Decisions, decisions. Its a tough choice deciding how best to use the limited space available in a housetruck.

So you want a housebus eh?
You can see yourself cruising around the countryside in you own motorhome… Now the question at this stage is: “Do I buy one already fitted out, or do I buy one that needs to be converted?”

Whatever your choice, its pretty important to sort this out now…

Some sound principles on laying out your motorhome
Just about every housebus, housetruck, coach, caravan, or other mobile “home” has been altered to suit the owner at one stage or another. Even those bought straight from the shop floor. (not that you’ll find many SB3 Bedford buses on the shop floor anymore!)

In a nutshell, make sure you only have to do it once. That way, you won’t be travelling in an environment that doesn’t quite meet all your needs…It will definitely save some moments of frustration and you’ll enjoy your travelling a lot more.

First time housetrucker or seasoned Road Warrior?
The best thing you can do for yourself before popping out to the local dealer and picking up the latest ERF or MAN truck is to talk to others that already do what you want to do.

Find out from the people that have already been there and got the t-shirt. Discuss with them the things that they do to maintain their style of life on the road. You’ll pick up a huge amount of information and tips on what and what NOT to do. Talk to everyone you see, from Joe and Maude tootling down the motorway in their 1956 Morry minor towing a pop-up caravan or the Jones’ that have been zipping up and down the country in the latest imported fully kitted out motorcoach.

Everyone involved with owning a home on wheels will no doubt have some pearl of wisdom to impart to those that ask the questions. Apply what you want to your situation from this information.

Remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question.

“I want to get a 12 metre coach with 30 wheels!”
Of course you do! Its what everyone wants to do. Have a palace on wheels. Do remember however, that NZ has some tight and twisty roads that a vehicle of this nature just would not allow you to travel on.

Bearing that in mind, the size of your vehicle will depend on a variety of different things. These will need to be weighed up before you plan to purchase. In my case, I just have nowhere to park an 11m bus on or near my property.
Is it just you and your partner wanting to travel or the whole family?

Is the vehicle going to be used in the winter months?
What does insurance cost for different types of vehicles?
Can I easily get the required licence to drive a tandem-axled passenger vehicle?

Is there a vehicle available that will meet your requirements?

Can you finance it effectively?…
 
Extra
Just a couple of things to ponder when it comes to the size of the vehicle. My first suggestion would be to start out small…Take weekend trips away. Find out if it is your “scene” before taking the steps to get something a little bigger to make the longer stays away from home more comfortable. (For sure, you will get the bug…)

OK, you have a vehicle in mind. Its time to think of the floor plan. Making all the creature comforts of home available to you in such a small and compact place can be daunting. But it can be done with a little forethought and quality planning.