Motor home hire and your luggage

So you’ve arranged your motor home hire in Australia and now your departure date is getting close.  It’s time to think about your luggage.  While it sounds simple enough, sometimes a few simple tips can make your life a little easier and more comfortable on the road.

Motor Home Hire

Motor Home Hire

Of course this is all going to depend on the size of your motor home hire, and how many people travelling.  If there are only two of you in one of our larger six berth motorhomes, you’ll find there is plenty of space for storage, as well as storing your empty suitcases after you’ve put all your clothes away in your new home.

If you’re travelling in a smaller motor home hire, like a two berth with a toilet and shower, you may like to consider bringing your luggage in soft bags.  This means you can easily pop your clothes away in the provided cupboards and fold down your bag for storage under the seats.  Generally a regular size suitcase will not fit under the seats in these vehicles.

If you are picking up and returning to the same depot/city, then it is usually possible to leave your empty suitcases at the depot, and pick up on your return.  Space is limited at some depots, so if you are can put a suitcase inside another one once empty, that will assist.

Our larger six berth and some of the four berth motor home hire have a large storage locker at the rear of the vehicle that can be accessed from inside and outside the vehicle which are useful for storing bulky items like suitcases and camping chairs.

To save a little more space when packing, most of our motor home hire come with clothes pegs and a clothes line, so there is no need to bring your own – save a little more space.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog. If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.  Find out more when you hire a campervan and getting information while on the road at our information centres also.

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information. There’s also more information on Campervan Hiring – what is the right sized vehicle.

Hire a Campervan – Information Centres

Hire a CampervanWhile on the road if you are planning to hire a campervan, local information centres are a wealth of information.  You’ll find these are very well marked from the main roads, and many towns have one.  You can spot them with their yellow ‘i’ and a blue background.

These are staffed by locals, who know the area and can give you a few inside tips to make sure you enjoy your visit to the region when you hire a campervan.  You’ll be able to pick up information on local camping grounds, and often they’ll let you know if there is any free camping in the area, or the location of the nearest dump station (where you empty your toilet waste).

In addition to providing local information, there are some excellent free brochures you can pick up that cover a popular tourist drive, even if you are crossing different regions or even states when you hire a campervan.  For example there is a ‘coastal explorer’ magazine which covers the popular tourist drive from Brisbane to Sydney, and also Sydney to Melbourne.  This will ensure you don’t miss any must see highlights and can find a few other attractions that suit your personal interest.

Hire a Campervan

Hire a Campervan

Many regional tourism bodies have their own websites set up, in addition to the main state tourism site if you want to do some planning before you leave home.  A good place to start after you have spoken to us and gone through the process to hire a campervan, is the Tourism Australia website http://www.australia.com/ which then goes into detail on the area you wish to explore.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older. We also have more information on getting a 4 cent discount fuel voucher after buying groceries with your campervan hire. 

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.  There’s also more information on Campervan Hiring – what is the right sized vehicle.

Campervan Hiring – what is the right sized vehicle?

I often get asked ‘what is the best vehicle for me to explore Australia when thinking about campervan hiring?’  The answer is not as simple as you might think.  There are a variety of factors to consider, however one of the most important factors is the vehicle size of the campervan hiring.

Sometimes the campervan hiring is determined by the number of people travelling, however often it is a couple travelling.  Unless limited by the number of people travelling, the perfect vehicle really comes down to drivability vs space vs cost vs personal taste/features  

Drivability

Campervan Hiring

Campervan Hiring

  • For some couples they prefer something smaller as they have only ever driven a car before.  Even though all the motor homes are pretty easy to drive, for some the idea can be daunting. 
  • The smaller vehicles also tend to use a little less fuel, so this can also be a factor for some considering campervan hiring.
  • Alternatively, if you’re planning on getting off the beaten track onto unsealed roads, a 4wd camper may be required.  For those planning on only travelling on unsealed roads and not 4wd tracks, we do have a Hi Top Camper that allows unlimited distances to be travelled. 
  • The 2wd vehicles can generally only travel on well-maintained unsealed roads to recognised campgrounds up to 12 km.

