I am a female solo traveler (61) from WA after my husband recently passed away and don't really feel confident driving our 2008 200 series land cruiser and 2006 Windsor Genesis so thinking about getting an automatic motor home that you can drive on a C class license. PS i don't want a camper van. I I will be travelling with other people but don't want to have to rely on other people to help me hitch/unhitch the van and and want to try and be as self sufficient as possible. Ideally i would like to have the bed set up permanently (not have to pull down and make every day). Does anyone on here have any suggestions as to make/model would be best and the most reliable? My budget is around $130,000. Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Happy and safe travels every one :)
Aus-Kiwi said
10:53 PM Mar 30, 2022
A friend of ours has a Birdsville . Yes its front wheel drive . But I guess you wont be driving far off the bitumen? As traction can
be an issue . Has no problem driving it !! Shes been right up North Queensland . At present down in Victoria . Good on you for continuing the journey !!
Sheba said
11:25 PM Mar 30, 2022
Hi kilkenny. I'm assuming your husband was called Stephen ?
You said you didn't want a campervan, but you don't tow a Campervan. I think you're thinking of a Camper Trailer. A Campervan is a smaller version of a Motorhome.
A Toyota Hi-ace is a good size for a single person. I have one, Diesel, Auto, and I wouldn't be without it. Check them out, and see what you think. You can always go up from there, if you think it's too small.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Bicyclecamper said
12:01 AM Mar 31, 2022
Peter and Margarets OKA 4 x 4 Motorhome, I guess he maybe selling it in the next 12 months or so. That thing goes anywhere and everywhere.
bratboy said
07:02 AM Mar 31, 2022
Bicyclecamper wrote:
Peter and Margarets OKA 4 x 4 Motorhome, I guess he maybe selling it in the next 12 months or so. That thing goes anywhere and everywhere.
Kilkenny wants an automatic . don't think Peter and Margarets OKA fits that requirement .
hufnpuf said
10:23 AM Mar 31, 2022
So sorry for your loss.
I'm also on my own and considered a campervan/motorhome when covid came and I thought I should go somewhere. What put me off was having to have/keep everything packed up if you want to go somewhere and having to drive a big vehicle all over the place. I find my "tank" car that I tow the caravan with bad enough to have to park, the thought of always having a humungous vehicle to try to get into supermarket carparks was too much. Anyway, that's just me and you didn't ask whether you should get a motorhome or not.
As for which ones, have you been to have a look at any? Some are absolutely gigantic. I agree with Sheba that a Toyota Hi-ace would be worth considering. My mechanic is a "Toyota fan-boi" and he convinced me to get a Toyota. Anyone can fix them and you can get parts all over. My "real" car is a volkswagen and my mechanic said that parts might have to get shipped in to some out of the way place. Other "foreign" vans might be nice, but the same might apply. Will there be parts and people who can fix them in the middle of nowhere? Mercedes or Fiat Ducato look very nice, but are they easily serviced if you break down in the country? A Hi-ace is a much more compact option than the big motorhomes and Toyota are reliable.
Are you wanting a bathroom? Not sure if that can be fitted to a Hi-ace.
The other thing that put me off campervans was the layout of some. The ones with the high roof often had the bed up there and I'm not capable/willing to climb up and down to go to bed. I'd rather hitch/unhitch a caravan once at beginning and end of a trip than have to negotiate a ladder every single night.
Avan Applause might be an option, although I don't know what price it has. It is a fiat but no raised bed. It may cost a bomb, like Winnebagos. Their vans were very nice, but not cheap.
The motorhome rental companies usually have their "clapped out" vans for sale (they may not be clapped out, they just sell them when they get a certain number of miles on them) and you can go and look at the layouts in them. I suggest you go and look at a few to get an idea of size and layouts and then take it from there.
deverall11 said
10:39 AM Mar 31, 2022
kilkenny wrote:
Hi Everyone :)
I am a female solo traveler (61) from WA after my husband recently passed away and don't really feel confident driving our 2008 200 series land cruiser and 2006 Windsor Genesis so thinking about getting an automatic motor home that you can drive on a C class license. PS i don't want a camper van. I I will be travelling with other people but don't want to have to rely on other people to help me hitch/unhitch the van and and want to try and be as self sufficient as possible. Ideally i would like to have the bed set up permanently (not have to pull down and make every day). Does anyone on here have any suggestions as to make/model would be best and the most reliable? My budget is around $130,000. Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Happy and safe travels every one :)
Play your cards right and the value of the 200 series should cover a great portion of your budget. Don't let a sales person pinch it off you like a friend of mine did.
