Langtoftlad
LIFE MEMBER
- Apr 12, 2011
- 8,861
- 150,795
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- 16,024
- MH
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- Since 2015
Hello – my name is Steve.
I’m not sure where my first post should be – introductions, beginners, solos ???
Probably a section of my own, entitled disjointed rambles!
I’m a singleton, no trauma no drama, just prefer to live my life on my own… yet I see a dog as a faithful companion in my future, probably a retired greyhound!
I’m what you might call a pre-beginner because as yet I have no motorhome, neither any experience of.
I can’t claim to be a camper nor a caravanner… but I have a plan.
I shall be 54 this year & expect to be able to retire in a couple of years time. I love to travel and my job has been ideal as I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world from San Francisco to Sydney – yet I know little of my own country, Britain. I’ve never been to Devon or Cornwall; I’ve never visited the Lake District. My experience of Scotland is limited to Glasgow & a day trip to Edinburgh… you can see where I’m going with this.
I first thought about a Motorhome but I doubted I could afford one & colleagues persuaded me that a caravan was better. I agreed.
I did my research and found a couple of caravans which met my criteria, and which my current car would safely tug. I had a towbar fitted & even went on a caravanning towing course… yet when an endowment matured allowing the financing of said ‘van, I did not buy it – why? I’m already part time so have plenty of time to venture forth. It doesn’t have to wait until I retire.
Then about a couple of months ago, I had a bit of an epiphany.
I’m not sure what came first, reading various “Caravan or Motorhome” threads, or learning that both Tribute & Escape do a range of entry level MH’s at £35k-£40k which for me is achievable.
The idea of the fun being the journey is much more me than the notion of trekking to a spot & setting up base & exploring from there. The idea of travelling light and moving on appeals immensely.
I fancy CL/CS sites or perhaps a bit of Wild, if I’m brave enough, rather than the larger regimented camps. I also fancy dropping in on some of the rallies & get togethers as I pass along.
I’m immensely appreciative of everyone here who takes the time to share their wisdom & experience. I’ve learnt so much already. So thank you one & all.
I would like to know, how one chooses your MH. There are so many variables. The normal law of economics doesn’t seem to apply… a two berth panel conversion campervan can cost more than six berth coachbuilt.
But I’ve learnt that getting this choice right is the most cost effective thing any motorhomer can do.
My list of “must haves” is short and not too helpful.
So not many to choose from! :Cool:
I did go to the P’Boro (local to me) show last month and got myself totally confused by salesmen telling me I didn’t want this, I did need that.
Only for me (and a dog), yet I’m looking at six berths because of the space – and thinking about my mates who promise to come and ‘visit’.
I’m liking the look of the Tribute T-720… six berth on a Ford, end lounge for err, lounging, separate diner, overcab fixed bed, great layout for visitors, in budget and just about fits on the drive… but where does all your stuff go? The outside table & chairs, the BBQ, but hang on, I want to travel light, get up and go.
At the show I saw a Chausson Flash 04 and was left distinctly unimpressed because there was no lounge area, just a dinette. I didn’t swallow the salesman’s patter, why do you need a lounge? All you’ll be doing in it is driving, eating & sleeping.
Yet over the last couple of weeks, the layout has wormed its way into my affections… compact, 6m with all the benefits that brings. Huge garage for all the clutter I don’t want to be burdened with! What about the lack of lounging space? Well, I’ve realised that when I’m on work trips, in fairly luxurious hotels, I lounge about on the bed. My last hotel had two sofas, a desk, table etc – where did I relax? On the bed!
So perhaps the Flash 04 (or similar) would suit me better? The dinette converts into a single bunk for me should any of the threats of visitations materialise.
Happily I’ve discovered I can rent both layouts – so can try before I decide, even if I just park it on my drive for a week & live in it!
Financially, I have to wait until a second endowment matures before I can invest in one – so plenty of time to work out the contradictions raging in my noodle, and plenty of time to discover more.
It’s exciting innit!
