Thread: Grey Nomads - things I've learnt in the last few days.

Good to hear you and the 101 have arrived safely.

Oh, pictures please.
Wish I was there.

Originally Posted by bacicat

I didn't even mention driving and speeds as I have been tootling along at 85 for the last 4 days.

I find it amazing that barely a week goes by without one thread or another being taken way off topic by people who carry on as if their human rights are being breached if they've ever been prevented from driving at the speed limit.

You may not like it but limits are limits and laws are laws. Venting on an internet forum will change nothing.

Anyway, back OT, I don't understand the appeal of driving into the wilderness just to then sit inside a big van to watch the telly either though I must admit that I do have portable DVD player I take camping with me for those rare occasions where the weather is just to miserable to allow for exploration and walks.

Having been up to Exmouth in July I'd say the Grey Nomads or anyone else towing a van at 80 or 90 have nothing on those towing big boats on double and triple trailers. I generally tow my camper trailer at about 105kmh but it is difficult to overtake cos the Dmax lacks top end acceleration when towing and I generally need a run up to overtake.

We were constantly getting stuck behind big boats who don't move over for anyone. They also tend to travel in convoys who leave no room so to overtake you need to pass 2 or 3 rigs in one go. When we go on holiday we tend to stop a lot so we'd see the same vehicles we'd overtaken going past. Although as I have a long range tank fitted I must admit it was funny continually passing the same boats sitting in service stations as they refilled the tank.

Originally Posted by mick88

"Terry and Sue" are ubiquitous!

I thought it was "Ron and Coral" on ch15UHF

G'day all.
This topic has started as a casual observation of a group of individuals in our society who are generally retired, so they have worked their whole life, brought up the kids, contributed to society so now it's time to kick back relax and enjoy life in this great country of ours. I'm amazed how this has turned from an observation of someone in a caravan park to a bagging session aimed against people who choose to tow a caravan behind them. I'm sorry, but I'll drive at a speed that is first comfortable and safe for my family. I tow a big van and I try to stick to the speed limits but on the highway sometimes that is just not possable due to many factors. I do not hold up traffic on purpose. So come on people, caravans are not going away so let's all be a little bit more tolerant of others and their needs instead of worrying about getting to your destination 5 minutes earlier. I am not a nomad ( but I am greying), my kids are 11 and 7 and love getting away in the van. We are keeping tourist dollars here. We will see the world some day, for now I'm more than happy touring Australia. Let's just take a breath and enjoy the trip.
Regards
Robbo

Robbo, I agree with your post 100%.
I lost count of how many times the drivers in a hurry overtake me just to stop few km down the road in one of the junk food outlets.
The trip from Melbourne to Sydney is the most common, drives speed up just few km south of Yass to stop for 1/2 hour or more at the servo and the junk food palace there.

Originally Posted by robbotd5

aimed against people who choose to tow a caravan behind them.

actually, people are complaining about slow, dangerous and annoying driver who go slow. caravan or no caravan.

it sound like you having a whinge like a typical person with a caravan.

Originally Posted by Tombie

You do realise that pulling over regularly to let vehicles pass and then moving off again is likely to chew the fuel you saved holding traffic up in the first place!!!

Sorry, but 100km/h on the roads people...
It's the speed the trucks can do, by doing it yourself you prevent a load of heart ache, risk, hazards...

but the truck drivers usually dont pay for repairs/maintanance/fuel on their own rigs, we do.