Motorhome Advice (again...)

[Andy Banks]

We've been to see a few Motorhomes this weekend, about 15 of the layout we were considering out of 80 available to look at of all shapes, makes and sizes and this one caught our eyes. At present we'd not consider a different layout. Even though we've never been near one before, never driven one either and the money is going to be difficult to find even on finance, there's an itch there to see more of the world especially the UK that needs scratching and we aren't getting any younger and we keep being told to go for it, you can't take it with you and living under canvas is becoming a pain the older and grumpier I get.

 

Anyway...

 

I've the following to offer and questions to ask of those experienced in these things if you'll humour me...

 

• The one linked to above seems perfect for us. Just us two traveling, UK and Europe but kids/friends/family will inevitably stay over so 4 berth is comfortable and fixed island is spot on and I don't think we'd go for other layouts having seen a good few including new and used. Q: Folks have said that if you have 4 seatbelts fitted (inc driver and passenger) the two extra people MUST use them but if there are no seatbelts fitted (just driver and passenger) that does not mean you can't have extra people on board. Obviously it's not particularly safe but wondering about the legalities here
• It is big! I expect anything smaller would not have the layout we liked so appreciate limited places to go/park-up and it clearly wont drive like a Westy or even like my aging Skoda Superb. We saw a few in use including double axel jobbies and the site was rut and furrow so not ideal at all, all seemed to be spot on even with the bigger boys so it's all part of the fun/learning experience and invites the next point
• Route and stop-over planning will be essential and I suspect all part of the fun. Q: Any advice on specialist tech, members clubs that have been useful here?
• I spoke to a fella over the weekend who had the 2019 model, he suggested common sense and a bit of planing and you go almost anywhere
• The used one linked to above has inbuilt SatNav. Q: Are these normally "Motorhome Friendly" or do you guys go for more specialist add on kit?
• It's a 2.3L Turbo Diesel 150BHP, I understand more than enough. Q: If I wanted to tow the Westy and trailer is 150 enough?
• I'm told these days it's the same block, just need to be chipped to 180BHP. Q: Is this true/possible?
• We will have pushbikes (possibly using my tow-bar mounted carrier as it seems a long way up with the rack that comes with!) but no car/moped and it's a bit big to plonk in the typical village green car park or at the top of mountain pass in Austria. Q: How do you find getting out and about a the destination (I'm assuming, treat it like you would if you were in a B&B or Hotel)?
• I've seen folks "towing" smart cars on A Frames. Q: Legal? Useable?
• Fuel economy Q: what's your real-world experience? (generally of course, as I understand different models have different abilities) as I want to know if its 30 or 5 MPG
• New or Used?
• Lease, Loan, or what?
• We will rent the same or very similar layout for a long weekend first. Q: Any thoughts on locations/rental companies for newbies?
• Storage. There is no room at home, maybe a few places locally that specialise in these things which I need to research. Q: Anyone do this or do you keep it at home? How much does it cost?
• Q: Whilst not in use what are the maintenance MUST do's and how often?
• Assuming it's in good nick and not been round the world twice mileage wise. Q: Do these things hold their value?
• There seems to be so many models about these days. Q: How am I doing model/manufacturer wise with the model linked?
• This has blown air heating and new ones have wet! Q: What on earth is all that about?
• Q: Specification wise, what are the general must haves and must not haves?
• Q: Is there anything similar/better out there?
• Q: Finally, your reasons/inspiration for owning and using your Motorhome?

 

I appreciate everyone has different and individual requirements and views on make and model and I thank you for sharing your insights...

[Greenstreak-Andy D]

Tbh, I know you will have your reasons, but seriously, any half decent motor home will get you many many b&b breaks!

Cost per mile must be high, parking must be a mare, so for me in my older days it’s b&b every time (apart from Le Mans!)

 

Will now go to sleep on the sun lounger!

[Jude - The Mad Widow]

Good grief what a lot of questions!  You will get a shed load of different opinions but here are mine!

I bought a Peugeot Boxer based 3 birth 5.99 metre van last year, brand new for myself and my dogs. As I was in the process of recovery from the trauma of losing Brian I needed a paradigm shift so got a one way ticket to France, never driven it before or abroad.  

 

Yes its a lot of money, second hand and you wont lose so much when you resell.  Look at the warranty situation. It will cost you around £150-£200 a year to have a habitation check if the van is still under warranty.   It wont lose as much value as a car and if it well looked after you wont have a problem trading it in for another one in two years which I predict you will do!

The layout of the van you have shown is in my opinion as perfect as one can be. I would aspire to that but wouldn't cope so well with the length (don't be smutty!)  I like mine to fit on the drive in front of my house and be easy to park and manoeuvre- personal choice. yes to the little car on the back.  Bikes can go in the garage.( If you carry bikes on the rack out the back you need a cover plus in Italy and Spain any overhanging loads must be indicated by a square panel measuring 50cm x 50cm. The square must have reflectorized red and white diagonal stripes).   I think German and French vans are the best imho.   If you want something smaller there are dropdown beds which are really lovely, you might lose your garage then though...  also bunk beds.. A drop down bed and a two sofas making two beds or one double would do for a 4 berth... Honestly the combinations are mind blowing which is why in two years you will be looking for another one!

