Motorhomes anyone have one? rent one ? use one?

[Mikechappers]

And that's very important, some of the home builds out there converted with old kitchen units look bloody awful!

Yeh and they are heavy

 

[Phil-D]

All they wanted from us was photographs which showed it had beds etc and a fixed table, they seem to think a fixed table is a must, oh and windows in the back.

How long ago was that Mike? I think I had to show, bed (made up) wardrobe, fridge and on board water tank but they definitely insisted on a letter from a motor engineer. I have to admit, the others I'd converted before this one, DVLA just changed the V5 to camper van with out wanting any proof.

 

[Mikechappers]

How long ago was that Mike? I think I had to show, bed (made up) wardrobe, fridge and on board water tank but they definitely insisted on a letter from a motor engineer. I have to admit, the others I'd converted before this one, DVLA just changed the V5 to camper van with out wanting any proof.

It must have being about five yrs ago Phil, we had no probs at all, they might have asked if it was done by a professional, to be honest I cannot remember but
other than pics of everything we had no problems, but if they have changed their criteria its not a problem is it.

 

[Phil-D]

It must have being about five yrs ago Phil, we had no probs at all, they might have asked if it was done by a professional, to be honest I cannot remember but
other than pics of everything we had no problems, but if they have changed their criteria its not a problem is it.

No, I was just curious

 

[Mikechappers]

How long ago was that Mike? I think I had to show, bed (made up) wardrobe, fridge and on board water tank but they definitely insisted on a letter from a motor engineer. I have to admit, the others I'd converted before this one, DVLA just changed the V5 to camper van with out wanting any proof.

Was the letter they wanted Phil anything to do with rear seating and belts

 

[BruceMo]

I considered a motor home but stuck with caravans
Just plug in and leave it then tour around the local area in the car. Seems less hassle than putting everything away and driving a big motor down wee roads to explore

 

[Phil-D]

What the letter they wanted Phil anything to do with rear seating and belts

No, it was only down as two seats with belts. It was to confirm that the conversion had been done satisfactory. As you say, no problem what ever they want

 

[pjm1]

We hired a motorhome a couple of years ago. I'll be honest and say it wasn't my idea of a fantastic holiday but by the end of our week's adventure around Scotland, I thought it was brilliant. I'll confess to being a hater of caravans - sorry guys, but I don't think they should be allowed on single carriageway roads at any time when other road users may wish to travel at the speed limit (deliberately controversial point made, I think). My observations from that week:

1. Get the biggest motorhome you can. We went for a 6 berth for my wife and I and our 18 month old son. It was *just* big enough, but we'd have been better off with an 8 berth, looking back. Now that our son is older and we have a 2 year old daughter, an 8 berth is the absolute minimum I'd entertain now and I'm sure that would feel very tight.
2. The shower is almost functional, but be realistic given its size and your ability to dry things such as towels etc. Multiple people using the shower consecutively leads to logistical problems, given the general lack of space... (campsites with showers are useful stops)
3. If in the UK, bear in mind you may need to dry wet clothes. Not easy unless you have space. Consider a dehumidifier!
4. Frequent power plug-in is essential. Although fridges and heating will run off the gas, living off-grid for more than a day or so is taxing, especially with youngsters.
5. They're great to drive nowadays. Happily had mine to 70 (and a fair way above if the rozzers aren't looking) and even managed a fair bit of overtaking on single carriageways (bloomin' caravans!)
6. Make sure you have an awning. Gives you a huge amount more living space once you're parked up and in mixed weather is a god send. We didn't have one and really missed it.

So, they're great, but not without their challenges, principally based on lack of space for me

 

[Phil-D]

I considered a motor home but stuck with caravans
Just plug in and leave it then tour around the local area in the car. Seems less hassle than putting everything away and driving a big motor down wee roads to explore

Ya know, its a strange one Bruce, we once tried a caravan and hated it, everything about it, even the towing........and at the time I was driving an artic for a living so it wasn't like the reversing was a problem

 

[Mikechappers]

There is a very good website where you can pay a small joining fee then download 1000s of free camping spots and where and how to get water POI's into your satnav and into Google Earth.
Not sure if its ok to say the name on here ?

