van 5 years Full time. We free camp, housesit, showgrounds, caravan parks , depending wherever we go. Enjoy.

-- Edited by the rocket on Sunday 26th of July 2020 11:58:18 PM

Kirsty · Member

Hi KayCee,

I strongly recommend not rushing into buying a caravan, given your financial circumstances. My advice is to hire a fully self contained motor home for a few weeks. Their is a glut of motor homes for rental at the moment due to the international covid travel restrictions. Most motor homes are now 70 percent off the normal day/week rates with free mileage. For example the attached van available is under $990 for 3 weeks.

https://rentals.budgetcampervans.com/search/3%7C469772%7C469772%7C20200830%7C20200920%7CAU%7C60%7CZ%7Cen%7CAU%7C473149?

Then you can travel around your state, not sure where you are located, but if it isn't NSW or Vic, you can travel around and firstly get a feeling for traveling life on the road, secondly, you can speak with a lot of experienced camper van, caravan, roof topper people who you can ask questions about their kits in person. Then you can return your motor home and after your trip have a more solid understanding of what you are looking for. Then you are ready to go out and buy.

I trust this helps, let me know how you go biggrin

Kirsty, Cheif Problem Solver for Grey Nads

Erilala · Veteran Member

All Post Offices have a 1 page form for a- Registration Payment Card.You fill out & show D.L identity proof.0 cost.In 2 weeks you'll get mailed a small card..You put payments of $40++ on it until yr rego amount..When bill comes you take both to any P.O & they scan & receipt your rego bill-- as paid..Keep stored yr receipts to know what $$$ yr upto,then stop.I pay my $295 bill in 8 weeks & am always 3-4 months ahead before bill..

-- Edited by Erilala on Tuesday 18th of August 2020 03:43:01 PM

Erilala · Veteran Member

You can also get a Rego Payment Card from any P.O... A 1 page form & ID,& a card is mailed to you in 2 weeks.Payments of $40+++ made anytime @ P.O till Rego amount is reached,Easy & costs 0.

-- Edited by Erilala on Tuesday 18th of August 2020 04:54:24 PM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Sheesh to think I helped a guy fix his clutch on a Toyota Cruiser on the Nullarbor. 2 litre bottle of coke fixed it good enough to get to garage . Like things dont break down no matter what Type ? Even new !! I find the security of motorhome . Plus either has stuff packed outside . Theres the issue of theft if leaving things behind ? Most make comments , have never owned or used ? Then theres so many different combinations ?? Some may think either is too large To drive etc ? I would suggest hiring either for a few weeks ?

glassies · Guru

Hi kaycee,

Ive bought a toyota hiace and im looking at doing 3 month trips at a time ,i have a lil cottage near bundaberg that i live in and have done a fair bit of travelling before but this time on my own ,which will be a challenge im going to have to learn lots ive never changed a tyre before so plenty of practice to do and other things .
Looking forward to seeing your purchase, i myself would never tow a van ,im a believer in being able to dash from my bed to the front seat and drive off just in case .

the rocket · Guru

msg wrote:
KayCeeT, Travelling on a pension can be quite difficult. I try to do it. I usually end up spending my old age pension plus about a thousand. Given that I don't smoke, drink, or eat out (not allowed to due to medical condition) and have a fully equipped van to live off grid comfortably you will need to think carefully how you are going to go about it.

Plus, in 7 yrs time, things could have changed dramatically.

I have been travelling for 9 yrs now and really notice the differences. The emphasis nowadays is on self contained so you at least need a port a potty, there are less off grid camps, caravan park fees have doubled, water is harder to come by and quite often towns are not as RV friendly. And now COVID has put a spanner in the works. Who knows what its going to be like in the future.

Hi msg, is the extra 1000 yearly or monthly.

msg · Guru

Hi Rocket,

My bank account decreases by about a thousand over the six or seven months I am away. I like to think I am a reasonably thrifty person but still have whatever I want and not be too extravagant. I free camp 90% of the time. So just small donations there.

