Looking for a Good Motorhome between $5000 & $25,000

BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 11:25
Last edited 24/08/2016 - 11:30

Hi Ozbargainers.

I am currently researching motorhomes. My budget is between $5000-$25,000.

I plan to relocate the motorhome 2 or 3 times a year and will be travelling no more than 5000km in the vehicle. I am looking for a vehicle that is low maintenance and economical. I am happy to pay extra for fuel if it means a better vehicle with less time spent in the workshop as I will be traveling lower km. What brands are most reliable and economical to maintain? Is a Toyota Coaster bus a good option?

Would it be reasonable to fit out a pantec truck to live in? Any suggestions?

I want the home to be fitted with kitchens, cuboards, solar,deep cycle battery, security cameras and screens, etc. I already have a low voltage fridge and 160w solar panel.

How about a camper trailer or caravan vs motorhome?

I appreciate any input, cheers.

Automotive

Comments

  • mskeggs on 24/08/2016 - 13:22
    +2

    I don't think you will get anything purpose built in that budget unless it is on its last legs.
    With that budget, I would be tempted to get a caravan and a 4WD to tow it, especially as you aren't moving much.
    With a caravan you have many more options at different sizes etc.
    Judging from your questions, this is something you have only just begun thinking about, so my tip is to think about the life you want to live, then work back from there.
    Are you imagining living in remote areas, or cities? In a van park or free camping?
    How will you get an income, what do you want to do all day?

    • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:12

      I'm a seasonal worker who stays on farms or in free camping areas. So it will be my accommodation for work mainly. Many farms have no accommodation or basic camping facilities.

      • mskeggs on 24/08/2016 - 20:18

        You will benefit from the freedom of a car that isn't your living quarters.
        People I know who live out of a motorhome tow a little Suzuki so they don't have to pack up camp just to go get some milk.
        Have a look at some caravans.

        • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:24

          My plan is to use the caravan as a home and ride a push bike around for local trips. I have panniers which I can fill with groceries. I spend at least 6 months in QLD and head south gradually. I eventually end up in Tasmania for a short time over summer, then make my way back to QLD with stops along the way.

        • mskeggs on 24/08/2016 - 20:29

          @davelarz:
          Sounds awesome.
          One of my uncles lived like that for about 20 years. He slept in the back of his troopy and spent 90% of every day outside.
          Must have been a bit average after a few days of rain though.
          He is a mad keen bird watcher, and tracked all over the east coast and Tassie chasing the birds he was after.
          He liked the warm, and only ever went as far south as Tassie for holidays, he reckoned it too cold to stick around for work.
          He has slowed down a bit now as he is over 70, but he is care taking a cattle property in central QLD, still outside 90% of every day and not much bothered by things like TV etc.
          Last time I saw him he did have an iPad though. Good for getting pictures of his grandkids.

        • BluebirdV on 25/08/2016 - 11:41

          Nice. Sounds like me but I'm half his age, LOL. I like watching birds and I like dry weather which is how it usually is where I am. I have 4 xiaomi powerbanks to charge my phone and tablet. I have a laptop and other gear in storage. Tassie is very nice in summer and early Autumn and usually dry where I go although some parts do get very wet.

  • Nugs on 24/08/2016 - 13:47

    got a bus license?

    http://www.evansclarke.com.au/detail.aspx?id=1045747

    • nocure on 24/08/2016 - 14:18
      +2

      Trav'lin' along there's a song that we're singin',
      C'mon get happy
      A whole lotta lovin' is what we'll be bringin',
      We'll make you happy

    • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:13

      No bus license. I saw an old bus for $15,000.

  • Euphemistic on 24/08/2016 - 14:25
    +1

    If you aren't using it much a caravan is probably a better option, otherwise the engine/drivetrain is being paid to register insure etc and not being used.

    You aren't going to get anything flash for your budget, especially considering the fitout you want. I'd imaging you are going to have to build to your liking.

  • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:17

    Yes, I will definitely be checking out caravans and camper trailers in Bundaberg tomorrow.

  • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:19

    I have a Ford station wagon. Im well organized in it (finally) and sleep in it. I might be better off setting up a large canvas tent, perhaps? Plenty of room. Otherwise caravan or camper trailer.

    • mskeggs on 24/08/2016 - 20:32
      +1

      A modern tent won't stand up to the weather for any sort of duration.
      If you can get an ex-army tent it will last better, or a canvas tarp like the sort that covers the load on a truck.
      You need really heavy duty for ongoing use.
      I still reckon a caravan, and the Ford will tow most of them fine.

      • BluebirdV on 25/08/2016 - 11:44

        I have an oztrail canvas tent in storage which I lived in for 6 months in QLD over winter. It was fine. I imagine the UV would destroy it in summer without a tarp. I agree with the caravan. Much better option☺

  • BluebirdV on 24/08/2016 - 20:27

    I was looking at this 1976 Toyota Coaster for $10,000 in Gladstone today…
    http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/1121760669?utm_source=trigger…

  • meddy on 30/08/2016 - 07:55

    What about a Jayco camper like a penguin? easy to set up, no push out beds, easy to tow with your Falcon wagon and quite a few on Gumtree for around the 10K mark.

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