Hi everyone, joined this great site a while ago but finally decided to introduce ourselves as we are looking at buying a rig and doing a lap of this amazing country later this year or early next year. I'm Ross and my wife is Sandra and we also have our 2 year old german shepherd Axel who we would love to take with us. We would like some advice/tips on a couple of things though as we've obviously never done this before.
Our current situation is this: We have sold our house, money in the bank, wife and I are living with my sister in Brisbane we are moving back to our native New Zealand at some point next year but first we wanted to travel and see the country as we've been living here 17 years and haven't really seen much of the place. We have looked at caravans ranging from $10000 up to $90000 and I guess at the end of the day you get what you pay for. We will probably take at least 4-6 months for our trip and then we would like to take our caravan back to NZ, buy a section and live in the caravan for up to 12 months whilst we build. It's very tempting to buy a brand new caravan as the wife likes the comforts and of course the fact we will be living in it for our trip and also back in NZ for possibly quite a while.
We would love to get going on our trip, obviously we have much research to do, ie dog friendly camp sites, seasons, where to go and where we can't with axel. We'll be leaving possibly just before or after xmas so will probably head south as I guess the north will be way too hot that time of year.
We realise we have to hold on to the caravan here for at least 12 months after purchasing otherwise we have to pay 15% gst to the NZ government. So after our trip we will store here until the 12 months is up. Would really appreciate any advice from people who have either done this personally or know friends or family that have done something similar and if it worked out for them. Also any advice from others in regards to should we buy new, second hand etc, we originally had a budget of 30k but after looking for a while there's a lot of outdated and tired looking 2nd hand caravans out there.
Welcome to the gang Ross, Sandra and your good mate Axel, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Gee, new or old? I don't like to get too involved in questions like that as everyone has different wants ect. You have been arround here for some time, as you say, so assume you have read your way around the forum and already picked up some do's and dont's. With that in mind the only thing I would add is make sure your weights of the van are what you expect and need and the tug pulling it is suitable for the job at hand.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Kiora .. JUST DO IT !! Best thing ever did . Just double check things like brakes , wheel bearings , fan or serpentine belts before you go . Take your time . We found we wanted to see the next town without seeing the town we where in properly . Having a good solar or battery charge system off tug helps if stopping overnight free camping . With toilet, shower in van . It's not as feral or as rough as it seems . You adapt and change things to suit. As in s spare small fridge / freezer for emergencies when the 3 way just doesn't cut it ! Etc .
G'day Ross and Sandra (I'll assume Axel is not reading this but say hi from us as well!) and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit.
Caravans are, at the end of the day, a personal choice item, which makes it hard to give specific advice. These days it would seem wise to have grey water tank and plenty of solar/battery power, especially if you are wanting to 'free' camp. As the others have said check weights of tug and van and ensure compatible.
And it's welcome from us tow 2 Ross Sandra n axel
I think the others have covered it well I would only back up what has been said weights are the first thing to check once you have found one with the creature comforts you want before you exchange any hard earned funds.
Wordy
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When the power of Love becomes greater than the love of power the World will see peace ! 24ft Trailblazer 5th wheeler n 05 Patrol ute and Black Series Dominator camper trailer ( for the rough stuff)
Thanks guys, its a massive decision for us of course but i'm sure it's one we won't regret. We are seriously looking at the Jurgens Lunagazer 2405, it means we can tow it with our hilux, it has everything we need, a bit over our budget at about $59000 but we will be living in it for quite a while. Would like to hear from anyone who has owned or used one of these, all the reviews look great and haven't seen a bad comment about them.
I believe, so I could be wrong, that the secret is to adapt to whatever you finally decide to purchase
You can make a list of what you would like to have in your caravan, and pick the one which ticks most of the boxes
It took me six months to pick a second hand caravan, and then many years later when our situation changed, it took six months to pick our second hand motor home
Fellow kiwi here. We bought brand new but if we upgraded or changed our caravan we would go second hand. Also wouldn't bother taking it back to Nz. Their caravans are similar price and just not worth the hassle. I would spend $25-35k ...travel oz and sell at the end of your trip. Sure you may lose a few bucks but that's life. I would then buy in Nz when I got there. It is compulsory in Nz to have grey water holding tanks....not so yet in oz, so keep that in mind.
Whatever you decide, enjoy this amazing country!