Carsale.com.au should give you a reasonable idea on its value.
DMaxer said
10:56 AM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Kilkenny. Sorry to hear about your loss. It is a real positive though to travel and come to terms with your life changes and issues. In travel we all seem to meet people that are not just there for the travel experience but also there for the spiritual well being as well.
I am certainly no authority on which mode of transport to purchase but can speak from being the owner of a Windsor Genesis and being a solo male traveller. One of the daunting things about towing a caravan is the first few trips. One thing that I learned early on is that if you have any issues, whether it be trying to back the bloody thing, where to hook things up and whether it is level or not is to seek the assistance of fellow travellers. When I first started off if I came to a new accommodation place and did not feel confident in what I was doing I would just seek a bit of assistance. It was always forthcoming and immediately you met someone. They too had been through all the dramas and caravan and motor home people are for the most part, friendly and helpful, more so if you are a woman travelling alone.
My advice would be to first of all consider where the trepidation lies. Is it in towing, unhooking, reversing or setting up or the whole bloody lot as it was in my case when I started out. There are many towing and reversing courses that spend a day with you teaching you all you will need to know. These can be in a group setting or for a few dollars more, one on one. Another thing may be the effort needed to unhook, wind up jockey wheels etc. There are many labour saving devices such as trailer mate jacks and good quality jockey wheels that make this task pretty simple.
Another thing perhaps you might consider is that you know the quality and issues with your present vehicle and van. Nothing would be worse than to trade in what you have already only to acquire something that may have mechanical issues or a thousand leaks. I am not a psychologist but sometimes people change what they already have because of the memories that still belong with that item.
It is certainly your decision and yours alone. Perhaps you might just go on a trip and give it a go and see what the real issues are and how they can be remedied. Another good idea is go to a park or roadside stop and ask the people who have one already. Don't listen to the spiel the dealers tell you, ask the owners.
Good luck with your travels, I am sure you will cope extremely well.
Jaahn said
11:03 AM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Kilkenny
You do need to get around and look at some MH sales yards to see what size you want, small, medium, large, gigantic ! possibly the last two sizes are ruled out by the car license. Then see what you need in the way of sleeping, lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. That will give you a better idea of what to look for.
If you want a medium easy to drive vehicle the Mercedes Sprinter conversions on the big vans are good, in my opinion, and can mostly be fitted in a shopping car park etc in country areas. They are also rear wheel drive which is a plus in my opinion. They are more reliable than most modern vehicles and the Ambulance services use the smaller models all over Australia so there is service expertise around if needed.
Good luck Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:07:24 AM
kilkenny said
11:10 AM Mar 31, 2022
Thank you i appreciate all your suggestions and will consider all my options.
-- Edited by kilkenny on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:23:38 AM
hufnpuf said
11:12 AM Mar 31, 2022
DMaxer wrote:There are many towing and reversing courses that spend a day with you teaching you all you will need to know. These can be in a group setting or for a few dollars more, one on one.
The one I did was both, it was a group, but everyone got a turn one on one while the others practised. If you wanted to consider keeping your current setup, it's certainly recommended.
As for help, a lot (most?) of caravan parks (if that's where you'll be staying) have groundspeople who help you onto your site. I've never really had to worry about pranging into anything at parks, the staff guide you. Many times they've given me a spot where I can come in frontwards and don't even need to reverse the van.
People LIKE helping, it makes people feel good and useful. Although you feel you want to be self-sufficient, help offered is usually not a burden on the offerer. I have people offering help all the time. It's just as much about them being nice as it is about me being decrepit and incapable. Sometimes they are more of a hindrance than a real help, but it's part of being a community and getting on with people to accept.
kilkenny said
11:29 AM Mar 31, 2022
Sheba wrote:
Hi kilkenny. I'm assuming your husband was called Stephen ?
You said you didn't want a campervan, but you don't tow a Campervan. I think you're thinking of a Camper Trailer. A Campervan is a smaller version of a Motorhome.
