Change from Caravan to Motorhome ??

[Ian341]

Hi all,

After a miserable weekend away earlier this year we disgussed whether changing our nearly new Swift for a slightly older motorhome.

We searched on the net and rang around a few local dealers with a price range of about £15,000, no luck the cheapest we could get was a 1998 Swift sundance that was £25,000. As we only use the tourer 9 or 10 times a year this was a large expense so carried on with our search.

Eventually we found a 1996 Auto trail Cheyenne, the people sounded nice and it was £16,000 so only slightly over price. So night before last we went to see it. Pulled up outside the house, looked tidy enough motorhome was in the drive, so the people showed us around it and I think it was the most dirtiest and generally disgusting van we had ever seen. The roof was hanging down and as the owner kindly went to open the door it fell off.

The inside was covered in damp and when we asked to hear the engine running he failed to start it.

What we like about motorhomes was the fact that if you woke up Sunday morning and it was raining then you would be able to pull away without having to go outside but why on earth are they so expensive ??

We previousely owned a motorhome and I never remember them being so much money.

When we asked this man why his motorhome was so expensive considering it wasnt in "as new condition" as stated in the advert, he simply told us "well i'm not going to give it away" when quite frankly it was fit for scrap.

So for the near future, or until we win the lottery and can afford a brand new motorhome, we will be sticking to caravanning and I can now see why caravans are so much popular, because they are much more value for money.

OK rant over.

Many Thanks

Ian

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Ian - are you the gentleman Swift owner from Swansea. If you are may I suggest that you contact Tondu Road Motors in Bridgend as they have now started a subsiduary company that specialises in selling motorhomes and their prices and deals are very favourable. They will take your caravan in part exchange as they now also have a few vans on the forecourt for sale. Also Lee & Turner at Waterton Bridgend are now selling motorhomes but at present have very few second hand ones in stock - most are new models. Barry Caravan Centre also carry a large range of second hand units but are dearer than Tondu Road Motors. Hope this may help you.

 

[Colinn]

Ian, you wonder why motor homes are so expensive. Well for a start, you are forking out for a big engine, a gearbox, steering assemblies, four wheels, etc, (and all the pricey maintenance that goes with them) which of course a caravan does not need. But hang on, you've already got those pricey bits in your own car - which is more than capable of pulling the "live-in" bits!!

They're the reasons I would never consider swapping my caravan for a motor home - there are other reasons such as having to pack up and drive a massive vehicle around whenever you tour from your site. OK, I know there ARE some advantages and I know there ARE some disadvantages to towing, but for me there's no contest...!

 

[Ian341]

HI Both, thanks for your replies !!

Colin (bridgend) yes I do live in Swansea and travel to Bridgend twice a week.

These are the exact places i was hoping to find because I was concerned about selling out current van.

I cant find websites for either of these but will give them all a ring tomorrow.

I really don't want to sell the tourer but as my asthma is getting worse i find fetching and emptying water hard and also the legs and awning etc. I cant expect my wife to do all this for me when i start wheezing and panting after doing only one leg.

I understand that a motorhome is sort of a car and caravan put together, but a decent car is only around

 

[mauron]

Hi Ian,

I totally agree with Colinn, last year we swapped to a brand new motor home. After our first trip away we began to think we had made a mistake. Whilst it is great for climbing in and setting off, when you get to your chosen site you are stuck as you cannot realisticaaly use it for every day travel (supermarkets and cafe car parks have height barriers to discourage travellers). Town coucils do not like you parking, you pay road tax although you do not use it as often as a car together with double sevicing for the 1. chassis vehicle and 2.living area as you would a caravan. You can tow a car but then you may as tow a caravan.

We sat down and worked out the pros and cons and swapped back to caravanning....best move we made.

Cheers Ron.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Hi Ian - The motor home division of Tondu Road Motors is called "BRIDGEND MOTORHOMES" Tondu Road Bridgend - tel: 01656 659141 and their web page is www.bridgendmotorhomes.co.uk. Lee & Turner are on the A473 dual carraigeway from Waterton roundabout to the Coychurch roundabout - on the right next to Wick Van Hire. They have Fiat, Rover/MG and Nissan signs next to the road. Barry Caravan Centre for motor homes sales trade under CASTLE MOTOR HOMES and their web page is www.castlemotorhomes.co.uk - I hope that this information will be of use.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Ian - me again LOL. Regarding your asthma - my brother suffers with asthma and is an avid member of the BSC Sailing Club in Margam and is out sailing every week. He read an article regarding a tablet for asthma called "SINGULAIR" - I believe that is how it is spelt. He takes one tablet at bed time and has not used his inhalers for over 18 months although he keeps them handy in case of emergancy. He had to ask the doctor for the tablets as they are quite expensive compared to the inhalers but he reckons they are marvellous. He suffers with energy induced asthma and not the kind which is caused by mites, dust, etc.

