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Post Info TOPIC: New here, and doing some reseach for a future life of travelling.
gdayjr


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New here, and doing some reseach for a future life of travelling.
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Hello from Sydney Australia.

My name is Graham. I have just turned 65, although people dont believe me when I tell them my age.

I am in the research stage of finding what sort of vehicle I need. I plan to retire soon, and hit the road for as long as I can

I am currently a single guy, but that may change at any stage in the future.

So, my main question is what sort of set up do people think is the right one.

I have considered the following.

A van of some sort as the prime mover, and a caravan. My reasoning on this is that I am a keen motorbike rider, and whichever way I go with vehicles, a bike will be part of the package.

I was thinking of using the van as the storage area for the bike, and an assortment of D.I.Y tools.

I am a handyman by trade, and hope to pick up some work along the way. The vehicle will be my home for the foreseeable future, so it would need to house two people at the most.

I do want a degree of comfort, and at this stage the budget is not too restricted. I used to teach people to drive trucks and i am licensed to drive almost any vehicle on the road, so towing and manouvering a caravan is not an issue.

My other option is a self-contained R.V. I will definitely be doing a lot of free camping, and like most people, I will also stay in caravan parks as well. This is a long-term commitment to living this sort of lifestyle, so I want to be as comfortable as I can.

If I go with the R.V, I would have a lightweight trailer to tow, that will carry the bike. I am drawn to the relative freedom that the motorhome will provide, but i am also drawn to the better level of room and comfort of the cvaravan.

 

A bit about me. Exe sportsman and exe military, so reasonably fit, and very capable in D.I.Y, and mechanical stuff, so not afraid to get my hands dirty, and more than capable of overcoming any mechanical issues that may arise on the road.

Homestays, farm stays, and seasonal work will be possible.

I am currently working as a maintenance officer in hospitality, and did 5 years in aged care, so i do have plenty of experience to allow me to pick up most types of work as i move around.

I have no idea at this stage, which way to go, when to go, or what to take, its all research at this stage.

Any thoughts, or experience you want to share is more than welcome.

 

Many thanks



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Graham Day.

Not all those who wander are lost.
Dougwe


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

Well, what a big decision ahead of you. You seem to be tuned in so just keep researching and make sure what you end up with ticks all your boxes.

I can't think of a 'van' that would hold your tools of trade and the bike and tow a caravan. Maybe you could look at the Iveco or Isuzu range of light trucks and with some thought and modifications something could be suitable.

Because you have a motorbike with you there is a way of getting around if you went down the Motorhome track which is more the way I would be thinking. I would then put a closed in trailer on the back for those tools and bike. The Motorhome would have to be more like a larger variety one and capable of towing such a trailer. Also and as well even, because of the larger Motorhome there would be that comfort you want as well.

Have you thought of a converted bus maybe. You have the mechanical skills if needed. I know a few people and met many living full time in a bus and tow a 'toy box' with all sorts of toys in it. Some BIG toy boxes too.

Just my line of thinking.

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Possum3


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Welcome to G/N's Graham,
As Doug mentioned above many "Tradies" are wandering around Oz in large buses and towing mobile workshop/trailers.
Met a couple that purchased an almost new diesel Qld Govt bus (when Brisbane switched to electric buses) at no reserve Auction for $50K - Towed a car trailer workshop fitted with a Toyota workmate ute - He's a welder and apparently very much in demand in Western Qld.

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gdayjr


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I think once i decide which motorhome i use, if i go in that direction, then more thought would go into the trailer.

I currently have a big BMW R1200 GS, but i doubt i will need a bike that big when i am travelling.

A closed in trailer may be more practical, and i guess the extra storage would be beneficial.



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Graham Day.

Not all those who wander are lost.
travelyounger


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gdayjr wrote:

I think once i decide which motorhome i use, if i go in that direction, then more thought would go into the trailer.

I currently have a big BMW R1200 GS, but i doubt i will need a bike that big when i am travelling.

A closed in trailer may be more practical, and i guess the extra storage would be beneficial.

 
Maybe an enduro bike would be better no need to have a 4wd to see the good sights.

