Had a rethink (1 Viewer)

[Cat53]

we have come to the conclusion that Motorhoming has too many problems for us to overcome, so we have decided after a day of full on soul searching, that a caravan will suit our needs better. One of the biggest problems being lack of a smaller vehicle for going into cities etc ( we didn't want a trailer as too heavy for me to deal with). The huge costs involved was another factor in the equation. Neither of us was happy with a£97k cost that loses goodness knows how much as soon as you drive it away. This suits us better in so many ways. We like the Hobby Landhaus with the Ssangyong Rexton as a tow car. But seeing as we've paid our subs, hope it's ok to stay with you as a wasgonnabebutnolongerable!

 

[movan]

Look forward to seeing your new caravan ... you are still a camper and lover of freedom.

 

[DBK]

One of the most useful things I get out of this site is information on places to go and stay - and you can do that in a caravan as well as a MH. So please tell us where you go in your engineless motorhome, no where is too small or to close or far away - CLs, laybys, car parks, in this country or in places further afield. I doubt Jim will be upset if we gradually gather tugging members - if that doesn't sound too rude.

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[Cat53]

Dream of it all the time. We stopped when the kids got older. Then Steve had his accident and life changed dramatically for us. We found South Africa and adore the place, we may even end up there, but in the meantime the desire for an adventure, a change of scenery and adventure is very strong and if not now.......when? Still lots of research to do, but very determined.

 

[hilldweller]

so we have decided after a day of full on soul searching, that a caravan will suit our needs better.

Many motorhomers, if they analysed their needs properly would come to the same conclusion.

It makes no sense to me to tow a car ( in the past on an A-frame ) so wearing out two vehicles, paying two taxes and insurance and then parking up for weeks on end.

A caravan gives better accommodation at a fraction of the cost.

 

[camocam1]

we quite often think that the MH is too big but usually manage to get parked somewhere, quite often look for sites within walking distance of small towns or with bus stop near by.
But the main thing to keep in mind, its what suits you both best and whether that a caravan or MH just make sure you use it and enjoy using it

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[keith]

Dream of it all the time. We stopped when the kids got older. Then Steve had his accident and life changed dramatically for us. We found South Africa and adore the place, we may even end up there, but in the meantime the desire for an adventure, a change of scenery and adventure is very strong and if not now.......when? Still lots of research to do, but very determined.

Best advice ever given "Do it now". Many say later, then regret it later.

 

[pappajohn]

Good luck with the Rexton.....load of xxxx.

I had a Korando a few years ago and apart from the (extremely thirsty) 2.3 merc engine it was nothing but expensive trouble.

 

[Cat53]

we quite often think that the MH is too big but usually manage to get parked somewhere, quite often look for sites within walking distance of small towns or with bus stop near by.
But the main thing to keep in mind, its what suits you both best and whether that a caravan or MH just make sure you use it and enjoy using it

Buses are often not wheelchair accessible and what is a short stroll for able bodied people can turn into a marathon with the wheelchair. Cambers are awful. High kerbs, big drainage channels, cobbles are all a nightmare in the wheelchair. Its why we like to park as close to where we want to explore as possible. Otherwise it's hot sweaty exhausting work...for me! M yes we have a motorised wheelchair, but the number of times they have broken down is unbelievable and its me that has to walk back to wherever to get the manual wheelchair and then push the broken motorised one back to the car. It's really no fun at all. Blisters and backache! Not too mention grouchy.

We plan to use it 24/7 for 365 for three or four years. Then we might decide to settle down, or we will keep going! There are a lot of places we want to see!

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[Cat53]

Good luck with the Rexton.....load of xxxx.

I had a Korando a few years ago and apart from the (extremely thirsty) 2.3 merc engine it was nothing but expensive trouble.

If motability have an option with a lot of pulling power then we may stick with them. It's peace of mind motoring.

We had a Renault espace that was c**p . Another reason to opt for a caravan. At least if the vehicle has problems we still have a nest to hole up in and cry.....

 

[makems]

There are a few tuggers who frequent this site. Some of them even drag their tin sheds to rallies and are welcomed just the same.
Enjoy your caravan and your travels.

 

[Cat53]

So is the correct terminology tuggers and chuggers?

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[Carol]

Makes no difference what you have you are still a funster, good luck with your search for a caravan, always best to go for the best solution for you, let us know how you get on

 

[hilldweller]

We found South Africa and adore the place, we may even end up there, but in the meantime the desire for an adventure,

Now there is a plan. Not suited to a caravan, drive to SA.

 

[phil bobin]

good luck andgoodtravel enjoy

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[Tootles]

If motability have an option with a lot of pulling power then we may stick with them. It's peace of mind motoring.

We had a Renault espace that was c**p . Another reason to opt for a caravan. At least if the vehicle has problems we still have a nest to hole up in and cry.....

Funny, but the reason we gave up with caravanning after nearly forty years, and switched to a MH, was the hassle of towing on today's roads, setting up taking the best part of two hours, then packing up again in the rain.....We find it so easy and non stressful, just to park up, plug in, and relax.
However, even though I will never go back to pulling a van again, can only wish you both the best of luck.....Enjoy!

 

[Judge Mental]

The grass always looks greener on the other side.......