 

[Ian341]

HI Colin,

Thanks for the sites, i will have a look at them once I have finished this.

We have a yacht in Milford haven so are also sailors and I find that a good day out sailing really does help my asthma, those tablets sound brilliant I will search for them on google now.

I would think that I have the same type of asthma as your brother because the only thing that seems to help my asthma is exercise and fresh air !! However running etc. can cause it to go the opposite way and to become worse.

Ron - I totally agree with your point !! Our friends have an auto cruise and to pop out to tesco when on site means they have to unplug the van reverse of the levelers etc. which is a great nuisance.

You mention about height barriers and to be honest this is one thing i haven't thought about but come to think about it, most supermarkets and even beach car parks have these so this could be a great disadvantage for people.

Many Thanks !!!

Ian

 

[ShadySadie]

We had a motorhome many years ago when the children were very young. I just don't get it, parking was a mare and and many town centres out of bounds. Others pitched their caravans and jumped in the car for a day at the beach or trip to the town. Kids could be left in the caravan with baby sitter on duty whilst mum and dad headed out for a bit of nightlife, or one could head off for supplies leaving the rest of the family with the caravan and awning to use. Everything revolved around the motorhome and moving it nearly every day. We got back from France and sold it a week or so later and have been caravanners ever since. Now we see motorhomes towing small cars with a variety of contraptions. I just can't get my head around that thinking.

 

[Royston]

Hi Ian,

I would have thought the sister forum practicalmotorhome.com would be able to give you more honest answers.

Royston

 

[colin(bridgend)]

HI Colin,

Thanks for the sites, i will have a look at them once I have finished this.

We have a yacht in Milford haven so are also sailors and I find that a good day out sailing really does help my asthma, those tablets sound brilliant I will search for them on google now.

I would think that I have the same type of asthma as your brother because the only thing that seems to help my asthma is exercise and fresh air !! However running etc. can cause it to go the opposite way and to become worse.

Ron - I totally agree with your point !! Our friends have an auto cruise and to pop out to tesco when on site means they have to unplug the van reverse of the levelers etc. which is a great nuisance.

You mention about height barriers and to be honest this is one thing i haven't thought about but come to think about it, most supermarkets and even beach car parks have these so this could be a great disadvantage for people.

Many Thanks !!!

Ian

Ian - the type of boat on the reservoir at Margam are sailing dingies such as Solo class - the Welsh Championships were held there last weekend. For further information about the club go to www.corussailing.org.uk. There are many photos taken at the three day event and also a video of sorts on YouTube. Not quite the same league as you at Milford Haven though.

 

[RogerP]

Hi Ian

we converted from a motorhome to a caravan mostly for the mobility issues we had , i.e parking or rather parking restrictions.

Yes you're right with the get up a go idea but thats only one small part of the equation and if you get it wrong it will be expensive. As we found out.

Dont get me wrong we loved the MH but we only had a small one at the time and no kids or dogs.

OK you're situation may be different and you may be happy with a MH if you tend to stay on a site all day or like using buses etc.

You could tow a small car but then you're going away from the get up and go concept.

I know lots of people who MH for years , in fact I started at 7 years old with my Aunt and Unlce and they had MHs for 35 years. Look long and hard at your needs , if it helps do a list of pros and cons to help you. We had to when we took the painful decission to change to a caravan.

Now we wouldn't change back.

 

[jinty0_0]

Hi Ian

we converted from a motorhome to a caravan mostly for the mobility issues we had , i.e parking or rather parking restrictions.

Yes you're right with the get up a go idea but thats only one small part of the equation and if you get it wrong it will be expensive. As we found out.

Dont get me wrong we loved the MH but we only had a small one at the time and no kids or dogs.

