Seriously thinking about buying a campervan and giving up my rental home

Bretrick said:
I have been offered a place by a friend. Sharing his house at $100 a week less than I am paying now. Utilities included.
So plenty to think about.
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I also love the idea of RV life, but I don’t think I could actually live in one all the time, it’s just too much hassle.

Maybe living with your friend is a better option, at least from what you know, you’d be paying less.
 

Bretrick said:
@horseless carriage
It is an idea I have been tossing around for 6 months now.
There are many cons to take into account. Maintenance costs could be high with an older van. I would need to rent a Post-office box.
The more I think about it, the more I am turned off. The number one reason being the extreme summer temperatures here in Perth and Western Australia.
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The friends place sounds like the better deal.
And least you have a permanent address. He probably has proper air conditioning. From the temperature you’ve talked about , an RV doesn’t seem practical in these regards. Choose wisely.
 

I think we can adapt to living about anywhere. Why not try it for a time? Since you're currently in a rental you don't have a home to sell so spend a year living the camper life and see how it goes. Also as you travel around maybe you'll find an area you really love so if you decide to put down roots again you can find a place there.
 
Bretrick said:
I can buy a half decent one for $20,000.
Currently I am paying $20,000 a year for rent, power and water.
This will rise to $23,000 from May.
I need to do plenty of research regarding the pros and cons of van life.
Cost of maintenance, hygiene re showering etc, legal parking, must have air conditioning for extreme heat.
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I wish you well with your research and possibly buying one.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Have you made a decision yet or still thinking it through?
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I am almost certain I will not ne buying a campervan.
Plans are taking shape to move to Victoria, staying with a friend who lives alone in a 4-bedroom house.
If that does not work, I will explore the campervan thingy and possibly move to eastern Tasmania
 
Bretrick said:
I am almost certain I will not ne buying a campervan.
Plans are taking shape to move to Victoria, staying with a friend who lives alone in a 4-bedroom house.
If that does not work, I will explore the campervan thingy and possibly move to eastern Tasmania
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I think that’s a wise decision . A four bedroom house seems big enough for you both to get along. Who knows? Maybe you’ll love it.
Maybe your friend is an outstanding cook and you find yourself loving the food. You never know. Move in with an open mind and give it time.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
I think that’s a wise decision . A four bedroom house seems big enough for you both to get along. Who knows? Maybe you’ll love it.
Maybe your friend is an outstanding cook and you find yourself loving the food. You never know. Move in with an open mind and give it time.
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I have vacillated somewhat and as of right now, I am at 85% that the move will be made.
 
You probably know most of this stuff but I don't know the differences between Melbourne & Perth so I found this video interesting. It explained quite a lot about the two cities and the differences one from the other.
 
We rv'd for 8 years starting in a smaller one. We were younger then. Those things get smaller the longer you stay in it. It was cramped and difficult to get comfortable in. If you are at all claustrophobic it will be a problem. When the rain pounded on the roof it was defining. If it wasn't too cold it was probably too hot. The AC was so loud you couldn't have a conversation and don't even get me started on the septic system. Ever heard of a poop pyramid? You need to worry about them. Or maybe you will have a composting toilet where you empty it regularly, by hand. Campground wifi is terrible.

Showering while sitting on the toilet isn't as fun as it sounds. Some RV refrigerators can fail if they aren't level. Plan to spend a lot of time in Walmart parking lots or spending ridiculous prices for decent campsites. Gas prices, vehicle repairs. I hated cooking on what is basically a hotplate. House batteries dying, loud neighbors. Do you like driving because you may move a lot. camper vans have issues especially the cheap ones. You should rent one and try it for a month or two before burning any bridges. Its has it's downsides for sure. That said I enjoyed life on the road but I do not miss it.
 
MoBeans said:
We rv'd for 8 years starting in a smaller one. We were younger then. Those things get smaller the longer you stay in it. It was cramped and difficult to get comfortable in. If you are at all claustrophobic it will be a problem. When the rain pounded on the roof it was defining. If it wasn't too cold it was probably too hot. The AC was so loud you couldn't have a conversation and don't even get me started on the septic system. Ever heard of a poop pyramid? You need to worry about them. Or maybe you will have a composting toilet where you empty it regularly, by hand. Campground wifi is terrible.

Showering while sitting on the toilet isn't as fun as it sounds. Some RV refrigerators can fail if they aren't level. Plan to spend a lot of time in Walmart parking lots or spending ridiculous prices for decent campsites. Gas prices, vehicle repairs. I hated cooking on what is basically a hotplate. House batteries dying, loud neighbors. Do you like driving because you may move a lot. camper vans have issues especially the cheap ones. You should rent one and try it for a month or two before burning any bridges. Its has it's downsides for sure. That said I enjoyed life on the road but I do not miss it.
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I have made the decision to forego the campervan experience and move to Melbourne.
Share a fully furnished 4-bedroom house with a friend who lives there alone. His wife died 3 years ago.
 
Bretrick said:
It has worked for me several times previously, travelling with nothing is the best.
Arrive at a new destination and start over.
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The world has changed and not for the better.

IMHO, it’s a bad idea for a few reasons, but here’s what Kiplinger’s interview with retired RV nomads had to say:

15 Reasons You'll Regret an RV in Retirement
 

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