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Post Info TOPIC: Motorhome independence - living off grid
oldbloke


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RE: Motorhome independence - living off grid
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Mike Harding wrote:
Buzz Lightbulb wrote:
 Have you considered hiring what you think that you want to buy? If you hire, and you find that you still aren't inspired, you don't have to sell your MH/caravan.

I've never been a fan of the hire before buy philosophy.

To really get a feel for something like a caravan or motorhome one needs to spend weeks or months (or more!) living in it and, of course, changing the setup as we learn and discover things. eg. an outside annex mat makes life more pleasant but you're not going to want to buy one just for this experiment. 

Additionally it takes some weeks just to become familiar and at ease with living in a van.

On top of that the hire rate is, what, $2k per week? A three week hire becomes a significant sum.

 

 Yeh, we were going to hire a couple. Cost was stupid expensive. So just made a decision and handed over the cash.



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Wayne o


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Posts: 42
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Hello everyone.

I just caught up with all the responses from you in response to my post. Some great suggestions and
recommendations among them. I agree with just about every word.

A few years ago, I was a member of a Melbourne based 4wd club and we did some amazing outback trips
as club members. I had a partner in those days and we toured towing a CUB camper. The longest trip we
did was 6 weeks and this was a bucket list trip for one of our group who was very ill.

I got so used to living in the Cub camper that I had to 'adjust' when I got home. The sense of freedom and
connection with the land that the camper helped with was amazing and I continue to have great memories
of the trip. Sadly, a lot in my life has gone south since then. My partner is no longer with me and many of
my tour group friends have also passed away. I am 70, still pretty fit and healthy and long to get back out
there where I feel I belong.

Thank you all for your responses to my post. I appreciate them more than you know.

I will take it all on board and make a decision soon. I am well aware that every day I wait to decide is a day
wasted when I could have been on the road and enjoying this country we call home.

Happy travels to you all.

Wayne.

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86GTS


Guru

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Posts: 765
Date:
Permalink  

Wayne o wrote:

Hello everyone.

I just caught up with all the responses from you in response to my post. Some great suggestions and
recommendations among them. I agree with just about every word.

A few years ago, I was a member of a Melbourne based 4wd club and we did some amazing outback trips
as club members. I had a partner in those days and we toured towing a CUB camper. The longest trip we
did was 6 weeks and this was a bucket list trip for one of our group who was very ill.

I got so used to living in the Cub camper that I had to 'adjust' when I got home. The sense of freedom and
connection with the land that the camper helped with was amazing and I continue to have great memories
of the trip. Sadly, a lot in my life has gone south since then. My partner is no longer with me and many of
my tour group friends have also passed away. I am 70, still pretty fit and healthy and long to get back out
there where I feel I belong.

Thank you all for your responses to my post. I appreciate them more than you know.

I will take it all on board and make a decision soon. I am well aware that every day I wait to decide is a day
wasted when I could have been on the road and enjoying this country we call home.

Happy travels to you all.

Wayne.

 Keep your Cub Camper & get back out there into the bush. Absolutely ideal.



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Peman


Newbie

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Posts: 4
Date:
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I have a LWB van 400 watts solar 300ah lithium batter 2 maxxair fans induction cooktop fridge and a second freezer down lights USB points 3000w inverter strip lighting can last weeks free camping nice and cool inside 2 maxxair fans required and full insulation battery always stays fully charged 



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Aus-Kiwi


Guru

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Posts: 7642
Date:
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Penman . Assume you have connection to both battery systems when motor is running ? Via VSR or similar ? That extra assistance when we have a few overcast days ? Yes 400 watt is starting to get serious.

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gdayjr


Senior Member

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Posts: 372
Date:
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Peman wrote:

I have a LWB van 400 watts solar 300ah lithium batter 2 maxxair fans induction cooktop fridge and a second freezer down lights USB points 3000w inverter strip lighting can last weeks free camping nice and cool inside 2 maxxair fans required and full insulation battery always stays fully charged 

 I hope i fitted enough back up power on my new caravan.

It will have a total of 920w of solar, and 2x 200ah Lithium batteries.

Just me using it and not expecting to use a lot of power, i pretty much wanted to future proof it as i will be living in it full time.



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Not all those who wander are lost.
Aus-Kiwi


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Seems heaps power ? But you still need to be active in looking after voltage and usage !! I find camping you have to be very pro active in keeping things working etc . Need to be Jack of all trades ! Same with water etc have to plan things out over the time you intend. Even if its a rub over with wet hand towel ? Rather than shower etc . The crocks do a good job cleaning up other wise ? Lol
No actual type is all round perfect as we all have different lifestyles etc . Doesnt necessarily come down to money either !! I know a wealth family who take their converted horse float truck . They love it !! Horses for courses !! Ooops

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Wayne o


Veteran Member

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Posts: 42
Date:
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Great to see the comments for my post continue to trickle through.

All comments welcome and thank you all for your input.

Happy travels to you in the meantime.

Wayne'o

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Aus-Kiwi


Guru

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Posts: 7642
Date:
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Hey Wayne o . Do you drive a white Dodge, black bonnet live in Culburra ??

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