adreamer wrote:

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Wouldn't it be nice for all of us singles to meet up somewhere and sit around the camp fire and swap hints or whatever!

Maybe would give me some confidence.

Also a question re: roadside assistance - can anyone recommend a Company to join that covers anywhere?

Think I might head off from Victor Harbor soon and maybe just travel the Murray River to Mildura an see how I go - really what is the worse thing that could happen??

 

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 The BEST that could happen is you enjoy the ride.

all the best

DAWA

shekon wrote:

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Have to agree with Dawa, the best and worse thing that could happen is that you enjoy yourself , have fun, and see this wonderful country, whilst meeting some great people on the way. 

I also like the idea of your meet up, I think travelling as a single is slightly different than as a couple, however the couples have plenty of experience and ideas to share also. 

 

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 Thereis an enormous difference in travelling as a single.       some good some not so good

I like traveling as a single but it is not always easy

Dawa

- really what is the worse thing that could happen??

Probably absolutely nothing worth worrying about - think positive and you will love the life. I also recommend Greens Lake if there are other GNs there. All very helpful and a mix of singles/couples.

Just have a fairly good idea of where you want to go before you leave, a couple of options if you dont like the first one and give yourself HEAPS of time to make a change of plans.

I usually only travel for a couple of hours a day so I have plenty of time left in the day. Arrive by about 1pm.

Not pleasant driving after 4pm when not sure where you will be able to stop next. I almost never book a CP ahead of time other than Easter, and so far have  had no trouble getting in - BUT if I did find one booked out I would still have plenty of time left to find somewhere else. Free camp more now though.

Short driving times also mean you dont get tired therefore dont get stressed Also leaves heaps of time to read, smell the roses  and chat to people

Hi "Adreamer". Really what is the worst thing which could happen to you?
RAA in SA covers you everywhere.
I blew the radiator in Qld between Moranbah and Mackay. They were there in an hour with the tilt truck. Poor Rosey looked very pathetic as we motored into Moranbah.
The truck driver phoned the local mechanic, arranged for a new radiator to be delivered over night from Mackay, plugged the fridge in at the workshop.
The receptionist made a heap of phone calls to find me a bed. Bear in mind all of you Tuesday and Wednesday are business days in mining towns and there are no hotel or motel beds available. But a caravan park cabin was available, very comfortable and in the centre of town.
Rosy (my Landcruiser) was on the road by 0930 hrs next morning. Unfortunately the load wasn't ready so I had another night at the nice cabin.
I drove 85000 kms last year camping outside my vehicle in my camp bed. Not once did I feel threatened by anything, not even a dingo.
Now with my new pilot vehicle nothing is going to touch me that I don't want to. LOL
Park in safe places with other campers if you're free camping. Use well-managed, well-presented caravan parks or roadhouses.
Just enjoy where you are. Soak it all in. Look after your vehicle and have it serviced regularly by a reputable mechanic.
If you're in a town where you don't know the locals, ask around. Go to the local bakery and have a pie and ask the locals. Go to the newsagent and ask the locals.
Even the roadhouse and fuel stop will have some local information.
Safe and happy travels.

PS if you're heading Adelaide way call in to the Bolivar caravan park for a coffee.  PM me for my phone number.

adreamer wrote:

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Think I might head off from Victor Harbor soon and maybe just travel the Murray River to Mildura an see how I go - really what is the worse thing that could happen??

 

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I loved Victor Harbour when I was down there last year. 

What is the worst thing that can happen, after 180,000 odd kms alone in 4 years, as far as I am concerned ... nothing. 

My advice is:

*  Keep your vehicle well serviced.

*  Always have plenty of water for drinking, no matter how small your trip is going to be. 

*  I always make sure I have plenty of food also.

*  I always carry a container of oil for my vehicle.  My vehicle is old, so I check my oil and water every other night.

*  When parking for a cuppa or for the night, never block yourself in, always park your vehicle so you can drive away if needed.  I always reverse into a spot for this reason, easier to drive straight out then reverse out, if you are in a hurry.

*  Last but most important, always take notice of your instincts, if a place or persons does not feel right, move on.  Never second guess or argue with your instincts, mine have never failed me. Appearances can deceive, remember Ted Bundy was a well dressed, polite, good looking guy.

Yes join road service, as I mentioned before in other posts, NRMA have always gone out of their way to help me. 

So ... what are you waiting for ... get out there and enjoy yourself, you won't regret it. 

Dawa;

I've tossed n turned over different set-ups ever since getting the 4WD. At first it was going to be a camper trailer, then I figured with a camper trailer how am I going to carry all the fuel, water and radio gear that I do along with me. Since my 4WD isn't as large as say a Toyota Landcruiser type space is somewhat limited inside it - basically once the fridge/freezer goes in the back there isn't a real lot of room left. I wanted something that I didn't have to do battle with every time I set it up, because after awhile it becomes a big chore just to use it and you end up not using it.

I've ended up electing for a Dune Kimberly tent - they are very similar to the Darche models which cost a lot more. I went down to Anaconda and took a good look at it on Sunday, and walked out with one since it was on special. Easy to set-up by yourself, don't need a million guy ropes, can stand up in it and plenty of space for one, even two. I also grilled the Anaconda guy heavily over warranty and ended up getting it in writing.

