Greetings to all. Our names are Russ (49) and Julie (42). We currently live Brisbane North after recently selling our home in Noosa hinterland. We have decided that instead me getting a job (Russ can't work right now) buying another house, we will look seriously at the idea of buying a van, bus or motor home and taking off around the country. Indefinitely... We are in the very early planning stages so I'll apologise in advance for all the questions I'm likely to ask. Lol. We are off to the Brisbane caravan show today and we're hoping to get some good ideas. We've never owned a caravan, so we know zilch about them... I feel we have the appropriate vehicle 04 3lt TD Navara, so it's onwards and upwards with the research. We were thinking of spending around 50 to 60k, Is that likely to get us a rig that will help us be self sufficient? I look forward to hearing your pearls of wisdom on this or any other topic you more experienced campers think we should know about. Thanks in advance. Julie

Gday Russ & Julie and a very warm welcome to the forum there is no need to apologies for asking questions as it gives some of us something to do in answering them, as for your current question its a good idea to have a look around Caravan shows to get an idea of what sort of options there are and what will suit you.

Once you have decided then there are a number of places both yards and on line that you can do further research or shop for your chosen van there are also many people on our forum who will give you helpful advice but bear in mind that it is a personal choice and no one brand or type can tick all the boxes.
Enjoy the research and shopping as well as your time on the forum which also has a for sale section that is worth keeping an eye on.

Yep, even I answer questions and I don't even know anything. Welcome to the forum, Russ and Julie, you'll be experts in no time.

Welcome from me too Julie and Russ, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Whatever you decide on make sure that the 12v wiring and system is of hi quality with heavy 12v cable if you want to do 'Free' or 'Alternative' camping.

Welcome to the forum from us as well,Julie and Russ.You will enjoy the goings on here and obtain lots of fantastic info..

Thanks so much for the welcome guys. Well we made a little "oops" while touring through all the caravans at the show today! Let's just say the sales woman from New Age caravans was very good at her job! It also looks like we'll be on the road by October. Now to break the news to our grand babies!

Welcome to a great way of life!

Make sure you know the towing weight limits for your Navara, and for the tow ball.

Before buying a van, check its weight out carefully. Do not believe sales people! If possible, get van weighed on a weighbridge before committing to it. You would be surprised how many buyers end up with a van they cannot legally tow! One way of getting caught out is that "things" added to the van after manufacture, by dealers or earlier owners (awnings, solar panels etc) may not be included in the original weight on the compliance plate. The closer you get to what the Navara is allowed to tow, the more careful - and suspicious - you need to be.

Remember also that your weight calculations must allow for what goes in the van - food, clothes, gear, water, gas. A rough guide used is 400kg, though some travellers, especially if full time on the road, allow more than that.

Have fun at the show.

Welcome from us too Flicka9736. Dougwe's advice about wiring is a good one. Our advice would be 'take your time'. It's a big investment (your price range should get you something good) and don't be afraid to even look at second hand yards as well as the show.

Thanks so much for the welcome guys. Well we made a little "oops" while touring through all the caravans at the show today! Let's just say the sales woman from New Age caravans was very good at her job! It also looks like we'll be on the road by October. Now to break the news to our grand babies!

Welcome from me too (I'm a solo traveller). I'll second Ruth's advice to 'take your time'. And while you're taking your time I'd suggest that you find places around you where Grey Nomads hang out (Maleny showground and Kenilworth showground spring to mind)and chat with them about what they have, what they like, what they don't like etc. You'll usually find that everyone is happy to offer advice. Buying second hand has the advantage that the van will probably be already set up with solar panels and the like. but the first thing you have to decide is what kind of travelling you want to do - do you want to stay mostly in caravan parks or would you prefer to free camp for example.

Well good luck to you both with your travels - and welcome to the site - enjoy, ask lots of questions, read all sections of the forum page - including "solo" etc - some good information available.

Welcome Russ & Julie, you'll get heaps of info here use the search function it works really well and there are a lot of people who know a real lot about vans and motorhomes and other useful stuff unlike me who just watches with amazement.

Mr D

Welcome from Peter and Sue Russ & Julie. Not a bad mob here, downright friendly in fact.

Hi Russ & Julie welcome.
Cheers
Sharke

Thanks sooo much for the very warm welcome. Yes Sheba, you're correct, we ordered our Van yesterday. So much for having a good look around... We brought one three hours after saying we were "just going to have a look". Lol. Though Russ was pretty determined to come home with one. I guess he won. Lol. We're so happy with it, though sadly we can't take delivery till October. I want it NOW! we're so excited about taking off, but now we have many questions about our tow vehicle.. Among many other things. Is there is specific area of the forum to ask vehicle questions or should I start a new thread in here? Thanks again. Julie

Yep, sure is Julie. Slip into 'Techies Corner' and ask your questions there. Great advice at all times from very knowledgable members, if you like the sound of an answer maybe PM the member.

Good luck but in the mean time,

Thanks Doug and everyone, again! I will pop over to "techies corner" and ask my questions now. I have been flitting through the archives regarding tow vehicles and Navara's in general and sadly, I feel we may have to sell it and buy something heavier...but we will see what people have to say first. Plus we have a friend checking it out for us, hopefully over the weekend to see what may or may not need to be done.
Thanks again.
J & R