jock
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 350
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Post by jock on Aug 22, 2023 8:04:04 GMT 10
Very Sadly, My dear wife has passed away and I find myself not only grief stricken and very lonely but faced with having to make a decision re caravan and vehicles etc....I dont want to dwell on my loss on the forum but would welcome discussion on my future camping intentions.
I have decided to sell our 2004 Roadstar Voyager 4000 caravan and the tug which is a 2006 Terracan and get re set up with a (used) space cab type tray back ute and a slide on camper.. Reason, mainly is that, as a keen fisherman, I can tow my boat if I want to go to a water destination.
Been looking and researching best utes and my choices are down to either a Holden Colorado or an Isuzu D-max (Autos) but am gobsmacked at how all these utes are so expensive..for example, not unusual to see a 10 yo unit with around 200K kms selling for nearly $30,000. !!!
Have narrowed the slide on search to something like a Millard pop top with toilet and shower (the latter feature not essential) but, again these seem to be selling for somewhere in the region of $25000.. Am not interested in the Trayon type units as I value my comfort as sometimes I might stay at a location for several weeks or more. Must have a side door rather than a rear door and electric remote control jacking legs.
Would appreciate any comments and discussion.
Jock
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Post by bazza44 on Aug 22, 2023 8:44:48 GMT 10
Sorry to read of your loss Jock. I hope you can find a suitable vehicle and go fishing. I have never had anything to do with this type of vehicle but seeing them on the road I notice that some seem to be top heavy and not stable on corners. That would be something to think about, may need to stiffen the rear suspension to prevent this.
Good luck with your search.
Barry
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Post by stoney on Aug 22, 2023 11:20:27 GMT 10
Hi Jock. Sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
There is a company in Maroochydore that makes these. They are called Tray On. My neighbour had one made to fit their DMax. It a nice unit. Speak to them they will customise it to suit your requirements.
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Post by A'van on Aug 22, 2023 11:35:09 GMT 10
My condolences, I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Post by legendts on Aug 22, 2023 12:23:11 GMT 10
Sincere condolences on the loss of your dear wife Jock.
Give yourself a bit of time for decision making under your current circumstances unless of course you have previously done a “what if” scenario. It is hard to make good decisions when, as you say, you are grief stricken.
Have you considered a boat loader with the boat on the ute and sticking to a/the caravan? Just a thought as it would give you more comfort with a van.
Like Barry, I can’t advise you re the slide on but the Isuzu D-max have a good reputation, particularly the later models. A mate has a MUX and swears by it.
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Post by Muzz On Line on Aug 22, 2023 13:30:23 GMT 10
So sorry to read of your loss Jock. You will now have some very lonely times ahead of you. Just remember you are not alone. There will always be family and the scoundrels on this forum to get your blood boiling. I know I always look forward to your input and your topics so don't be a stranger.
As for your camper and fishing, don't rush into it. I am sure there will be a few caravan and camping expo's / shows to fine tune your ideas and never give up on the second hand market as there are great ideas out there you may not of thought of.
I see Jeff has come up with an option with the boat loader. I would suggest - how often are you likely to go fishing and will you always be near or in a caravan park? You might find it easier to just rent a cabin when you go fishing.
I have seen people set up a tray back ute with a canopy and sleep in the canopy. That way they can stay off grid for a few days with very little extras to pack.
There are also campervans that may be the ticket for you. They have all the amenities and you can still tow a good sized boat.
Some of these 60 second tents are pretty good too for the occasional overnight or three.
Anyway hang in there and keep your options open for a while. You may not get it right first time but hey, that's part of the adventure.
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Post by GerryP on Aug 22, 2023 13:39:03 GMT 10
Sincere condolences Jock. Focus on those wonderful memories as they'll be with you always.
Have you considered a small motorhome? You could go from a converted Toyota Hiace (whizz-bang) up to something a bit more substantial. Shouldn't be any more costly than a ute and a slide-on, might even work out cheaper?
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Post by dieseltojo on Aug 22, 2023 14:11:51 GMT 10
How very sad for you Jock My deepest commiserations to you and the family.
You may remember my friend Lance passing on a year or so ago , he bought an VW Camper Crafter that has a shower and every thing in it a year before he died . His dear wife uses it on her own now and it seems to be a great compromise as fare as camping goes. Of course they were into just roving around at music festivals so not pulling a boat.
I totally agree with the rising costs these days, so you search is is not an easy one.
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Post by ancientmariner on Aug 22, 2023 16:28:05 GMT 10
My sincere condolences Jock, I trust you will take your time to decide what to do. It will not be an easy time for you.
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Post by Nev and Trish. on Aug 23, 2023 5:47:37 GMT 10
Sorry to read about your sad loss Jock. I have a mate here who lost his wife a number of years ago. Having been caravanners and keen fishing people he stayed with what he had been doing until he was struck down with mobility problems about 18 months ago and needed a scooter. He sold his 4WD , caravan and boat and bought a Falcon ute and fitted a slideon camper. He then had a covered in trailer made to carry his scooter and hires boats when he needs one. He is very happy with his setup and just wanders around when ever he feels like it. Good luck with what ever you choose to do Jock.
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Post by Frank and Brenda on Aug 23, 2023 8:29:49 GMT 10
Sincere condolences from us too jock, I'm glad you haven't given up on travel plans I agree with Gerry, a wizzbang sounds like a good cheaper way to go
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jock
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 350
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Post by jock on Aug 23, 2023 12:24:38 GMT 10
Thanks, so far guys...Firstly, we had been thinking about a slide on for quite a while now so, I guess, I'm not rushing into it...Stoney, I mentioned in my O.P. that I didn't want a Trayon type unit...I intend, sometimes, staying at a location for an extended period (maybe for up to 8 weeks) so would like the comforts of a caravan..... We have had many years of vanning with a car topper with side loader but I now have a bigger boat with electric start etc etc. and would prefer to stay with this option..
With a slide-on unit on top of a 4WD ute I can, if I want head up the beach or Fraser (without the boat of course.) Dont like the idea of a whiz-Bang..firstly it would have to be my domestic shopping trolley and, secondly, whilst camping everytime you want to go someplace or launch the boat, I'd have to pack up and secure everything, BBQ etc. etc. and leave the site with some claiming furniture - too much trouble andnot a good idea in this day and age.
Appreciate your messages of condolences..Please keep the thread going.
Jock
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Post by jr on Aug 29, 2023 16:16:41 GMT 10
Hi Jock, Very very sorry to hear about your loss, I expect a lot of use are approaching this time of life, not sure how I would handle it, but it will probably be me that will go first. The D-max seems to get good reviews and very few negatives. I have lost two close friends in the last two years and both had a van. My first friend sold his van and Landruiser straight away and I think he is a bit sorry he did that as he often went away with us. My second friend kept his van and is considering to down size but just taking his time and I think he is doing the right thing. Sounds like you know exactly what you are doing so carry on. I do think having a toilet and shower is a good move even just for when you sell it. JR
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