NSW on a Campervan

[klavier]

Arrgggh unfortunately I saw TS post too late.
I had been to Australia a number of times now and always thought campervan might be an interesting option but thought it was mostly the locals who do such trips. I had this impression because I frequently stay at Big4 accom in Australia and realised that most visitors there stay on their campervans rather than in the chalet/rooms. Too bad I had already booked my hotels for another trip next month so its too late to cancel without incurring hefty charges.

Anyway I intend to visit Sydney next year so this could be an option. I have to convince my wife as I think she will not be happy if i tell her the campervan does not come with shower/toilet given the drawbacks that you have mentioned here.

For me, I am only worried about the maneuverability since a van can be quite clumsy (i drive a big SUV but i think its still far from the campervan).

Anyway thanks TS. Great to see Singaporeans who are getting more and more adventurous in their travels.

 

[veryred]

Just got back from a campervan trip to South Island NZ. Best trip of my life!!! OMG. I would do it again anytime!

I just pm-ed you! please share with me ur itinerary!

 

[sellun]

Campervan is an amazing way to travel especially in nz. After doing so at south island I'm truly amazed by this way of travelling. Its huge but surprisingly easy to drive (depends on company and vehicle model tho) After driving in winter on NZ road, i feel that its easier than driving a normal vehicle on SG road. Its huge and heavy so just keep to the speed limits and relax enjoy the drive you'll be fine for sure.

After doing nz, I'm definitely going to do another road trip to aussy with campervan again! amazing experience!

 

[touchme]

Campervan is an amazing way to travel especially in nz. After doing so at south island I'm truly amazed by this way of travelling. Its huge but surprisingly easy to drive (depends on company and vehicle model tho) After driving in winter on NZ road, i feel that its easier than driving a normal vehicle on SG road. Its huge and heavy so just keep to the speed limits and relax enjoy the drive you'll be fine for sure.

After doing nz, I'm definitely going to do another road trip to aussy with campervan again! amazing experience!

NZ already a beautiful country, added with a natural exploration with your room on wheels, definitely great. Do share the driving/sleeping/camping/eating-in aspects of the trip here.

I'm just back from 2 weeks Sydney-Melbourne-syd double camper trip. Not better than last year's trip (less awesome sceneries plus selfish company). Aussie drive-camp not as exciting as NZ, but more free.

Great $5 app, 'Wikicamps' details of free/paid campgrounds, forum based contributions from readers/users, all genuine true updated.(AU and NZ only). complete with offline GPS.(14 days trial)

 

[touchme]

Arrgggh unfortunately I saw TS post too late.
I had been to Australia a number of times now and always thought campervan might be an interesting option but thought it was mostly the locals who do such trips. I had this impression because I frequently stay at Big4 accom in Australia and realised that most visitors there stay on their campervans rather than in the chalet/rooms. Too bad I had already booked my hotels for another trip next month so its too late to cancel without incurring hefty charges.

Anyway I intend to visit Sydney next year so this could be an option. I have to convince my wife as I think she will not be happy if i tell her the campervan does not come with shower/toilet given the drawbacks that you have mentioned here.

For me, I am only worried about the maneuverability since a van can be quite clumsy (i drive a big SUV but i think its still far from the campervan).

Anyway thanks TS. Great to see Singaporeans who are getting more and more adventurous in their travels.

Think if you or spouse have not lived brought up kampung life, will be difficult to convince.A couple of readers here already failed convince their spouse, and revert to accommodation pre-bookings and scheduled itineraries.

Put it this way, I've not met any Singaporeans on campervan
Closest were Malaysians.

 

[klavier]

Think if you or spouse have not lived brought up kampung life, will be difficult to convince.A couple of readers here already failed convince their spouse, and revert to accommodation pre-bookings and scheduled itineraries.

Put it this way, I've not met any Singaporeans on campervan
Closest were Malaysians.

Indeed. Will take some persuading. Well we definitely did not live in kampongs, but have been traveling extensively on both shoestring (long backpacking trips) and semi luxury depending on where we go to.. I guess its just that I want to do something different from the usual Aussie trips.

By the way, in another thread, a poster had asked how to reduce the excess for campervans without purchasing from the rental company as the quote is very high. I told him that for normal cars I just buy travel insurance to reduce the excess. Question is, does normal travel insurance which applies to cars apply to campervans as well? I think it should be similar?

