NEW FULLTIMERS 2012

Submitted: Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 10:18
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We are retiring in Perth in early 2012 and intend to sell up and take to the road full time and live on our pensions.
Never travelled at all before we are at a loss as to what would be the best way to go. Caravan, fifth wheeler or motorhome? Can you share your choice, experiences and reasons please? We are sure that hearing from you people that are actually out there and doing it will be of far more help than touring dealerships to research.

Thanks
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Reply By: member - mazcan - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:09

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:09
hi marie 1947
i dont know if you realize what a huge can of worms you have just opened

without knowing and im not asking because i consider it your business
but it depends a lot on how much you want to and how much you can actually afford to spend/outlay in respect to what type of travel rig you finish up with
its good that you have started exploring the pros and cons now as by the time you recieve many and varied replys on what outfit you should buy and travel in
you may be totally confused however you may also and gain a smorgasboard of imfo
you will find a huge amount on the web by googling the topic using various question and a lot of the answers will be exploreoz members threads that will come up on google to read
if you join this site you will also be able to converse with a lot of members one on one and read the many blogs on your topic
my advice is to keep the size of the rig within reason say 18--21 ft as the bigger the van the more power you will need to drag it around and the more the travel will cost
you can still enjoy it in a more conservative size rig and the savings will go towards the fuel costs
as you havent said whether you intend going offrd or just staying on the main touring rds will also be a big factor as to what you need to buy in the
you really need to enlighten us with more imfo
hope you thoroughly enjoy the next few months and eventually nut out the altimate rig in which to enjoy your retirement ihave no doubt that you will be told to buy a landcruiser bla bla but believe me they are not the only good vehicle on the rd just wait and see its going to be interesting reading
cheers barry
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Follow Up By: Member - Marie1947 - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:21

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:21
Thanks for that reply. We are already trolling the net and reading all we can on what's available just about every chance we get. Not sure about off road but want to be as independant as we can regarding living expenses. Husband wants to be 'fished out'. Also have companion dog to consider regarding accommodation.
As for what we are prepared to spend we have looked at options from 1 to $300,000 both new and secondhand. As this vehicle is to be our permanent home we don't want to feel squashed! Also enjoy the company of grandchildren from time to time, holidays etc.

Just great to get a response.
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Reply By: Member - Marie1947 - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:22

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:22
Member - Marie1947 posted:
Thanks for that reply. We are already trolling the net and reading all we can on what's available just about every chance we get. Not sure about off road but want to be as independant as we can regarding living expenses. Husband wants to be 'fished out'. Also have companion dog to consider regarding accommodation.
As for what we are prepared to spend we have looked at options from 1 to $300,000 both new and secondhand. As this vehicle is to be our permanent home we don't want to feel squashed! Also enjoy the company of grandchildren from time to time, holidays etc.

Just great to get a response.
AnswerID: 465797

Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:26

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 11:26
G/Day Marie1947

Welcome to the Forum, I noticed you joined yesterday.

The Cook and I aren't on the road full time, out retirement starts in December.

Our choice was to tow a Caravan with Full Ensuite and Laundry Facility/ Washing Machine.

The van has a full annex which comes in handy if you decide to stay at a location for a few weeks, some caravaners might disagree.

We intend to spend more time doing extended touring re: minimum 3 months on the road each year.

Really it's up to the individual what they choose and how much can they afford.

Another thing to take into consideration in deciding on a caravan is what type of tow vehicle is appropriate for your needs.

Cheers

PS 1947 was a Good Year.
AnswerID: 465798

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 12:01

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 12:01
Hi Marie,

You are obviously excited by the prospect of retiring and being on the road full-time. But you say that you have never travelled at all before. So without wanting to throw too much cold water, it might be prudent to get some travel experience BEFORE you take the big step of selling up and investing in suitable travel accommodation.

There are plenty of stories out there from those who did as you propose, then either found that they didn't enjoy full-time travel as much as they thought they would, or their health took a wrong turn, or something unexpected happened. Then they are high and dry, with no home base to return to, and maybe out of pocket as well.

Maybe hiring a van even for a week or two and doing a short trip would be a good first step in deciding how to proceed.

I hope this doesn't come across as too negative. From our experience retirement is a great time of life, and travel is mostly a great adventure, but either retirement or travel can, on their own, mean a big adjustment. You seem to be proposing one really big step which seems a bit risky.

Whatever you do I hope you have a great time doing it.

Cheers,

Val.
J and V
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Follow Up By: Gramps - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 13:11

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 13:11
Very wise words Val. "Try before you buy" is very pertinent in this case.

Regards
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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:09

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:09
Oh yes - MOST important.

Mh
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Reply By: Geepeem - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 13:36

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 13:36
HI Marie,
You have been given a lot of good general advice but I will go “out on a limb” and say something a little more specific; namely what I would buy if I had your budget.
(this answer is based on research I have done over a period of years using this site as well as other site, visiting caravan shows etc etc). This is my thinking on the subject and may or may not suit your circumstances.