 

[Phil-D]

There is a very good website where you can pay a small joining fee then download 1000s of free camping spots and where and how to get water into your satnav and into Google Earth.
Not sure if its ok to say the name on here ?

I will Mike.....its called 'Wild Camping'

 

[Phil-D]

There is a very good website where you can pay a small joining fee then download 1000s of free camping spots and where and how to get water POI's into your satnav and into Google Earth.
Not sure if its ok to say the name on here ?

There's actually quite a lot of free info on there without having to join, use to be a tenner a year tho so not dear

 

[Mikechappers]

I will Mike.....its called 'Wild Camping'

Yeh I was sure you would know of it Phil money well spent in my opinion.

Worth it just for the POI downloads

 

[BruceMo]

I'm the opposite. I get in the caravan and feel snug while getting the camping adventure feeling.
I usually have a trailer on for work so towing doesn't bother at all but when it's left on site for exploring it feels a bit liberating all the same
I can see benefits of both, and touring using bed and breakfasts too. When you count in depreciation, tax, mot, insurance, servicing etc caravan or B and B is much the cheaper option if budget is tight

Ya know, its a strange one Bruce, we once tried a caravan and hated it, everything about it, even the towing........and at the time I was driving an artic for a living so it wasn't like the reversing was a problem

 

[Mikechappers]

There's actually quite a lot of free info on there without having to join, use to be a tenner a year tho so not dear

Think I paid £15 but to see the overnight stops on Google Earth is brilliant, mind you in the Highlands the over night stops are anywhere of your choice as long
as your sensible, there are so many spots its easy.

 

[rjbell]

The only criteria i'm aware of for DVLA to reclass to a motorhome is fixed table, 6ft bed and cooking facility which can be either gas/elec hob, grill, oven or microwave. As Mike mentioned a photo proof is all they need.

 

[Phil-D]

I'll have 3 at this price http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Burs...525334?hash=item1c6086b596:g:nYkAAOSwX~dWqpjt

Flea-Bay has been flooded with false ads like this all month (free listing if you don't sell in January ) .......it really does amaze me the trouble they'll go to just to get your mobile and e-mail addy

 

[Mikechappers]

I'll have 3 at this price http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Burs...525334?hash=item1c6086b596:g:nYkAAOSwX~dWqpjt

Flea-Bay has been flooded with false ads like this all month (free listing if you don't sell in January ) .......it really does amaze me the trouble they'll go to just to get your mobile and e-mail addy

Get me one while your at it Phil.
I only look at the panel vans on there, sometimes you see one where someone started the conversion and gave up for a good price.

 

[rjbell]

Personally I'm seriously thinking about getting a VW Transporter and converting it.

Do you have your heart set on a transporter? While researching i came to the conclusion the extra width of something like a fiat ducato means you can have a bed width ways which can save you 400mm on top of the extra 100mm you have over the transporter to begin with. half a metre extra space can come in very hand. A SWB ducato is only 73mm longer overall so can still fit in car park spaces.

My 2 favourite SWB ducato conversions for inspiration.

Knaus Boxstar 500

East Nuek Fife S

 

[Phil-D]

The only criteria i'm aware of for DVLA to reclass to a motorhome is fixed table, 6ft bed and cooking facility which can be either gas/elec hob, grill, oven or microwave. As Mike mentioned a photo proof is all they need.