Some of the $1000 would be maintenance on van, something always needs fixing,

Then there are a whole lot of costs before I go. Rego, Tyres, improvements, "just in cases", insurance, and stocking the van,

This time, I will need 4 new tyres. I want a CO2 detector, maybe a new microwave and the linen should be replaced.

Last time the batteries gave out (first time since I started) Son replaced them with lithium. They are great and I have so much more power (no more worries there)

So, I may not spend all my pension and I may even save a bit while away, but, taking into account all the before and after costs it can cost a bit.

Now I'm not complaining about these costs they are a necessary part of being able to travel for six or seven months a year and also ensures I have a relatively trouble free time as much as possible.

-- Edited by msg on Saturday 12th of September 2020 12:22:45 PM

-- Edited by msg on Saturday 12th of September 2020 12:23:41 PM

glassies · Guru

Hi kaycee i will be doing the exact same thing ive split from my hubby we went round with out 22foot van but if it were me by myself 1st thing i thought of was safety how can i get to my car from van when i need to escape plus the fact i dont know how to tow ! So i would do as somebody said buy a mobile home i couldnt afford one so i purchased a toyota hiace and ive decked it out plus i have all the camping needs shower tent etc and my big adventure starts next june to lawn hill ive been all through the gulf and nt b4 but never called into lawn hill .
My next venture will also be birdsville hotel ive always wanted a shot of my car outside the pub, i hope you enjoy which ever situation u buy. But as much as its not happened to me i do know a lady had to get into her drivers seat and speed off ,so safety is the biggest issue for me

Cuppa · Guru

As you can see - many conflicting beliefs on what is best.

Athough we currently tow a much smaller 'van' than you are considering I would agree that a campervan/ motorhome would be a far better option, for a single person than a caravan. Much quicker & easier to set up, & to leave if you felt the need to if circumstances around you made you feel uncomfortable. (Get into the walkthrough cab & drive away rather than the whole process of hitching up & leaving).

For folk who predominantly stay in caravan parks the ability to unhitch & go off sight seeing is attractive, but if predominantly free camping regularly leaving the caravan behind may not feel so secure.

We prefer to wake up in wonderful places than to be day visitors to them so having a vehicle which can take you to those places with your accommodation makes sense. A 4wd camper/small motorhome (or a small off road van like ours which can go anywhere the 4wd tow vehicle goes). 4wd is not essential, but it does get you to more places with a sense of security even if you only use the 4wd capability once in a blue moon. Even a solid 2wd motorhome with good ground clearance (Eg. a Coaster or similar) will get you to many places that most caravanners can only day visit without their van, or that many would not take their 'off the shelf' 'white box' motorhomes to.

Packing up a small camper or motorhome is not a big deal & far less bother than reversing, hitching & unhitching ..... although I suppose you do get used to whatever you choose.

Our 'van' is actually a hard top camper trailer with a tent extension. I am not suggesting something like that as an option for you, but it has been home for the two of us on the road for the past 3 years. The point though is that you really do not need a lot of space or 'stuff' with you. (We do miss the ability to cook inside in inclement weather though).

As we age some things don't get easier. We are now 62 & 63 & have a variety of aches, pains etc & find lifting, for example harder than we used to. I most certainly would not want a 21' Van to maneuvre around. If I were to buy a caravan it would be something small - 13' -15' max & lightweight. But having previously owned a motorhome I know which is easiest to drive & to camp in.

As for costs, regardless of motorhome, campervan or caravan - there is no escaping the fact that larger inevitably means higher running costs & other costs of ownership. Folk often mistakenly believe that the longer the journey the bigger the accommodation needs to be. Experienced folk generally suggest that you go with the smallest you can manage in, & those who don't are fairly likely to be basing their recommendation upon their need to justify their own decisions.

The post above from 'Glassies' makes a great deal of sense.

Best wishes for your decision making.

