I went out for some dog food and came home with ....

F

Fordsabroad

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,058
Name
Gordon
Edit My Images
Yes
A motor home!!! A spur of the moment thing but now I will use it for a bit of a UK tour to places I would like to photograph, Not in a "Thomas Heaton" way but just mixing visits with photography. I pick it up next week and will give it a bit of a shake down for a few days in the Goodwood area then I am off to Weymouth for a few days. I am very aware that it is the school holidays so the area will be teaming. I am expecting this to be more of a scoping trip to plan serious visits when the schools are back. I have the Photographing Dorset focal press book and have been there before so am aware of the iconic places, but would appreciate suggestions of other areas that are worth a visit. I am fairly fit but closing on 70 fast so no major hikes plus I will have a greyhound in tow. Lovely dogs but not into overly long walks. Also I don't do cliff edges!
I would appreciate any suggestions within about 20 miles of Weymouth.

In August I will be going to the West country and in October the Scottish Highlands will get a visit. I will ask for recommendations for these area nearer the time.

All suggestions appreciated ( and before anyone suggests it I am aware it is cheaper to get my shopping delivered)!!!
 
Never ask for recommendations about where to take photographs - it's meant to be an adventure! Unless you like painting by numbers ...

FAQ

My Custom paint by numbersWhat is a paint by numbers kit? It is a kit having a board on which light markings to indicate areas to paint, and each area has a number and a corresponding numbered paint to use. The kits come with little compartmentalized boxes where the numbered color pigments are...
paintbynumbers.uk paintbynumbers.uk
 
Agreed, but it can knock years of the search and if you read my post you'll notice I am nearing 70!!
There would be more reason for concern if I asked HOW to take photographs!
 
Sure you will enjoy it, opens up a whole new world of exploration.
Had three of varying types in the past, but not had one for a good few years now.
We have been considering it again lately, thinking about a small van type for mainly one or two night stays.
 
I'd forget the west country and Cornwall if you're in a motorhome. The local councils and residents are openly hostile towards them and consider them a nuisance; you'll find height barriers, high parking prices and lots of other negatives.

Scotland on the other hand are the complete opposite and will welcome you with open arms. They are even in the process of building 'Aires' where you can stay, empty waste and top up with fresh water.

I lived in one for many years and toured all over the UK, France and Spain in it. They're great and you'll love it. :D
 
This is something I'd really like to do. Good Luck with it and Enjoy! :D

I think we need some photos of it though :D
 
Thank you for your replies, I am encouraged by the amount of you that have either had or considered one. It is only slightly bigger than an SUV but I take the point about Devon and Cornwall. Maybe I should replace that with Yorkshire!. I collect it next week so will post pictures then.
 
Very nice. I'd love one and I'm often found having a browse around. Would be older though, and T5 size but preferably without the scene tax! It's more the logistics of owning one for me, no driveway, already rent a garage for the Escort, time to use it..... Running costs don't bother me, you'd soon save that amount on Airbnb etc costs.
 
I have one but to be honest, I find it more of a hindrance when it come to photograpy locations.
Ours is 7.2m and its just too big to tour about in.
We go to the Lakes most years and there's no way I'd even attempt some of the narrow roads there.
Wild camping in Scotland, and other UK countries, tends to be a BIG no no these days.
Many a time we have passed carparks at prime locations and just can't get in let alone parked.
We tend to find sites, park up and cycle or walk to where I want to be.
Great for weekends away and holidays though.
I still enjoy getting away from it all and finding new places

I'm sure you'll enjoy the moho way of life and remember to wave to fellow motorhomers ;)
 
I have an old rusty converted 6.0m Merc. Sprinter, there are some spots around Devon and Cornwall but they are disappearing mainly due to abuse - park 4 night app has some spots.
Sennen carpark for example used to be £4 for 24 hours but all of a sudden it was full of huge gin palaces taking up 3 spaces and staying for 5 days, this is where the issue stems from down here. We are a tourist area and there are many places to stop for quite a modest charge when balanced against the fact that you are driving £60K-£100K worth of van.
South Hams council have started a scheme for overnight parking in their pay and display carparks - no more than 2 continuous nights £10 to £15 a night depending on location.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs have a super scheme, look at the 3 Lochs road.
The RSPB and National Trust used to tolerate members overnight parking in their carparks... not sure if this is still current though.
 
I’d been considering a VW Transporter conversion after hiring a straight van and finding it did 45mpg from Gloucester to Cambridgeshire loaded, not much off what my Jaguar XF does, albeit a little slower! However Mrs M has declared she wants a minimum of a closed toilet area, so it looks like a full motorhome instead…
 
GordonM said:
I’d been considering a VW Transporter conversion after hiring a straight van and finding it did 45mpg from Gloucester to Cambridgeshire loaded, not much off what my Jaguar XF does, albeit a little slower! However Mrs M has declared she wants a minimum of a closed toilet area, so it looks like a full motorhome instead…
Click to expand...
The one I have just bought is a Nu Venture Surf. It is 5.2 Mtrs long and just over 2 mtrs wide so easy to park. It also has a toilet compartment. It was the compact size and facilities that drew me to it.
 