A Toyota Hi-ace is a good size for a single person. I have one, Diesel, Auto, and I wouldn't be without it. Check them out, and see what you think. You can always go up from there, if you think it's too small.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Hi Sheba, Yes my husband's name is Stephen. I would like a toilet/shower and also like fresh air so would like a hinged door with a flyscreen with a lock on it but appreciate your suggestion. Happy travels.
kilkenny said
11:37 AM Mar 31, 2022
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
A friend of ours has a Birdsville . Yes its front wheel drive . But I guess you wont be driving far off the bitumen? As traction can be an issue . Has no problem driving it !! Shes been right up North Queensland . At present down in Victoria . Good on you for continuing the journey !!
Thank you i will look into this brand as they look nice. Thanks for the suggestion :)
Mariner30 said
11:40 AM Mar 31, 2022
Consider hiring a 4 berth motorhome, not for the 4 beds but for the extra room they have inside. Where you can get dressed standing up and eat sitting down.
Like you do in your current caravan.
My son had a nissan campervan...couldn't do either of those as described above.
4 Berth motorhomes aren't hard to drive either.
Edit...on a " try before you buy " scenario
For a week or two...whatever
-- Edited by Mariner30 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:42:04 AM
kilkenny said
12:44 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Hufnpuf,
Yes i am a bit too old (or can't be bothered lol) to be climbing up to a bed each night :( I was thinking more along the lines of just park and leave everything out ie table/chairs as can hop in the back of the other people's cars i will be travelling with to go sight seeing, shopping etc. I have a smaller car at home for my usual use when not away. I would like a motorhome but with a reliable engine that is easy to get parts ie toyota.
kilkenny said
12:48 PM Mar 31, 2022
deverall11 wrote:
kilkenny wrote:
Hi Everyone :)
I am a female solo traveler (61) from WA after my husband recently passed away and don't really feel confident driving our 2008 200 series land cruiser and 2006 Windsor Genesis so thinking about getting an automatic motor home that you can drive on a C class license. PS i don't want a camper van. I I will be travelling with other people but don't want to have to rely on other people to help me hitch/unhitch the van and and want to try and be as self sufficient as possible. Ideally i would like to have the bed set up permanently (not have to pull down and make every day). Does anyone on here have any suggestions as to make/model would be best and the most reliable? My budget is around $130,000. Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Happy and safe travels every one :)
Play your cards right and the value of the 200 series should cover a great portion of your budget. Don't let a sales person pinch it off you like a friend of mine did.
Carsale.com.au should give you a reasonable idea on its value.
Hi Guru, Yes i know i should get a good price for my car just still deciding if to keep it and tow the van or get a smaller van or sell both and get a motorhome....?
kilkenny said
12:52 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Guru,
Yes i know i should get a good price for the 200 series just trying to work out if to keep it and put my big girl knickers on and hook it up to the van i already have or downsize the van or get a motorhome and then only have 1 vehicle to worry about. I have a smaller car to use when i am at home. Thinking motorhome equals 1 lot of insurance, license, tyres etc.
hufnpuf said
12:58 PM Mar 31, 2022
kilkenny wrote:I would like a motorhome but with a reliable engine that is easy to get parts ie toyota.
I think to get a bathroom you are looking at the larger mercedes or fiats. They are reliable, just maybe not as accessible parts in the country. There are a lot of them on the road, so maybe I (my mechanic) is wrong about that. If they don't break down in the first place, it's not really a problem and mercs can last "forever".
Maybe a smaller van might be an option. Have you looked at the Adria vans? They are small and easy to tow. I spoke to a woman when I was away and she got the Action model for herself and she had no trouble touring with it on her own. I've just swapped my little Jayco for a Jurgens and I find it well within my capabilities (which aren't very high). The Jayco had the jockey wheel permanently attached with a swivel, and that was really easy to use, I didn't have to lift the jockey wheel out and lock it into the clamp.
EDITED TO ADD: oh, and caravans are exempt from stamp duty. I don't think motorhomes are. You could be paying a fair whack of money for nothing if you change to a motorhome (if I'm right about them being subject to duty).
-- Edited by hufnpuf on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:01:27 PM
kilkenny said
01:00 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Dmaxer,
Thank you for your suggestions and yes it is the hitching/unhitching etc that puts me off although we do have an electric jockey wheel to make things easier and i know people are always
wiling to help but I like to be as independent as much as possible. I think i will have a little practice run with my other travel companions and see how i go :)
hufnpuf said
01:04 PM Mar 31, 2022
kilkenny wrote:I think i will have a little practice run with my other travel companions and see how i go :)
I think that's a good idea. You might be surprised at how much you are capable of. I make jokes about being decrepit, but it's kind of true, I've got things wrong with me but I can still manage my van.
granite53 said
01:05 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi kilkenny
I'm a bit like you but male, 69 years young.