 

[touchme]

At Sydney, Lembara riding on Vodafone good value.
2gb for 30 days, cumulative (not allocated 200-500mb per day). Signed as group of multiple Sims, free unlimited calls between each other. $1 credit (few calls) for local numbers. Ideal for visitors.

Supposedly free incoming (intl/local) but not happening, checking with salesperson@airport.

Allows tethering, but at high consumption rate (maybe 5x), better off taking 2 or multiple SIMs. Drawback is poor rece or no reception off-road into forested/non-populated land. Good as long as you're in cities/towns or major highways. Free incoming and calls between simul-registered SIMs.

 

[touchme]

Indeed. Will take some persuading. Well we definitely did not live in kampongs, but have been traveling extensively on both shoestring (long backpacking trips) and semi luxury depending on where we go to.. I guess its just that I want to do something different from the usual Aussie trips.

By the way, in another thread, a poster had asked how to reduce the excess for campervans without purchasing from the rental company as the quote is very high. I told him that for normal cars I just buy travel insurance to reduce the excess. Question is, does normal travel insurance which applies to cars apply to campervans as well? I think it should be similar?

If you were into backpacking /shared /public facilities, then the likely ok. Wikicamps is a must have.

Travel insurance covers about $1,500-$2k excess any vehicle. Your hitops excess about $2.5-$5k. Definitely not worth signing their addon CDW packages if you're experienced driver. Again, panel beating, spray workshops and hiace parts everywhere. The hi-tops are easy to handle.

My next trip planning to go even lower $20/day for those old Toyota's hiace junk ($1-1.5k excess), lo-ceiling, with portable stove sian of hitops. This trip kept the bed intact throughout without dining in-car, mostly parking near bbq stoves, picnic tables/benches or setup self-brought camptable/chairs. Excessive storage space also not needed. Next trip, likely west coast, broome or east Cairns side, to complete my round-continent expeditions.

 

[veryred]

I wanna ask if I should get a campervan with toilet/shower? Or is that not necessary?

 

[touchme]

CONS
1. Slow. Who speeds while sight-seeing?
2. Clumsy parking/reversing in the cities and in the woods.
3. Cannot park in city-malls with MSCP, vehicle >2.7m high
4. Less petrol/diesel efficient than cars5
5. Lack of space and privacy if lodging with 4-6 pax

Non-Ensuite
5. No showers? No toilets? (see Solutions on next post)
6. Confined Space: the whole campground, wooden benches and table and campfire pit is your space. Cosy if raning.

Ensuite Toilet
7. Water supply is quite limited 50 litres and very lo-pressue, every one must stinch on usage...despite heated water, not shiok bath..
8. Pour/clear own or companions' shxt (for ensuite RVs), or waste water.
9. RVs is very heavy and big (truck-size) and noisy, even harder to manourve (u-turn, reverse), unless you used to driving trucks in singapore

(will add as I recall)

Ensuite toilet answer 1
Your vehicle cost and excess/deposit(interest) also higher.

 

[touchme]

Solutions to Showers/Toilets, Room Heating and Device Charging

Showers/Toilets
Holiday parks, can just pay few bucks per head for showers, no park. Sts too late, manager not around, no one to pay to. On crowded seasons, nobody knows who is patrons = common kitchen/washing free-use, faster cooks/washes, saves your own gas/water. Nowadays more showerooms are code-locked.
Acty, you are supposed to leave your a note/names/fees under the locked office.

Cold places, easy day - may not even feel like bathing (too cold), just a wet towel body/face wipe suffice.

While hiking in waterfalls/rivers, there is always safe pools to take your shower tactically.

While on coastal, there are public beaces with free shower rooms.

While in ulu wild/woods, Shower bags/curtain kit provided with camper to bath in open dark wild.

Above are all cold baths, however, with provided shower bag, you can heat and premix hot water before hanging bag with tap, on your open tailgate, surrounding yrselves with the optional standee curtains. Best and most sexy way is still to park ulu-ly and bath openly. (Mind you, me and then gf has the most sexciting/wildest forest **** this way, always etched in our romantic minds)
If best parking spots choped, toilets may be a short cold/dark/wet walk away. Nevertheless can choose to irrigate (boys or girls) near van, but pls bear with the walk, if fertilising.


Room Heating/Cooling
Note that nowadays, RVs are walk-thru between front and back cabins, so you can run your engine to turn on driver's aircon/heater for room. Mid-setting can actually make you sweat, even when ambient is 0C. There are also 12V electric blankets (buy $20-30), if you are not the sleeping bag type, (like me).

