Caravan class war

mike and Judy · Guru

Caravan class war

Vic41 · Senior Member

Probably because most of the prime spots are designed to take bigger vans so they need to park them there. Everyone pays the same prices though irrespective of size, unless you need two bays and have to pay for two.

Vic

-- Edited by Vic41 on Sunday 19th of July 2009 02:44:52 PM

dave06 · Guru

well Vic thats not quite right I have seen many instances where if one wishes a "sea view" then it attracts a premium price, not saying thats the case here but there are a lot of cases where one may "escape" the unwashed millions by paying a premium

but caravan "snobbery" is certainly alive and well as is all snobbery be it with housing or campers versus motor homes or small pop tops versus fifth wheelers

the first thing these showponies do once they are all camped up is to wander around a park and "compare" "oh look dear, ours is bigger than theirs" another reason I avoid caravan parks like the plague

when we go out it is all about the scenery not the accommodation but the drongoes still like to "take it all" with them

I'm with Mike on this, I dont care if my horse is a thoroughbred or a brumby just as long as it keeps on trotting along

kenmarg · Senior Member

mike & judy. thats just how the world seems to turn nowdays. the caravan parks put all the big shiny bangers up the front, ( this looks good mum we will stop here ) you and i drive past going to our free camping spot. its sad to say,but the friendship, we knew,has been replaced to a certian extent by the clicky mobs. then again some of the young fellows in there toyota land destroyers and off road caravans,are not worth knowing ( so what does that make me ) thats why this forum is so good,we are a lot of like minded people.

Vic41 · Senior Member

Dave,

I am talking generally, I have the smallest caravan in my makers range and usually get pushed into the smallest space possible because of it. Sure there may be some upmarket parks that have premium spots etc, but I always stay at the cheapies where possible and that has been my experience where bays are concerned and you are parked by the park manager/staff. Depends on how busy they are and what is available, sometimes you get a good one.

Vic

jandas fun · Guru

Yep. there are those of us that want to "see" the scenery and others that want to "be" the scenery.
Only ever experienced snobbery in the coastal caravan parks and not out west, where the real people are. (in relation to the eastern states)
Exception was one poor fella at Forster nsw whose wife refused to go caravaning unless she had all the comforts, so he had a huge 5th wheeler and annexe as big as all Texas. Must have told me a hundred times that we are all equal out here you know. Now a standard joke with Anne and me.

Johnw

-- Edited by jandas fun on Sunday 19th of July 2009 04:22:46 PM

Rolly · Guru

jandas fun wrote:

....... there are those of us that want to "see" the scenery and others that want to "be" the scenery...............
Johnw

-- Edited by jandas fun on Sunday 19th of July 2009 04:22:46 PM

That is a cynical, worldliwise, completely accurate and bluddy hilarious observation.

Gotta luv it wink

dave06 · Guru

vic, we are spoilt over here in that when we roll up to a c/park (which is very rare) the owners usually say "just pick a spot" I guess it's different over on the east coast

the only time we found things a bit different was over in strahan where they have a seperate area for camper vans, theres a loo and shower setup for every 4 campers

i too love the scene and be scene observation

Vic41 · Senior Member

Sounds good Dave, much prefer that. I'm on the West Coast. I can't say I've ever been to a park where you pay more for a particular spot, but then the cheap parks probably don't have that or it hasn't reached here yet. I have seen where some people have a trailer or car on the back of a motorhome/bus where they make them pay for two end to end bays for the extra space they take though.

Saw a post somewhere about a park on the NSW south coast where the have three individual parking areas, one for Seniors, one for Families and one for Whiz Bangs. Once at Pt Pirie I stayed at what was then a Top Tourist Park where the park was divided into two separate areas, one for tourists and one for permanents. Last time I went there Family Parks had taken it over. You would know the park I am talking about, they loaded ships right behind the park and you could see them and hear the banging and clanging during the night as they loaded them up.

