Motorhome - rent to try

[sprintcyclist]

Have been speaking to people and researching about us buying a motorhome/caravan to tour Aussie in.
Come across this idea. Rent one first to see if you like it.


https://www.camplify.com.au/


We can rent lots of them to try and will soon know if we like it or not.
Without spending $70K.

[Texan]

Sounds like a plan. Just don’t watch RV first. If you have a truck, an RV trailer can save money and you will have something to drive around town when you stop.

[sprintcyclist]

Sounds like a plan. Just don’t watch RV first. If you have a truck, an RV trailer can save money and you will have something to drive around town when you stop.

Yes, that is one good point I heard from friends who have a truck and a caravan.
(In aussie lingo, a truck is something like a landcruiser. A tow vehicle)

We do not have a truck or space to park a caravan here.
In my research I am uncomfortable with towing a trailer. So is my wife.

Seems a converted Toyota Coaster is a good option for us. Some have a good 4 litre 4 cylinder toyota bus motor, 6 speed manual.
Can prob get a diff locker put onto it. Should get us on unsealed roads.

Thanks Texan

[Texan]

I guess we think a little bigger here when it comes to RVing. A common thing here is to take an old school bus and convert it into an RV, complete with septic tank,water storage, sinks, showers, restroom, stove, solar panels on the roof. Most have microwaves, refrigerators, and all the comforts of home. We do small busses also.



You might get some good ideas here.

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/

[sprintcyclist]

yes, Americans do think bigger. One of your many attributes.

The Toyota Coasters are also used as school buses. Different models cater to anywhere from 17 to 30 passengers.
The 4 cylinder motor sounds small. It is a real bus diesel motor. Has 3 fuel filters from the factory. On a 6 speed manual, should be ok.
It is a bus, acceleration is not a big consideration. Reliability, economy and longevity are.
The coaster motorhome will have a payload of well over a ton. Which is a lot better than it sounds



But, rent a few a few times. We may or may not like it.

[Gordon]

Sprint let me throw a curvball at you. You mentioned $70k. If it was myself and the wife, I'd go for something a lot smaller in size and cost and get a motel or cabin a few nights a week.

[Texan]

I see that some have slide outs. They will keep you from getting claustrophobic. They look nice inside from what I googled.

[sprintcyclist]

Sprint let me throw a curvball at you. You mentioned $70k. If it was myself and the wife, I'd go for something a lot smaller in size and cost and get a motel or cabin a few nights a week.

That is a VERY good curveball

[Serial Brain 9]

If you are nervous about towing a trailer and are no good at backing in then I wouldn't get a caravan.

I have the Grey Nomads on my FB and around every couple of months I see another overturned Caravan on the road.

People can't set them up properly and don't have the right safety equipment on them - Levelers, Sway Control, the way that they are loaded, proper tow vehicle to weight of caravan etc.

a Motorhome would be a good option.

Think about what you want to do and what you want inside of it.

Toilet?
Shower?
3 way Fridge? (Tropical)
Diesel Heater?
Stove both gas/electric?
Bed, Proper inner spring mattress with topper?
Table?
LED 12v lighting?
12v TV?
Solar and Batteries?
12v water pump with mains water option?
staying in Caravan Parks or Free Camping?

[Neferti]

I have a friend who drove around Australia some years ago. As far as I recall he had a 4WD and one of those "pop-up" vans - plus WiFI as he emailed me and sent pictures. They (he and his wife) took about 3 months.

Perhaps you should join a FORUM about travelling around AUSTRALIA ... people have been doing it for years (my Uncle and Aunt did ... eons ago)....

Male your mind up!