That's good, and the sensible thing to do I guess.


Well I don't think it will be going over there anyway. It's up for sale now, but I'm getting alsorts of stupid offers for it
If we don't sell it before we go we might have the option of leaving it at my parents as they have room to store it and then when we find ourselves in a better financial position maybe get it sent over at a later date. It's option I suppose



I never knew that. Maybe that's why they are so expensive over there.

The one we have has two single beds and a diner which the table drops down to form a small double bed. That would be okay but strangely the diner is about 6 inches too short to be able to properly stretch out on it. Fortunately, last week I was measuring it up to identify ways to make the bed longer and worked out that the fixed back-rest cushions - if they could somehow be adapted to be removable, would give the extra stretch-space needed. So it looks like I have some careful DIY work to do.

I wonder if the stock standard suspension, chassis and rest of the external body work are similar or completely different on the off the shelf UK and Aus motor homes ?

I've heard of people importing UK caravans and running into trouble, thinking lightness and economy were the be all and end all.

The bitumen roads here are far rougher, especially out in the sticks than their UK equivalents. Almost 100pct Gravel verges for starters.

You could have a point. UK caravans at least look less robust. The roads here are very uneven meaning that vans here have to be built to bounce around a lot more. Then of course there's all the off roads...

Aus caravans are built on a steel frame, unlike UK ones which are built on aluminium. This makes Aus ones twice as heavy, much less fuel efficient, but I presume it makes them more sturdy?

Not sure about motorhomes.

BB

I was really concerned about fuel efficiency as being a number one priority re towing or motoring along with accomodation when I first started to research this lifestyle. According to those that know, those that make a lifestyle out of travelling, it's way down the list, according to the many forums that are out there, I'm talking about long termers though rather than holidaymakers. As the Long termers tend to travel much shorter distances over a week, compared to the holidaymaker type people.

Even if you are a short termer, they suggest going with as strong a vehicle as possible, as repairs cost more than any perceived fuel saving.


The number one rule seems to be, do not venture onto the dirt without independant suspension.


The real grey nomad types, dont cover a lot of ground in a week, but there again they dont need to as they can be away for months on end. A lot actually save money, even solely on the government pension whilst on the road.

Thank goodness ours has independent suspension then.

The research I've done is most camping sites with all the facilities charge per night $30 for powered up sites for two people in a van, $35-$40 with an "ensuite" bathroom, and $10 per additional person. Grey nomadding could work out quite cheap - especially if you do free camping every so often.

Anyone have any opinions on caravan electric brake controllers? Best ones for Aussie conditions, etc...?

My old Pajero had a Tekonsha unit fitted when I bought it. It worked very well towing my trailer fully laden for camping or boat [6.5m Quintrex]. The ford Courier had a Redark from autobarn or similar, simple to fit & worked just as well.

EDIT: I should add that the actual brakes on the boat trailer failed after a couple of years & I swapped them out for hydraulic ones better suited to salt water ingress.

I'm looking at this one for towing a +/-1150 kg 17ft caravan with a 4.0 Ford Falcon. Are all brake controllers compatible for all makes of car and van (with electric brakes)?

Note to self: I must check the condition of the van's brakes (especially with Bateman's Bay being one of my family's first destinations).

As far as I'm aware they are. Blue wire to pin 5 makes the brakes work

The reviews for the Tekonska look good too so I'll give that one a try. Thanks.

The one I had wasn't as flash as that one but they all do the same job. Easy to install as well.
I've bought stuff from them in the past they are super fast at posting & fully warrant ebay stuff.

Also check out the new Redarc controller http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=37639.0

I ended up getting one of these. Spent much of the afternoon fitting the thing, only to find out there must be something wrong with the vans electric brakes, I can get no life out of them. Tried hitching up my mate's ute and we had the same result. Does anyone know the steps to investigate? The van is a 1998 Windsor Sunchaser.