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NoAlias


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G'day all
Am a 66 yo man, married for 43 years. Have been thinking for a while now about seeing more of the Great Aus with my best friend before we are unable! That time is nearly here! I would like to do it in a converted coach.  Have been doing a bit of research with the intention of purchasing a vehicle around the end of this year and taking maybe a year to convert while I am still happy to work. I am virtually semi retired, so have the time to spend on doing a proper job, while still earning to afford it. I have built a stone house from scratch and gutted and renovated 2 other houses, so feel I have the necessary skills and an appreciation for what is involved, and I already have most the tools I should need.
Any advice will be welcomed as I am a firm believer in listening to thems what have done!
Here is my first question.  My brother, who is a seasoned caravanner, where I am not, thinks that a full size bus towing a car would be hell on earth, being restrictive as to where you can go and where you can stay. He is used to traveling a major part of the day and then staying for maybe only a couple of days before heading off again. I have more an inclination to, yes, travel for a day, but then stay for a week or two or maybe more, exploring the region by car.
I would be interested in chatting with others who have done a conversion and possibly travelled this way, for what are the pleasures and pitfalls!
Mark



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Mark McCallum
Possum3


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Welcome to GN's Mark, You can get a lot of free technical information and checklists regarding caravans and motorhomes at www.caravancouncil.com.au/

We have met many buses in our travels, most of which have been converted by amateurs - they range in size from Coasters to luxury coaches, even met a couple of double deckers.

No one but you and your best friend (maybe your Banker) know what size and type to go for - I would suggest hiring 1. a campervan, 2. a motorhome, 3. a caravan and take a small trip to closest country area near you and camp for a week - test the lifestyle and get a feeling for size preferences.

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Dougwe


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

I'm sure you will learn heaps here and will soon work out the X Spurts from the experts.

As a ex coach driver doing charters etc for the last 6 years of that previous life I also thought of buying and converting a coach or bus but then thought that during my full retirement the last thing I wanted was to drive a large heavy vehicle around all day let alone towing a car behind. I then thought of a 5th wheeler but in the end after a small Avan Camper decided on a aluminium tent and 4x4 tow vehicle. I have not had one regret. I made sure I had a roll out awning with privacy screens and use that as another room. I also had a Truma gas heater fitted for cold weather and have a Ibis3 Aircon for the hot weather.

I love the grey nomad life. I have travelled for 10 years this September but staying put for now in my aluminium tent to see if Covid settles. I will then hold a committee meeting with the other two I travel with...me and myself, to see what we do then. I usually win.




Keep Safe on the roads and out there.





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Tony Bev


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A warm welcome from me also, Mark

I can not answer your question, re converting a bus, but I will say this

I have met many travelers, in all sorts of RV's from tents in the boot of the car, up to Gin Palace

They all seemed happy with their lot

There seems to be no right, or wrong RV to travel in, because we are all different, with different ways of travelling

Hopefully those who have converted a bus, will come along, and share their experience



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peter67


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Welcome to the big retired adventure Mark you should have a lot of fun doing the research. As Tony Bev said we all do it differently. I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum to you and travel in a small Hyundai van, very comfortable and runs on the smell of an oily rag, cheers and good luck!!

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NoAlias


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G'day Possum 3,

Thanks for your taking the time to reach out, I appreciate it. I have been in caravans, campervans and motor homes, and found them too claustrophobic, with a lot of setup and dismantling, and not usually comfortably self contained. I like the idea of slow travel, with the comforts of a mini-house, but have not been able to find a rig for hire that could give me a taste of that! I did find a bus conversion for hire in Queensland, but it wasn't set up to tow a car. So, to achieve the flexibility I envisage, we would have to either drive up (from Victoria ) or rent a car up there if we flew. I don't think we would get a real feel for the experience unless we tried it for some sort of extended period, and then the cost becomes prohibitive! Then there are fit out issues such as our preference for sleeping apart (we both snore lol ).

So, my planning seems to come down to a decision between the full bus option (which is my preference)or the Coaster/Rosa type compromise if something convinces me not to go the full bus option, and I can come up with a design that works!

This is why I am starting my research now! Lots to consider! This seems to be a great place to begin, thanks!

If anyone reading this knows of such a rig for hire, I would jump at the opportunity!

BTW, the best friend I mentioned is my wife! She's the tough critic I have to convince! Supportive , but tough! I have skills though!!!

 



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Mark McCallum
NoAlias


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Thanks for the welcome Dougwe,

Sounds like the 2 friends you are travelling with are some characters. Don't let anyone see your committee meeting. They might start steering clear of you!



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Mark McCallum
NoAlias


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Thanks for the welcome Peter 67,

I am hoping I will get to hear from some who are doing the way I would like to, but, as you say, it doesn't matter how we do it because we'll meet lots of



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Mark McCallum
NoAlias


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Thanks for the welcome Tony Bev.

I hope I get to meet you all on the road one day!



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