I purchased a Coleman instant tent, similar in size to the Dune Kimberly from Ray's Tent City a year or so ago and on it's first outing the hub at the top where all the poles connect to snapped like matchsticks in two places, and the wind was only about 15Km. So I went back to said Ray's shop in order to effect a warranty claim, I said I was happy with a refund or replacement of the same or similar value tent. Tried to make it easy for them. They stuffed me around for over two months, by which I kinda got the impression that this whole warranty thing isn't going to happen. So I am a bit wary of what I purchase from Ray's nowadays. Hence getting new tent from Anaconda.

If I am just on an overnight stop, I just fold the back seat down and camp in the vehicle, lot easier - if I am staying for extended periods then up goes the tent.
I also have a tarp contraption that is silver on one side, that goes from the front of the vehicle to the back of the trailer, cost me a fortune, and off that I cable tie side bits. This is rather good during hot summer nights If I am just doing a one or two nighter at a place, can leave the back gate open and slab out in the back. Also good for keeping the truck a bit cooler, Only takes about 5 minutes to get this rigged up. I can also hang the tarps off the side of the vehicle and make a roof over the tent to help knock back the moisture.

I do prefer canvas tents over this nylon stuff some are made off, canvas is a bit more durable.

I am trying to get a friend to build me a simple camper onto a ute.

12volt wiring only; no plumbing except a hole in the floor for small 12v shower. [bucket underneath outside].

Single bed over the cabin ......absolutely nothing fancy like the ones I am seeing for sale.

I am hoping he needs the money enough to do this.

Continue to tow the trailer for water/fuel/craft stuff/genorator

I shall be 70 next June so tents are out for me.

I am aiming at having NOTHING to be set up.......stop /stay then drive away.

Dawa

Thanks for the offer.  I might take you up on that but please don't think this a stupid question But not sure how to MS??

Sure you could give me lots of tips, advice etc.

I just joined the RAA premium to-day and just a few more things and then I'm off - don't think I will take the dog - it might be getting too hot for her, so one thing less to think about.

Catch you soon hopefully.

Helen

dawa wrote:

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Ginger wrote:

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dawa wrote:

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I am trying to get a friend to build me a simple camper onto a ute.

12volt wiring only; no plumbing except a hole in the floor for small 12v shower. [bucket underneath outside].

Single bed over the cabin ......absolutely nothing fancy like the ones I am seeing for sale.

I am hoping he needs the money enough to do this.

Continue to tow the trailer for water/fuel/craft stuff/genorator

I shall be 70 next June so tents are out for me.

I am aiming at having NOTHING to be set up.......stop /stay then drive away.

Dawa

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 Dawa, 

I don't know what you have now but something like this may suit you.

Have a look in Gumtree .... where I found this .......   for ideas.

Ginger

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney-city/campervan/django-the-hippie-toyota-hiace-hightop-campervan/1027416669

 

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 Too small and too expensive.    I could get a coaster for that price.

I have  pop top toyota and is just too small for 24/7.

This type of  vehicle is OK for fair weather  holidays

Dawa

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 Point me to the coaster then, I wouldn't mind a decent coaster for $12,000.

Bryan wrote:

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That looks like a nice set up Ginger. The mileage scares me bit I have no knowledge of mechanicals.

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 It is not mine Bryan,

Dawa was talking about buying a camper on a ute, she wanted nothing to set up.  I just happen to see it on the net and posted it, that's all.

As for the milage, Toyota's will go forever if you look after them and have them serviced regularly.

Ginger wrote:

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dawa wrote:

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Ginger wrote:

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dawa wrote:

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I am trying to get a friend to build me a simple camper onto a ute.

12volt wiring only; no plumbing except a hole in the floor for small 12v shower. [bucket underneath outside].

Single bed over the cabin ......absolutely nothing fancy like the ones I am seeing for sale.

I am hoping he needs the money enough to do this.

Continue to tow the trailer for water/fuel/craft stuff/genorator

I shall be 70 next June so tents are out for me.

I am aiming at having NOTHING to be set up.......stop /stay then drive away.

Dawa

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 Dawa, 

I don't know what you have now but something like this may suit you.

Have a look in Gumtree .... where I found this .......   for ideas.

Ginger

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney-city/campervan/django-the-hippie-toyota-hiace-hightop-campervan/1027416669

 

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 Too small and too expensive.    I could get a coaster for that price.

I have  pop top toyota and is just too small for 24/7.

This type of  vehicle is OK for fair weather  holidays

Dawa

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 Point me to the coaster then, I wouldn't mind a decent coaster for $12,000.

-- Edited by Ginger on Wednesday 11th of September 2013 07:05:52 PM

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 Just look on ebay........they are there

Dawa

adreamer wrote:

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I would like to debate you on that one.

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 Debate?

On size?

I have been travelling in a toyota pop top and it is just far and away too small for FULL time with no base what so ever.

Staying still at present and saving for something a little bigger and a shower if i can.

I NEVER go to CP's

Dawa