G'day GNs, I'm a 53yr old who's thinking that now is the time to get started on being a GN. Although I'm still working 9-5, my mind is now thinking beyond and into retirement years. I have four grown up kids so now I'm able to get away on a more regular basis. In the near future, I'm going to give a hire camper van a go just to make sure I like the way travel. Probably what's spurred me on is the SBS series, 'One man and his camper van'.
I have a few questions and have had difficulty to actually speaking to people who are actually using a camper van.
So here are some of my questions which I hope GNs may be able to help with.
1. I'm looking at a small camper van which I can use as an every day vehicle; go to work, shopping centres etc. I do like the old VW campervans but they seem to be a bit hard to come by these days and I'm not sure if I have the skills to fix any engine troubles when they occur in older vehicles. Therefore I think I'm looking at a Toyota HiAce, but note that they only have driver cabin A/C and don't seem to have a main cabin A/C unit. I know that due to engine size that this maybe the reason. However, I was wondering if any GNs have had them retro installed for 240v use when at a camp site. I think it'll be difficult to get my partner 'on board' if there is no A/C available when staying overnight at a powered campsite.
2. We are also keen kayakers and I was wondering if even though I bought a HiAce pop top camper van, I'd still be able to fit roof racks to carry two kayaks. Note: I realise that when the pop top roof is raised that I will have had to take the kayaks off first!
3. Any general advice when buying a camper van?
4. Has any heard the latest about the new VW concept micro bus; due date in Australia, cost etc?
Hi PelicanRoad. Welcome from us too. You might find more info on campervans if you scroll through the post in the Solos section as a lot of solos have them/ Sorry, we can't help with your questions as we have a caravan.