Device Charging
Use car cigarette with USB (12v to 5v) charging devices tap from leisure battery
Use inverter ($10-$50) if you really need AC appliances, eg. hairdryer, hmmm.....?

Devices and Appliances recommendations on request.

Toilet answer 2.
In oz/nz/us no need, Europe yes.
Also depends if your travel companions are fertilisers.

 

[veryred]

thank you touchme for the comprehensive breakdown. Seems like a better choice for me to get one without shower and toilet. As I am touring around NZ south island during the winter season, showering everyday doesn't seem necessary and toilets are not hard to find.

 

[touchme]

thank you touchme for the comprehensive breakdown. Seems like a better choice for me to get one without shower and toilet. As I am touring around NZ south island during the winter season, showering everyday doesn't seem necessary and toilets are not hard to find.

Winter? Sleeping and rise early like 6am more important. After lunch, skies starting to get dark le.

I can assure you the worst experience bathing in a cold room with pathetic water pressure and quantity.

Better off with a steaming hot full blast shower at a caravan park/hostel for a few bucks each.

 

[veryred]

Winter? Sleeping and rise early like 6am more important. After lunch, skies starting to get dark le.

I can assure you the worst experience bathing in a cold room with pathetic water pressure and quantity.

Better off with a steaming hot full blast shower at a caravan park/hostel for a few bucks each.

Yea haha im already in north island now actually and the days are already getting short. can't imagine south island and in mid winter season. Yea planning to go caravan park.

 

[sellun]

NZ already a beautiful country, added with a natural exploration with your room on wheels, definitely great. Do share the driving/sleeping/camping/eating-in aspects of the trip here.

I'm just back from 2 weeks Sydney-Melbourne-syd double camper trip. Not better than last year's trip (less awesome sceneries plus selfish company). Aussie drive-camp not as exciting as NZ, but more free.

Great $5 app, 'Wikicamps' details of free/paid campgrounds, forum based contributions from readers/users, all genuine true updated.(AU and NZ only). complete with offline GPS.(14 days trial)

I agree that NZ is a beautiful country. Exploring the island via campervan is definitely the BEST way..

Regarding NZ, 'Campermate' is definitely the best app (free somemore) on ios that we used apart from google map. The roads in South island is pretty straightforward and our vehicle comes with a tourist radio which also gives pretty good insights of tourist "must see" places based on GPS (tho alot of advertisement as well).

We went in a party of 6, rented a 6 berth from KEA at amazing 45% discount winter rate. Cost about SGD1.8k for 10nights. Travelled about 1600km and spent like SGD400 on fuel. Dividing the cost among 6 of us, its definitely very very very cheap!

Sleeping was better than expected, 2 slept on the "king size" bed on top of the driver seat, 2 slept on the make shift "queen size" behind driver seat and lastly 2 slept at the make shift bed at the back of the van.
We got a self contained vehicle that comes with proper toilet and kitchen which is defnitely MUST HAVE for us. We cooked 50% of the time in the van and 50% at camper parks. Having a kitchen in the vehicle is AWESOME because you can picnic ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. And our way of picnic is having HOT COOKED FOOD served with HOT DRINKS on top of a mountain or by the lake in the middle of nowhere during winter. (Imagine that).

Driving a campervan (its huge!) in NZ South Island is definitely easier than driving a normal car in SG in our point of view. Because the drivers there is a zillion times more polite. They only use honk to THANK YOU for giving way or real emergency... You'll be fine as long as you follow the speed limit. Take your time, enjoy the amazing view from the driver seat. Amazing country, amazing drive, amazing way of travelling.

We're going aussy for another campervan road trip in the near future!

P.S
One thing i have to add is the amazing gas heater (desel) we had on our van. We went in early winter, about -5 to 10 degree. We had no problem with the coldness in the van and slept on the van all 10 nights with nobody catching any cold (don't even need to wear jacket at night). We did 2 nights of freedom camping and it was definitely a highlight of our trip, one night was camping under a CLEAR NIGHT and you can see millions of stars and milkyway straight from our naked eye.

However i won't recommend showering on the van. Our van requires 20mins to heat up 7mins worth of water to shower. I would suggest 1 night freedom camp with no shower and 1 night camperpark to shower.

We have no electric problem at all because our van is armed with solar panels. Would totally recommending campervans from KEA. Not sure how it compares with other companies as it was our first campervan experience but it defnitely gave us a 5star feeling!

