Hi All - returning to motor homing after a long break. Dragged caravans all over the country in the past and (finally) the kids have fled the nest (for now) and we are buying a new Rio 340 and will be taking off. Wow, how things have changed since I was last into all this but sadly quality control seems to still be an issue. We shall see
Hi
Another new member here!
We are just starting down the road of looking for a motorhome - may well not buy for some time although that option is under discussion at the moment B)
We have owned a Bongo in the past (not converted) and camped in it a number of times but now we are looking ahead to the time when we will up sticks from Wiltshire and go and live in Cornwall (as far SW as possible).
We Kayak and climb and the key feature of anything we will buy is the ability to get two kayaks on the roof (easily) - I am going to start a separate topic regarding this on the Technical (?) forum.
Also storage space will be a significant factor, you would be amazed by how much stuff we take in our (estate) car for a days paddling. We went up to Skye recently and the car was full with our kayaking/climbing/walking gear so we will need space to stow this on our potential trips. We have started looking at overcab spaces as a possible solution to this.
The $64000 question of course is how much we want to spend - and we haven't decided yet. At the moment I am thinking that around £25000 will get us a reasonable mileage motorhome that is less than 10 years old. But this might change as we start looking at what is available, and if we do delay until we sell up and move we might have a larger budget.
Cheers
Martin (& Pam)
Another new member here!
We are just starting down the road of looking for a motorhome - may well not buy for some time although that option is under discussion at the moment B)
We have owned a Bongo in the past (not converted) and camped in it a number of times but now we are looking ahead to the time when we will up sticks from Wiltshire and go and live in Cornwall (as far SW as possible).
We Kayak and climb and the key feature of anything we will buy is the ability to get two kayaks on the roof (easily) - I am going to start a separate topic regarding this on the Technical (?) forum.
Also storage space will be a significant factor, you would be amazed by how much stuff we take in our (estate) car for a days paddling. We went up to Skye recently and the car was full with our kayaking/climbing/walking gear so we will need space to stow this on our potential trips. We have started looking at overcab spaces as a possible solution to this.
The $64000 question of course is how much we want to spend - and we haven't decided yet. At the moment I am thinking that around £25000 will get us a reasonable mileage motorhome that is less than 10 years old. But this might change as we start looking at what is available, and if we do delay until we sell up and move we might have a larger budget.
Cheers
Martin (& Pam)
Welcome to the forum Martin (& Pam).
And best wishes in your search. I've seen your other post; never tried using the roof of any of our vans for anything like that, but I'm sure you'll hear from someone who has!
And best wishes in your search. I've seen your other post; never tried using the roof of any of our vans for anything like that, but I'm sure you'll hear from someone who has!
Hi Martin and Pam, a very warm welcome to the Practical Motorhome forum. Thanks for taking the time to post.
hi my names paul , just turned 50 and have wanted a motorhome since i was 11 years old , i can now aford one [ just ] , have looked on e bay etc for 12 months now and seen lots that i like , but just so many so hope to get help tips and advice here , so get ready for a million questions regards paul :cheer: ,,,, just for the record im after a home thats got over cabin bed , long couch and 2 chairs oposite with a table , also fuel economy is important , was looking between 17 to 25 thousand pound , as i say seen lots that fit my needs [ too many realy ]
I would be careful looking on EBay, some are a scam!!. IMO I would look at dealers as a guide. Maybe look at private adverts, but whatever you do, don't pay before damp checks and finance checks .
You are looking at 8/10 year old vans, at that price, so best to get DAMP check. Don't be put off, there will be a v an for you out there. Take some-one with you, who knows about motorhomes (not a caravaner). Don't worry about high mileage, as it is better than a very low mileage van, you know it has been used, and not stood around. I would say 5000 miles a year as a guide. Look in some of the motorhomes magazines as well
Good luck in your search
Don't be afraid to ask questions on MH forums. no one minds , if the question may appear silly to you. We have all been there at some time
You are looking at 8/10 year old vans, at that price, so best to get DAMP check. Don't be put off, there will be a v an for you out there. Take some-one with you, who knows about motorhomes (not a caravaner). Don't worry about high mileage, as it is better than a very low mileage van, you know it has been used, and not stood around. I would say 5000 miles a year as a guide. Look in some of the motorhomes magazines as well
Good luck in your search
Don't be afraid to ask questions on MH forums. no one minds , if the question may appear silly to you. We have all been there at some time
Hello all
Can't claim to be a new user of the forum, but more of a returning one. My name is Nigel and I have recently returned to work at Practical Motorhome after a couple of years at What Car? and Autocar. Will be poking my head to keep up with what is going on and I look forward to seeing you all around.
I am also the custodian of the latest Practical Motorhome project van - a 1980 VW T25 which has already proved itself capable of providing lots of grief for such a little vehicle. Latest instalment is here!
Cheers to all and speak soon!
Can't claim to be a new user of the forum, but more of a returning one. My name is Nigel and I have recently returned to work at Practical Motorhome after a couple of years at What Car? and Autocar. Will be poking my head to keep up with what is going on and I look forward to seeing you all around.
I am also the custodian of the latest Practical Motorhome project van - a 1980 VW T25 which has already proved itself capable of providing lots of grief for such a little vehicle. Latest instalment is here!
Cheers to all and speak soon!
Welcome back Nigel!