Space

  • The popular two berth with toilet and shower has a large double bed at the rear of the vehicle which doubles as the living/seating area during the day. 
  • For couples who prefer a little more space, they look at a four or six berth vehicle.  The four berth vehicles vary in their layout and size, and give the benefit of having two beds – one is above the cab and the other is made up out of a seating area in the main cabin.  If you prefer not to sleep above the cab because of mobility or personal reasons, then it is important to consider the best four berth layout. 
    • They do vary, and you may prefer looking at a four berth which still provides a seating area if you wish to keep the bed in the living area made up during the day.  The bed in the living area is also smaller in some of the four berth vehicles. 
    • An alternative is to look at a six berth vehicle if you are planning on sleeping in the main cabin, which will provide you with the extra seating area, or a different layout that may suit your needs.
    • For travellers taking a fair amount of luggage, they’d consider a vehicle that has good storage options.  They do vary, between the different sized and layouts of vehicles with campervan hiring.

Personal Taste and Features

Toilet and Shower

  • Only our 2WD camper/motorhome range has an on board toilet and shower.
  • Some of our four and six berth motor homes have a larger bathroom than is the norm for hire vehicles.  Generally the shower is in the same space as the toilet, with a pull down hand basin.  The vehicles with the larger bathroom have the shower in a separate ’space’ within the same room which means the toilet doesn’t get wet when you shower.  All are little things, but for some couples these little things can become important once they are on the road.

Kitchen

  • The kitchens also vary a little between the campervan hiring.  Pretty much all the 2WD range have a microwave which works when your vehicle is plugged into 240 volts.
  • A gas cooktop is also provided which can also be used when freedom camping.  Some vehicles also have an oven and/or grill

Superior Fixtures and Fittings

Campervan Hiring

Campervan Hiring

  • Some travellers prefer absolute comfort with all the bells and whistles – we have our luxury range of motorhomes which really are like an apartment on wheels.  Complete with water filter (for drinking water), electric awning and many extra’s you’d find in an apartment, perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in like.  Others prefer a vehicle which offers comfort at an affordable price.

Budget

  • Choosing the right vehicle is sometimes determined by budget.  The two berth vehicles with an on board toilet and shower will be cheaper to hire than an equivalent level of luxury in the four berth range.
  • 4WD’s are generally more expensive than a 2WD (2 berth) vehicle to hire, depending on the time of year travelling.  Consider whether you will need to travel off road – it is possible to travel all the way around Australia on a sealed road.  For some having this flexibility is important.
  • The time of year that you are travelling great affects the price of hire vehicles.  Depending on the style of vehicle you are thinking of hiring, generally May/June is the cheapest time to hire a vehicle.  For those travelling on a budget, if this time frame suits your plans it can mean you could travel for longer or take a larger motorhome than travelling in peak times.

You can see there is a lot to think about when it comes to having a perfect vehicle for campervan hiring for your holiday.  When you’re ready for more specific information to assist your decision making, we look forward to speaking with you.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older. We also have more information on getting a 4 cent discount fuel voucher after buying groceries with your campervan hire. 

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Campervan Hire – saving a few dollars on the road with your fuel purchases

If you are considering a campervan hire to explore Australia, you are probably interested in finding out how to save a few dollars on the road with your fuel.

In Australia, if you’re shopping at one of our major supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles and spend over AU$30 in one transaction, you’ll receive a voucher for 4 cents off per litre at the same brand fuel station when you fill up your campervan hire.

Campervan Hire

Campervan Hire

All these dollars can add up, particularly if you’re planning on driving a reasonable distance in your campervan hire.  It is best to make the most of these opportunities in the cities, as when in remote outback areas, you’ll find there won’t be much choice when it comes to fuel stations. 

If you have a voucher and are looking to fill up your campervan hire with fuel, while travelling with a GPS car navigation unit, it is pretty easy to find the right brand of fuel station, rather than just stopping at the first one you see.  Just search under ‘fuel’ in your GPS, select the appropriate brand and you’ll be on your way.

You’ll also find in Australia that fuel prices fluctuate greatly during the week, a ten cent differential is not uncommon.  When you’re travelling reasonable distances each day, you won’t really have a choice which day you fill up, however it is good to know.  You’ll also find the fuel price differs greatly between not just states, but cities/towns with the state.

At some of the fuel stations, there are also often promotions where if you if you spend a small amount in store, you’ll get an additional 4 cents off per litre.  It’s worth looking around for these signs, particularly if you’re in the need of basics like milk etc.  Depending on the size of the tank in your campervan hire, you’ll pretty much be getting your extra purchases for free with the discounts offered.

Campervan Hire

Campervan Hire

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Camper Van Hire – what about a double 12 volt adaptor

For your next camper van hire in Australia, consider bringing or purchasing a double 12v adaptor to make your life a little easier on the road.  For those not familiar with what we mean, there is a plug that you can put in your 12 volt socket (cigarette lighter), which gives you two sockets. 