OK you're situation may be different and you may be happy with a MH if you tend to stay on a site all day or like using buses etc.

You could tow a small car but then you're going away from the get up and go concept.

I know lots of people who MH for years , in fact I started at 7 years old with my Aunt and Unlce and they had MHs for 35 years. Look long and hard at your needs , if it helps do a list of pros and cons to help you. We had to when we took the painful decission to change to a caravan.

Now we wouldn't change back.

Hi Ian

is there a company near you that hire MH.If your finances alow you you could try hire before you buy and see if you like the mh to the caravan. i know that there is a company close to us and their mh are very well looked after

hope this helps

 

[whitetop]

I considered a motorhome years ago and did the pro's and con's bit.

After much thought I came to the conclusion that, in my circumstances, a caravan was a million miles the better option.

Cheaper to insure, cheaper to maintain, cheaper to tax (nil) and once set-up, it stays until leaving day.....regardless of what mess it is in. Kids have some amount of stuff that needs clearing. The thought of having to do a mini set-up after each trip would ruin my break.

Also, the thought of having to do a "spring clean to avoid breakages etc" before going to the local supermarket, assuming not a walk away, or going away for the day, made it a very simple choice.

I appreciate that some people do not like the caravan concept, but for me it was an easy decision.....both from an ease of use and financial point of view.

 

[Ian341]

HI, thanks for the replies !!

I am very interested in importing a van because LHD wouldn't really bother me and the prices seem to be a lot less.

Our neighbour imported a Rapido with fixed bed, bike rack, roof rack and loads more for

 

[jean_374350261]

hi ,thought we would let you know our feelings on the subject of motorhomes v caravans, we have owned 2 new motorhomes in the last 5 years and had some great holidays in them, however , we have just sold it, and, purchased a new caravan and a mondeo, the reasons...well, we spent two holidays with our son who is a caravanner, what a different holiday we experienced, they do not have to rely on public transport or bikes,therefore the chioce of sites is vast, we have much more space expecailly in the bathroom and kitchen area, also we do not have the added expencs

of maintaining a motorhome which is far far more expensive than a caravan,yes we have to tow, but trying to get around in a large motorhome is not easy i have to say, anyway, i hope what ever you chose that you have fab holidays, regards jean and john

 

[Jane4]

hi ,thought we would let you know our feelings on the subject of motorhomes v caravans, we have owned 2 new motorhomes in the last 5 years and had some great holidays in them, however , we have just sold it, and, purchased a new caravan and a mondeo, the reasons...well, we spent two holidays with our son who is a caravanner, what a different holiday we experienced, they do not have to rely on public transport or bikes,therefore the chioce of sites is vast, we have much more space expecailly in the bathroom and kitchen area, also we do not have the added expencs

of maintaining a motorhome which is far far more expensive than a caravan,yes we have to tow, but trying to get around in a large motorhome is not easy i have to say, anyway, i hope what ever you chose that you have fab holidays, regards jean and john

Hi

One of things which amused us last winter were the number of motorhomers who were overwintering on the site we were on in Spain, who arrived, with small vehicle in tow, parked their motorhomes and did not drive them again for the next four months. I am sure it did the engines no good at all. Whats the point!

 

[Jane4]

Hi

One of things which amused us last winter were the number of motorhomers who were overwintering on the site we were on in Spain, who arrived, with small vehicle in tow, parked their motorhomes and did not drive them again for the next four months. I am sure it did the engines no good at all. Whats the point!

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Ian I'm sure theres a way around your problem if you are prepared to make a few sacrifices. I had to finish work due to back problems and with my payout I wanted a motorhome. Like you, I found theres no comparison for prices. For a 15 year old motorhome that was turning into a rust bucket I could upgrade my car and buy a new caravan for the same price. My main worry was my back though so I had a mover fitted. The first time I had problems with my back was after buying the van and winding the steadies. Stooping for any length of time lays me up for 24 hours. I solved that problem with an electric drill, they are up and down in seconds. If the waste emptying point is some distance from our pitch I simply hook the wastemaster over my towball and tow the it while putting the toilet cassette in the car boot. Another option is to book a fully serviced pitch, you can forget about lugging the aquaroll and wastemaster around then. This option might limit the amount of sites to choose from but fully serviced pitches are now becoming more common. Having used these I can recommend them.

