Back to the fold ?

[KnL]

Hi All,

After selling the caravan and tow car in September 2009 and dipping our toes in the world of motorhoming, we have this week decided to sell the motorhome and return to the fold. We never strayed too far from the forum though and occasionally Lara or I would still drop a line or two, usually Lara replying to requests for site information.

We are considering a double lounge layout caravan rather than the fixed bed layout we had last time. At this time the Elddis Crusader Superstorm is top of the list, but we're not getting too excited just in case in the current climate the motorhome doesn't sell.

If any of you are currently using or have used one of these caravans, I would welcome your views, good or bad. The only down side I can see at the moment is taking a massive hit to the payload that we've become used to and the lack of storage for a family of four.

Thanks,

Ken.

 

[RayS]

Welcome back Ken from one who as towed for some 46 years but never owned a motor home. I do, though, look with envy at the user payloads available, particularly when returning from Spain and having to ration the booze and olive oil etc. that can be loaded safely. One of the great things about our hobby (obsession?) is the debate between the two schools, sometimes heated but always friendly and usually coming to the same conclusion - both good but each to their choice.

Over the years it has been interesting to see the ratio change - I would guess the UK is somewhere 60/40 to the 'towers' - perhaps more, whereas our European friends seem to lean much more to the motorhome. Currently on site SE Spain, the Brits are predominately towers whereas the mainland europeans are predominately in motor homes. Not sure if the wieght/driving licence rules are different in this respect.

 

[MrsSorento]

hi, we have got a 2005 Swift Challenger 490 which has got a double lounge layout, the front has an L shaped lounge and is a great spec and is very versatile.The payload is good and the max weight is 1465kg, good for a large family car. Admittedly there aren't too many double lounge layouts, ones we looked at didn't turn our heads. We have taken the plunge and are changing to a Swift Charisma 565 for the fixed double bunks for the kids. We aren't a big fan of the triple bunks but the new 2011 layout is ideal for growing kids and we love Swifts. We haven't had a problem with any Swift we've owned and long may it continue without cursing ourselves.
Good luck on the caravan hunting.
Lisa

 

[NickinFrance]

Not sure if the wieght/driving licence rules are different in this respect.

That's the case in France.
If the PTAC of the trailer is is greater than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle or the total PTAC of the trailer plus towing vehicle is more than 3500 kg a licence class E/B is required & a medical is required every five years under age 60 every two years over age sixty and annually after age 70, in addition to taking a trailer test.
There are also tax breaks for campingcars.