I am still undecided on which way to go, bus, slide on or motorhome, hopfully slide ons and motorhomes are built with the proper insulation to protect from the heat and cold, but what about the converted buses I was looking at the toyota coaster but somewhere on this forum it was mentioned that they suffer with rust from the condensation build up between the internal linings and the steel body, where as the fibre glass slide ons and motor homes are not affected.
This is going to be my full time home untill I fall of the perch so i really need to get it right and would really value your input.
pete now you have me worried, been looking at coasters, now im not too sure. So hard to know which way to go???? will follow your replies and see what everyone comes up with. Robyn
One of the primary reasons I purchased a motorhome was because I wanted something for the long term that does include fairly good insulation for both noise and temperature. As my first choice is free-camping I will avoid parking below trees or shaded locations so that I might get the best benefit from my solar panels.
Whilst free-camping I'm able to open up all window area to allow the best possible air flow through the unit to provide the best cooling possible and I'm quite happy with its performance. I use a 12v fan when there is no apparent wind or breeze to move some air and this is necessary with temps over 40c ..
I did find cold weather, -1c to about 9c, was something I needed to do something about .. My Honda Gennie (1 kva) was not suitable and of course I couldn't plug in to 240v source .. so I did have a diesel heater installed last November and tests out ok .. Only when I'm caught out in the cold again will I be able to fully apprecate it.
Now .. all thats nice Pete, but one thing you might lose on these later model motorhomes, is the benefit of being able to simply attach something to the external shell of the vehicle that you might want to do. These designs that incorporate good insulation of a lightweight construction are not always condusive to simply adding something to the outer vehicle (like an external table that folds away) as a 'solid' base is often not located for the purpose .. you're not able to simply screw into some decent steel support as we've done in the past ..
Be aware also, that with Motorhomes like any other mode of RV transportation, you need to be fully aware of your weights and their distributions .. and for this reason I also have a small bike trailer in tow which also shares my travelling load ..
Thanks for that input Jon I went to see some buses at a conversion place, they did seem very cramped and the showers/toilets are built for a midget, although the fit-out is nice they don't rustproof the inards before relining and only seem to warranty the fit-out not the bus, when I looked into the engine bay of one it was not a pretty site and the price was $99000. I also went to see an Invecto Pinto Sunliner brand new $40,000 dearer but 3 year and 200,000 k on truck and 3 year on camper. I was very impressed with the space inside and the separate shower and toilet in the rear wired for solar as well I have always believed you get what you pay for and this will be my last big investment and I must get it right. In reply to dogbox I have always said dying is the last thing I am going to do After 32 years in a relationship and 4 kids I need to start living for me.
I recently considered towing a small car on a trailer too .. but after much consideration, I decided that the most I could tow comfortably and safely was a small trailer. The lightweight structured chassis of my Fiat Ducato did not appear suitable to me at all .. so I would seriously consider a solid type chassis if you'll be towing full time ..
Jon
.. added a pic !
-- Edited by jonathan on Tuesday 3rd of January 2012 05:24:24 PM
Jon. Your trailer looks to be about the size of a small car I was thinking of some thing like a mini moke If I can find one at the right price( I have always wanted one since i was a kid) I thought these base trucks were built strong enough to tow a bit of weight But like Shulzs in the prison camp (I know nothingggg) about these new vehicles
Legally, they are able to tow significant loads .. but you've got to be happy with it yourself ..
I also considered flat-towing, but I wasn't interested in unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle. With the trailer I'm also carryng extra diesel, petrol and water jerricans and numerous other small items too ..
If I had trailered a Hyundai Getz, it would have just been legal with a single axle, but even a full fuel tank and a few items stored in the vehicle means I would have had to have a dual axle trailer .. it just got bigger and bigger so I changed my direction .. and I do still like bikes .. so .. yes .. it works for me !
Last year I did the lap with a slightly heavier trailer in tow, and was able to get a good average of 11.3 ltres per 100 k's .. this trailer appears to be doing about the same .. I'm not a fast driver .. usually between 80 - 90 kph on the open road, unless of course the traffic and conditions dictate otherwise ..
also .. my ducato is front wheel drive .. many folk don't like them for that reason ..
Jon Your picture of the rig looks like the type i would be looking at, it looks like it has a large stowage area in the back. I saw something similar at a show, the bed could be raised or lowered according to the load in the back. How is the size of the toilet and shower i am of average Aussie build (BIG ) I do plan to travel alone (with dog) but I suppose we never know what life can bring so I should be able to accommodate for two just in case. My kids (adults ) said they would like to spend a few days of their holidays with me when I hit the road
It suits my needs .. I don't travel with any animals and don't have to consider another persons needs. Toilet and shower area is limited but I don't spend much time in there other than necessary. My lads said the same to me about visiting .. It hasn't happened in a few years as I tend to visit them frequently. I've since told them to bring their sleeping bags should they decide to visit .. haha.
The storage area under the elec bed is excellent .. but these days I no longer raise or lower the bed ..
I am still undecided on which way to go, bus, slide on or motorhome, hopfully slide ons and motorhomes are built with the proper insulation to protect from the heat and cold, but what about the converted buses I was looking at the toyota coaster but somewhere on this forum it was mentioned that they suffer with rust from the condensation build up between the internal linings and the steel body, where as the fibre glass slide ons and motor homes are not affected.