Robert, I can't argue with ya but when I converted my last one in 2008 I had to have an engineers report, I still have it and here it is, with his personal details removed. This was an old e-mail that we'd saved and the only way I seem to be able to download it, is by taking a screen shot. One thing I would advise anyone converting a van, is to check first to see what DVLA do want Here's a photo of the finished interior conversion as well

 

[rjbell]

Robert, I can't argue with ya but when I converted my last one in 2008 I had to have an engineers report, I still have it and here it is, with his personal details removed. This was an old e-mail that we'd saved and the only way I seem to be able to download it, is by taking a screen shot. One thing I would advise anyone converting a van, is to check first to see what DVLA do want Here's a photo of the finished interior conversion as well View attachment 55575
View attachment 55574

Lovely job you done there. Was the caravan a old swift? the seats look familiar.

 

[Mikechappers]

Lovely job you done there. Was the caravan a old swift? the seats look familiar.

Beautiful job Phil, looks great.

Oops quote wrong post

 

[allanm]

WE bought a motorhome almost 3 years ago when we packed up work. Started travelling around the UK and Europe over 30 years ago in a VW Camper, had a couple of caravans, but didn't like the faffing around or campsites you had to use, so we bought a motorhome. Its an Autosleeper Broadway FB, 25 ft long, sleeps 4 with every luxury you could want.
We spend most of our time touring Europe, UK is a very motorhome unfriendly place, but there are still a few places where you are welcome. Europe is much more leisure time orientated and there are thousands of free or cheap overnight parking spots ( Aires in France)
Its not for everyone, but if you are thinking about buying or renting one, its a great life.
Have a look at www.motorhomefun.co.uk lots of good info and a friendly bunch. Some of us even have cameras......

 

[Phil-D]

Lovely job you done there. Was the caravan a old swift? the seats look familiar.

Beautiful job Phil, looks great.

Thanks

To be honest I don't know which caravan the interior came out of Robert, although I would say early '90's. I actually took the interior out of a 1988 Talbot express that I'd been told was converted mid 90's. I built it into a 1998 Boxer in 2008.

For the last couple of years its needed quite a bit of welding for the MOT,(I'm fortunate that I can do it miself) and this year is going to be no exception, due April.

O/S sill (can't buy one so I have to make mi own ), floor pans, (both sides) chassis rail over front sub frame,( both sides) and a couple of the out riggers.......that's only at a quick glance underneath .....you can see why I'm scanning e-bay, ect for another vehicle.

Here's the motor just after completion before I painted the bottom half

 

[Mikechappers]

Thanks

To be honest I don't know which caravan the interior came out of Robert, although I would say early '90's. I actually took the interior out of a 1988 Talbot express that I'd been told was converted mid 90's. I built it into a 1998 Boxer in 2008.

For the last couple of years its needed quite a bit of welding for the MOT,(I'm fortunate that I can do it miself) and this year is going to be no exception, due April.

O/S sill (can't buy one so I have to make mi own ), floor pans, (both sides) chassis rail over front sub frame,( both sides) and a couple of the out riggers.......that's only at a quick glance underneath .....you can see why I'm scanning e-bay, ect for another vehicle.

Here's the motor just after completion before I painted the bottom half

View attachment 55579

Just as well you can weld it up yourself Phil

Mine got its MOT next month, its needed welding underneath for the last three tests, so no doubt this MOT will be the same, like yourself being on the lookout
for a replacement van, its got 199.000 odd miles on the clock now, but mechanically its sound.

 

[Phil-D]

WE bought a motorhome almost 3 years ago when we packed up work. Started travelling around the UK and Europe over 30 years ago in a VW Camper, had a couple of caravans, but didn't like the faffing around or campsites you had to use, so we bought a motorhome. Its an Autosleeper Broadway FB, 25 ft long, sleeps 4 with every luxury you could want.
We spend most of our time touring Europe, UK is a very motorhome unfriendly place, but there are still a few places where you are welcome. Europe is much more leisure time orientated and there are thousands of free or cheap overnight parking spots ( Aires in France)
Its not for everyone, but if you are thinking about buying or renting one, its a great life.
Have a look at www.motorhomefun.co.uk lots of good info and a friendly bunch. Some of us even have cameras......

