newbie

Ah, the answer to the meaning of lfe.

It all depends on what you will doing on your travels.

In general I would recommend to a single female, that the least amount of assembling and hitching the better. A small camper van with a pop top would likely give you the least amount of trouble. With a small shade on the side it would be pretty comfortable for one + small dog.

A unit like this would travel easily and be fairly fuel economic.

After that the world of Caravan and Camping is out there and a visit to a local C&C Show would be well worth the effort.

Regards
Russell

Slightly off topic but may be worth looking into. I think something like the A van would be great, except, ......do those aerodynamics (or lack therof) cause excessive fuel consumption. Doesn't seem the most aero design out there.

Try http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/campertrailers/ very experienced ppl on this site you will find an answer.

Hi Gerri,

I'm sure you will have a great trip and get to meet plenty of wonderful people and have lots of great experiences along the way. The thought of doing just what you are planning is a regular thought of mine. One day I will actually get to do it!!!

One consideration if you do go with the van option you need to be aware that the maximum towing capacity of the Forester is 1,400kgs when towing a camper with brakes and only 700kgs when the camper is not fitted with brakes. Refer the Subaru Forester website. Even something like a standard Jayco 12 foot camper van weighs in at around 900kgs and add another 100kgs if you go with their heavier duty "offroad" models. I would imagine other manufacturers vans would weigh in at something similar. By the time you have all your gear packed away I think you will find that you will be getting pretty close to the Foresters limit.

Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be the best option for you and I am green with envy!!!!!

happy travels,

Browser

First question is

Where have you been all my life, I mean a woman who does not need a traveling ensuite, Im in love. LOL

But if you want to travel by yourself and still have some of the comforts of a bed, some where to sit when it's raining ect then check out a second hand on road camper (tent on a trailer) your subaru will tow it any where you want to go. Expect to pay as low as $2k to $3k for a real basic one with a few years on it or you can pick on up around $5k new then you push the price up with options
(kitchen etc)

I would avoid a onboard set up if you intend to do some touring from a base. Otherwise you are chewing up fuel just to go sight seeing.

TM2CW

Trev

Dear Gerri,
Well done. Once you are out there you won't want to go home.
I drive a 75 series Troopie with all the gear in the back including an Oztent RV2. Everthing is so easy to set up and dismantle. With this set up I've been able to go anywhere the nose points.
After a while as you become more confident there will be lots of roads/tracks/places you might like to drive to but feel restricted by the Subaru.
Have fun and let your adventure begin.
Marilyn

Campervan all the way. I bought a Nissan 1978 campervan off the side of the road for2 1/2 grand and probably spent another 500 or so putting a 5 speed and good service/brakes. Heaps of storage (enough for me to live in it a couple of times) and drove it to just about every fishing spot between Adelaide and Esperance at least once. Took it 1/2 way round oz and it was still rattling along just fine when i sold it 5 years later. NOTHING beats the convenience of a camper van coz you dont set up camp. Drive til your tired then 10 sec later you are in bed - Wanna cook? just light the stove. You can camp many places you wouldnt normally get away with such as Pub carparks, Information bays in the middle of town, Out the front of jetties

Hi Gerri
I would be reluctant to sell your vehicle...it's late model, capable and most likely reliable. My suggestion would be to go for a light weight trailer with fold out tent. Your outlay will be modest. The problem for you at present is that you don't yet fully understand what will and wont work for you and what you are prepared to put up with as a compromise. My advice is to try and keep your weight to a minmum...large is generally more comfortable but comes at a cost. Perhaps you could hire a trailer/van for a couple of weeks to try out?? What ever you decide in the end will not really matter cos you have already made the best decision and that's to get out there. Happy travels and enjoy.

Gday Gerri,,, If you are thinking of staying in caravan parks or national parks traveling with a dog can be a huge problem . National parks wont allow them full stop and most caravan parks with the exception of a few ban them. Some caravan parks that do allow dogs will put you right up the back blocks away from everyone else, a dog can be a real problem if you plan to stick to the populated areas.
Regards Nav.

Thanks for all the replies. You have given me a lot to think about! I will keep you up to date with my decisions/ plans
Gerri