Vic

Helena · Guru

give me the camp sites any day hate the parks only use them as a real necessity Helena

dave06 · Guru

yes Vic thats the one in the town, down on the beach, it was owned by council back then, they never used to allow full timers in there at one stage but then relented on "tidy" units only which were kept totally separate from the "tourist" which I agree whole heartedly with

now it is privatised but still "watched over" by council and still kept very strictly separated and still is an exceptionally good clean tidy safe park

the ships are not the noise mate it's the smelters that "bang away" all night, to be more specific the cranes in the refinery (used to be my job operating the 55 tonners shuffling the pumps around and shifting pipes that pump the lead around) you must have had a mild northerly the night you stayed, generally it cant be heard

yes Helena i agree fully, I prefer the free or low cost camps but parks are unfortunately a necessary evil and will only grow as more realize just how much they can pump us for and the free camps will dwindle, except in south australia and western australia and some of the northern territory, all the east coast will be a user pays for everything

as for "snobbery" we struck a little of it up at echuca with our houseboat, we hired a highly luxurious number that was setup in complete luxury for two only, complete with upper deck spa with wine cooler and 16 speaker sound system and 50 inch plasma screen

we pulled up at a high type of bank and I went out to tie off and returned to start cooking a meal on our front kitchen which is out on the front deck, I heard voices and looked up to see that we were being "eyeballed" from above by about 8 senior cits

I overheard one old crow say to the other "ours is much bigger than theirs" I simply answered "it is not the size that matters, your husband should learn how to use it more to your pleasure"

to which she replied "pardon me" and i said "take your crap elsewhere, we hired this for privacy" she then "huffily" stormed off muttering something or other, unbeknowns to her ours actually cost more to hire than theirs did, I know because they came from the same company, so it was false one upmanship, just plain ignorance as usual

I hate prudes, cant stand "false" people, we all crap and fart and burp the same as anyone else, income is of no consequence to me, money is a means to an end and thats all

just one last thing on snobbery, when glancing around with a cuppa, beer or wine in hand and yakking with a group of freinds, as one does, just take a squizz at these d/heads. er I mean snobs, they are always alone, just each other for company, they seem to be the only one's they are impressing, everyone else is laughing at them

what they must learn is that they are "ALONE" and are doomed to stay that way until they release a little anal retention

most people dont want anything to do with them, this they must learn the hard way, they dont mix back home and they will not mix "out there" they dont know how

-- Edited by dave06 on Monday 20th of July 2009 01:14:30 PM

Cruising Granny · Guru

Now I'm disappointed at the snobbery demonstrated right here on the Grey Nomad Forum.
None of us have the right to stand in "judgement" on the travel mode or camping mode of our fellow travellers.
In fact we should feel sorry for the snobs who only know each other's company on their journey and at happy hour. They're missing the whole reason for travelling. To meet people and share experiences.
Vic is right. Most parks have allocated sites for the big rigs. It's only logical. Campers in tents or on unpowered go to "their corner", and the rest of us fit in where there's a suitable site, especially in the busy season. Some exclusives even choose to have an ensuite - tsk, tsk, tsk.
Most park occupants are very friendly toward their temporary neighbours.
Some of the vacationers are a bit snobby towards "permanents", because they judge them to be the scum of the earth, or "the have nots". Some permanents also view the travellers as snobs. They live in a van or cabin in a park by choice for economical and social reasons.
I was a "permanent" for 9 years in the same park in Broome, and did my bit to beautify my surroundings for all those years. I even have a plaque acknowledging my efforts.
Where we camp is all about freedom of choice. I shared my location for 3 months of the year with the same couples. It was like a family reunion when they arrived, and I didn't make coffee or tea for myself for all that time. I love park life.
What we drink at happy hour is about freedom of choice.
What we travel with/in is about freedom of choice, as is the destination and how/where we camp, and what speed we travel at to get there.
I haven't struck variations in site fees determined by location. Very sad if it's happening.
I wrote this in relation to the Nomads Feature today.