I’m not sure where my first post should be – introductions, beginners, solos ???
Probably a section of my own, entitled disjointed rambles!
I’m a singleton, no trauma no drama, just prefer to live my life on my own… yet I see a dog as a faithful companion in my future, probably a retired greyhound!
I’m what you might call a pre-beginner because as yet I have no motorhome, neither any experience of.
I can’t claim to be a camper nor a caravanner… but I have a plan.
I shall be 54 this year & expect to be able to retire in a couple of years time. I love to travel and my job has been ideal as I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world from San Francisco to Sydney – yet I know little of my own country, Britain. I’ve never been to Devon or Cornwall; I’ve never visited the Lake District. My experience of Scotland is limited to Glasgow & a day trip to Edinburgh… you can see where I’m going with this.
I first thought about a Motorhome but I doubted I could afford one & colleagues persuaded me that a caravan was better. I agreed.
I did my research and found a couple of caravans which met my criteria, and which my current car would safely tug. I had a towbar fitted & even went on a caravanning towing course… yet when an endowment matured allowing the financing of said ‘van, I did not buy it – why? I’m already part time so have plenty of time to venture forth. It doesn’t have to wait until I retire.
Then about a couple of months ago, I had a bit of an epiphany.
I’m not sure what came first, reading various “Caravan or Motorhome” threads, or learning that both Tribute & Escape do a range of entry level MH’s at £35k-£40k which for me is achievable.
The idea of the fun being the journey is much more me than the notion of trekking to a spot & setting up base & exploring from there. The idea of travelling light and moving on appeals immensely.
I fancy CL/CS sites or perhaps a bit of Wild, if I’m brave enough, rather than the larger regimented camps. I also fancy dropping in on some of the rallies & get togethers as I pass along.
I’m immensely appreciative of everyone here who takes the time to share their wisdom & experience. I’ve learnt so much already. So thank you one & all.
I would like to know, how one chooses your MH. There are so many variables. The normal law of economics doesn’t seem to apply… a two berth panel conversion campervan can cost more than six berth coachbuilt.
But I’ve learnt that getting this choice right is the most cost effective thing any motorhomer can do.
My list of “must haves” is short and not too helpful.
- A fixed bed – but I don’t have a problem scrambling up ladders to overcabs, nor claustrophobia.
- A toilet and a shower!
- Less than 7 meters in length to fit on my driveway
- Budget £35k to £40k new or used.
- Probably cab aircon.
So not many to choose from! :Cool:
I did go to the P’Boro (local to me) show last month and got myself totally confused by salesmen telling me I didn’t want this, I did need that.
Only for me (and a dog), yet I’m looking at six berths because of the space – and thinking about my mates who promise to come and ‘visit’.
I’m liking the look of the Tribute T-720… six berth on a Ford, end lounge for err, lounging, separate diner, overcab fixed bed, great layout for visitors, in budget and just about fits on the drive… but where does all your stuff go? The outside table & chairs, the BBQ, but hang on, I want to travel light, get up and go.
At the show I saw a Chausson Flash 04 and was left distinctly unimpressed because there was no lounge area, just a dinette. I didn’t swallow the salesman’s patter, why do you need a lounge? All you’ll be doing in it is driving, eating & sleeping.
Yet over the last couple of weeks, the layout has wormed its way into my affections… compact, 6m with all the benefits that brings. Huge garage for all the clutter I don’t want to be burdened with! What about the lack of lounging space? Well, I’ve realised that when I’m on work trips, in fairly luxurious hotels, I lounge about on the bed. My last hotel had two sofas, a desk, table etc – where did I relax? On the bed!
So perhaps the Flash 04 (or similar) would suit me better? The dinette converts into a single bunk for me should any of the threats of visitations materialise.
Happily I’ve discovered I can rent both layouts – so can try before I decide, even if I just park it on my drive for a week & live in it!
Financially, I have to wait until a second endowment matures before I can invest in one – so plenty of time to work out the contradictions raging in my noodle, and plenty of time to discover more.
It’s exciting innit!