Gday all..just like to intro myself 60 yrs and a bit,barely computer literate but I'll press on.I recently pulled the plug at work(after much consideration)and am in the process of organising myself to become " nomadic" .
I have been a silent observer of the forum for some time & have already learnt a lot from many of you..not the least being that a sense of humour and sometimes broad shoulders is mandatory!! I'll be travelling in a LC and towing a preloved van which I am yet to find,mainly due to my confusion re selection..so many things to consider..so little time.. so little money.But it's going to happen.
I lost my best mate last year but I know she'll be happy with the decision,so it's me myself I and a whole heap of cd's, and fishing rods of course.That's me..hopefully on the road within the next cuppla months.. So much to see and do..I love this country.
After all these years...Gunadoo "it"
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
Hi Welcome Dave.I like the Gunnado title,I am often called Gunna for obvious resons lol.Mate you have made the hardest decision and that is to "Do it".I am biased in my choice of van,I have a Jayco Penguin that is perfect for our wants.Dave you will never be without friends on this Forum so many folk in the same are just like you.Enjoy your travels in Wonderland,stay safe,and good luck.Cheers.Ibbo.
G'day gunnadoo,i am also a lone traveller,but you won't be lonely on the road. As soon as people see you are by yourself they will come over and say hello,well 90% of them anyway.You will get the odd snob.!As you have probably noticed there is a forum for solo nomads,but it is fairly inactive and you will get more response from the general forum.
Hi gunnado, and welcome. You have a good tug. It will go anywhere you want to go. As a fisherman, you will want to poke into the spots, so don't buy a van that stops that. Stay as small as you dare with as much 'off road capability' as you can afford. Single axle, narrow, full height, solar, compressor fridge would be on my wish list.
Welcome Gunnadoo, Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to get together and chat some-time. I'm going to sell my house too, so I can go on the road more often. We might be able to swap ideas. I've got a Toyota Hi-ace Campervan.
PM me if you like, Cheers, xina.
-- Edited by xina on Saturday 23rd of January 2010 03:23:45 PM
G'day Dave, first up mate condolences on the loss of your soul mate, must be a hard thing to do to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and continue on, I take my hat off to you!!
secondly welcome to the forum as has already been said in the answers above you have already found that you have a great swag of like minded friends who are more than willing to share your thoughts,
this is a place where you will find you are amongst friends and welcome to yak about anything anytime
the advice that has been given is good, if you need anymore just sing out
now if you've been watching for a while then you know I'm a grumpy old sod but don't let that get to you! most of the time I'm too tired to fire, as for the putey, don't fret it just buggerise around with it and it will become clear, some great advice in here about that as well
Thanks for the welcome folks..appreciate your thoughts..please excuse if my computer skills not up to scratch..still getting my head around it all..just to give you an idea of my plans..the vehicle is great but as funds are limited my problem is finding a van within my budget $25 to $30k that satisfies my wish list ..solar,generator,inverters,smart chargers shower,toilet(I guess a shovel is cheaper).it's all Greek to me ,and research and talking to people so far has made me even more confused..if anyone has any advice or comments I'll take it all on board..I'm excited and looking forward to it all coming together,but still a little apprehensive but what the heck..Gunadoo it
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
mate anything that confuses you has at one stage confused the daylights out of us, if we can help in any way just ask! someone here will have an answer for you! it's all good!
an old feller told me once "those that stop enjoying and exploring life are already dead"
Welcome mate, probably an idea is all the caravan and motorhome magazines that are around (and there are heaps, as i'm buying all i can get my mitts on), if cost factor worries you, you could probably if you have a local library have a look at their mags. Or go to the newsagent and they sell caravan trader magazines with a gazzillion vans and motorhomes for sale in them.
If you do get interested in Motorhomes Gunadoo, I have a friend who has a Totota Coaster, and a Swagman for sale, both in really good condition. Cheers, xina.
-- Edited by xina on Saturday 23rd of January 2010 07:11:29 PM
Welcome Dave. Don't be oo scared of the computer thingy. I was, {and still am} learning about this thing!!! The guys and girls on the forum put up with me, and helped me learn a lot. I might be a slow learner,but.....I,m not scared of this thing anymore. As for van etc, it depends on what your requirement are...off road...black top? There aren't many second hand dealers around Rocky so maybe an add in the Bully. Surprising how many van are sitting in a back yard and never going anywher. Up ther they have the free trader. It's free to advertise in. Get the one from Gladstone, Calliope area. It sometimes has some in it. Good luck, Cheers Dellie. Bugger....excuse the typos.
Hi DellieMay Thanks for your response..I have kept an eye on the trader but have not advertised a "wanted"..worth a try ..As Joebee suggested I'm collecting mags,cd's and whatever else I can lay my hands on and looking at all the vans that do come up.Was in Brissy last weekend doing the rounds and looking on line. I didn't elaborate earlier but for now at least most of my towing will be black top with the tug set up for off road camping..although I would like to get hold off a good off-road van my budget limits me a bit.Still I intend to do a lot of free camping and am looking for a van with as much of the necessary equipment as possible and still have the moolar to add the rest..blimey I'm getting good at this twyping stuff
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
Dave have you got the "camps australia wide" book, it lists all free camps and low cost camps that are worth visiting, it is currently in it's fifth edition
this book has saved me thousands and I think it may do the same for you! take a look at ebay for c/vans or motorhomes there are some bargains to be had there, also the cmca website has vehicles for sale
you may even find a secondhand copy of camps on ebay as well for a reasonable cost!
thx Dave..I have got a copy of Camps 5..I understand why so many people regard these books as something of the travellers bible and Im onto ebay/trading post etc..it's just the "right" van I haven't been able to hunt done yet
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
Help!! I appear to have messages in my in box but can't figure out how to see them .Yeh I know,what a dh, if he can't navigate around a website,how's gonna make it out in the real world.
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
oh...!?XX!!! there'll be other stupid questions thx
The only stupid question is the one you don't ask friend, I am still trying to find my way around the net and I have been surfing for several years, the trouble is I have a poor memory now and the buggers keep moving the goal posts.
PS:- Edit for the usual typo.
-- Edited by JRH on Sunday 24th of January 2010 01:01:17 PM
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If I don't get there today, I'll get there tomorrow or the day after.
John & Irona..........Rockingham Western Australia
god old Ted eh,he was right.. a question..I've had some towing towing experience but not with a van yet, loved caravanning with the family as a kid and promised myself I'd do it . I feel I need a little roombig bugger trying to get smaller)..looking at around 18 footer but as a solo traveller would you see any problems being able to manage the van..like anyones thoughts or advice..also interested in what others in the same boat..er van are towing
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
Can't really see any probs towing or handling an 18 footer on your own, just a matter of getting used to having it on the back of the tug and also learning to reverse it on your own. You will find in most C.P's there will always be someone ready to lend a helping hand.
There are probably a few more on the forum who have had more experience than I that will be willing to give you more advice.
Safe travels.
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If I don't get there today, I'll get there tomorrow or the day after.
John & Irona..........Rockingham Western Australia