THE END OF AN ERA - WHAT'S NEXT FOR US? EXCITING NEW CHAPTER

Summary

In this heartfelt episode, the creators reflect on their 7 years of traveling around Australia with their caravan setups. From humble beginnings with a rooftop tent to their current, highly equipped 20ft 9in caravan and truck, they share the ups and downs of life on the road. Their adventures include exploring remote areas, overcoming challenges, and experiencing memorable moments with their growing family. As they prepare for a big change in 2026, everything, including their beloved truck, boat, and caravan, is for sale, marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter.

Takeaways

• 😀 The van, canopy, and even 'Naughty' (the boat) are all for sale, marking the start of a new era for the family.
• 😀 The family’s journey started with childhood sweethearts Alenia and the speaker, who met at 14 and began traveling together at 18.
• 😀 They started their travel journey in 2018 with just $4,000 in the bank and a basic setup: a D-Max with a rooftop tent and a small caravan.
• 😀 Their first caravan, the JCO Sterling, ignited their passion for traveling and exploring Australia.
• 😀 The family traveled around Australia, experiencing everything from the center of the country to Cape York and beyond in their original 12-foot MDC XT12 caravan.
• 😀 The family’s first significant upgrade was to the MDC XT16, a 16-footer with bunks to accommodate their growing family, purchased with considerable financial strain.
• 😀 The MDC XT16 became the best caravan they ever owned, allowing them to visit a wide range of destinations without major issues.
• 😀 The family encountered challenges during their travels, such as dealing with mold, cramped living spaces, and rain-soaked conditions in their smaller van.
• 😀 The family then upgraded to a 19-foot Rough Rider with three bunks, necessitated by the need for more space and a larger vehicle to handle it.
• 😀 Their current setup features a 20-foot 9-inch caravan and a robust truck, providing both space and reliability for their family, allowing them to tackle off-road trips and long-term travel comfortably.
• 😀 The family is excited yet nervous about a new adventure in 2026, which will be a significant shift from their current lifestyle, and they are preparing for a major change at the end of this year.

Q & A

Why is the van, canopy, and Naughty for sale?

The van, canopy, and Naughty are for sale as part of a new chapter in the creators' lives. They are ready for a change and challenge, seeking something new and exciting after seven years on the road.

How did the creators start their journey into traveling Australia?

The creators, Alenia and the narrator, started their journey after meeting in school, dating at 14, and purchasing their first caravan at 18. They had no kids at the time and began traveling with minimal savings.

What was the first setup the creators used for traveling?

Their first setup for traveling was a D-Max with a rooftop tent and a small 3.5m caravan. It was an affordable option at the time, which allowed them to start their travels despite limited resources.

What was the creators' favorite early travel memory with their first setup?

One of their favorite early memories was from using the rooftop tent, despite how cold it got during the nights. They had a lot of fun, and those were some of their best travel moments.

What was significant about their first caravan, the JCO Sterling?

The JCO Sterling was their first caravan, which ignited their love for traveling. It played a key role in their decision to continue exploring Australia.

How did the creators' family grow over the years of travel?

Over the years, Alenia and the narrator had three children, which led to them upgrading their caravans to accommodate their growing family and the new needs that came with traveling with kids.

What is the significance of the MDC XT12 caravan in the creators' journey?

The MDC XT12 was the creators' first brand-new caravan purchase. Despite it being a stretch financially at the time, it served them well and allowed them to travel to places like Cape York and the center of Australia, making it one of their best travel setups.

Why did the creators upgrade to the MDC XT16 caravan?

They upgraded to the MDC XT16 caravan because they were expecting their first child, Lennox, and needed more space and bunks for their growing family. The XT16 was more suitable for full-time travel with kids.

What challenges did the creators face with their earlier setups, such as the MDC hybrid?

One challenge they faced was the lack of space in the hybrid MDC setup, especially after having three kids. The caravan became cramped, and with the outdoor kitchen, rain caused many issues, making cooking and living in it difficult during wet weather.

What was the main reason for upgrading to their current setup, which includes the truck and a 20T 9 caravan?

The creators upgraded to their current setup with a bigger truck and a 20T 9 caravan to accommodate their larger family, bigger boat, and the need for a more capable vehicle to handle their travels and lifestyle.