 

Of course you cant carry extra people if there are not enough seat belts!  Its not a classic car and everyone needs a seat belt including pets. 

I belong to the Caravan and Motorhome Club. ITs worth belonging to one as you get inside info on sites etc. Discount on tickets, I got discounted train tickets for my Westfield to go to Switzerland, it also brings down the price of your insurance, in fact you can get insurance through them.  There are many forums on Facebook that will give you some ideas but ignore the idiots!

 

It will come with a roll out awning, you can buy screens to fit both sides and in the front should you wish to or an awning if your stay on sites, this will extend the sleeping and sitting arrangements etc.  If you get a separate awning go for an air one which I have read is easier and less complicated to erect,  I have not bothered as I don't use mine for sitting in campsites and admiring the view, I am a traveller.  If you travel abroad, which for me is the only way to go then give me a buzz as I have lots of experience in travelling and staying round Europe.  I was in France, Spain and Portugal for 4 months last year and only stayed on a site twice just to meet friends. The rest of the time I stayed at free places for Camping Cars.  I can share with you the best way to use your van to its best potential without having to keep topping up with water etc. Of course you might just want to stay on a site and use their facilities.  Europe is beautifully set up for motorhomes with free stops in pretty much all towns and villages with fresh water, and places to empty your black and grey water....  

 

I would advise you buy a sat nav that you can put the van dimensions in, save decapitation on a low bridge or having to reverse up a small Spanish village!

 

As I couldn't find dog sitters to go to Silverstone this weekend I went away with my friend to Stratford upon Avon in her motorhome... we had a ball.  Motorhoming is so much fun, sociable if you want, or not if you don't want.  I spoke to some Dutch travellers, French and a couple of Swedish motor homers today.  

 

There are a number of apps which are life changing for motor homers my favourite is park4night.  I was never more than 4km for a place to park over night when I was in Europe. 

 

England is not very motor home friendly in my opinion. Get over to Europe, the roads are to die for, never stay at the big aires on the side of the motorways unless you wanted to be stripped of your assets! 

 

There are great sites to go and stay for a couple of weeks with things for kids to do and great facilities but now there is just me I like to explore places, I have yet to go to Scotland as I keep being drawn to Europe... So much to share... 

 

DO IT

 

 

 

 

[Andy Banks]

😁

[tolf]

Oh dear. 

Why????

[jeff oakley]

Hi Andy,

I think you are right to look at hiring first as it is a big expense if you have never been in one. When you look at the brochure it shows the open field camping by the side of a lake, the reality is you will be on site with others and sometimes even the best sites (Caravan Club) have the odd "Wayne and Tracey" with a noisy dog and kids to contend with.

 

I know quite a few who have done what you intend and it never lives up to what they expect and that is why there are a few used homes with very low mileage for sale. 

 

In the UK wherever you go you will come up against parking issues, if you are lucky there will be special spots if not you may have to buy two tickets etc, on the continent parking is much better in many areas but sites can be hit and miss. Join the Motorhome club and members there have real experience of the day to day of being abroad. We use park and ride but even some of those have height restrictions.

 

The BHP is mis leading, it is the torque that is important and more important is making sure the chassis it is built on is capable of towing an all up weight of trailer and car, some are very low designed for a smart car.

 

I am a tight man so built my own van conversion, it is very smart and never out of place, all up it cost £11k and that was 12 years ago, it doesn't leak as it has no joints and can tow easily my car. We use it for weekends and the odd week away but it is relaxing the way we do it, but when I see how long it takes people to set up all their gear who have homes like the one you have seen, it amazes me how much people seem to think they need. My particular dislike is the flexible pole with flashing led lights followed by satellite dishes that would not be out of place at Jodrell bank .

 

Not being able to park at home is a pain and an expense and something I would not like. On the cheap storage it is a farmers field, a dear one still outdoors so you bring it home to load, then have to wash it before you can go anywhere and there is always the risk of break ins and theft even on the best.

 

I would also go to the Caravan and Motorhome show at the NEC, there you will see every manufacturer and some of the ones from the continent who seem to offer a step up quality wise at not too stupid prices. 

 

If it fits your needs then go for it but as it has been said when you add in site fees, fuel costs, cost of purchase, depreciation which is slow compared with others vehicles, you can have a lot of B&B stays. We also tend to eat out a lot which other cook a lot in their homes. It is finding the balance and getting what you and your wife want out of it. 

 

 

[Andy Banks]

Thanks both. All sensible stuff and helping to get a picture of what it's all about. Much to think about...

[tolf]

Are you having a mid-life crisis Andy?

 

if so, consider the MX5

[Kit Car Electronics]

A good compromise for transport when you're pitched is a pair of e-bikes. Easy 30-40 mile range with good paniers will cover all your basic shopping and sight-seeing needs. 