"Don't you dare divide the forum for the "haves" and "have nots"!
How people choose to undertake their travels, and in how much luxury they choose to indulge in is up to the individual.
We are all travellers, and nothing but travellers.
Tents, camper trailers, camper vans, caravans, slide-ons, motor homes or just the humble station wagon.
The mode of travel does not deter from the fact they are all travelling.
Some vans are towed by a family Commodore or a Statesman, while others are towed by 4WD.
It still doesn't change the fact we are all travellers.
If the leather lounge luxuriators choose to keep their noses pointed skyward that's their bad luck. They are missing out on an opportunity to meet and share with the less pretentious travellers among us.
I don't miss leather, but I try never to miss an opportunity to meet another traveller.
Champagne or chardonnay, beer or brut - who cares!
It's all about the travelling, and the people doing the travelling. Let's hope it never changes.
Let's keep sharing our experiences."
Cheers Cruising Granny Chris

Ma · Guru

Chris, I don't know of anyone who could have put it better if they tried. We are all travellers no matter how, where of by whatever route. Go girl, keep 'em on the level.

Ma

dave06 · Guru

if anyone is dividing the forum or park or whatever it is the snobs themselves, i mix with all and sundry, income or vehicular travel is of no consequence to me

I will share happy hour with anyone who answers the call and grabs a chair and pulls alongside

the snobs however do not do this they prefer their own company, their choice then they must live with it, me I couldnt care less about them I always have heaps of people at my table, from what I see theirs is empty

I share they dont!! division is how they like it not me, they erect the barriers

mike and Judy · Guru

On the subject of snobberey, I came across it in 2003, at the beginning of the second time around the block, driving my old trusty GQ and pulling a camper trailer, which I considered the bees nees at the times, with solar and dream pot etc,
Was parked at the creek side running of the Nambucca river at Boultons Crossing, was sitting with my dog Pixie and these two Swagmans rolled in dragging trailers with cars and boats on top, and thought now they look as thought they have'nt travveled much as the rigs were all nice and shiny , So I guess I'm a snob
Didnt see the occupants at all for the 3 days they were there, and I was sipping in the evening and fishing during the day, met a nice couple with a van, and have made a life long friend of them to the point they have a mining claim here
so it takes all kinds I guess

Cruising Granny · Guru

I think it's up to us to break down the snobbery barriers, or at least make the approach to try and open the door.
I don't believe there is any room for snobbery in this travelling business.
If I'm broken down somewhere between Newman and Hedland South, I would hope I wasn't judged by my rig to decide if they help me or not.
I always stop to see if I can help someone in trouble, even if they decline my offer. Mind you, a few blokes have borrowed my tools to do their repairs.
It's all about tit for tat, and to each his/her own, but let's not put barriers up where there shouldn't be any. And there should be no barriers to travelling.
To the rich with shiny rigs, and the not so rich with the happy camper, let's share the experience not the price tag.
Keep it nice folks. Cheers Chris

hotrodbus · Senior Member

My hubbie and I are travelling in our old 48 Bedford bus and have met some great people on our travels,We have not got the luxuries that other people have and we dont care. Material things in this life mean nothing at the end of the day and we dont judge people for what they have or have not got. We have met some wonderful people who are travelling in little avans right up to the huge rigs. At the end of the day most people are like us just enjoying what our beautiful country has got to offer.
Happy safe travels to all
Chris and Robbie

Vic41 · Senior Member

Thanks for the feedback on the refinery Dave, in retrospect I don't recall hearing anything on the first time we stayed there (Pt Pirie). I know the area the noise was coming from was lit up like a X'mas tree. Like you said, a nice caravan park with good drive through sites and good clean ablution block.

Chris,

I know it was not what you meant and I am taking this out of context, but me having a very bad mind and lots of imagination I had a bit of a chuckle at your comment "I don't miss leather" made my day!

Vic

kesue · Senior Member

Ita a shame the newspapers cant come up with something worth reading, it must of been a no news day. We caravan for about four months of the year and most people love to have a drink and a chat. If some one chooses to spend their hard earned cash on a big van with all the bells and whistles good luck to em, who are we to critisize them. Their is always going to be the odd person who does not want to mix but that happens at home as well, and at the end of the day its their loss. Keith

tonyd · Guru

And a very fine bus it is, too!
Takes me back to when I was a kid in Harvey, in WA's south west. The school used exactly that model to carry us off to swimming lessons, picnics and such things as woodwork lessons (to which I now wish I had paid much more attention).
May it bring you many more years of travelling.
Cheers, Tony

kesue · Senior Member

I think we should all take heed of what Chris's last post on this, we should not be calling people names just because we dont agree with how they choose to travel. Isn't this called inverted snobbery....Live and let live Keith

dave06 · Guru

it doesnt bother me what they drive and it isnt me who is doing the snobbing but I dont care how many times you are going to "click" your heels together and hold your hands up to your ears it will still be there when you reopen your eyes, fact of life, a snob is a snob