Fordsabroad said:
The one I have just bought is a Nu Venture Surf. It is 5.2 Mtrs long and just over 2 mtrs wide so easy to park. It also has a toilet compartment. It was the compact size and facilities that drew me to it.
Click to expand...
That's one of the ones we have been looking at. Very nice indeed, just the job for two people.
 
GordonM said:
I’d been considering a VW Transporter conversion after hiring a straight van and finding it did 45mpg from Gloucester to Cambridgeshire loaded, not much off what my Jaguar XF does, albeit a little slower! However Mrs M has declared she wants a minimum of a closed toilet area, so it looks like a full motorhome instead…
Click to expand...

problem solved ;)

www.campingworld.co.uk

Leisurewize Pop Up Toilet / Shower Tent CampingWorld.co.uk

Ideal for camping, festivals, beach and garden Pops up and collapses in seconds to provide an outdoor privacy room Durable 190T Polyester, made with 2 way zips Door can be rolled open and tied Includes handy net storage pocket Supplied w .... £49.99.
www.campingworld.co.uk
 
GordonM said:
I’d been considering a VW Transporter conversion after hiring a straight van and finding it did 45mpg from Gloucester to Cambridgeshire loaded, not much off what my Jaguar XF does, albeit a little slower! However Mrs M has declared she wants a minimum of a closed toilet area, so it looks like a full motorhome instead…
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
A neat way of getting round that is fitting out a trailer as a seperate loo and/or wetroom. You obv have GTW considerations, but could get really fancy and have an aircraft style vacuum bog!
 
If you do a conversion yourself, don't forget to go through the process of reregistrating the van as a motor caravan. Failure to do so can result in speeding tickets - vans are more restricted than motor caravans/campers. (Trailers are restricted whether behind cars/motor caravans or vans.)
 
Nod said:
If you do a conversion yourself, don't forget to go through the process of reregistrating the van as a motor caravan. Failure to do so can result in speeding tickets - vans are more restricted than motor caravans/campers. (Trailers are restricted whether behind cars/motor caravans or vans.)
Click to expand...
It's virtually impossible to re-classify a converted van these days so no point in even trying.
 
mstphoto said:
Wild camping in Scotland, and other UK countries, tends to be a BIG no no these days.
Click to expand...
Yes, 'Wild camping', as in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, is not done with a vehicle, as the Access Code doesn't apply to motorised activities. You can park lawfully and walk/hike/cycle to somewhere else where you can Wild Camp, though.

It used to be great, but the sheer numbers of staycationers, and the increase in visitor numbers has spoilt a lot of areas.
 
Sky said:
No it's not - it's easy. You just have to do it properly - a lot of people who try just don't follow the correct procedure:

www.gov.uk

Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (motor home)

www.gov.uk www.gov.uk
Click to expand...

take your pick


climbingvan.co.uk

Should you try and reclassify your campervan with the DVLA? | Climbingvan

As of 2019, it's become much more difficult to reclassify your campervan with the DVLA. But do you need to? This post explores the subject.
climbingvan.co.uk climbingvan.co.uk

www.quirkycampers.com

Meet DVLA Campervan Rules | Quirky Campers

What are the new DLVA requirements for reclassifying your campervan and how can you ensure your van conversion meets them?
www.quirkycampers.com www.quirkycampers.com

www.outandaboutlive.co.uk

Huge increase in campervan refusals by DVLA

There has been a massive increase in the number of refusals issued to commercial and private converters attempting to reregister vehicles as campervans
www.outandaboutlive.co.uk www.outandaboutlive.co.uk
 
I've done several and I've never had a problem. You just have to follow their instructions to the letter . . .
 
Sky said:
I'd forget the west country and Cornwall if you're in a motorhome. The local councils and residents are openly hostile towards them and consider them a nuisance; you'll find height barriers, high parking prices and lots of other negatives.

Scotland on the other hand are the complete opposite and will welcome you with open arms. They are even in the process of building 'Aires' where you can stay, empty waste and top up with fresh water.

I lived in one for many years and toured all over the UK, France and Spain in it. They're great and you'll love it. :D
Click to expand...
It's not only English counties that are motorhome unfriendly. A few years back we travelled up the coast from Dunbar almost to Edinburgh; all the car parks on the coast had height barriers. Last month we travelled from Ayr north towards Greenock & had the same issue with height barriers.

Our experience in mainland Europe has been the total opposite, we have never come across a car park height barrier & most parking is free; many car parks have oversized bays with signposts directing motorhome owners to them. Unlike in some parts of the UK, our European neighbours welcome motorhome owners ........
 