Sounds great Allan....in fact I'm jealous and definitely agree, England is very motorhome unfriendly place, its full of folks thinking ya getting sumot fa nowt and not liking it!

Dorset has to be one of the worse counties these days. We used to spend more time down there than anywhere, now, unless you book a site months in advance, its more trouble than its worth

'Have a look at www.motorhomefun.co.uk lots of good info and a friendly bunch'.......agree with this as well

 

[sirch]

Do you have your heart set on a transporter?

Pretty much, yes. I've looked at a lot of options, Merc, Transit, Ducato but just like the Transporter, I'm also rather taken with the idea of a 4 Motion 4WD but they are rare as rocking horse poo. Having got my car stuck on verges and campsites more than once it seems like a good option

 

[LASTOLITE]

I'm going to put mine on the market in the near future! I can't find a good picture at the moment, but it's a 4 birth Avantegarde Compass 100 which is one of the smaller coach built versions based on a Peugeot Boxer van.

Motor homes are great, particularly the ability to just jump in it for a weekend away. And we did 2 weeks in France in it last summer - it makes the journey so much easier to have a fridge full of food and a kettle at the ready!

The problem for us is we've got a 2 and a 5 year old, which makes sleeping fairly difficult when you're effectively in one room. We also have quite a lot of commitments at weekends, which unfortunately means we're not free for those quick weekends away. We got the van from a family member so didn't really think those sort of things through before saying yes!

Let me know when you are selling, and I can see where we are with it all.

We are going to hire one for our trip just to see what its like then going to hire a caravan and do the same at a later date to compare.

Funny, its been said here the amount of fake adverts for motorhomes? why on earth are people after email and telephone number? juts data harvesting? or couple of pieces of the identity puzzle they are after.

Seems these holidays stick in peoples mind more than some others, I suppose its the fun factor! Our 9 year old is already talking about it, he is after an Over cab Bed! Our friends have had a go at a conversion by buying an old caravan and stripping it, I have no spare time for that amount of DIY and a house move in the near future also is taking up time and effort so thats out at the moment. I get the pros and cons for camper v caravan unless you have alternative transport with you...

Tow bar getting fitted on Civic next week!

 

[rjbell]

Just done my tax returns and i have a rebate coming i'm off to buy a camper!

 

[broc]

If you look at any motorcaravan or caravan forum you will find dozens of discussion threads about which is better, people can get quite agitated about their choice being 'best'. (I have seen similar arguments between Canon & Nikon fans here!)

The principal differences between the two boil down to a lifestyle choice. You can get pretty much the same level of space & comfort from either type of vehicle. In essence, if you like being on the move, not stopping too long in any one place a motorcaravan is a good choice; if you prefer going to one place & using it as a base for exploring then a caravan is perhaps a better choice. We have had caravans & motorcaravans for more than 30 years, we started with caravans but have had motorcaravans for the last 13 years.

We like the fact that with a motorcaravan we can quickly set up when we arrive on site, it is as simple as parking (level), turning on the gas, hooking up the mains electricity (if needed), filling the kettle (or opening a can) & that's it. We can be packed & on our way quickly the next day too.

With a caravan, it's a bit more involved & takes longer, unhooking, positioning the van & moving the towcar, winding down corner steadies, filling water carriers, positioning waste containers, erecting an awning perhaps?

Earlier comments about the UK being motorhome 'unfriendly' are pretty accurate, they are far more welcoming in mainland Europe. We have spent a lot of time visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy & have never had to book a site in advance. We have seldom had to pay for parking in towns either, unlike in the UK where far too many car parks have height barrier restrictions preventing access. Germany and France have networks of low cost or even free overnight parking spaces for motorcaravans, their theory being if you encourage people to stay they might use local shops & restaurants & spend money!