Cheers



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John

2017 dmax lovells upgrade full CSM trade  aluminium canopy,3.5 m quintrex tinny and rear boat loader mangrove jack aluminium trailer

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Tony Bev


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A warm welcome from me also Graham

In my opinion.

Only you can decide, what RV and storage, will be best for you, as only you know what tools you are proficient with

I have seen (from a distance), people who seem to be doing, what you plan to do

I have seen on my travels
Big bus, towing enclosed trailer
1 tonne van, towing small enclosed trailer
3 tonne van, towing large enclosed trailer
5 tonne truck, with enclosed large tool box up front, towing a fifth wheeler

They all had some sort of signwriting, or portable signs, advertising their skills









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gdayjr


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I am trending towards a comfortable motorhome, and maybe a box trailer of some sort.

I haven't been able to get to dealer and look at options yet.



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Graham Day.

Not all those who wander are lost.
cjt55


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Hello Graham,

Welcome to the forum. May I suggest you Google Jayco Basestation Toy Hauler. It may suit your needs completely but you would need a decent tow vehicle so check the weights.

Cheers

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Cheers

Col

(Picture of my beloved Molly (2003 - 2016) who loved the travels as much as I do. RIP old girl. Gone but never forgotten).

 
gdayjr


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Hi, i have looked at the toy hauler and ruled it out.

I do not need a full on workshop, and neither do i want to compromise on the living quarters.

I am leaning towards a full on motorhome, then maybe a simple box trailer that will simply house any bike, and a few other bits.

Thanks for the info though.



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Graham Day.

Not all those who wander are lost.
Trailer Sailer


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Hi Graham From another Graeme. No arguments about the right spelling please!
Have you considered the 4x4 truck and slide on.
I have just gone this way myself after lots of research about many alternatives. Just a thought as I also intend to tow, adventure and perhaps do some work whilst on the road.
I was single myself until relatively recently but was hoping not to stay that way and got extremely lucky to find a like minded lady who loves adventure and the outdoors. I have more a boating than biking bent but also dabble in racing classic cars.
I am an ex expedition leader and outdoors pursuits instructor amongst other things and was trying to find the most flexible long term travelling solution.
Perhaps I am prepared to compromise a little more on internal space for supreme flexibility.
My chosen unit still has full standing headroom for a big bloke, dinette for 3 and a queen sized bed along with combined but generous shower/toilet and a kitchen.
It can tow 3.5 ton when needed ( alternatively yacht, car trailer and sailing kayaks ) and drop the accommodation unit off in under 10 minutes and drive away leaving a base camp.
Looks like I will have put my entire truck/slide on package together at around $100,000 including a new Isuzu NLS AWD and second hand quality slide on including lots of customisation.
My only comment is that its not an apartment on wheels rather a retreat from the weather and bugs comfortable enough for a stretch of bad weather or similar.
My object however was getting outdoors and doing things not just carrying a complete home with me and perhaps if its your only home you may want more some more space internally.
Have fun out there! Regards Graeme

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Regards Graeme 

ISUZU NLS AWD Alloy Tray-back light truck, Beyond hardwall overcab Slide On Camper, Imexus 28 Trailable Hybrid Cruising Yacht/Powerboat with 115 Yamaha Outboard. 
gdayjr


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I think i have found the caravan i am looking for. I do want a decent level of comfort, so i am looking at a Jayco Silverline 24.75.2 Outback

It has everything i need to live a comfortable life for the forseable future.

I am now looking at prime movers, with the early leader being an Iveco medium whell base van.

It has the towing capacity, and a decent level of safe secure storage for the toys that are coming with me.

 

The van is pretty much waht i want. The prime mover may change by the time i am ready to go, which is looking at around mid 2022



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Graham Day.

Not all those who wander are lost.
Possum3


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Maybe consider a Hino www.hino.com.au/300/300-series/%20300%20Series%20Feb%2FMarch%20%20-%20Awareness&utm_content=300%20Launch%20-%20Facebook%20Link%20Ads2%20-%20Competitors&fbclid=IwAR1d87EP4nVdVwQ264e799W2dFs0MhDo7ddumk0jAmUnrZ83uJ0r7jvecV0


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Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
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