Most find motorhoming far more convenient than caravans. With a disability you just need to research where you intend to stay more carefully. And if staying in one spot there is always car hire if public transport not convenient. But really it's all down to the planning.

 

[simsy56]

We changed from a large a class Winnebago, to a fifth wheel outfit. Not dissimilar to a caravan. It suits us fine at the moment, arrive, push button for legs down, push button for slide out, plug in, done. That leave us with a truck to move around in. Ideal for us. Nothing is perfect.
Sometimes we hanker for an A, or B class, but, not just yet. I think.

Craig

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[Badknee]

I'm with Tootles on this one. We tugged a caravan down to Sicily last year and it was a nightmare. The whole of France and Italy seem geared up for MoHo's rather than caravans.

 

[robnchris]

A very good friend of ours has this summer changed from a motorhome to a caravan, they bought a brand new Bailey.
After their first summer they confessed it was the biggest mistake they had made, yes they have a family saloon to travel around in when they get to their destination but the hassle of loading and hitching up then the stress of towing only to have to unhitch and set up the caravan when they arrive is just too much.

They would often go away for short and weekend breaks in the motorhome, now with all the hassle of setting up the caravan they don`t do that anymore.
A real shame as they lost the excitement they had with the motorhome, they also think the caravan build quality isn`t as good as that of a motorhome, everything just feels so much more flimsy.

One size certainly doesn`t suit all.

 

[Badknee]

Bang on there robnchris.

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[funflair]

Hi Cat53

Whatever you do I am sure you will enjoy it, we caravanned for lots of years before the motorhome and I liked towing and to be honest I did not find the setting up much of a problem either we had an onboard water tank so could have the kettle on within minutes of coming off the towball, E&P do automatic levellers so no winding legs if you dont fancy that and yes you will have transport which is obviously important to you.

ENJOY

 

[gasman2008]

We never had a caravan, came to motor homing through the camper van route. The thing we like most about our m/h is as a day van. Because it is small we can park almost anywhere, then we have our "house in the country" for meals etc after walking the dogs. We do go away in it a few times a year as well, but it gets a lot more use as a day van. Must admit we are thinking of becoming tuggers when we retire and go away for longer, but will probably keep the m/h as the tow vehicle. Got to check all the costs first.

 

[alfandM]

Remember its not what you have,its how you use it! Enjoy every moment what you Have ,Regards Alf.

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[MattR]

... The huge costs involved was another factor in the equation. Neither of us was happy with a£97k cost that loses goodness knows how much as soon as you drive it away. .....

Would you really need to spend that much to get what you need in a MH?

 

[phil1946]

Since about 1970 we have had 2 caravans, a Volkswagen LT based campervan, a Hymer 694 and now the TREK (RV) and, financially, would prefer a caravan - but only financially!

For us the speed and ease of setting up, not having much to pack up before moving, ability to stop nearly anywhere and use the loo on motorways (after making a cuppa) win over the money every time.

Before you jump I would suggest that you have a look at the many MHs available for much less than the £90K plus that you mention.

Although we love our way of doing it I often tell people that if I had £100K to spend I would not be staying in any form of 'shed'.

Please do your homework to try and ensure it is not a costly mistake - good advice is to try and buy your last MH first.

Good luck with whatever you decide and please keep is informed.

 

[chaser]

My twopenth , for what it's worth, don't know your details but if as you say you are in a wheel chair, I would have thought it would be far easier in a mh when setting up, and the fact you can just stop anywhere must be a consideration, I have friends with caravans and mhs so no axe to grind, and as you say they are far cheaper to buy and run and your car wouldn't be standing when not useing your van, but also must be taken in consideration and you wouldn't be able to park on aires so campsite fees would come in to it, and don't know where you get 97 grand from , surely a third of that would get you somthing adequate.

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[Cat53]

The 97k is the quote we received from Coachbuilt GB to make a Kon Tiki 649 wheelchair accessible. Steve refuses to entertain the idea of a used Motorhome mainly because of the engine. He wants the reliability of new. I think this is the PTSD talking as he does find unexpected 'problems' causes him a lot of stress. He used to be able to handle anything life threw at him. He wants adventure with as much peace of mind as possible. As for two hours to set up a caravan...really? What on earth were you doing.? Surely everything has to be put away in a Motorhome when you just want to go to the shops? We are giving ourselves plenty of time to investigate different options. Look at the possible problems, see if they can be solved and if not, then Cape Town here we come.....which still has a pull and we have lived there. Also have good friends there.

 

[Spidey]

My sister and her husband bought an RV Safari trek a couple of years ago and loved the space etc. but my sister was too nervous a passenger and they decided to sell. They bought a caravan and tow car. They are now really happy she forgets it's there. Also helps as my BIL has mobility problems and can't walk far. They made sure it had a motor mover (essential). They also bought an air awning from Kampa. To get over the setup they keep all outdoor stuff in the boot of the car. That way if it is raining when they get to a site then it is legs down and the rest can be done later.

At exactly the same time we went from a caravan to a MH. We love touring and find everything easier.

Good luck with what ever choice you make as everyone needs/wants different things.

 

[Judge Mental]

+ not being able to overnight on convenient Aires, in towns and cities or on route somewhere

always having to looks for a campsite?

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