Our motorhome is kept in a state of 'near readiness' to go from March until October, we can decide to go out for the day & simply throw some food in the fridge, pick up the cameras, binoculars & a coat & off we go.... a little more effort & we are ready for a weekend trip too.

Brian

 

[Mr Bump]

@broc really interesting comments regarding how welcoming Europe is ti motorhomes.
we found the same when looking at going to greece and the area.
basically its free to park up as long as its not causing a nuisance.

 

[broc]

We also found staying on commercial campsites in Europe was generally cheaper than in the UK too, and of course diesel, wine & beer costs less too

 

[Gremlin]

That was a surprise I must admit, I was expecting a Lego link

tad small for hols

 

[allanm]

We are lucky in that we only live 6 miles from Dover and 30 minutes from the tunnel. We use the tunnel though because it's quicker and we can take our dogs with us. We use our motorhome all year round and never store it over winter, we drove down to the med last February and toured all round the mid Pyrenees and had a great time, we used all free Aires but maybe spent €2 once when we needed water. Not bad for a months holiday!
Our Daughter ( now 24) remembers all our holidays in France when she was small, sleeping and travelling in our VW, generally for 3 weeks every summer and many other weekend trips, usually in the UK. The campsites we used over here were generally just fields with a tap, or if you were lucky, a toilet somewhere. We used Municipal sites in France. Cheap and cheerful and always had spaces available.

 

[nickEnackEnoo]

If you're going to hire a campervan it's got to be one of these
http://www.wickedcampers.co.uk/campervan-uk/europe-campers/safari-campers.html
I've always wanted a VW campervan

Thanks for the link, just what I'm needing for my next trip in April. I want a VW type camper too

I hired one to go around europe and rather than waste a days hire traveling to and from france I hired it over the internet in Lille and picked it up from there.. secure parking for the car and the hire was the same price it would be here... forgot all about left hand drive until i got in it.. but seemed natural after ten minutes.. just a thought for anyone going abroad

My first time driving on the right last week and I was still causing heart attacks on day 7! Still, I didn't go round a roundabout the wrong way like I encountered someone doing on Wednesday; confused the hell out of me until he took a sharp exit on his realisation

 

[rjbell]

Thanks for the link, just what I'm needing for my next trip in April. I want a VW type camper too


My first time driving on the right last week and I was still causing heart attacks on day 7! Still, I didn't go round a roundabout the wrong way like I encountered someone doing on Wednesday; confused the hell out of me until he took a sharp exit on his realisation

I lived in Chamonix for a ski season for 4 months in 2001. I was fine until about 3 months in probably due to feeling more comfortable driving there I went around a round about the wrong way. No treffic though so was fine. The lack of traffic to remind you which way to go was probably part of the problem.

 

[LASTOLITE]

Biggest plus in this thread is all the accounts of children's memories of camper van and camping hols! Just great.

 

[broc]

My kids have fond memories of caravan holidays in the Lakes, they would love to 'borrow' our motorcaravan but sadly they cannot because it weighs over 3500kg & they passed their driving tests after 1997 so don't have the right vehicle classes on their licences. Also, some vehicles plated at 3500kg or lower have quite limited payloads, something to bear in mind too especially if you are planning on carrying 4 people.

 

[BruceMo]

Biggest plus in this thread is all the accounts of children's memories of camper van and camping hols! Just great.

Exactly that. My kids loved the camping trips and if we were by the coast always insisted on a beach bonfire which they loved
Got to say I enjoy our getaways now with just the two of us but now grand kid is talking about coming with us so it might go full circle

 

[rjbell]

Exactly that. My kids loved the camping trips and if we were by the coast always insisted on a beach bonfire which they loved
Got to say I enjoy our getaways now with just the two of us but now grand kid is talking about coming with us so it might go full circle

Yes my parents have taken my eldest and my nephew. They love it too. Not sure the Mrs is convinced yet but she puts up with it for the kids.