Left Hand Drive (1 Viewer)

[Gollom]

Still hesitant about getting something LHD. I can see the benefits of course when over the channel, but what is the downside of using in the UK? Appreciate that most driving in a MH is "to and from" so is there necessarily a problem?

Anybody out there hesitated also, then found nothing to be concerned about?

Thanks

 

[GAVLAD]

My brother has a left hand drive and he said it's easy to drive, although is concerned it may not attract as much interest as a RHD when it comes to resale.

You could ask @Techno100 as he's got a LHD Rapido which is very nice and I believe he loves it.

 

[orridge]

we have a LHD we brought for an extended trip around Europe and shorter trips as we are based close to the tunnel so easy for us to pop over, however the down sides were really more of initial concern rather that actual downsides now we have used it a lot in the UK.

• Being on the Left does sometimes make seeing from the right at some junctions harder, but generally only that that are not at 90 degrees and most of the time the passenger can see or you are high enough to see using the mirrors.
• The Hab door generally is on the right (offside) so parking on the left side of the road would mean stepping into the flow of traffic to use the door in which case we use the drivers door to exit.
• Some A-Class only have a single cab door and if this is on the right again means stepping out into the flow of traffic, this put us off some of the Hymers we looked at and settled on a Euramobile that had two cab doors.
• Driving around the kent countryside where we lived has some narrow lanes which means you are often closer to the hedgerow keeping left but again you are in a higher driving position so have a better view.

For the useage we have LHD suits us just fine.

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[rosalan]

Whilst I have no trouble driving in Europe with my RHD, for some reason I actually struggle more with LHD in Europe and America.... this makes no sense to me; it just is.

 

[scotjimland]

nothing to be concerned about?

not a thing..

I find it just as easy in the UK .. and a bonus when abroad

 

[Jaws]

I much prefer LHD and would have bought another one if I could have found the lay out etc ..
Big advantage is, as you say, when you are driving on the continent.. About the only downsides I found were if you are pulling on to a road when the junction is y shaped ( so I just fitted a small extra mirror for the very few times I was alone and without a passenger ) and the hab door is on the other side ( but we had this on all but one of our vans and never once had so much as a slight issue because of it.. In fact it had an advantage..
When we were plotted up with friends of family we could both park in the same direction and the doors / awnings faced each other..

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[JeanLuc]

Only had one motorhome and it's LHD (Hymer Star-Line). No real problems over here apart from taking care at angled junctions and roundabouts. Just keep far enough back and have decent wide angle mirrors.

Feels totally at home when over the Channel.

 

[Judge Mental]

Live in London and driving LHD over 20 years with no issues. Need to overtake a bus? just lean over in seat to look round it, dont even think about it and wife who is far form a confident driver just jumps in and drives.. years ago she used one for the school run and continued on to work. some Y junctions can be tricky when entering traffic at an angle but that's it..and how often does that happen..

Considering new van Im looking is betweeren £10-20K more here depending on who from its a no brainer to be honest. never had a problem selling or PX'ing it on

 

[Larrynwin]

It's a piece of cake, we have travelled throughout the UK and ROI and a fair bit over the water.
My only caveat is that as you question lhd suitability, others will too when you try to sell and there could be a negative effect on price.

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[Zepp]

Only had one motorhome and it's LHD (Hymer Star-Line). No real problems over here apart from taking care at angled junctions and roundabouts. Just keep far enough back and have decent wide angle mirrors.

Feels totally at home when over the Channel.

I agree with jeanluc just keep back at roundabouts .

I have been driving a LHD dethleffs for over six years and my next motorhome will be LHD .

Paul

 

[scotjimland]

Something to consider if you decide on a RHD continental A class van ..

The drivers cab door may still be on the left.. not very handy when you want to get out to refuel etc

 

[Judge Mental]

It's a piece of cake, we have travelled throughout the UK and ROI and a fair bit over the water.
My only caveat is that as you question lhd suitability, others will too when you try to sell and there could be a negative effect on price.

But you pay a lot less to begin with so it evens out. 9 vans in 20 years and I'm quids in to be honest. you manage that with a UK van....

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[FJmike]

Had a LHD for 7 years now and being an A class find it an advantage when negotiating narrow roads as being nearer the curb you can see exactly how close you are to over hanging branches etc. Like others have said care must be taken at Y junctions, the only other thing is getting used to changing gear with your right hand.

 

[Larrynwin]

But you pay a lot less to begin with so it evens out. 9 vans in 20 years and I'm quids in to be honest. you manage that with a UK van....

We will soon be buying new and may well consider buying over the water, provided no problem with warranties.

 

[Judge Mental]

We will soon be buying new and may well consider buying over the water, provided no problem with warranties.

If buying a Coachbuilt depending on manufacturer...I think buying from Belgium makes more sense in case of issues. what are you after?

