I'm planning to travel alone once I get myself set up. I really like the idea of travelling in a camper trailer. I've been to a couple of caravan shows and also to one place that makes them for you. The thing I like about camper trailers is that they're light to tow and they seem pretty easy to set up. I'm a bit nervous of the thought of towing a heavy van or driving a motorhome. My question is - will security be a problem with travelling in a camper trailer - especially as I will be on my own? I'd be grateful to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences.
Hi Jill I was looking around for ages for a camper trailer at camping shows, the internet and asking people who I met. I eventually decided to buy one and I have never looked back, as I also travel alone I can say that I have never been in danger or felt uneasy - I always follow these rules Purchase food etc before you set up camp, that way you wont have to leave your camp site Always camp near other campers after you have "checked" them out If staying a few days, ask them if they need anything at the shops while they look after your gear Never camp in the bush close to a town Never be the first to set up camp in the bush When I leave my camper, I put food away and the chair, everything else I leave out and I have never had a problem As kids are the main problem, I always have the zips joined at the top of the door rather than the bottom Above all enjoy yourself .......... Graham
Thanks Wheels. It's great to hear from someone who is out there doing what I am hoping to do and in a camper trailer, too. Your tips for security are very useful, too. I can see why you don't set up in the bush close to towns. I never thought of that one, but it certainly makes sense. It's also interesting that your main problems are with kids. It certainly gives me a bit more confidence in the whole venture.
When I've camped in the scrub I also leave the key in the ignition and have the remote door control with me. If for any reason you need to get out of there in a hurry nothing worse than a fumble in the dark for the keys to get the sucker going.
Park your vehicle in the direction you came in on so if you need to find your wayout at night at least it's facing the right way for travel over familiar ground
If you can also check out the site for car tracks that may indicate the meeting place for the local hoons or a local underage drinking spot especially near creeks or swimming holes.
If traveling with a dog train it to stay with you regardless of other attractants
In the NT don't park close to the water or near the long grass , there's always those snapping hangbags and wandering livestock to consider.
If traveling in remote areas let someone know what your up to
If you break down in a remote area STAY with the vehicle a vehicle from the air is easier to stop than a person on foot
I always have something sharp in the tent just in case I need to make an alternative exit door
Always have a powerful hand held torch within reach of your bed
Heed the tips provided by others and have a great time out there.
Nothing out there to fear but fear its self
-- Edited by Wombat 280 at 00:25, 2008-09-07
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Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
Jill - wombats list is a good start, for feeling safer. Why I am male, we still "check out" the situation.
May I suggest this, for feeling safer. Every rig SHOULD have a fire extingusher. Contact the people that service them, and arrange a training for their use.
Two aspects, firstly, should you need to use it for fire, you have been prepared. If you need to have something that will deter anything (critter to reptile) these are good.
Training is relatively inexpensive, and the cost of replacing the FE is minor, if it was needed.
Twobob is right a FE is always an essential item and a weapon if needed but in a canvas fire the best defence is get to hell out of it and let it burn . From start to finish a canvas fire will be all over in a nanosecond and you don't want to be in it
Had a typo in my earlier post it should read "Spot from the air ". Spent a far chuck of my career looking for people from the air and a walker is near on impossible to spot .
If you should need to leave the vehicle ( I can't think why ) take a box of matches and set the grass alight when you hear a chopper or plane near by a fire and smoke will always get their attention
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Pets are welcome but children must be leashed at all times
I'm planning to travel alone once I get myself set up. I really like the idea of travelling in a camper trailer. I've been to a couple of caravan shows and also to one place that makes them for you. The thing I like about camper trailers is that they're light to tow and they seem pretty easy to set up. I'm a bit nervous of the thought of towing a heavy van or driving a motorhome. My question is - will security be a problem with travelling in a camper trailer - especially as I will be on my own? I'd be grateful to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences.
Hi Jill, Don't know if you're set up yet, but if not, have you considered a Pop-Top Campervan. I chose one because I didn't want to have to keep setting up, and packing up whenever I move. I didn't want anything too big, but I find I can manage the Campervan easily. I also have the added security of being able to just slip into the front seat, and take off if I need to in a hurry. Alternatively these are new on the market. They'll go on a Ute, Double-cab, or Trailer. www.ahaweb.com.au. $21,000.00 First shipment is arriving about Thursday [Dec.11th.] You can get a flyer from them with Prices. [At Home Anywhere.] Cheers, xina.
I'm planning to travel alone once I get myself set up. I really like the idea of travelling in a camper trailer. I've been to a couple of caravan shows and also to one place that makes them for you. The thing I like about camper trailers is that they're light to tow and they seem pretty easy to set up. I'm a bit nervous of the thought of towing a heavy van or driving a motorhome. My question is - will security be a problem with travelling in a camper trailer - especially as I will be on my own? I'd be grateful to hear anyone's thoughts or experiences.
Hi Jill, Don't know if you're set up yet, but if not, have you considered a Pop-Top Campervan. I chose one because I didn't want to have to keep setting up, and packing up whenever I move. I didn't want anything too big, but I find I can manage the Campervan easily. I also have the added security of being able to just slip into the front seat, and take off if I need to in a hurry. Alternatively these are new on the market. They'll go on a Ute, Double-cab, or Trailer. www.ahaweb.com.au. [At Home Anywhere.] Cheers, xina.