 

[Ian341]

HI All thanks very much for the replies it is really interesting to know all of your opinions as it helps greatly with our decision.

We have been talking to lots of people who have had motorhomes and they said changing back to a caravan was the best thing they have done.

We are looking at getting at getting a sunncamp awning which are relatively easy to erect.

What we really don't understand is why do people tow cars behind motorhomes, they may as well have caravans.

Weekend before last we were pitched next to the service point and watched motorhomes pull up. To our surprise on some motorhomes we saw the people lying on their backs underneath it and after walking over to ask why they told us that the waste outlet was right underneath the van so maybe a wastemaster is easier.

Yesterday I bought a drill in wilkinsons which was on offer so now we will be half the time doing legs.

We have considered a motor mover but our place in the storage compound is a corner pitch so getting the van in and out is relatively easy.

After much discussion I think we will be sticking with our tourer!

Thanks again and please keep the comments coming.

Ian

 

[Mel]

Hi Ian. We had a motorhome before the caravan and swopped for all the reasons folks have already mentioned. The stuff I would add is that once you arrive on pitch there is almost as much setting up. You still have corner steadies to wind down, EHU to connect, gas to turn on and toilet to prime. When you are there you will still have to empty the toilet and empty the grey water tank and, yes it does involve lying on your back over a drain and under the van. Also if you are there more than a few days you will have to move the whole van to the grey water point (unless you empty it into a waste master.) Unless you have a really long hose you will also have to move the whole van to fill the fresh water tank or make trips with plastic bottles daily to keep it topped up. So thats unhook, steadies up, gas off, all wobbly breakables stowed while you shift the beast 200 yards to the service point. Also if you think caravan awnings are fiddly they are nothing compared to the free standing awnings of motorhomes. They are really tall nd t make a tunnel from te van door into the awning you have to throw two ropes over the roof. Now that should be an olympic sport, generally a small crowd gathers. If tou then want to move the van to go to the shops you have to get back on pitch wit the van door in the right place and throw the ropes over again.

Now, in spite of all this we really enjoyed our motorhome holidays but by gum the caravan is easier!

mel

 

[Guest]

I fully accept all the comments made and the for and against reasons. Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages. Howeevr, what is amking me look towards the swop is the fact that with the motorhome I have amuch greater payload, sometimes even up 1 tonne in some cases. Compare that with the measly 200 kg you can get with some vans and it is a consideration. The other reason is that in France you can use the system of Aires which reduces the costs consdierably.

I take the point regarding towing a car but in my case I am looking at a scooter which I may either carry in the 'garage' or tow behind on a small trailer. This allows me to move about on site and have cheap and easy parking in towns. I accept that with a family that is not possible, but there are only 2 of us.

The last reason is that with a motorhome I can visit areas where i maybe could not do so easily with the van, and I am thinking here of places like Morocco and Greece.

So, having in the past owned both i see the advantages of both, but as I do not need a car for work my feelings are leaning towards the motorhome idea.

 

[michaelg]

I fully accept all the comments made and the for and against reasons. Yes, there are advantages and disadvantages. Howeevr, what is amking me look towards the swop is the fact that with the motorhome I have amuch greater payload, sometimes even up 1 tonne in some cases. Compare that with the measly 200 kg you can get with some vans and it is a consideration. The other reason is that in France you can use the system of Aires which reduces the costs consdierably.

I take the point regarding towing a car but in my case I am looking at a scooter which I may either carry in the 'garage' or tow behind on a small trailer. This allows me to move about on site and have cheap and easy parking in towns. I accept that with a family that is not possible, but there are only 2 of us.

The last reason is that with a motorhome I can visit areas where i maybe could not do so easily with the van, and I am thinking here of places like Morocco and Greece.

So, having in the past owned both i see the advantages of both, but as I do not need a car for work my feelings are leaning towards the motorhome idea.

i,m also torn between a caravan or a motorhome my 2 friends have just bought a motorhome and we are going around the country to motorhome shows with them i would prefer a motorhome as i have been a biker for years and would put a rack on the motorhome for a bike but motorhomes just seem so expensive at dealers at these shows my wife would prefer a caravan but i just cant decide dont get me wrong i have seen some motorhomes at shows for around 10,000 pounds which seemed to look ok but i could have a new caravan for that sort of money we are just going to enjoy going around the shows and decide what to buy later on in the year cheers mick