Morning all

We are thinking of selling everything in a year or two and buying a caravan to live in on the South Coast, kwaZulu Natal.  What is the pros and cons of living full time in a caravan and looking for recommendations on what caravan to get.  After all the rain we have had I am in two minds now!!!

Gosh, i could write a book about this, we have been living full time in our caravan for six and a half years now but not in one place though , every 3 to 6 months to a new town as we explore the country.

Its a lifestyle that does have its pros and challenges and one does need to be DYI and a hands on person. if you are interested i could give you my number to call me and attempt to answer your questions from my perspective.

This subject was discussed extensively on this Forum more than once. Do a search to find the threats. One of the suggestions on these discussions was not to sell out completely but rather keep some accomodation somewhere as a backup for the time you will no longer be able or wish to continue this lifestyle.  If you do not do that, it is probable you will not be able to afford it in the future.

I am not in the market for this, but if I were, I would do it the way George and others do it by taking a slow tour throughout the country rather than settling in one place and stagnating there.  The one is an adventure, the other just dreary I think.

And welcome to this Forum Pam.  Let us hear a lot from you.

As Fred said, it has been discussed in detail.

Basically keep a base where you can return too and buy as large and complete on road caravan as you can afford and tow.

We recently gave up permanent camping after 5 years due to health.

Appart from health, the following is essensial:-

Maintenance is 95% +/- everyday due to rain, wind or excessive heat.

- Rain and Wind can cause inconvenient living style and require protection against incomming water or wind damage and require proper cleaning afterwards.

- Excessive heat require maintenance to protect your asset such as to regulary apply Seam Sealant to tent stitches and apply Rub - In to tent panels and tent itself to avoid material weakness and fadeness.

Also replace Guy Ropes on a regular basis due to weakness caused by excessive heat.

Wash and polish caravan regualary to avoid fadeness.

This is important to have a base where you can return to.

We can also write a book of 5 years permanent camping.

The pro's of permanent camping is that you find yourself in nature which is totally relaxing without stress.

Caravan: We were 2 adults, my wife and I and had a Penta.

I would say, do not go smaller than a Fleetline or any any other caravan smaller than abovementioned.

Dink dis noodsaaklik om voorsiening te maak sou die dag kom dat jy nie meer kan kampeer nie

Voorkom ook om n noue band te skep met medes.

Dit veroorsaak kamp politiek??.

Nou en dan kuier is reg, maar te veel is meer as genoeg.

Agree with Geert, you need to have a long term plan that includes what you will do when you cannot camp any more. Having said that we have met campers in their early eighties and still camping. Obviously they were in good health.

I also agree.

Accidents do happen.

After I became deaf 2 years ago in both ears due to a bad incident and started loosing walking balance, I lost interest.

The day when you loose interest, never force yourself to proceed.

This however make everybody around you incomfartable.

This is the time to make the final decision.

Kampeering bly redelik inspanent. Dit is nie n’ ou dag opsie nie. Jy moet gesond en bevoeg wees om dit te kan doen. Op een of ander tyd kom daai dae op n’ ent. Wees voorbereid.

Just a question Pam: Are you campers already?  If not, I think is will be a good idea to first try out caravan life by renting or borrowing a smallish caravan and visiting nearby caravan camps of which there are plenty within a reasonable distance from your city.   Smallish as it tows and erects easier  and for shortish breaks you do not need a substitute home, rather only the basics. To my mind, there is no better holiday than caravan camping but if you are late starters, it might or might not be your cup of tee. If you do do it this way, and it does not seem like semi permanent camping is going to fit you, it might be that you find it a perfect way for a holiday break.  In that case it you might become a holiday camper as most of us on this forum are.  And I can assure you we all feel there is no better way.

By the way, what is your intended tow vehicle?

Hi, sorry I am new to this, so not sure how to reply to each post.  We have done a lot of camping but in tents and drive an X-Trail.  Going to very difficult to keep a home base. We were thinking of Scottburgh Caravan Park. We have a couple of years to go until we decided to sell.  Thanks for all the comments, greatly appreciated. 

You do not need to reply to everone or at all but it is nice that you do. Do tell us in time about your coming adventure.

Pam, I have an X-Trail 2.0 Dci and used to tow the Penta with ease, therefore you can look at any caravan suitable for you that equals the weight of the Penta.

According "Tow car specs" the X-Trail is rated 4,5/5 to tow the weight equals the Penta weight.

+/- The same size caravan as the Penta, but slightly lighter =:-

* Sprite Splash.

* Jurgens Penta.

* Sprite Swing

* Sprite Supersport.

* Gypsey Romany etc...

I forgot to mention, the Jurgens Fleetline is also suitable.

You must take one thing in mind:- On longterm camping your caravan is at the end of the day only your Bedroom and your Privacy and not a "Visiting" place for guests.

Gerden wrote:

I forgot to mention, the Jurgens Fleetline is also suitable.

You must take one thing in mind:- On longterm camping your caravan is at the end of the day only your Bedroom and your Privacy and not a "Visiting" place for guests.

Buy the biggest one you can afford and tow. It is your home away from home.

Happy Easter.

I agree with Paul, buy as big a van as you can afford / tow because a small unit can become very small when the weather is not good to be outside.

We love our Exclusive and are camping 6 to 7 month a year and return to our small lockup and go unit - which is near good Hospitals.

When we were young we met weekly at Solly Kramers, but nowadays it is at Dischem. 

Enjoy the planning for your way to go. 

Ek dink ook n Exclusive is n nice opsie...veral die badkamer....wil nie res van lewe snags badkamers toe stap nie 

Petrus I love your Solly Kramers.

Yes the Cronic medication is a schlep.

Ons in selfde boot nog 12 payslips oor dan is ek op pension , gaan my huis uithuur vir inkomste en kan terug val na huis indien nodig