I would choose the caravan option as it gives you flexibility. With a Motorhome you are limited to blacktop or dirt touring and you have to always take your house with you (turtle like). 5th wheelers are OK but generally require a larger tow vehicle and generally are not made for off-road use. Many 5th wheelers also originate from USA and don’t suit the poorer Australian road conditions.

OK so a caravan is my choice – I would choose a solid built one with ensuite and shower and more importantly good off–road suspension (such as Cruisemaster trailing arm independent suspension with optional arirbags). In my view the top manufacturers for full off road vans are Bushtracker, Kedron, Phoenix, Supreme Getaway, Sunland Blue Heeler or Spinefix. (Spinefix are a new “kid on the block” but quality is good and very price competitive with others in the same category). I would buy a new one or good second hand one for up to $100,000. Although you may think you may not want to go off road this set up will allow it in the future.

For the tow vehicle I would order a new Toyota Landcruiser VX (twin turbo diesel) for approx $95,000. I would add a performance chip to take it up to 260 kw and 900Nm or torque. This is an awesome tow vehicle that is incredibly comfortable (has kinetic suspension), powerful and reasonably economical for its size with its 6 speed automatic transmission. Also Toyotas are well known in the outback should repairs or parts be needed.

There … and you have $100,000 left over … how good is that !!!
(this is what I would do if I had $300k to spend – it may not suit others)

Good luck in your choice.
Cheers
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Reply By: Member - Marie1947 - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 14:25

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 14:25
Thanks for the great advice. I must say that although our first choice was the motorhome option we have been veering towards a caravan and good tow vehicle. the off road option also seems a good idea. After all you don't need to use it , but it is good to know you can.

Regarding the advice to experience first we are booked to hire a vehicle and go to a gathering at the end of November in a caravan park for a few days. We thought it would give us an opportunity to talk to lots of people who are actually doing it before we make up our minds.

Yes 1947 was a very good year!
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Reply By: CSeaJay - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 15:47

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 15:47
Marie

Remember with your motorhome option, once you parked somewhere and set-up, you will need alternative transport to a) get some milk, b) go for a scenic drive d) explore, etc.
With a good comfy tow vehicle, you can do these things, PLUS you can have the option of leaving tha caravan for a week or so when venturing where vans can't go (Bungle Bungles but one example)
Cheers
CJ
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Reply By: Motherhen - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:24

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:24
Hi Marie

Bearing in mind Val and Gramps very important points above, when you are certain that being on the road will suit you, with any rig at all, get out into the types of campsites you expect to choose when on the road and talk to others about their rigs.

There is also your experience in towing to be considered. It if is all new to you, it will be very daunting (and dangerous) starting out with a big rig. Small trips with smaller trailers will ease you into it.

We are not on the road full time, but spent many years doing just that, spending more time looking at other rigs than the scenery. We originally expected to get a 4wd type of motorhome. Our final decision was a top quality rough road van and 4wd vehicle for maximum flexibility and room for the 'extras'.

Check out the Tips section on my website Australia So Much to See. I have a section on the pros and cons of the different types of rigs, and a section on pitfalls and solutions of being full time on the road. I also have a section on minimising costs. If you are touring on a pension, funds may be limited. Free and low cost camping comes into play – and I have lots on how to find good campsites.

I am not an expert in technical fields, so give links to easy to understand articles on weight issues – a new world when you start caravanning. Also I have links to understanding and managing your solar power – essential when you camp away from powered sites.

Enjoy the planning.

Motherhen

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Follow Up By: Member - Marie1947 - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 08:58

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 08:58
Thanks for all the information guys and gals. You can be sure that we are really grateful for all your points of view. It has really helped to make up our minds to look at the caravan and tow vehicle and discount the motorhome and fifth wheeler option.

As I said before neither of us have ever travelled before but my husband was a well travelled hitchhiker for some years before we met both in Europe and America and has been working as a public transport bus driver for the past 10 years.

We both made the decision to migrate to Australia some 23 years ago and despite missing family members back home and travelling back to visit the aged one remaining we have never regretted our decision. We have adopted Australia since our migration and love this country. We knew nothing of Australia before we came other than our research and having the mind set that we had experienced all the UK had offered us up to that point and really found it to be sadly lacking. So at +40 years we sold up the little we had and landed here with the mind set that there was no going back.

So now we are at another crossroads with retirement on the horizon, we are planning that it will be a challenging but happy time and offer so much more than sitting within 4 walls waiting for the family to visit and the bills to drop into the postbox. How boring and unproductive would that be?

As for the only fly in the ointment that we can see which would be related to health issues. . . home or away they are the same. We rae both fit and healthy and intend to remain that way. Sure that getting out and meeting people as well as leading a healthier lifestyle will only serve to prolong our years. Got to be better than a desk and computer full time in my case and shift work and sitting behind a wheel all day every day in my husband's. There is little time left for anything other than sleep it seems!

Anyway will keep on looking and talking, and any further thoughts from anyone out there who is still interested will be apppreciated.

Many Thanks
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Follow Up By: Motherhen - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 11:25

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 11:25
Like D, we are also people who need our home, our animals and somewhere to store our lives, including three or four generations of memories.

My husband would not cope full time on the road. After a couple of months he gets edgy, and after three months is downright impossible. He also needs to be doing something bigger than what you can do or make in a caravan.