-- Edited by Cuppa on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 05:59:56 PM

-- Edited by Cuppa on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 06:03:19 PM

-- Edited by Cuppa on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 06:10:38 PM

Cuppa · Guru

In slight contradiction to Moab & Peter, whilst we have experienced living in the motorhome in the yard of the repairer as they describe, we did also experience not having our motorhome for a number of weeks whilst it was in to have the motor replaced in Katherine, NT. All was not lost though, in fact far from it. We found our RAC 'Total Cover' to have been an excellent investment. All of our accommodation costs were covered, as was a hire car for much of the period. And easy to arrange.
Last year we availed ourselves of their service again after breaking our rear suspension & having to wait 3 weeks for relpacements to be freighted to Kununurra, WA. This time we remained in our camper on a powered site, but all site fees, & car hire was again covered by the RAC. Don't leave home without it!

peter67 · Guru

KayCeeT wrote:
Hi all, I am yet to become an active grey nomad, but this is my dream / goal / bucket list, call it what you will but I will not be defeated I am a 60 year old female and will be hitting the road solo when it happens. I will only have enough in Super to purchase a van, which will be my home, and tow vehicle. My plan is to travel on a pension. Do you think this is achievable please? I would love to hear any thoughts or suggestions but please be kind. Also I am currently thinking maybe a 20 - 21ft van, do any solo lady nomads have any thoughts on this please? Any other information / tips / suggestions etc. gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

KayceeT thank you for asking the question, i'm a west australian newbie here and have learnt a lot by reading the answers. Have you progressed at all re your search for a vehicle? I'm about to head off end of march but will play safe and stay in WA at the moment and since i'm doing it on my own i've settled for a hyundai iload van with shelving and a self inflating sea to summit mattress that's more comfortable than my double bed, i won't miss it!

Good luck too you :)

Dick0 · Guru

Hi KCT,

There are many ladies out there towing single and tandem axle caravans from 16' to 21'.

They seem to manage very well (even better than a lot of blokes I've seen). It may be a bit daunting at first but it all falls into place.

Only suggest you match the Tug and Den to towing weight requirements. smile

gdayjr · Senior Member

STRETCH ARMSTRONG wrote:
Hey KayCeeT,
As you can see lots of options. I've been on road fulltime now for 3 years and on pension. l only free camp, house sit and have spent one night in a caravan park in the 3 years.
I hate CP''s and being ex farmer like the open space. I do tend to stay at some camps for a month or two at a time so fuel use is minimal. Living this way l have heaps of money on the pension and don't go without. Like Mike l spend about $1000 a month which means l save about the same.
In some places l've stayed motor home people try to bot a ride into town to do their shopping so the don't have to pack up their camp everytime they run out of something. Most people are friendly so l have no problem helping others. I find my 18ft van and 4x4 does what l need. If l ever get a motorhome l would tow a trailer with a motorbike.
There are many ladies out there who are just as capable as any man to hitch up their van. Yes, "woman are doing it for themselves" as the song goes.
Get out there and enjoy, Stretch.

I am just doing the research for hitting the road full time in around 12 to 18 months time.
I will be travelling with one, maybe two motorbikes. If i buy a Caravan, it with be a Jayco Silverline, at least 21 ft, but probably a 24 ft.
I will then tow the Caravan with an Iveco Van. That van will hold the bike, or bikes, and some workshop tools and handyman tools.
If i go down the route of a motorhome, then it will Be a Jayco Optimum, with a 10 ft box trailer on the back.
I aim to free camp, but as i have never been on the road in any form of mobile home, i will be making it up as i go along.
I will travelling solo at this stage, but you never know what is up the road hey?. I willl not scrimp on buying the right vehicle to travel in, as it will be my home for 10 to 15 years.
I will try and live by spending just my aged pension from Australia, and half of a UK pension, which at this stage means around $580 per week.
Hopefully I will pick up some handyman work etc on my travels to earn a few bucks, and try and do some seasonal work as needed.
I will have a big chunk of change left from my super, so breakdowns and hickups shouldnt be to bothersome.