Camper Van Hire - 12V double adaptor

Camper Van Hire - 12V double adaptor

Having two sockets available in your camper van hire, will provide much more flexibility.  If you are bringing your own GPS car navigation unit, or hiring one, you’ll need a 12 volt plug available.  These days people are also wanting to charge their phones, cameras and the like, which means having an extra plug available can take away the stress of having to keep switching plugs.  You can even get a triple adaptor if you prefer.  The cost of a double adapter varies, but generally you can pick one up from about AU$6 in auto supply stores.

While most camper van hire in Australia will have 240 volt plugs in the main living area, which can be used to charge appliances, this will not work unless you are plugged into 240 volts in a camping ground for example.  For those of you that are interested in freedom camping (free or low cost camping which is often unpowered but can be in stunning locations) you may find the need to charge appliances through the 12 volt system if you have the necessary connections to do so. 

For those that are planning on freedom camping with your camper van hire, you may also consider purchasing an inverter.  This means you can plug in your phone/camera for example into the inverter (240 volt plug), and the inverter then plugs into the 12 volt system.  These inverters come in a range of ‘watts’, so seek advice as to the correct wattage for your intended use – for example you’ll need a higher wattage inverter to charge your laptop than your phone.  This is a great option to charge your appliances while you are driving.

Camper Van Hire - 12V double adaptor

Camper Van Hire - 12V double adaptor

For families, we also have a Motorhome which provides a DVD player in the rear seats (dual cab), for extra entertainment while travelling.  While many children do enjoy watching where they are going in a camper van hire, sometimes it can be good to have this option as a treat.  This DVD player does plug into the 12 volt system, so you may find a double adaptor is handy with this style of vehicle if you also want to charge appliances and use a GPS car navigation unit.

With a little planning you can make life easy on the road in your camper hire and still enjoy all the benefits of modern travel, while relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings!

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older. We also have more information on getting a 4 cent discount fuel voucher after buying groceries with your campervan hire. 

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Campervan Rental Australia – is it easy to get water?

We’re often asked when speaking to our clients about campervan rental in Australia, whether it is easy to find water while travelling around Australia.

For those that don’t know already, with campervan rental in Australia, they come with on board water storage tanks.  These vary in size, depending on the style and size of campervan rental in Australia you are considering.  For example, the two berth with toilet and shower campervan has a water tank ranging from 100 – 140 litres.

If you are travelling in the outback and are planning on freedom camping (free or low cost camping) with your campervan rental in Australia, we’d recommending filling up at every opportunity.  As to how long your water tanks will last, it does depend on your usage and the number of people.  Generally we’d find there would be no problem with the water tank lasting at least a couple of days for an average couple.

You’ll find that at pretty much all commercial camping grounds, there will be at ability for you to fill up your water tank. 

Some fuel stations while travelling around Australia also have a water tap – if you ask and also are filling up with Fuel, it is often not a problem to fill up your water tank also.

For those that are travelling with the Camps Australia Wide Guide, a guide that gives detail of free and low cost camping throughout Australia, you’ll also find that there is information as to which of these camps offer water and dump stations also.  Dump stations are where you empty your toilet waste.

Campervan Rental Australia

Campervan Rental Australia

Your campervan rental in Australia will come complete with a hose and fittings to fill up your water tank easily.  This is a straight forward process, where you simply connect your hose to the nearby tap and put it into your water tank.  You have a lockable tank opening on the outside of your vehicle – quite similar to filling up your fuel tank.

Generally people would still buy drinking water, rather than using from the tank.  Of course it is up to you – either way the water in the tank is perfect for showering, cooking, hot drinks and other general use.  We do have Luxury Campervan Rental in Australia, where some of our vehicles have a water filter which makes the water perfect for drinking straight from the tap.  As it is hot in many parts of Australia, it is important to ensure you drink enough water to avoid dehydration.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

There’s also information for those who want to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.  Or maybe you’d like a tip with your next camper van hire about bringing extra items like a 12 V Double Adaptor.

Rent a campervan Australia – Staying in connected on the road

Rent a campervan in Australia

Rent a campervan in Australia

 

Cities and many regional towns have internet cafes in Australia.  You’ll also find many of the camping grounds have a public computer.  Consider setting up an email account like ‘hotmail’ or ‘yahoo’ for family and friends to email you, which can be accessed at a variety of locations when you rent a campervan in Australia. 