We had a Nissan Patrol and 21'6" Windsor Genesis. Travelled over 45,000 kms in this combo.
Two years ago my wife passed away and I moved to Canberra (family support).
I purchased a second hand 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on an Iveco chassis from Brisbane just on 12 months ago. My BIL has has a 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on a Fiat chassis. The Iveco has a fully auto 8 speed gearbox, the Fiat has a 6 speed semi auto box. Both are 3.0 litre turbo diesel.
Both are very easy to drive. The king size bed is one that goes up to the roof during the day and I drop down to table level at night and use a two step ladder to get into the bed.
On board shower over toilet set up. Fully self contained.
Both cruise at 110 km/hr on freeways getting about 12-13 l/100 km.
Les
-- Edited by granite53 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:06:20 PM
-- Edited by granite53 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:07:17 PM
kilkenny said
01:15 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Hufnpuf,
I will look at the Adria vans. I may feel a bit more confident towing a smaller van with the cruiser (as i am starting to get used to driving that)
kilkenny said
01:18 PM Mar 31, 2022
Good for you. Get out there and enjoy life whilst we still can :)
kilkenny said
01:20 PM Mar 31, 2022
Thanks for the tip :)
DMaxer said
01:31 PM Mar 31, 2022
Hi Kilkenny. If one of your concerns is lugging the jockey wheel in and out of the boot then have a look on line. There are some really good quality ones that are bolted onto the A frame so that all that is needed is to turn them in their frame and lower away. No need to lift anything.
Another thing to consider is just because you get a smaller van does not mean they are easier to tow. Bigger vans are more stable than some of the smaller lighter ones, especially in a breeze or when being passed by a truck.
Go for a run in your present set up. Most of the fear is "what if this happens". I know it was in my case. Surprising, all of the things I used to worry about haven't happened (touch wood) and the things that I never concerned myself about have. All part of the fun and experience.
granite53 said
01:45 PM Mar 31, 2022
Kilkenny
Forgot to add - my 2017 Sunliner cost me $131,000 and it only had 35,000km on it.
The killer was stamp duty to transfer into my name - about $5,400.
Les
Are We Lost said
01:49 PM Mar 31, 2022
Putting aside the question on which motorhome for a minute, you said you were getting used to driving the 200. I gather you did not drive it that much, particularly with the van on behind. After a while, you get used to any vehicle and it starts feeling a lot smaller and easier to manage. Although towing a van is a whole extra level, the same principle applies.
Yes, vans are more cumbersome. Towing and parking is not as easy as with a motorhome. With an electric jockey wheel and a good setup, hitching and unhitching should be fairly easy. Both setups require the same hoses, power leads and possibly ramps for levelling. You said you don't want to rely on friends for hitching/unhitching, but do for local travel because of the pain of packing up everything each time you want to go somewhere. I would recommend that with such a large investment that you do ensure it would meet your needs if you were to travel by yourself.
Are you planning for a life on the road, or will be doing trips from a home base? How long to stay in one place? Van parks or freecamping? What about living space? When looking, consider how you will feel if weather keeps you inside for a few days. These all come into play when looking at different options.
Peter_n_Margaret said
01:58 PM Mar 31, 2022
I find hitching and unhitching anything towed a PITA. For a small MH for one, I would choose a Toyota Troopy. Best parts & service availability in the country and they go pretty much anywhere (certainly go where anything towed will not). I would probably want a custom conversion, high top, with lots of solar and water, but even the ex hire ones are usable. As far as shopping and parking, at 6m, the OKA is fine in town. Some of these vehicles are not as big as they first appear and certainly any will be easier to handle and park than any caravan, either in town or going down that narrow track to that special camp site near the beach or river. Try turning your caravan around here.
Completely off topic...
Just yesterday saw two OKA'S travelling around the east coast of Tas.
I'll go now.
86GTS said
04:01 PM Mar 31, 2022
In late 2019 we hired a Kea motor home from Maui. It was classed as a 4 berth but it was really only a 2 berth with a double bed above the spacious rear lounge/dining area. The double bed comes down off the ceiling at night when you push a button. After flying from Melbourne we traveled from Broome to Darwin a distance of 2500kms. My wife did all the driving & loved every minute of it. It was a nice change for me not to have to tow a caravan. The Mercedes Benz diesel with auto transmission was smooth & economical. There are a few second hand units around with not too many kms on them within your price range.