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
That is a huge van for 1 person and will need an expensive tug to buy and run.
Hitching and unhitching will be a difficult chore.
I suggest you consider a larger campervan or smaller motorhome that is set up to be totally self sufficient with solar, shower and toilet.
Lower cost to buy and lower costs to run.
What is your current home state?
Cheers,
Peter

-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Monday 13th of July 2020 01:28:15 PM

I agree with Peter. We, wife and I, have a 17' Jayco. It was the smallest van we could buy with an ensuite. We've only gone camping once, due to Sarscov2, but we're very happy with its size.

gdayjr · Senior Member

Size? not an issue for me.

I am also looking at the New Jayco Optimum. If i go that way, i will towing an 8x5 trailer to house the toys.

gdayjr · Senior Member

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
You can park a 6m motorhome in a shopping centre or anywhere in the street, including angle parking, legally.
A 6m motorhome is 6m long. A 6m caravan is more than double that length so is harder to get into tight camp spots.
Motorhome insurance rates are lower than caravan insurance rates and there is one vehicle to insure, not two.
Fuel consumption for a 6m motorhome will be less than for a 6m caravan plus tug.
Registration is lower cost for 1 vehicle than 2 vehicles.
Maintenance costs for a motorhome will be lower than for a tug plus caravan.
A motorhome will be easier to reverse than a caravan, especially without help.
No hitching or unhitching with a motorhome. You pull up and are instantly ready for a cuppa or a beer.
With a walk through camper or motorhome you can drive away at any moment without unlocking a door or going outside. For a single person that may be an important security benefit.
It seems that motorhome/campervan ownership increases compared to caravan ownership as people get older, for these reasons.
Cheers,
Peter

I have been doing the sums on the two options i am considering.

I will be a single traveller. The holder of a H.C Australian driving licence, and plenty of experience driving large vehicles, so the length of the caravan and prime mover is not daunting at all.

1st choice is simple. A 25ft Jayco Optimum on the Isuzu Chassis. Cost is around $195k. As stated, only one lot of insurance, and rego costs each year. Plus a box trailer on the back to hold some bikes and tools.

Insurance cost is yet to be determined.

On the plus size. Easier to park or manouver. Easier to do the initial setup at my destination, everything under one roof.

On the negative side. If it fails to procede, i am stuck in one spot for a while, no big dealbreaker on a new vehicle.

If i want to head off for a few days, i have to take the whole vehicle, or just a bike.

My 2nd option is a 24ft caravan, i may downsize to a 21 ft, but i do like a bit of space to move around in, and an Isuzu van as a prime mover. Total cost is around $95k for the caravan, and aroung $85k for the Isuzu. Total of around $180K

Maintenance and insurance costs may well be around the same over ten years for either option, but i will be far more comfortable in my 24ft caravan, than the motorhome.

I will be able to head off in the Isuzu van with my motorbikes, and some camping gear. when i want explore some more harder to get to areas. The van will also be used as a mobile workshop, and even used to earn income doing courier work along the way.

I am 18 months away from doing this, and my thinking is that by then there will be quiet a few vans and motorhomes hitting the market, as people loose intrest in caravaning, and get back to overseas travel. Of course all of the caravan dealers i speak to say just the opposite.

You need to order now, shortage of supplies, long build delays etc.

Yet even now, there are plenty of choices in the second hand market, and yes there is a big demand for new and second hand units, but i think the bubble will burst in this industry, and lifestyle when the Covid travel restrictions end.

These are just my thoughts, and i am sure plenty of people will have their own ideas on how things will play out in the next 18 months to 2 yrs, but either way, it is the lifestyle i will be living for at least the next 10 to 15 yrs.

-- Edited by gdayjr on Sunday 21st of March 2021 07:48:56 AM

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

Regarding vehicles I've, usually, always bought second hand to minimise depreciation. The two times that I have bought new has reinforced my thoughts on this.

We bought a second hand Jayco 17' caravan and it had many modifications that we appreciated as we used it. There were a couple of problems that we had fixed upder new vehicle warranty and now we're ready to start travelling.

We also bought a second hand tow vehicle, had a couple of things fixed under the new car warranty and I'm very impressed with it.