 

[buzbuz]

If you were into backpacking /shared /public facilities, then the likely ok. Wikicamps is a must have.

Travel insurance covers about $1,500-$2k excess any vehicle. Your hitops excess about $2.5-$5k. Definitely not worth signing their addon CDW packages if you're experienced driver. Again, panel beating, spray workshops and hiace parts everywhere. The hi-tops are easy to handle.

My next trip planning to go even lower $20/day for those old Toyota's hiace junk ($1-1.5k excess), lo-ceiling, with portable stove sian of hitops. This trip kept the bed intact throughout without dining in-car, mostly parking near bbq stoves, picnic tables/benches or setup self-brought camptable/chairs. Excessive storage space also not needed. Next trip, likely west coast, broome or east Cairns side, to complete my round-continent expeditions.

Thanks TS for valuable, informative and money/hassle-saving thread. Just back from Sydney, taking with us your northwards itinery and great tips, Wonderful, joyous, adventurous and learning, and most natural experience we ever had, that money in singapore cannot buy!

Look forward to your Syd-Mel-SYd trip share to take on next year. Keep it up!

 

[buzbuz]

I agree that NZ is a beautiful country. Exploring the island via campervan is definitely the BEST way..

Regarding NZ, 'Campermate' is definitely the best app (free somemore) on ios that we used apart from google map. The roads in South island is pretty straightforward and our vehicle comes with a tourist radio which also gives pretty good insights of tourist "must see" places based on GPS (tho alot of advertisement as well).

We went in a party of 6, rented a 6 berth from KEA at amazing 45% discount winter rate. Cost about SGD1.8k for 10nights. Travelled about 1600km and spent like SGD400 on fuel. Dividing the cost among 6 of us, its definitely very very very cheap!

Sleeping was better than expected, 2 slept on the "king size" bed on top of the driver seat, 2 slept on the make shift "queen size" behind driver seat and lastly 2 slept at the make shift bed at the back of the van.
We got a self contained vehicle that comes with proper toilet and kitchen which is defnitely MUST HAVE for us. We cooked 50% of the time in the van and 50% at camper parks. Having a kitchen in the vehicle is AWESOME because you can picnic ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. And our way of picnic is having HOT COOKED FOOD served with HOT DRINKS on top of a mountain or by the lake in the middle of nowhere during winter. (Imagine that).

Driving a campervan (its huge!) in NZ South Island is definitely easier than driving a normal car in SG in our point of view. Because the drivers there is a zillion times more polite. They only use honk to THANK YOU for giving way or real emergency... You'll be fine as long as you follow the speed limit. Take your time, enjoy the amazing view from the driver seat. Amazing country, amazing drive, amazing way of travelling.

We're going aussy for another campervan road trip in the near future!

P.S
One thing i have to add is the amazing gas heater (desel) we had on our van. We went in early winter, about -5 to 10 degree. We had no problem with the coldness in the van and slept on the van all 10 nights with nobody catching any cold (don't even need to wear jacket at night). We did 2 nights of freedom camping and it was definitely a highlight of our trip, one night was camping under a CLEAR NIGHT and you can see millions of stars and milkyway straight from our naked eye.

However i won't recommend showering on the van. Our van requires 20mins to heat up 7mins worth of water to shower. I would suggest 1 night freedom camp with no shower and 1 night camperpark to shower.

We have no electric problem at all because our van is armed with solar panels. Would totally recommending campervans from KEA. Not sure how it compares with other companies as it was our first campervan experience but it defnitely gave us a 5star feeling!

NZ sounds great too. May consider going as a group too.
But what's yr opinion about splitting into 2 small campers (one with toilet) instead? Any hiccups with large truck?
I am concerned about going off-road or on gravel with truck.

How's the vehicle (powered site) +per person rate at average camperpark in South Island? and how;s the ranger/patrol control on free overnight parking/carcamping in Nparks and car parks? Any free campgrounds, with bbq stoves/pits and firewood around?

 

[veryred]

I agree that NZ is a beautiful country. Exploring the island via campervan is definitely the BEST way..

Regarding NZ, 'Campermate' is definitely the best app (free somemore) on ios that we used apart from google map. The roads in South island is pretty straightforward and our vehicle comes with a tourist radio which also gives pretty good insights of tourist "must see" places based on GPS (tho alot of advertisement as well).