We met many couples where the man said two or three months was enough, whereas their wives were happy to travel long term. We met others, where the wife stayed inside, constantly brushing away and resenting every grain of dust that landed on the caravan - so sad for the man who had ambitions to tour long term, whereas she cannot cope away from the city, the grandchildren, and makes his life a misery without intending to.

Travelling retirees are so much fitter and healthier than those staying at home. We have met some amazing elderly people out on challenging walks.

If it is your ultimate choice, you will be selling on a market that is low, and may not be able to buy in again but like thousands of others, you could always rent when you can no longer travel.

Marie, certainly trial it for three months as a couple of weeks is not enough to tell. Also start with something cheaper for you trial runs as nobody gets it right first time round; what you think you want, and what you want after experience is often rather different. Only then will it be time to make the decision to sell the house or not. There is always the option of selling an putting some of the money into a cheaper rental property - so you still have some real estate equity - lots more about these topics on my website.

Mh

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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 15:54

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 15:54
Hi again Marie,

I have to agree totally with the all points MH makes. I will add a few more, given that you say you haven't done any travelling and that your husband wants to do a lot of fishing. I apologise in advance if some of these sound a bit obvious, but I do think they are sufficiently important for you to consider as you contemplate living on the road

First, please remember that Australia is big - really big - and the distances between places can be great. Often even the highways pass through very remote country, where it can be hot, windy, dusty, even lonely. You need to be prepared for that.

We don't fish but the really good fishing places seem to be around the coast of NW WA and in the Gulf of Carpentaria. I suggest that it would be worthwhile to go and have a look at the kinds of campsites or caravan parks where you would most likely to be staying. In some areas there is intense competition for space in camping areas and sites need to be booked months ahead. What you find there may well influence your decisions.

Bear in mind that during summer the northern part of the country can be very wet. Most retired people who travel go north in the winter, so places there can be crowded. At the more popular places eg Broome, caravan parks can be quite expensive, and require booking ahead. Summer in the southern states can be hot as you know, but if you are on the road full time you do need to think about a year-round itinerary that takes account of seasonal conditions.

Getting some training in towing and backing a van and using a 4WD (if that is what you get to tow a van) is excellent advice. It is also good if both of you can share the driving. Sadly many women, for whatever reason leave all the driving to their husband. Apart from missing out on the fun, if anything happens to him and he can't drive, these women are stuck and incur a lot of anxiety and expense to become mobile.

MH's suggestion to get a small cheap rig for a trial period of several months or even a year is an excellent one that would allow you to get a decent feel for the conditions that you will find. If you enjoyed that experience you could then be more confident in choosing and buying the rig of your dreams.

Cheers,

Val
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Follow Up By: Member - Marie1947 - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 23:20

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 23:20
Thanks for the reminder about distances but as for being lonely - I don't think so. We have each other and many and varied shared interests. Just no time generally to fit them all in till we retire!

We are looking forward to the experience and think that in general mindset and courage are also good things to take with you.

Regarding mementos we have never been a couple who find them important. We have our photos on disc. An E Reader that holds 3500 books and all our music on ipod and pc. Keeping 'things' is something we have never done and the memories we hold dear are safe in our hearts and minds.

I don't fish either - though I can cook 'em up pretty good!

Still researching and learning though and will be for some months to come.

Thanks everyone.

Marie. ps MH's website is AWESOME!


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Reply By: Bigfish - Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:33

Friday, Sep 23, 2011 at 16:33
Some wise words amongst the folks here.
My two bobs worth....DEFINATELY hire a small van/motorhome and head out for at least 2 weeks.
See how you cope and then sit down, make a list of the pros and cons.
Its a big step your taking and there may be no second chance. Many people will envy you. Stuff it up and you will be heartbroken and possibly a change for the worse. I wish you all the best ...just do your homework thoroughly.

Get out there...its a big country.
cheers
AnswerID: 465809

Reply By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 00:05

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 00:05
Hi Marie, I would be going for a caravan (of your choice) with tow vehicle, (of your choice) it has the freedom of unhooking and going places that you couldn't take a Campervan, that is just my preference.

I must admit I agree with John and Val here, we also have come across people who thought and believed that full time travelling was the way to go only to find things beyond your control do happen and then you have no anchor point, on the other hand there are people who have been travelling around for years and still loving it, following the sun as they say. Personally, I'd like to know there is a home to go to if the need ever arises. However, horses for courses...

My understanding is that you haven't towed a caravan or the like before, may I suggest that you take lessons in towing a van (if that is the way you go), there is a company here in Perth who take you out, with your own van and give you lessons on towing etc, I'm not sure that I can mention their name on here but I'm sure you will be able to find them easily enough. They take you out in the country for the weekend. No affiliation whatsoever, just word of mouth and all good reports. The money for the weekend and the experience may save you a packet in the future.

Good luck and enjoy the journey of preparing for the future.

Cheers

D


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Follow Up By: Member - Marie1947 - Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 23:03

Saturday, Sep 24, 2011 at 23:03
Thanks for that. D. Will certainly take your advice about the towing instruction.
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