Do we go with a bathroom?????????? "Yes "thank you

Hi Nighttrain

Been out and about and didn't read you post before but it has had some interesting replies.

While trying to drown my car this morning I listened to an segement of abc radio that had a different slant on some of these issues which doesn't appear in your replies.

Bascially it came down to being disconnected and an increased sense of loneliness in some of these senario's.

Not so for people with kids running around but more as we get older and often just 1 or 2 of us head out.

Bottom line being that going for a shower (in particular) in a CV park often brings on social contacts which can be much more important than generally perceived.

So maybe my answer to the question would be , if you plan to go to CV parks then have some form of lou , for when its to hard to go out, but steer clear of a shower.

Hi again Nighttrain,

No one gets lonely as they get older towing a caravan as we all talk to each other, well I talk to everyone and I haven't received the brush off yet!

We choose not to use our ensuite most of the time because the more you use it the more you have to top up with water and the more the loo needs emptying, but if you need to use it, as we will in the next 3 weeks, as that is when the next holiday starts, we will be free camping for most of the time. Thats when the ensuite comes into its own.
Once you are out there you will find everybody will have the time to talk to you and likewise yourselves. Especially around about 4.30 when the happy hour starts.

The person who wrote the report about people becoming isolated obviously has not been out there travelling around with the grey nomads.

Wise choice to go for the ensuite.

You say you are overseas at the moment does this mean you will be heading back to OZ to travel.

Regards, Bruce.

It's an interesting point the Robin makes about social contact, although I don't think it applies to Australian caravanning.

Some years ago we all went to the US for a motorhome trip (me, Mrs Bush and our two shrubs). We hired our motorhome and asked for 4 folding chairs to be included.

The hirer looked a little confused until we explained that we wanted them so that we can sit outside and chat to other people. He still looked confused.

We found out why, after a couple of nights, where other travellers would turn up to the campgrounds in their massive big Winnies etc and jump out long enough to connect their waste hoses, water inlet and cable TV. Then they would get back inside, pump out the loungeroom wall and were never seen again.

I think Aussie travellers are much more outgoing.

nighttrain,

Only just read this thread. Me and the missus have an ensuite in our van. We rarely use the shower except when freecamping. However the separate toilet gets a hammering at night and when it's inconvenient to go outdoors, we're seniors you see 8^} Sorry to be clinical, but we generally deposit only liquids, except for emergencies. ;^) .

What the missus really likes is the washing machine. And to listen to her talk, it does not cost, it saves. At around $8 to $10 per wash saved, the little Lemair will soon pay for itself.

One respondent said they prefer the extra room in their van over an ensuite....???? Perhaps their van has been custom built. Our experience is that "off the hook" vans pretty much follow design convention. Longer vans generally have more facilities, not more room.

Best of luck.