I know because we have a sister in law that is the biggest snob out, house and van, home and abroad

now seeing as to how I mentioned "fact" is there any one here that actually knows what a "fact" is

no, well let me tell you, it starts with an ugly little fish that sits at the bottom of stinking dirty creeks eating old dead animals and green matter, it doesnt move as it cant swim all it does is sits and farts all day

these farts are gathered up by little men in white coats and they are used as spirit level bubbles, if ever you break open a spirit level bubble the fart will not only be heard but it will smell absolutely revolting and "that" ladies and gentlemen is a "fact"

-- Edited by dave06 on Monday 20th of July 2009 04:48:28 PM

kenmarg · Senior Member

there is a good concensus of opinion here, to my way of thinking snobs, they live in a world of there own ( you will never change them ) because they are generally thick as bricks. to me this is not about bull****** everyone in caravan parks. its about seeing the sites and sounds of oz,and having a good time and a beer with like minded people. not someone that top notes himself. ( we see enough politicians doing that on tv )

dave06 · Guru

I invite them, if they come over well then good if they don't well then good as well, to each his/her own

it is not confined to caravan parks it is on the road as well some will wave, others deliberately turn away, some will speak in restaurants others will not, we have seen it in free camps and roadside stops all over the joint

the dragon and I were fishing off the jetty at Port Hughes years ago, we struck up a conversation as to how to catch mackerel with this lad sitting alongside of us, we gave him a mackerel that we had caught earlier as it takes a mackerel to catch a mackerel something about the blood or whatever, I dont know I pinched mine off the lad next to me on the other side

anyway the day went on and we were talking to the young fellers dad most of the time and passed the day very amicably so much in fact that he asked if we were going to the restaurant in Kadina and if so would we like to meet up, we said sure can!!

anyway the night wore on and conversations got around to employment we told them what it was that we slaved at and it turns out that he was a brain surgeon in Adelaide and she was a psychiatric therapist

now a nicer down to earth couple one could not meet, lovely young lad as well, snobbery is not necessarily ones income or status it is indicative in "the person" not the income

we often see the people "sniffing" and tasting the wines with their nose in the air down in Clare when we do a "wine tour" we do it because it's a cheap way to get heaps of drinks, dont tell anyone though or they will all want it, we get to know the wine makers and the vignorons quite well, they find them very amusing to watch and have a great laugh at them

barrie · Guru

How sad that it will be me lowering the tone of the snooty caravaners with me camping trailer and here was I thinking there was no class distinction between fellow travellers and grey nomads.

dave06 · Guru

just have to lift your game a bit Barrie, maybe a new shirt may do it, or do what I do, just smile as I walk past and say "howdy"

barrie · Guru

nrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr i'll just iron me bonds t-shirt

Cruising Granny · Guru

I'd expect you to iron your board shorts too Barrie.
Snobbery is only a state of a narrow mind. Snobs simply miss the point of life.
Their life is all about them, when in fact (that word again) life is about others and the world around us. And it is a great, great world. Cheers Chris

Rolly · Guru

When all's said and done, (and usually more is said than done,) people are people regardless of where they happen to be at the time.

There are materialistic snobs, social snobs, status snobs and even inverted snobs [-you know, "I'm proud to be a beer swilling, work skiving, face punching bogan" -] but, they are, fortunately, not in the majority once one gets out of the urban environment and into the countryside where the 'real' people live.

"Viva gli nomadi grigi."

wink

Cruising Granny · Guru

Vic41 wrote:

Thanks for the feedback on the refinery Dave, in retrospect I don't recall hearing anything on the first time we stayed there (Pt Pirie). I know the area the noise was coming from was lit up like a X'mas tree. Like you said, a nice caravan park with good drive through sites and good clean ablution block.

Chris,

I know it was not what you meant and I am taking this out of context, but me having a very bad mind and lots of imagination I had a bit of a chuckle at your comment "I don't miss leather" made my day!

Vic