We went in a party of 6, rented a 6 berth from KEA at amazing 45% discount winter rate. Cost about SGD1.8k for 10nights. Travelled about 1600km and spent like SGD400 on fuel. Dividing the cost among 6 of us, its definitely very very very cheap!

Sleeping was better than expected, 2 slept on the "king size" bed on top of the driver seat, 2 slept on the make shift "queen size" behind driver seat and lastly 2 slept at the make shift bed at the back of the van.
We got a self contained vehicle that comes with proper toilet and kitchen which is defnitely MUST HAVE for us. We cooked 50% of the time in the van and 50% at camper parks. Having a kitchen in the vehicle is AWESOME because you can picnic ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. And our way of picnic is having HOT COOKED FOOD served with HOT DRINKS on top of a mountain or by the lake in the middle of nowhere during winter. (Imagine that).

Driving a campervan (its huge!) in NZ South Island is definitely easier than driving a normal car in SG in our point of view. Because the drivers there is a zillion times more polite. They only use honk to THANK YOU for giving way or real emergency... You'll be fine as long as you follow the speed limit. Take your time, enjoy the amazing view from the driver seat. Amazing country, amazing drive, amazing way of travelling.

We're going aussy for another campervan road trip in the near future!

P.S
One thing i have to add is the amazing gas heater (desel) we had on our van. We went in early winter, about -5 to 10 degree. We had no problem with the coldness in the van and slept on the van all 10 nights with nobody catching any cold (don't even need to wear jacket at night). We did 2 nights of freedom camping and it was definitely a highlight of our trip, one night was camping under a CLEAR NIGHT and you can see millions of stars and milkyway straight from our naked eye.

However i won't recommend showering on the van. Our van requires 20mins to heat up 7mins worth of water to shower. I would suggest 1 night freedom camp with no shower and 1 night camperpark to shower.

We have no electric problem at all because our van is armed with solar panels. Would totally recommending campervans from KEA. Not sure how it compares with other companies as it was our first campervan experience but it defnitely gave us a 5star feeling!

is the diesel heater provided or did u buy it? but when u on the heater u did not have problem with condensation?

 

[sellun]

NZ sounds great too. May consider going as a group too.
But what's yr opinion about splitting into 2 small campers (one with toilet) instead? Any hiccups with large truck?
I am concerned about going off-road or on gravel with truck.

How's the vehicle (powered site) +per person rate at average camperpark in South Island? and how;s the ranger/patrol control on free overnight parking/carcamping in Nparks and car parks? Any free campgrounds, with bbq stoves/pits and firewood around?

I would go with 1 big camper if you only have 6 people. I would choose self-contained because you'll need to have self contained vehicle to do freedom camping at many campsites. Totally no hiccups with our KEA vehicle (Its only about 1/2 a year old). The roads on south island are generally all in very good condition. On gravel ground, just drive very slowly you'll be fine. Having said all these, its really quite huge, just take your time to get used to it.

Powered site can cost from around NZD 15 (home owned business) to NZD 22 (Large company) per pax in winter. summer probably double?
I highly recommend to pay whatever fee required at DoC sites so you don't have to worry about rangers.
Lots of free, freedom camping sites. My favourite is at bruce bay, right by the highway and sea. At night you can see the milky way and listen to the sea all night long. You can easily google for many other sites.

is the diesel heater provided or did u buy it? but when u on the heater u did not have problem with condensation?

It is a feature in-built in the vehicle. Yes we do have crazy condensation outside of our vehicle but I don't see any problem about it. We just have to wipe away the water at the screens before driving off every morning. When the vehicle is moving, there will not be any condensation.

 

[jimbok]

Planning a trip with my 2 other friends to OZ this Oct for around 10 days. To save time we are flying from Singapore to Darwin, then taking a domestic flight from Darwin to Alice Springs.

Campervan pick up will begin from Alice Springs, we will be setting off towards Uluru, and then down the Stuart Highway towards Adelaide.

We have been cracking our heads on finding a good price for campervan rental.
- Apollo quoted around $2500 AUD for 10 days rental (including $350 one way fee) for a Hitop
- Vroom quoted about $1300+ AUD for 10 days rental
- Wicked Camper (heard the bad reputations) quoted about $1300+ AUD

Not sure how come Apollo charges so much more...

@touchme bro, you recommended using agencies as they charge relatively lower than directly booking from the company. I tried campervan australia but the search results yields nothing. Would you have any other recommendations on campervan booking?