Before You Buy Your Rig

Your choice of vehicle

First and foremost, you will need a reliable vehicle, and one capable of pulling weight. And you do not necessarily need a four wheel drive. Australia's roads are predominantly bitumen, so a two wheel drive will get you most places. If you decide to go off road and don't own a 4WD, you have the option of paying a tour company to put their vehicles through the wear and tear. And with a tour group, you generally get the commentary and meals thrown in.

Your choice of accommodation

As for your BYO accommodation, there is a huge range. From a tent to camp trailers, pop-up, pop-top, full caravans, buses, 5th wheelers, motorhomes, there is definitely alot to choose from. You need to determine what suits you, the individual. You obviously won't be needing an offroad caravan if you plan to visit the wineries. Nor will you consider a camp trailer if you must take everything you own. Such a big decision to make but here are a few tips:

You don't need to buy new nor spend alot of money to get on the road. A well maintained, secondhand rig can be sold for the same price you paid once you have finished with it. If you buy right, you sell right.

Wander through your local caravan park and talk to fellow nomads about what they like and dislike about their rig.

When looking at a rig of choice, go inside and pretend you are actually using it. Pretend you are watching TV, preparing food, etc. I learnt that lesson when we travelled in a pop-top caravan that had me bending sideways and ducking under cupboards to wash the dishes.

Consider your options for self sufficiency.

Although you may plan to stay in caravan parks, a generator gives you the freedom to be self sufficient, as not all caravan parks give you power 24/7. A generator allows for blackouts too.

Consider gas for your cooktop and 3 way fridge. Gas allows you to pull over anywhere, anytime and quickly make a cuppa or meal when needing a rest.

A battery setup to run your fridges whilst driving, and supply you with lights without 240 volt is recommended.

If you are thinking Solar, amorphous solar is more shade tolerant, flexible and cost effective than monocrystalline or polychrystalline. However, if you have the latter, a detachable panel means you don't have to park your rig in the sun to benefit.