[Terry Everall]

E Bikes are just great!

 

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

All down to personal choice, we've had one for 30 years and enjoy the freedom, particularly with two large(ish) dogs. We plan where we go reasonably carefully, to avoid to many problems with parking a 7.5 m long motorhome. However don't find it a problem getting to the places we want to go, usually places with the fewer people the better! Places where people put the whippy pole with flashing lights, or fairy lights around the awning are far from my favourite as well.

We just tend to find a quiet spot, get level(ish) then break out the beer/wine! After having taken the dogs for a walk of course. Find its great sport watching others taking hours getting pitched up!

 

As said torque is the key, currently got a 2.3L 150bhp Automatic  Autotrail, it's not a patch on our previous one which had a 3L 160bhp engine, with oddles of torque. On our 2014 one the auto box although a boon in traffic, is slow during the change compared to current auto cars, but ok once you're used to it. You learn to drive accordingly.

Been a lot of discussion over the years on passengers and seatbelts. As I understand it it is not a legal requirement to have passengers belted in the back! However believe the consensus is you could be prosecuted for endangering the lives of passengers if they are not belted. One of those strange ones it seems and could be awkward insurances isle. Easy way is not to risk it.

 

Check what the payload is of any van your looking at. The only true way to know unladen weight is by putting it on a weighbridge. Manufacturers unladen weights can be confusing/misleading, ie does it include gas, water and how much, fuel, auto box is usually heavier than manual etc!

A useful scheme for stopovers in the uk is "Britstops". Currently you pay £25 to join for a year, and you get a book.et with a list of places (a large no. of which are pubs), where you can stay for up to 24hrs free. All they ask is that you give your hosts the curtesey of "looking at their wares". We've stayed at pubs (obviously, who can resist a pint and a meal?), farm shops, herb nursery, garden centre among others. It's a worthwhile thing to join IMHO.

 

Believe your wise to look to hire before buying, a dealer down here in Somerset used to refund hire cost if you ended up buying a van after hiring, don't know if they still do though.

 

We keep our van on the drive, pugged I to the mains to keep batteries topped up.ready to go, I drain our water system down over winter, but if it gets cold put the van heating on on electric, with the thermostat turned down.

Not convinced I'd want to have to store the van somewhere else, just so easy to sort and go if the fancy takes you.

Just my thoughts. Whichever way you jump, best of luck.

[Terry Everall]

130bhp to 150 will tow your trailer/cars but you have to use the gears on hills. Fuel consumption around 28mpg or 22mpg if towing

They are great for freedom and doing what you want when you want in terms of eating/BBQ./ places to visit

If you are going to use bikes to get to local shops/exploring make sure garage door is tall enough to get bikes one etc

If that's the price it is steep!!!!

We bought a 1 year old Burstner with 1000miles on clock for a bit less than £55k. Previously had a Swift and quality is much better on the Burtsner

[DamperMan]

Just had a week camping in Cornwall.    On the site there where quite a number of very large Motorhomes.  They turned up parked and the owners used which ever small car they had dragged along.   I could not really understand why they had not saved a lot of money and arrived with a large caravan + awning and used the tow car the rest of the time.     The size of the motor home in the link are the top end of what can be used for touring comfortably.   Basically you’ll go anywhere the Tesco delivery van can go.   Parking specially in Cornwall would be a challenge in most places.    I’d consider getting some good E bikes because that would buy you a lot of access to places,  with minimal fuss.   Also popping down the shops to get some bacon in the morning becomes hassle free.    Investigate the tow bar situation.  Your unlikely to be able to find a tested approved tow bar like you can for your tin top.   There’s often nothing much substantial to bolt anything to.    I got roped into making a tow bar for a transit based bursner.    The frame I made extended from where the chassis ended at the rear wheels.   I could see no strength in the motor home structure at all.   I spent a while looking at vans at a dealer and some of the tow bars i’d not want to tow the skin of a rice pudding.  Basically made buy some guys in the back of the workshop with no engineering design knowledge other than being able to weld.      Check the weights on the plate.   A lot of these things are almost at GVW before your misses fills every nook and cranny with stuff.   Above a certain weight you’ll be taking to a HGV testing station and they are a lot keener than your average MOT man.  The same goes look at the train weight.   

 

 

 

 

[BigSkyBrad]

Our first camper was a self-built MWB LT35 (Sprinter) and found that big in some circumstances. The new camper we've started building is on a 6.5t Fuso 4x4 chassis, and that's still only just over 6.2 metres. That one you're looking at is 7.5 metres, and due to the north-south island bed, there's an awful lot hanging out past the back axle - and then hang bikes on the back or a-frame something? - it's got more a**e than Kim Kardashian!

 

Is there anything you can compromise on? East- west bed? Wet bathroom instead of separate shower? Anything to get it shorter. Something that long'n'low restricts you to campsites - wild camping in sweet spots up the back of Scotland would be differcult.

[Andy Banks]

9 hours ago, Terry Everall - WSCC Competition Secretary said:

E Bikes are just great!

 

Oh, hadn't thought of those