If you own a lap top, consider bringing this on your journey.  If you are think you will rent a campervan in Australia, many of our larger vehicles have a safe large enough for a laptop.  

Make sure you have a wireless modem, so you’ll have a few options available to connect to the internet.  

  1. Most McDonald cafes and some libraries have free wireless internet access.  You’ll notice a sign at other cafes that also offer this service. 
  2. You can purchase a ‘pay as you go’ style card which gives you access at certain ‘hotspots’ – this can be limiting as you need to be in a ‘hot spot’ for access to be given
  3. The most common method to access mobile internet is via USB 3G modem purchased from one of our telco’s.  It’s a small device, also known as a ‘dongle’ which plugs into the USB port on your computer and provides internet access wherever there is coverage.
  • If you are going to rent a campervan in Australia and are coming from another country, there are few ways you can purchase the USB 3G modem.

                i.      Most commonly, connection is via a plan, with a minimum of 12 months.  This may suit you if you are travelling in a campervan for a period of time.  

               ii.      It is also possible to purchase ‘pay as you go’ – again there are a variety of options, so it is best to look into what is best for your requirements  

  • Currently Telstra 3G has the best ‘coverage’ in Australia. 

             i.      All cities and many regional towns have coverage with all providers in Australia; however as soon as you get away from these areas, coverage varies.  There are many areas of Australia which do not have coverage, so whichever provider you choose, check the ‘coverage map’ to ensure what you are purchasing will suit your holiday needs. 

Rent a Campervan in Australia

Rent a Campervan in Australia

 The other benefit of bringing your lap top is the ability to download your photographs as you travel.  If you have some time in the evenings, it’s a good opportunity to label the pictures, so one less job to do when you return.  Also a good idea, if you will rent a campervan in Australia for a longer period of time – saves you forgetting where all those magic spots were!  

If you are going to rent a campervan in Australia, you’ll also have 240 volt plugs in your camper which work when you are staying in a powered camp site and connected to the mains.  This will give you the opportunity to charge your laptop and any other electronic devices.   

Ensure you back up your computer prior to travelling.  

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.  

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

Camper van hire in Australia – first time travellers

Camper van hire in Australia – travelling for the first time

We are lucky enough to speak with all sorts of travellers and potential travellers.  Some have taken a camper van hire in Australia with us several times already and know exactly what they want, some own their own motorhome in their country of residence, and then there are others who’ve never set foot in a motorhome or camper before in their life.   This post is for you.

 
 
Camper Van Hire in Australia

Camper Van Hire in Australia

What is a berth?

Starting with the basics, camper van hire in Australia is often referred to as a ‘two berth’ or ‘four berth’ for example.  This means the number of people that can travel and sleep in the vehicle.  It does not necessarily mean the number of beds, as generally they are doubles.  This means if you are not travelling as a couple, careful consideration will need to be made in choosing the right vehicle.  We do have camper van hire in Australia which have single beds (two berth), or perhaps you’ll need to look at a larger motorhome to ensure there is the appropriate number of beds.

If you are travelling with babies or small children, they will still need to be included in the maximum number of people travelling, as a six berth vehicle for example, has a maximum number of six seatbelts – even though they small child may sleep with the parents and not need their own bed.

Toilet and Shower

You have a choice when looking at camper van hire in Australia whether you would like to have an on board toilet and shower.  If you are planning on freedom camping (free or low cost camping), then this would be necessary as generally you’d need to be self contained.  If you are planning on spending every night in a commercial camp ground and stopping in parks etc during the day that have facilities, then you may not see the benefit in paying extra to have your own on board toilet/shower.  With camper van hire in Australia, usually the toilet/shower is in the same space and is pretty simple to use.  You’ll have a complete run down when you pick up the vehicle on how to empty the toilet/waste water and to work it.

Cooking Facilities

Most of the camper van hire in Australia we hire have an on board microwave (which works when plugged into 240 volts in a camp ground), and a gas stove.  Some of the larger motorhomes also have an oven or grill which is handy. 

If your motorhome has an on board toilet/shower you will have hot and cold pressurised water to the kitchen sink.  For the hi top vans, which you can stand inside but don’t have a toilet/shower on board, they only have cold water to the kitchen sink – sometimes it has a hand pump, others have an electric pump.  Either way, the water can easily be heated on the gas stove to wash the dishes.

