re: All of us solo's

jetj · Guru

RE: re: All of us solo's

Cruising Granny · Guru

Good luck with that plan Jetj. In an ideal world etc........
My Mercedes Sprinter seems to be quite comfortable and runs okay. Of course I have to take the roof sign into account when I'm working, but running at about 100kph, "Betty" doesn't seem to be too greedy. She's very comfortable with all her bells and whistles. More gadgets and conveniences than my caravan, but on a smaller scale.
I considered a Toyota Commuter bus to be a worthy candidate for what you want in a vehicle. They are wider, higher and longer than the Hi-Ace, diesel option, and the rear lift door is another attraction when enjoying outside activity. With an awning on the side they're a good option. I've checked the internet and there were a couple of really good set ups for reasonable prices.
It's all good. Have fun.

jetj · Guru

CG,

Definitely for an ideal world. I actually saw a very low mileage commuter somewhere very reasonably priced but frankly I'm sick of sitting on the wheels and diving under the seat to get to engine and battery. I love the Toyos but to be able to swivel seats gives so much more room and convenience. A toilet and shower would be lovely as well.

Doesn't even have to be a shower as such. A wet area where you can throw a bucket of water around and soap up would suffice. I have a porta potti and that does but a cubicle would be nice.

Your Betty looks great.

-- Edited by jetj on Sunday 15th of September 2013 06:17:52 PM

countryroad · Senior Member

Trading Post has a lot of everything...coasters, campervans, I've seen some nice looking VW T5's with the swivel seat and engine in front ,

motorhomes, campers on utes, which I like but you seem to need a ladder to access, but the bed over gives more floor space..

Chris has added some great words

Maybe one of those large plastic containers about $12-15 to stand up in for a rinse off Janette and a dry off with the micro fibre towel 3 piece set at $5 from Salvation Army store...brand new

Robyn

-- Edited by countryroad on Monday 16th of September 2013 10:12:59 PM

-- Edited by countryroad on Monday 16th of September 2013 10:15:00 PM

gypsyjo · Member

Hello adreamer I am not on the road permanent as such. a new member but been motorhoming since 1988, now on my fifth motorhome. I have not always travelled on my own but with another women sometimes. If your ever over Shepparton way give me a yell, gypsyjo

jetj · Guru

gypsyjo wrote:
Hello adreamer I am not on the road permanent as such. a new member but been motorhoming since 1988, now on my fifth motorhome. I have not always travelled on my own but with another women sometimes. If your ever over Shepparton way give me a yell, gypsyjo

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I would love to hear about what sort of motorhome you prefer with your experience of many.

countryroad · Senior Member

I've just returned from visiting friends in Young NSW.

While there we did a few trips out and at one rest area there was a lady in an ex ambulance. I just approached her.
Someone had it as a project and then sold it. 2005 auto, 175,000km $25,000.
This lady had it finished, put a toilet / shower tiny room at the rear on drivers side and directly inside back door, which I didn't see in. Single bed only on passenger side. Then from behind drivers seat to bathroom ( sounds good )
were cupboards, fridge, sink, appeared to be great and cost $20,000. No pop top as she just brushed the roof, I'm shorter so suited me. Maybe they are mid height. seemed to have a soft vinyl roof lining.
Passenger seat swiveled to interior.

On way home I always have lunch in Gunning NSW and always use the river park loos.
Parked up there amongst the others was a VW T5 2002, also around 180,000 km's auto trakka fitout dble bed. Price paid at Gold Coast, it was on consignment $30,000. Very nice but smaller than the ex ambulance...Mercedes sprinter.
Would be interesting to know running costs and rough service costs. Neither lady had owned for more than 10,000 km's so no service costs, but each were happy but VW lady did say maybe next size up would be good, but no plans to change at present.

Robyn

jules47 · The Happy Helper

gypsyjo wrote:
Hello adreamer I am not on the road permanent as such. a new member but been motorhoming since 1988, now on my fifth motorhome. I have not always travelled on my own but with another women sometimes. If your ever over Shepparton way give me a yell, gypsyjo

Hi gypsyjo - we are out at Greens Lake, Corop - come on out and say g'day - will private message you my phone number if you like! Love having visitors - we will be here for quite a while - maybe till Christmas!!!

That goes for any other GN's in the area - heaps of room - lake is looking a picture at the moment!!!

-- Edited by jules47 on Sunday 6th of October 2013 08:52:10 AM

Cruising Cruze · Guru

If you hear them prices than the one from Duh's friend is a bargain

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rockingham/campervan/great-campervan-swap-for-station-wagon-or-offer-over-19-000-00/1021396909

Cheers John

jetj · Guru

That van of Duh's friend seems a very good price for someone.

I'm constantly looking, forming opinions, talking to mechanics. The ex-ambos seem a great way to go, they go through the auctions fairly cheaply, are well set up with insulation etc for a camper. Downside is from Ambo drivers, they are thrashed, from ex amb owners the wiring is left in a mess when decommissioned. There are the 316s and 315s commonly, one a 5 cylinder auto 2.7 and the later a 4 cylinder auto 2.2. Both have problems to watch out for. There are a few 311s as well. The car yards mark them up considerably from the auction price generally. Lionel Mussel if you google him, drives one and loves it, but he has had his share of problems if you read his blogs. He takes it all over the country though.

The VWs are expensive to service and a towbar is well over $1000. Also very small, drive very well, fuel efficient and a bonus that the seats can be made to swivel. I personally wouldn't consider one. I don't like the bed set up in most conversions.

There seems problems with most of the larger vans too, least of all having a monster to drive as an everyday vehicle unless you have 2 vehicles. Those are my thoughts.

countryroad · Senior Member

Duh's friends is a manual....I don't want to drive a manual again,

I think there is no such thing as the perfect van. .....You are obliged to make compromises....otherwise you stay home.

The choices are Toyota...sit on engine, less easy to get into,... BUT....cheaper to service, 2 passenger seats in front

VW T5 , normal type door, easy to get into. swivel seat, due to only 1 passenger seat in front, easy to drive away without going outside, engine in front.... But...service costs more, I don't tow anything.

Mercedes sprinter, all as VW T5...BUT...I have no idea of service and parts costs.

Ford Transit I have no idea of costs involved. Seem to see rust on them.

Ducati....don't know

I want something for 1 person and would probably be only vehicle.

Can anyone discuss some of the issues from own or friends experiences....lge & sml service costs as well.

Regarding bed set ups, they all seem the same 4 variations and it's what you find on the day. Which has the least km's, age of vehicle, service history, cost.... so by now our choices are getting fewer to choose from..... then what extras, is the awning, oh maybe not

one, or it's dilapidated, fridge, check pop top, last is the bed, but I'd prefer the single bed...think it's Vacationer or the rock & roll bed, as they seem to give the most cupboard space.

Robyn

jetj · Guru

Transits haven't had auto transmission in Oz since 2006. There is a new model due out here in April 2014 which may have an auto according to a Ford dealer. The autos did have some problems I believe.