Hi Everyone :)
I am a female solo traveler (61) from WA after my husband recently passed away and don't really feel confident driving our 2008 200 series land cruiser and 2006 Windsor Genesis so thinking about getting an automatic motor home that you can drive on a C class license. PS i don't want a camper van. I I will be travelling with other people but don't want to have to rely on other people to help me hitch/unhitch the van and and want to try and be as self sufficient as possible. Ideally i would like to have the bed set up permanently (not have to pull down and make every day). Does anyone on here have any suggestions as to make/model would be best and the most reliable? My budget is around $130,000. Look forward to hearing your suggestions. Happy and safe travels every one :)
be an issue . Has no problem driving it !! Shes been right up North Queensland . At present down in Victoria . Good on you for continuing the journey !!
Hi kilkenny. I'm assuming your husband was called Stephen ?
You said you didn't want a campervan, but you don't tow a Campervan. I think you're thinking of a Camper Trailer. A Campervan is a smaller version of a Motorhome.
A Toyota Hi-ace is a good size for a single person. I have one, Diesel, Auto, and I wouldn't be without it. Check them out, and see what you think. You can always go up from there, if you think it's too small.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Kilkenny wants an automatic . don't think Peter and Margarets OKA fits that requirement .
I'm also on my own and considered a campervan/motorhome when covid came and I thought I should go somewhere. What put me off was having to have/keep everything packed up if you want to go somewhere and having to drive a big vehicle all over the place. I find my "tank" car that I tow the caravan with bad enough to have to park, the thought of always having a humungous vehicle to try to get into supermarket carparks was too much. Anyway, that's just me and you didn't ask whether you should get a motorhome or not.
As for which ones, have you been to have a look at any? Some are absolutely gigantic. I agree with Sheba that a Toyota Hi-ace would be worth considering. My mechanic is a "Toyota fan-boi" and he convinced me to get a Toyota. Anyone can fix them and you can get parts all over. My "real" car is a volkswagen and my mechanic said that parts might have to get shipped in to some out of the way place. Other "foreign" vans might be nice, but the same might apply. Will there be parts and people who can fix them in the middle of nowhere? Mercedes or Fiat Ducato look very nice, but are they easily serviced if you break down in the country? A Hi-ace is a much more compact option than the big motorhomes and Toyota are reliable.
Are you wanting a bathroom? Not sure if that can be fitted to a Hi-ace.
The other thing that put me off campervans was the layout of some. The ones with the high roof often had the bed up there and I'm not capable/willing to climb up and down to go to bed. I'd rather hitch/unhitch a caravan once at beginning and end of a trip than have to negotiate a ladder every single night.
Avan Applause might be an option, although I don't know what price it has. It is a fiat but no raised bed. It may cost a bomb, like Winnebagos. Their vans were very nice, but not cheap.
The motorhome rental companies usually have their "clapped out" vans for sale (they may not be clapped out, they just sell them when they get a certain number of miles on them) and you can go and look at the layouts in them. I suggest you go and look at a few to get an idea of size and layouts and then take it from there.
Play your cards right and the value of the 200 series should cover a great portion of your budget. Don't let a sales person pinch it off you like a friend of mine did.
Carsale.com.au should give you a reasonable idea on its value.
Hi Kilkenny. Sorry to hear about your loss. It is a real positive though to travel and come to terms with your life changes and issues. In travel we all seem to meet people that are not just there for the travel experience but also there for the spiritual well being as well.
I am certainly no authority on which mode of transport to purchase but can speak from being the owner of a Windsor Genesis and being a solo male traveller. One of the daunting things about towing a caravan is the first few trips. One thing that I learned early on is that if you have any issues, whether it be trying to back the bloody thing, where to hook things up and whether it is level or not is to seek the assistance of fellow travellers. When I first started off if I came to a new accommodation place and did not feel confident in what I was doing I would just seek a bit of assistance. It was always forthcoming and immediately you met someone. They too had been through all the dramas and caravan and motor home people are for the most part, friendly and helpful, more so if you are a woman travelling alone.
