A newbie

Victor Dunn · Member

A newbie

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Go for it.
Don't spend all of your money first up though, because it is unlikely that you will pick exactly the right vehicle (for you) at the first attempt.
For the same reasons, if you find something that appeals, go for it, don't procrastinate too much because you can start leaning as you go, and the sooner the better.
Cheers,
Peter

Possum3 · Guru

I agree with Peter also ensure a thorough inspection prior to spending your hard earned.

Consider a J pod as well - small and lightweight, get the comfy mattress and cooking facility - no packing up/setting up in inclement weather.

Victor Dunn · Member

Thanks Peter. Good advice.

Victor Dunn · Member

A J- pod. I will check that out. Had read about the A, caravans which had a low tow profile. Many thanks.

Jeff-2025 · Veteran Member

You can also hire out campervans to see if it is what you really want.

Google campervan hire - tons of results

Victor Dunn · Member

Thanks Jeff. I will do exactly that.

PeterInSa · Guru

Having looked at a similar size campervans to the VW kombie, B4 I was involved in purchasing a Long Wheelbase Hi Roof Sprinter for use by self /wife and adult family members, providing your bank account and partner approve, If I was in your situation, I would seriously look at a Sprinter, Transit or Fiat Based campervan, with more room/conveniences ie Shower./toilet, Gas hot water, TV, Stove/oven, Diesel Heater and Roof Top air conditioner. The additional storage provides room for say Fishing rods, outside chair/table, Golf clubs and and.

The rear of our Sprinter can fit 5 people around the table for afternoon coffee in the wet. The table is lowered with an extension for 2 to sleep at night, but using the seating as a mattress needs a Clarke rubber foam overlay to provide comfort.

We have taken the Sprinter on an SA Beach as a base for the Grandkids Day out, along Tracks in the Victorian Goldfields and long trips to Qld and WA etc and many bush camps. In our travels have come across many fems in campervans mentioned above. We park out of the way in shopping centres and in some cases back in over a garden so the front of the vehicle does not stick out more than other parked cars.

Definitely more flexibility than our 21ft Traveller caravan and to me a different way to travel, eg in Tassie, we go from Town to Town not having to go back to the caravan at night, just continue our travel, stopping for a morning coffee when it suits us.

Definitly do your research and don't rush into it.

Interesting read Here, some of their points may help.

Why 70% of Retirees Regret Their Camper Van Within 1 Year

www.youtube.com/watch

IanSch · Member

I owned a Sprinter van but sold it about 5 years ago when my wife became ill and we could no longer travel. After she passed away earlier this year I purchased a Crafter van which is sold through the VW dealerships here in Australia. I am quite happy with it. It is about the same size as the Sprinter and also an all wheel drive. My Sprinter was 4WD. Having said that I only needed the 4WD two times and was very happy to have that option. As far as camper vans go we travelled all over this great country firstly with a caravan and then in a 1984 Kombie camper and later in a 1989 Kombie Synchro. With both vehicles we towed a tradies trailer which contained the portaloo and some extra gear like fishing. It is great to have it all in one vehicle without the trailer and as Peter says it is not a great issue to park to do the shopping etc. Sometimes I park using two carparks end on end in a carpark next to the supermarket.