Sky said:
I've done several and I've never had a problem. You just have to follow their instructions to the letter . . .
Click to expand...

So 95% of people applying for reclassification are just plain stupid?

I converted a van last year and meet all of their requirements except for a high roof. Even if I install a pop top roof I fall short of their requirements.
There are plenty of people on facebook and various forums who have tried and failed even though they appear to meet all of the DVLA requirement.

I was also speaking to a DVSA chap who was around when I had my van MOT'd last year and even he said it was becoming increasingly difficult to meed their demands.
 
From what I've read on campervan forums, it's almost impossible to reclassify a van into a camper now. Seems that the DVLA have decided within the last 2 years that they're just not allowing it. The reason I've heard given most is that it doesn't "look" like a campervan, although the DVLA refuse to say what a campervan looks like...
 
ecoleman said:
I was also speaking to a DVSA chap who was around when I had my van MOT'd last year and even he said it was becoming increasingly difficult to meed their demands.
Click to expand...

Well, something has obviously changed then - it's never been a problem for me or the others that I've known do it.

As for such a high percentage of Joe Public being stupid - I'd better just keep quiet on that one . . . :muted: :schtum:
 
The reclassification of vans tends to be cyclical. Dvla used to demand images of a bed and decals on the outside of a van about 10 years ago, then they went through a phase of not caring, I know of a few people who put some boxes in the back of a van and made it look like a bed and kitchen and got reclassified.
Currently the best you'll get is van with windows, which means you have to observe van speeds.... my sprinter may be a rust bucket but I'm not letting it go till I can afford the Gin palace.
 
I'm just using my Volvo S80 as a motorhome. Had a wonderful sleep in it on Sunday night after a nice shoot at the Kelpies and ok effort in Glencoe.

Reckon I spend on average a least a night a week in the car, more in the better spells of weather.

Going to go to Spain this year unless it get's redlisted and expect to spend the bulk of the trip car camping. It's like camping, except without a tent and random foxes attacking you at night. It's like a motorhome, except faster and more economical and a lot easier to park. Recline the seat, douvet on, little pillow, had some of my best sleeps in that car.
 
Last edited:
I was one of the rejected camper brigade , Did EVERYTHING that they required for re clasification including spending £100 on 2 items i did not want ( Awning rial and full graphics set )

I had a nice letter of refusal saying " You have made a good conversion but the van still looks like a van and the police may not recognise it as a camper if needed , So it will remain a van with windows , WTF
 
Spots a gap in the market for 2ft high vinyl lettering kits reading “This is a camper”.......... :D
 
Odd about the DVLA making it difficult to reclassify vans , I found them so helpful when I was applying for an age related registration for a motorbike, I missed out a bit on the form they even phoned me up and talked me through what I needed to fill in
Quick service too :)
 
On the self build motor caravan we site a good percentage of self builders have the same rejection
When I asked " A company like Devon conversions buy a van with windows and convert it , Put some Devon stickers on and a few stripes , How come you are happy to call them campers or motor homes ? as they started as my van did as a van with windows ? " NO REPLY
Don't you just love DVLA and we pay their wages :confused:
 
nandbytes said:
yes don't leave us hanging, the suspense is killing us, its been over a month

Phil here even signed up to TP just to find out!
Click to expand...
Sorry, I should have replied much earlier. No I didn't get the dog food but she was very happy sharing my sausages. It would have been steak but have you seen the price of motorhomes these days!!!
I tried a couple of nights in Weymouth which was fine but absolutely rammed as it is school holidays. I was going to take a look at the best spots to photograph Corfe Castle when the early morning mist arrives but couldn't get a parking spot anywhere. i will return when the germlings (school kids) have gone back. Also on my growing list is South Wales as there appears to be a good selection of spots on the coast that are reasonably close to car parks and as I can get lost on a roundabout these appeal to me. Gigrin Farm will also get a visit next month as I fancy photographing the red kites.
 
Fordsabroad said:
Sorry, I should have replied much earlier. No I didn't get the dog food but she was very happy sharing my sausages. It would have been steak but have you seen the price of motorhomes these days!!!
I tried a couple of nights in Weymouth which was fine but absolutely rammed as it is school holidays. I was going to take a look at the best spots to photograph Corfe Castle when the early morning mist arrives but couldn't get a parking spot anywhere. i will return when the germlings (school kids) have gone back. Also on my growing list is South Wales as there appears to be a good selection of spots on the coast that are reasonably close to car parks and as I can get lost on a roundabout these appeal to me. Gigrin Farm will also get a visit next month as I fancy photographing the red kiteNorden Farm is a short trip from Corfe castle. I go there ever year for a detecting rally.
Click to expand...
Norden Farm Campsite is just down the road from Corfe Castle. Go there every year for a detecting rally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top