My advice would be to first of all consider where the trepidation lies. Is it in towing, unhooking, reversing or setting up or the whole bloody lot as it was in my case when I started out. There are many towing and reversing courses that spend a day with you teaching you all you will need to know. These can be in a group setting or for a few dollars more, one on one. Another thing may be the effort needed to unhook, wind up jockey wheels etc. There are many labour saving devices such as trailer mate jacks and good quality jockey wheels that make this task pretty simple.
Another thing perhaps you might consider is that you know the quality and issues with your present vehicle and van. Nothing would be worse than to trade in what you have already only to acquire something that may have mechanical issues or a thousand leaks. I am not a psychologist but sometimes people change what they already have because of the memories that still belong with that item.
It is certainly your decision and yours alone. Perhaps you might just go on a trip and give it a go and see what the real issues are and how they can be remedied. Another good idea is go to a park or roadside stop and ask the people who have one already. Don't listen to the spiel the dealers tell you, ask the owners.
Good luck with your travels, I am sure you will cope extremely well.
Hi Kilkenny
You do need to get around and look at some MH sales yards to see what size you want, small, medium, large, gigantic ! possibly the last two sizes are ruled out by the car license. Then see what you need in the way of sleeping, lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. That will give you a better idea of what to look for.
If you want a medium easy to drive vehicle the Mercedes Sprinter conversions on the big vans are good, in my opinion, and can mostly be fitted in a shopping car park etc in country areas. They are also rear wheel drive which is a plus in my opinion. They are more reliable than most modern vehicles and the Ambulance services use the smaller models all over Australia so there is service expertise around if needed.
Good luck Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:07:24 AM
Thank you i appreciate all your suggestions and will consider all my options.
-- Edited by kilkenny on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:23:38 AM
The one I did was both, it was a group, but everyone got a turn one on one while the others practised. If you wanted to consider keeping your current setup, it's certainly recommended.
As for help, a lot (most?) of caravan parks (if that's where you'll be staying) have groundspeople who help you onto your site. I've never really had to worry about pranging into anything at parks, the staff guide you. Many times they've given me a spot where I can come in frontwards and don't even need to reverse the van.
People LIKE helping, it makes people feel good and useful. Although you feel you want to be self-sufficient, help offered is usually not a burden on the offerer. I have people offering help all the time. It's just as much about them being nice as it is about me being decrepit and incapable. Sometimes they are more of a hindrance than a real help, but it's part of being a community and getting on with people to accept.
Thank you i will look into this brand as they look nice. Thanks for the suggestion :)
Consider hiring a 4 berth motorhome, not for the 4 beds but for the extra room they have inside.
Where you can get dressed standing up and eat sitting down.
Like you do in your current caravan.
My son had a nissan campervan...couldn't do either of those as described above.
4 Berth motorhomes aren't hard to drive either.
Edit...on a " try before you buy " scenario
For a week or two...whatever
-- Edited by Mariner30 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 11:42:04 AM
Hi Hufnpuf,
Yes i am a bit too old (or can't be bothered lol) to be climbing up to a bed each night :( I was thinking more along the lines of just park and leave everything out ie table/chairs as can hop in the back of the other people's cars i will be travelling with to go sight seeing, shopping etc. I have a smaller car at home for my usual use when not away. I would like a motorhome but with a reliable engine that is easy to get parts ie toyota.
Hi Guru,
Yes i know i should get a good price for the 200 series just trying to work out if to keep it and put my big girl knickers on and hook it up to the van i already have or downsize the van or get a motorhome and then only have 1 vehicle to worry about. I have a smaller car to use when i am at home. Thinking motorhome equals 1 lot of insurance, license, tyres etc.
I think to get a bathroom you are looking at the larger mercedes or fiats. They are reliable, just maybe not as accessible parts in the country. There are a lot of them on the road, so maybe I (my mechanic) is wrong about that. If they don't break down in the first place, it's not really a problem and mercs can last "forever".
Maybe a smaller van might be an option. Have you looked at the Adria vans? They are small and easy to tow. I spoke to a woman when I was away and she got the Action model for herself and she had no trouble touring with it on her own. I've just swapped my little Jayco for a Jurgens and I find it well within my capabilities (which aren't very high). The Jayco had the jockey wheel permanently attached with a swivel, and that was really easy to use, I didn't have to lift the jockey wheel out and lock it into the clamp.
EDITED TO ADD: oh, and caravans are exempt from stamp duty. I don't think motorhomes are. You could be paying a fair whack of money for nothing if you change to a motorhome (if I'm right about them being subject to duty).
