Where do I start?

Superb Blue · Member

Where do I start?

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Welcome to the gang Superb Blue, enjoy here and out in the playground.

Good luck with you search for a MH. I have a CV so will sit on the side and leave it to others.

Keep Safe on the roads.

Woody n Sue · Guru

And it's welcome from us two 2 Superb Blue
Now i understand your reluctance to tow anything with what you have said, I really do, however towing a 5th wheeler is not even in the same ball park as a standard caravan when it comes to safety when towing, the hitch point makes them inherently stable, now with safety in mind I would not advise a slide on unless it is a fold down top back to about the cab roof level in a side wind it will lurch and sway terribly and will be darn right scary when passing trucks, and cuttings on windy days.
Just my opinion one of many out there.
Good luck in your search may you find your dream rig soon and get out there enjoying this beautiful land .
Woody

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Just be careful what Woody tells you SB. It comes from a bloke that is on the right in his AV.

Sue took the pic biggrin

Edit......pushed the wrong button before I was finished cry

-- Edited by Dougwe on Monday 27th of June 2016 08:46:22 AM

PeterD · Guru

Superb Blue wrote:
I am only interested in basic motorhomes (new or used) or slide-on (ute) campers?

If you are going for slide-on campers, be careful. Steer clear of twin cab utes unless you have a very light weight weigh camper. If you get the heavier ones this is the sort of thing that happens. Picture I would suggest if you want a unit of similar size you should consider one of the smaller motorhomes built into a delivery van body or chassis..

I also support looking at 5th wheeler vans. They don't have the instability problems that vans can develop. There are some smaller Australian made units like Venture, Winjana 5th Wheelers Australia and Travelhome. If you go that way you can leave your 5th wheeler as a base and still have a small vehicle to tour the local district with.

Woody n Sue · Guru

Aww gee thanks Doug is this one better

recall · Member

M8 I am the same. Don't want to tow. Already own an Isuzu ute. I have decided on an Ozcape Slide on. (plse google Ozcape Campers Pty Ltd for info, best site I have come across for slide on info.) They are expensive though. If anyone has any helpful info re slideons, especially if you own one would love to hear you input.

PeterD · Guru

recall wrote:
(plse google Ozcape Campers Pty Ltd for info, best site I have come across for slide on info.)

Ian, I could not find any general info on slide-on units, only specific info on their units. Perhaps you could post a link to the page you are referring to.

Superb Blue · Member

Thanks Doug, nice to make your aquaintance.

Superb Blue · Member

Thanks Woody and Sue; I am hearing you about wall-height on a single vehicle; am now looking at pop-tops. But seriously wonder how dangerous a high-topped single vehicle is, in relation to a full height caravan bouncing along behind you? I understand the fifth-wheel is more stable (truck-like) but what are the best suggestions for a solo traveller, from experienced travellers?

Superb Blue · Member

Tick.

Yaketty · Veteran Member

We have a Wedgetail slide-on camper on a Nissan Navara ute. The Wedgie is a low profile slide-on and has a toilet and both indoor and outside shower. If you Google Wedgetail slide-on camper you'll see that they're made in Newcastle, NSW. It's easy to drive being on whatever suitable ute you choose and we can go off-road wherever the 4WD ute can go. Our longest trip so far has been 9 days driving it from Newcastle back to Perth WA (including the Great Ocean Road) and it's a setup that I (the wifey) am happy to drive too - hubby having got me to do that longest straight stretch across the Nullarbor The newer Wedgetails also now have a grey water tank and webasto heater I believe. We were fortunate enough to buy our ute and the Wedgetail second hand together and we just love it!

Tony Bev · Guru

Hello Superb Blue

I hope that I am not too late to welcome you to the forum

I can only give my experience on the only motorhome I have owned, plus one more which is owned by a brother, living in the same area

Owned by me
2006 Fiat Ducato Jayco Conquest very low mileage of 60,000, travelled nearly 30,000 Ks in past two years
Pros
Good fuel consumption, compared to car and caravan - completely self contained - permanent bed
Cons
Any sort of wind while on the speed limit (110 KPH in WA) is like driving on jelly - flimsy roof which is uninsulated - gear ratio from 4th to 5th is too high - reverse gear ratio is too high - front wheel drive which some condemn, but is OK with me - bed is east west, and boss would have liked a north south island bed

Brother owns
2006 Ford Winnebago, same size as my vehicle, with nearly 200,000 on clock
Pros
Rear wheel drive with duel wheels make it more stable than mine - fuel economy about the same as mine - more solid construction than mine (could dance on his roof) - fully self contained
Cons
Not a permanent bed, has to decide if it stays a lounge or bed, in between sleeping

In my opinion, if you are unsure if something will be suitable, then perhaps hire one for a week

-- Edited by Tony Bev on Wednesday 7th of September 2016 06:07:11 PM