4WD Campers and the small ‘regular height campers’ do not have a microwave on board, but several do have cold water to the kitchen sink.  All have some kind of cooking facilities – either a gas cooker or meth cooker.

They all come with cooking equipment, plates and cutlery.  By being able to cook in your vehicle you will be able to enjoy local produce and save money by not eating out. 

All motorhomes and most campers also have an electric fridge which works on the ancillary (spare) battery or switches across to 240 volts when plugged into a camp ground.

 
Camper Van Hire in Australia

Camper Van Hire in Australia

Where are you going?

This is an important question to ask yourself.  If you are planning to travel on 4WD tracks or dirt roads, then you will need to consider a 4WD camper for your trip.  We do have some hi top campervans and smaller campers which are allowed to go unlimited distances on unsealed roads (not 4WD tracks) which are popular with some of our clients looking to explore a little off the beaten track.  Have a chat with us for more information on this.

Check with us or online that you are travelling to your preferred destination at a time of the year which won’t lead to disappointment. 

For example, travelling around Darwin in January is the middle of the wet season

  • It is very humid and some roads are closed because of the wet.  Some people prefer to travel then as less people around and they get to see the countryside in a different light to many, however for most, they prefer to travel when more roads are open and the weather conditions are a little more favourable.

Time of the year?

Weather conditions to vary across Australia as it is a large country.  Many of our camper van hire in Australia have air conditioning/heating in the living area of the vehicle.  This works when plugged into 240 volts in a camp ground.  Pretty much all of our vehicles have air conditioning/heating in the driving cab for use while travelling.

That’s a few things to think about when first looking at camper van hire in Australia.  We’d suggest as a starting point making contact with us when you are ready for information.  Based on what you’re looking for, we’ll send you some vehicle options with rates and floor plans as a great start in helping you understand the options available.  From there, making a choice will be easy as you’ll have all the information and an understanding of the benefits of each vehicle.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.

There’s also information for those who are wanting to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Campervan Rentals and Freedom Camps

We’re often asked whether it is possible to freedom camp in Australia when looking at Campervan Rentals.

The answer is ‘yes’, there are plenty of freedom camps all over Australia.  There are literally thousands of these that welcome people exploring Australia in a Motorhome or Camper, including Campervan rentals.

Freedom camping simply means you are staying in a free or low cost camping location, away from the usual ‘commercial campgrounds’. They can be in idyllic locations like beside a river, sea or nestled in the bush or could simply be roadside rest areas.

Campervan Rentals and Freedom Camping

Campervan Rentals and Freedom Camping

If you are planning to use this style of camping, it is best to consider campervan rentals which are self-contained.  This means it has its own water supply and holding tank, cooking facilities and toilet/shower for your convenience.  While some of these areas do supply a toilet, there is a lot more flexibility by being self-contained and of course being able to camp further away from the facilities while still enjoying the comforts of such.

We find there is nothing better than stumbling upon a beautiful location to spend the night while on the road in our campervan.  Away from the cities, we really enjoy freedom camping.  Some are simple road side rest areas to break up a long drive, but several are in picturesque locations and allow campfires.  These are also referred to as bush camps in Australia.

Campervan Rentals and relaxing at 'happy hour'

Campervan Rentals and relaxing at 'happy hour'

After a day of exploring, a great way to relax is to sit down in your camp chair around a fire and enjoy a drink, sharing tales of what we’ve seen.  With campervan rentals you can include camp chairs as part of your package, or you can purchase them if you prefer.  Either way, having them is perfect, as provides a second ‘living are’ outside of the vehicle.

There’s an excellent book called ‘Camps Australia Wide’.  This details thousands of freedom camping locations throughout Australia, which is excellent when planning your trip.  The guide lets you know what facilities are available and how many kilometres from the nearest towns.  We think this book is so great that we include it for FREE with campervan rentals for more than 21 days.  The maps also provide good detail for trip planning. 

Have a look at our website for more information on the free offer http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au/camps_auswide.html

Are they safe?

Yes, we’ve found these to be just as safe as commercial campgrounds. Occasionally you might have a noisy neighbour, but that is no different to a commercial campground. The great thing about freedom camping is that you can pick the ‘spot’ of your choosing.  The guide we spoke about above, not only shows these camps on a map, but also details how many kilometres etc from nearby towns, so you’ll easily be able to work out how far it is to the next spot, if for some reason you want to find another spot to stay.

