Frequently Asked Questions Feedback

I'll start it off. I reckon one of the main things is a good innersprung mattress. One thing we all need when holidaying is bloody good night sleeps otherwise not sure on about you but I wake up in a shi#ty mood and stay that way most of the day. Even a camper trailer probably 99% would have a queen size placement for bedding. Remember your talking 12 months not one night. I would take a porta loo with you so she can tinkle in the middle of the night without tapping you on the shoulder like my other half use to "can you come outside with me" now I just keep on sleeping wouldnt even know she got up to go. Thats the only reason by the way you will get a tap on the shoulder in the middle of the night LOL. Regards steve M

My advice is to look at where you want to travel and are there any physical constraints in your abilities.

If you are only intending to do the normal tourist routes and stick to mainly formed / sealed roads then a pop top type caravan may suite.

If you want to go off road to some more remote places then a camper trailer may be the go. Most camper trailers can fit a good inner spring mattress in them.

Most camper trailers require some sort of physical effort to erect. If there is only the two of you then a hard floor fold out type will probably suit your needs.

My first suggestion is to hire a couple of different types of camper trailers to have a weekend away so that you get a feel of what you like etc...., rather than make a decision based on limited experience or someone else's experiences.

Karl

I would start off thinking about an 18' full size van with toilet and an external shower and work back from there depending on $$.

You need some convenience, seats and a decent bed when the joints are not getting any younger. Likewise you cannot always be sure you will be completely fit.

A full size van is good for stopping along the road for refreshment and a rest as needed and it is better for free camping (see the Free Camps guide).

I like camping and camper trailers but when travelling for a period the setting up etc can be wearing. Pop tops become annoying in that respect too, especially for short stop and go.

If you look at grey nomads and older pople doing the circuit, there is a good reason why so many choose a smaller full size van of a common make with a double axle and a limited 'ensuite'.

You can get to most places with it and if you take a small dome tent you can day trip to difficult spots from a base camp.

However I am unaware of your camping experience, preferences and funds so take my suggestion in the spirit in which it is intended.

EV700

Seahorse,

Can only offer you my/our experince over 15 years. We are about to do the same from Jan 08.
Having owned over the years a tent, 2 camper trailers and 2 caravans.
We are now in our late 50's. You both will need a comfortable bed. She will need a comfortable shower/toilet. So will he from time to time.
We enjoy staying off road a lot but need comfort. Thus we have arrived at an off road van with sufficient power water and sundries etc.

So what was your question again? By the way we have been on the road in the past for two years, thought it was out of the system but are off again for as long as we can last. But 12 months you say, sounds good.
Keep in mind that you might get to like it.
Regards
JimDi

For long-term touring I'd be looking at a tandem caravan that is well constructed. Something like a Kedron/Bushtracker as these will enable off-road travel and a high level of comfort.

If you then want to go more remote you could always use the caravan as a base and do forays using a tent.

Twelve months is a long time to spend in a camper trailer or the like, bearing in mind that a camper trailer is little more than a tent on wheels and there is nothing wrong with that when used in the appropriate situation. I think that the creature comforts of a van for long-term travel is the way to go.