-- Edited by hufnpuf on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:01:27 PM
Hi Dmaxer,
Thank you for your suggestions and yes it is the hitching/unhitching etc that puts me off although we do have an electric jockey wheel to make things easier and i know people are always
wiling to help but I like to be as independent as much as possible. I think i will have a little practice run with my other travel companions and see how i go :)
I think that's a good idea. You might be surprised at how much you are capable of. I make jokes about being decrepit, but it's kind of true, I've got things wrong with me but I can still manage my van.
Hi kilkenny
I'm a bit like you but male, 69 years young.
We had a Nissan Patrol and 21'6" Windsor Genesis. Travelled over 45,000 kms in this combo.
Two years ago my wife passed away and I moved to Canberra (family support).
I purchased a second hand 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on an Iveco chassis from Brisbane just on 12 months ago. My BIL has has a 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on a Fiat chassis. The Iveco has a fully auto 8 speed gearbox, the Fiat has a 6 speed semi auto box. Both are 3.0 litre turbo diesel.
Both are very easy to drive. The king size bed is one that goes up to the roof during the day and I drop down to table level at night and use a two step ladder to get into the bed.
On board shower over toilet set up. Fully self contained.
Both cruise at 110 km/hr on freeways getting about 12-13 l/100 km.
Les
-- Edited by granite53 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:06:20 PM
-- Edited by granite53 on Thursday 31st of March 2022 01:07:17 PM
Hi Hufnpuf,
I will look at the Adria vans. I may feel a bit more confident towing a smaller van with the cruiser (as i am starting to get used to driving that)
Good for you. Get out there and enjoy life whilst we still can :)
Thanks for the tip :)
Hi Kilkenny. If one of your concerns is lugging the jockey wheel in and out of the boot then have a look on line. There are some really good quality ones that are bolted onto the A frame so that all that is needed is to turn them in their frame and lower away. No need to lift anything.
Another thing to consider is just because you get a smaller van does not mean they are easier to tow. Bigger vans are more stable than some of the smaller lighter ones, especially in a breeze or when being passed by a truck.
Go for a run in your present set up. Most of the fear is "what if this happens". I know it was in my case. Surprising, all of the things I used to worry about haven't happened (touch wood) and the things that I never concerned myself about have. All part of the fun and experience.
Forgot to add - my 2017 Sunliner cost me $131,000 and it only had 35,000km on it.
The killer was stamp duty to transfer into my name - about $5,400.
Les
Yes, vans are more cumbersome. Towing and parking is not as easy as with a motorhome. With an electric jockey wheel and a good setup, hitching and unhitching should be fairly easy. Both setups require the same hoses, power leads and possibly ramps for levelling. You said you don't want to rely on friends for hitching/unhitching, but do for local travel because of the pain of packing up everything each time you want to go somewhere. I would recommend that with such a large investment that you do ensure it would meet your needs if you were to travel by yourself.
Are you planning for a life on the road, or will be doing trips from a home base? How long to stay in one place? Van parks or freecamping? What about living space? When looking, consider how you will feel if weather keeps you inside for a few days. These all come into play when looking at different options.
I find hitching and unhitching anything towed a PITA.
For a small MH for one, I would choose a Toyota Troopy. Best parts & service availability in the country and they go pretty much anywhere (certainly go where anything towed will not).
I would probably want a custom conversion, high top, with lots of solar and water, but even the ex hire ones are usable.
As far as shopping and parking, at 6m, the OKA is fine in town. Some of these vehicles are not as big as they first appear and certainly any will be easier to handle and park than any caravan, either in town or going down that narrow track to that special camp site near the beach or river.
Try turning your caravan around here.
Cheers,
Peter
Just yesterday saw two OKA'S travelling around the east coast of Tas.
I'll go now.
In late 2019 we hired a Kea motor home from Maui.
It was classed as a 4 berth but it was really only a 2 berth with a double bed above the spacious rear lounge/dining area.
The double bed comes down off the ceiling at night when you push a button.
After flying from Melbourne we traveled from Broome to Darwin a distance of 2500kms.
My wife did all the driving & loved every minute of it.
It was a nice change for me not to have to tow a caravan.
The Mercedes Benz diesel with auto transmission was smooth & economical.
There are a few second hand units around with not too many kms on them within your price range.