LEONE FABRE'S CAMPERVANS

Gerri · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Portland, Victoria

We are weighing up what sort of vehicle to get next - once we leave our current jobs at the caravan park we manage we would like to travel doing relief managing to help pay our way.
We have done "the bus" thing & were thinking of maybe a 5th wheeler next (to cater for up to 5 people).

What are your thoughts?
Anyone who has owned or still own a 5er?

Westair · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 60 Location: Western Australia

They are gaining popularity and we have seen a few over here in the West.
Met couple early last year who were relieving Managers at Batavia Coast CP at Geraldton and they loved theirs. Big rig-F250 (diesel of course) and they had bought the rig for around $80,000 second hand but like new.

One or two on CMCA site which you have probably seen.

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Gerri · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Portland, Victoria

I'd like to see some in the flesh - We won't be ready to buy for 2-3 years so we're just researching & "tyre kicking" at the moment.

Bron King · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

We've owned our 5er for 4 years and love it. It's just for 2 of us - a post retirement escape house! We designed it and had it built by Roadmaster in Adelaide. We took 18 months to really think what we wanted - to continue our hobbies on the road. We challenged the builder to make it come in under 2tonnes (he did it) pulled by a 6 cylinder Ford ute and is as steady as a rock on the road when caravans are wobbling in the wind.
It tows like a dream

We had a list

etc

See pictures @ http://travel.webshots.com/album/170241701pmoqCR
and feel free to ask questions which you might have
We recommend Roadmaster very highly

cheers

Bronwyn

Gerri · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Portland, Victoria

Hi Bronwyn Smile

How do you find climbing in & out of bed?

I've heard that some can have a jerking effect when being towed - have you had this?

We'd be looking at a fairly big one that will cater for 4 adults (us plus 2 adult kids ... at this stage) & to be in it full-time - do you think this would be unrealistic???

Do they have much storage space - especially water tanks.

I'll probably have more questions as time progresses Wink

Bron King · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi Gerri

We have no trouble with the bed - climbing in and out is fine but we're only 59 so how it'll be in the future I can't say (I do yoga and ride a bike though to keep a bit fit Shocked

)

We've never had any jerking effect - but perhaps not all 5ers are so well built... We travelled to every state except WA going to every place which sells/builds 5ers before we decided on a builder.

We've seen very large units on the road but it can be a problem to transport 4 people if you're towing with a ute.
If you're considering a twincab the van has to articulate in front of the back axle - not easy in a vehicle with a short tray.
The cost of fuel witha big rig might be an issue, and as you'd know as park managers finding places to park is so much easier with a 20 footer than a 35 or 40 footer as is turning, controlling the rig on the road etc
(but your bus experience would be valuable here Question

When we travel with our 2 20's sons they drive separately and take tents - they prefer the privacy for sleep but we all use the van in the day for bathroom, cooking, sharing meals etc and remember much of the living is outside under the awning sitting in the balmy evening air Laughing

ahhhhh...

We have plenty of storage space for us - we had lots of features built in so we don't need to store as much gear. We have solar power and in the bush can run everything except the microwave and air con which we've never missed. The longest we've been away was 4 months - it's a BRILLIANT life! We like walking and birdwatching, and nothing beats long beaches with no-one but you on them.

Our rig can carry 180 lt of water which if we're careful can last us for about 10 days and is our only limiting factor. We most of all like to travel light, paring down all the stuff in suburban life. I believe you'd love it! And a 5er is a great way to do it especially f you can custom build after careful planning.
Glad to answer more whenever you have Question

s

cheers

Bron

Drover's Daughter · Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 26 Location: SEQld

Hi Bron

Long time no chat. Have wondered often how you are and what is happening in your life.

Ciao Kate
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Blessed are the cracked, for we let in the light

Bron King · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi Kate!

Good to hear from you. Life ticks on - I'm usually so involved in singing and art activities that travel time's hard to find. We're all well and going well too. How about you?

cheers

Bron

Gerri · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 11 Location: Portland, Victoria

Yes we were thinking of a twin cab - they're a bit expensive tho aren't they! Shocked

Brian has driven semi's before so he should be ok with a 5er (I hope).

I wish they could build them like the Tardis LOL I get a bit claustrophobic at times & with maybe 4 people full-time I think we'll need the extra space Rolling Eyes

I'm like a magnet to biting insects after dark so I will probably be spending more time inside than the others (unless some medical miracle happens Wink

)

Only 180L of water? Do you free camp much? Our bus had over 400L water tanks & there's no way it would last us 10 days with 4 people.
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Gerri

Drover's Daughter · Joined: 21 Feb 2008 Posts: 26 Location: SEQld