Ancillary Battery

For those that don’t know, campervans and motorhomes have an ancillary battery which allows you to enjoy comforts without worrying you may not be able to start your vehicle in the morning.  The ancillary battery is also known as the house battery and runs the cabin lights, fridge, the water pump and in some vehicles the TV/DVD.  This battery is charged while you are driving and also when you camp in a commercial campground and plug into 240 volts.  Some campervans and motorhomes also have solar panels which charges the battery.  Please ask us if you’d like more information regarding what appliances are run off the ancillary battery for your preferred campervan rental as all are a little different.

If you are planning on doing a lot of freedom camping, then consider purchasing an inverter which plugs into your cigarette lighter (12V) while driving.  This allows you to charge items like cameras etc without the need to plug into 240 volts.  Inverters come in a range of watts, so speak to a specialist to ensure you purchase the right inverter for your needs.

We’re happy to speak to you further if you’d like more information regarding freedom camping and campervan rentals.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are travelling on a budget you might also be interested in this article regarding a hire camper van that is a little older.  If you are a first time traveller have a read of this blog if you are considering camper van hire in Australia for the first time.

There’s also information for those who are wanting to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.

Rental Campervans Australia – Fuel Costs

When considering the rental of campervans in Australia, it is important to factor in the cost of fuel when planning the cost of your holiday – especially if you are travelling on a budget.

We provide the average number of litres of fuel consumed per 100km travelled for all of our rental campervans and motorhomes in Australia.  This makes it easy to calculate the expected amount of fuel to be used for your trip.  If you are unsure of the number of kilometres between destinations, you’re welcome to ask us, or you may find this driving matrix below useful:

Rental Campervans Australia

Rental Campervans Australia

The cost of fuel can be a little trickier to calculate, in our current market.  At the time of writing, most main cities in Australia currently are charging around AU$1.50 per litre for petrol and diesel (similar price in Australia).  It wasn’t long ago, that the remote areas of Australia were charging this type of price per litre for their fuel to cover the cost of transport.  We’re always happy to share with our clients’ the current fuel prices when you head off on your adventure in a campervan or motorhome hire in Australia, as our current market does move significantly.

It’s not all doom and gloom with fuel costs however and there are a few tips to reduce fuel costs where possible:

Rental Campervans Australia

Rental Campervans Australia

  • When shopping at major supermarkets in Australia and spending AU$30 or more, you’ll receive a discount voucher to use at their same brand of fuel station.  Usually this discount is AU0.04 cents per litre.  This is most useful when travelling in cities.
  • Monitor your tyre pressure – with rental of campervans in Australia, the tyre pressure will be set correct at pick up, however as with any vehicle on a long trip, this should be checked regularly.  Incorrect tyre pressure not only changes the wear on the tyres but also affects the amount of fuel consumption.
  • Use smart driving techniques like gentle acceleration and braking and driving around 90km/h on the open highway – you’re on holiday after all!
  •  Fuel costs do rise substantially in remote areas.  Where possible fill up in larger towns to reduce costs, even if you are filling up a half tank
    • Depending on your travel route, there may be no choice but to fill up in remote areas.  Please note that it is against the terms of rental campervans in Australia to carry petrol/diesel inside your campervan/motorhome in containers, as well as a safety risk. 
    • Some of our 4WD camper hires have the ability to carry extra fuel on the outside of the vehicle for long off road routes, as well as having large fuel tanks.  It this is important, please let us know at time of enquiry
  • While this is difficult with rentals of campervans in Australia, certain days of the week are definitely cheaper to fill up than others.  Our current market sees the price per litre fluctuate by over AU0.10c per litre during the weekly cycle.  At the time of writing, it appears that Fridays are the ‘cheap day’; where in the past ‘mid week’ is usually cheaper.   If you are only driving small kilometres each day, it is definitely worth noting the ‘cheap day’ so save a little money.

We look forward to speaking to you further if you are interested in a Motorhome Adventure in Australia – fill in our easy to use Quote Form for Campervan Hire to get information on costs for your specific travel dates, or you are welcome to send us an email or give us a phone call.

If you’re interested in reading more information including top tips for motorhomes for hire, have a read of other articles in our blog.  If you are intersted in not roughing it while on holiday, you might be interested in this story on campervan rental.  We also have more information on the 4 cent discount fuel with your campervan hire. 

For those thinking of Campervan Rental in Australia, you’ll probably also want to find out about the water storage capbility and how easy it is to get water.

There’s also information for those who are wanting to stay in contact via the internet/email when you rent a campervan in Australia – this will give you extra information.