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[Larrynwin]

If buying a Coachbuilt depending on manufacturer...I think buying from Belgium makes more sense in case of issues. what are you after?

Itineo SB720, need max 3500kgs sofas and locker for bikes. Not written in stone yet though.

 

[Bobndebs McKay]

We have LHD and have no issues really with driving it at home. I think we are so familiar with Britians Roads that it is easier to adapt, than driving a RHD on the Continent. Y shaped junctions can be a little short on vision, but Debs looks out for me and I have view through the two long windows on the right hand side ( see pic)
Go for it, I am sure you will be fine.

 

[Judge Mental]

Itineo SB720, need max 3500kgs sofas and locker for bikes. Not written in stone yet though.

http://www.itineo.co.uk/motorhome_sb_720.php

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unusual layout..I see the attraction but can you see a 7+ meter van working at 3500? They quote an empty weight of 2980kg... Sorry but cant see it myself!

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[Larrynwin]

http://www.itineo.co.uk/motorhome_sb_720.php

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unusual layout..I see the attraction but can you see a 7+ meter van working at 3500? They quote an empty weight of 2980kg... Sorry but cant see it myself!

Yes would need weight confirmation before going ahead, could just about manage with 500kg payload.

 

[Judge Mental]

Yes would need weight confirmation before going ahead, could just about manage with 500kg payload.

But there is the rub. even if the MIRO was 2980 it still would be extremely tight!. the MIRO probably well over 3200 which by the time you add any extras + kit and partner?

your money your choice..but there are not many vans that work @ 3500

 

[Techno]

My brother has a left hand drive and he said it's easy to drive, although is concerned it may not attract as much interest as a RHD when it comes to resale.

You could ask @Techno100 as he's got a LHD Rapido which is very nice and I believe he loves it.

The only downside I had was a blind spot when driving in UK but I put an extra window in.
If you believe it might affect re sale value then you should find one cheaper to buy in the first place BUT you won't cos it makes no difference.

Also if an X250 cab I get LHD mirrors direct from France cheaper than any for RHD in uk

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[Larrynwin]

But there is the rub. even if the MIRO was 2980 it still would be extremely tight!. the MIRO probably well over 3200 which by the time you add any extras + kit and partner?

your money your choice..but there are not many vans that work @ 3500

Oddly enough the 2003 Hymer B544 I have bought as a stopgap on weighbridge with 1/4 fuel , other tanks empty and no driver came in at 2780 kgs and it does have a roof aircon and satellite.

 

[Lenny HB]

Had more trouble adapting to the wide A Class windscreen than LHD down right scary on UK county lanes with tall hedges right up to the edge of the road, would I buy a RHD again no way I'm converted.

 

[Lenny HB]

• Some A-Class only have a single cab door and if this is on the right again means stepping out into the flow of traffic, this put us off some of the Hymers we looked at and settled on a Euramobile that had two cab doors..

Most A Class vans as standard only have a single habitation door, drivers door is an option ( most buyer opt for one, but I have seen quite a few without), as for a second cab door very rare.

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[davidbaldam]

Whilst I have no trouble driving in Europe with my RHD, for some reason I actually struggle more with LHD in Europe and America.... this makes no sense to me; it just is.

Drive a RHD and when in Europe fine it easier as I just hug the curb and have never had a problem, the few times I've hired a car over there I'm always disorientated and more than once have hit the right hand curb, once damaging the tyre beyond repair. Horses of courses.

 

[JeanLuc]

Regarding resale value, when we were searching for ours(we set out to find a LHD model) I never noticed any meaningful price difference between LHD and RHD. We were buying second hand (4 years old at the time). Perhaps it varies by brand, but Hymer B-class vans all seemed similar in price regardless of driving side. The biggest difference was between buying from an official dealer (Brownhills in those days) and a private specialist (Edgehill in our case).

 

[Mr B]

Still hesitant about getting something LHD. I can see the benefits of course when over the channel, but what is the downside of using in the UK? Appreciate that most driving in a MH is "to and from" so is there necessarily a problem?

Anybody out there hesitated also, then found nothing to be concerned about?

Thanks

Your mind is already used to driving in this country, so driving LHD is going to be easy IMO (well it is cos I'm doing it anyway). And when you go over the channel, it's even easier

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[lorger]

Should be easier to sell as all of Europe drive them where a RHD drive is unlikely to sell outside UK

 

[Lenny HB]

Should be easier to sell as all of Europe drive them where a RHD drive is unlikely to sell outside UK

That has always been my reasoning far bigger market for LHD vans.

 

[jongood]

Ive been on LHD for 4 years now. I wanted LHD because mostly continental use and it opens up our options for the next swap. Havent found it a problem in the UK at all, just make sure you buy one with decent mirrors.

btw have also been to Wales, ireland and Devon/Cornwall in it.

Jon

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