I'm afraid some of us are still kicking around from your day. And now YOU can shout at ME if you spot any spam on here - but it doesn't get through as often nowadays.
I'm afraid some of us are still kicking around from your day. And now YOU can shout at ME if you spot any spam on here - but it doesn't get through as often nowadays.
Good to see a friendly face! I see the place has been given a bit of a tidy up and you seem to have a lot more toys to play with too!
Look forward to seeing you around!
Look forward to seeing you around!
Hi, Just joined the forum.
I am very new to this motorhoming lark, not been anywhere yet except garage getting my old McLouis Glen up to a reliable standard.
I am very new to this motorhoming lark, not been anywhere yet except garage getting my old McLouis Glen up to a reliable standard.
Hi everyone,we have just joined and recently bought a Swift Belair 750 which we love.
we have had motorhomes before but changed to a caravan for the last two years as during the summer we work as campsite wardens and a caravan seemed the right choice, however last/this winter we went to France with the intention of going to Spain with our caravan but found it cumbersome and could not use aires, so the change.Freedom now.
Hope to get some advice on this site re a suitable awning, not safari and a suitable rack for the back.
Welcome, both of you - and welcome back to motorhoming!
Do you mean a freestanding awning you can leave on site then?
Do you mean a freestanding awning you can leave on site then?
Hi George, hi Mildred and a warm welcome to the Practical Motorhome forum – and back to motorcaravanning! To kick-start your search for an awning, why not read our awning reviews. I hope that helps.
Hi Tony,
yes a motorhome awning we can leave on site if desired but needs to be good enough for long term use, ie nearly four months at a time on two different sites.
Thanks for links lizzie
yes a motorhome awning we can leave on site if desired but needs to be good enough for long term use, ie nearly four months at a time on two different sites.
Thanks for links lizzie
Hello there. New member signing as requested!!
Just ordered first motorhome, so I have plenty to learn!! First question will be about the best or most recommended insurance company - any recommendations?
Ken
Just ordered first motorhome, so I have plenty to learn!! First question will be about the best or most recommended insurance company - any recommendations?
Ken
Hi Ken, welcome to the motorhoming world!
I'm insured with AXA through Lifesure, mainly because the van is my sole vehicle, so I need to be able to use it for work. I found very few insurers understood that concept!
However, for more "normal" motorhomers (ie those who only use their vans for leisure) there are lots of brokers, agents and underwriters who specialise in motorhomes. That's important, because (1) you carry stuff in the van that ordinary motorists don't, and (2) you could be without accommodation in the event of an accident while touring.
You can find ads from them in the magazine, you might even see some on the borders of this site! And no doubt some other members will be along with their own personal favourites.
I'm insured with AXA through Lifesure, mainly because the van is my sole vehicle, so I need to be able to use it for work. I found very few insurers understood that concept!
However, for more "normal" motorhomers (ie those who only use their vans for leisure) there are lots of brokers, agents and underwriters who specialise in motorhomes. That's important, because (1) you carry stuff in the van that ordinary motorists don't, and (2) you could be without accommodation in the event of an accident while touring.
You can find ads from them in the magazine, you might even see some on the borders of this site! And no doubt some other members will be along with their own personal favourites.
Thanks, Tony.
Here's another question!! I can see some benefit from joining the Caravan Club or similar to get cheaper insurance etc and have access to some sites if needed, but which one?????
Caravan Club, Camping and Caravan Club, Mototr Caravanners Club ???? Is any one preferable to the others??
Ken
Here's another question!! I can see some benefit from joining the Caravan Club or similar to get cheaper insurance etc and have access to some sites if needed, but which one?????
Caravan Club, Camping and Caravan Club, Mototr Caravanners Club ???? Is any one preferable to the others??
Ken
CC and C and CC are both good, the latter has we think more interesting sites and a hit less regimental.
If you plan travelling abroad, and you should, consider ACSI , they have lots of sites with great savings in site fees.
Use the UKcampsite to fund sites and read reviews they are helpful.
Ed
If you plan travelling abroad, and you should, consider ACSI , they have lots of sites with great savings in site fees.
Use the UKcampsite to fund sites and read reviews they are helpful.
Ed
Hi Ken
All the clubs provide lots of good facilities, but nowadays they're all quite expensive to join. So you should weigh up the use you're likely to make of them against the cost. And don't assume you'll necessarily save money on things like insurance and ferry crossings - it ain't always so.
We've been in each of the three you mention over the years, but nowadays we don't bother.
Within the UK, we use Britstops, and this magazine's own Nightstops, as well as www.searchforsites.co.uk, and in France (our favourite foreign destination) France Passion and "Aires." As Ed mentioned, ACSI is also great, if you can travel in Europe outside of the peak (ie school holiday) season.
I can tell you more about any of those if you're interested.
All the clubs provide lots of good facilities, but nowadays they're all quite expensive to join. So you should weigh up the use you're likely to make of them against the cost. And don't assume you'll necessarily save money on things like insurance and ferry crossings - it ain't always so.
We've been in each of the three you mention over the years, but nowadays we don't bother.
Within the UK, we use Britstops, and this magazine's own Nightstops, as well as www.searchforsites.co.uk, and in France (our favourite foreign destination) France Passion and "Aires." As Ed mentioned, ACSI is also great, if you can travel in Europe outside of the peak (ie school holiday) season.
I can tell you more about any of those if you're interested.
Facebook
Twitter