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[Geoff5]

Me and my partner or myself and my partner, whatever, are thinking of buying either a motorhome or caravan. We have never owned one before, but would love to have the opportunity to just get up and go somewhere, maybe even the continent for a holiday or to travel arround.

We both have limited funds and we simply don`t know what would be best. A motorhome or caravan. Can anyone give us an idea of the best first move should be and what the plusses and minusses of a motorhome and caravan.

Both our cars I know could not pull a caravan without a fight and we use them for our jobs. Also advice on motorhomes, considering our funds and any other novice advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Hayleylulu]

go for it and welcome to the fun

 

[pappajohn]

Me and my partner or myself and my partner, whatever, are thinking of buying either a motorhome or caravan. We have never owned one before, but would love to have the opportunity to just get up and go somewhere, maybe even the continent for a holiday or to travel arround.

We both have limited funds and we simply don`t know what would be best. A motorhome or caravan. Can anyone give us an idea of the best first move should be and what the plusses and minusses of a motorhome and caravan.

Both our cars I know could not pull a caravan without a fight and we use them for our jobs. Also advice on motorhomes, considering our funds and any other novice advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

Hi geoff,

you missed one out mate.....my partner and i..

seriously...it all depends on what you want out of it.
it sounds as though you would need a bigger car to tow a caravan so with that and the expense of buying a caravan as well you would be better buying a good used motorhome.
you dont give any clue as to your price range but a reasonable m/h could be bought for £5000 or less. if you want to go really cheap you could get one for a couple of thou but id be very carefull regarding damp, rust on chassis and cab and general condition.

most things can be put right easily, furnishings ect, but damp is a killer and can be VERY expensive to correct, if at all.

the only downside with a m/h is having to MOT, tax and insure it but i'v found the insurance for a caravan is about as much as for a m/h anyway.
fuel consumption would be about the same as tugging a van.

the upside is you can go where you want, when you want without all the bother of loading up, hitching and unhitching on site ect.
it takes us about 10mins from pulling on the handbrake to sitting outside with a beer.......steady's down, awning out, fridge on gas/mains, waterpump turned on and sat dish tuned in.
i'v seen tuggers take an hour just to get the awning up

the only upside i can see to tugging is you have no wasted space ie: no unusable cab area, and you have a car to use while on site.

personal choice will be a motorhome everytime. (we do also have a 24ft twin axle caravan but havent used it since we got this m/h a year ago)

good luck in your decision....

john.

 

[Peter JohnsCross MH]

Hi Geoff and other half, welcome to FUN

PappaJoihn has summed it up nicely, but I am sure others will offer their advice in due course.

REgards

Peter

 

[Geoff5]

VW camper vans

I see agreat number of the classic VW camper vans and I was wondering one of these would be good for two just starting in this lark. I know I wouldn`t go for the very old vans because of maintenence, rust etc. I hear though that there are much more updated versions of this old classic and in very good shape.

Are they quite reliable and what sort of money are we talking about to get a decent one. And do some come as automatics.

Thanks.

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[pappajohn]

I see agreat number of the classic VW camper vans and I was wondering one of these would be good for two just starting in this lark. I know I wouldn`t go for the very old vans because of maintenence, rust etc. I hear though that there are much more updated versions of this old classic and in very good shape.

Are they quite reliable and what sort of money are we talking about to get a decent one. And do some come as automatics.

Thanks.

not that many of the old originals left as most just rotted away and those that are still running are vastly overpriced.

have a look on ebay......looks like circa £3,500 to £4,000 for a twenty year old model.
you'd be better spending that much on a coachbuilt motorhome and have a lot more living space.

only my opinion:thumb:

john.

 

[Geoff5]

Auto transmision

Hi all,

As well as manuals, are there many used automatic transmision campervans arround.

Thanks.

 

[Geoff5]

Beginner.

I gues we are still beginners here as we do not even own a motorhome as yet. We have been looking on autotrader lately and there seems to be some good 4 berths not far from us. On the autotrader online it does`nt give you the option to search for automatic transmitions, as it would for cars.

Is this because there are few of them arround? Me and my partner would like an automatic so we both can drive it.

No doubt fuel would be an issue as autos do drink a bit more.

oh:

 

[haganap]

Hi Geoff,
There are autos around but obviously not as many as manual and also probably a premium added. It really is a case of what you want and then sticking to it.
For example, I love the VWs and seen a couple of really nice ones on ebay, but could you go without a loo and washroom? or you are more likely to restrict yourself to facility campsites. I prefer a motorhome over a caravan purely because I feel the MH gives us more freedom and we like to move about a lot.
Good luck with your hunting. Why not take a show or two in and have alook at some MHs and see if they float your boat. You could of course get a good idea of layout.

If you were really keen on landing yourself a VW and wanted reliability, for 30k Danum motor company do a brand new retro VW camper based on a 1968/70 model but of course made with all todays engenereeing and using the modern engine and brakes etc. However still no toilet.

 

[slickmouse]

Don't buy old Volkswagen rubbish you'll only break down and spend all your time farting about with it.
Go on ebay set your limit/budget remember insurance and storage plus mileage then ask the seller all the questions and if happy bid on it.
If it turns out to be a bag of shite then WALK away as there's loads about

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[Bulletguy]

I see a great number of the classic VW camper vans and I was wondering one of these would be good for two just starting in this lark. I know I wouldn`t go for the very old vans because of maintenence, rust etc. I hear though that there are much more updated versions of this old classic and in very good shape.

Are they quite reliable and what sort of money are we talking about to get a decent one. And do some come as automatics.

Forget it!!
Not because they are no good. They are. But the type you are talking about are damned expensive. A well looked after 20 or 30 yr old classic VW camper can fetch anything from £5 - 15k. They are more for the VW enthusiast.

As for rust, you will find that on far later model mh's which have simply been neglected by the owners. If it's surface rust, that can easily be sorted. If its panel rot you will be looking at welding and possible panel replacement. Choice of brand and make play a big part here. Buy some obscure mh/camper, and parts/panels will be expensive......if available. Buy something which is 'common as muck' and parts will be plentiful and dirt cheap, plus you will have a regular source of used spares via local breakers yards.

 

[roger loiselle]

Hi all,

As well as manuals, are there many used automatic transmision campervans arround.

Thanks.

HeyHo, I have recently bought a new automatic (Fiat 3 Litre). There is a slight hesitation on changing gears but there again It is not a performance sport car. The big advantage for the Fiat driver is that there is no reverse judder with an automatic.
Tied in with cruise control and a larger engine the effeciency is splendid.

Regards Roger Loiselle

 

[hilldweller]

Me and my partner or myself and my partner, whatever, are thinking of buying either a motorhome or caravan.

We been MHers for just over a year and our observations on site say: Long stay and a caraven gives more space and a car to run around. MH is turn the key and move on.

A MH suits us, a load Of Scotland, Paris, then to Venice in our first year.

Morocco starts our second year.


Brian.

 

[staging lady]

Go on ebay set your limit/......then ask the seller all the questions and if happy bid on it.
If it turns out to be a bag of shite then WALK away as there's loads about[/QUOTE]
Hi and welcome. We have just done our first year in the MH . That's the way we got our 1990 Frankia our first MH. We spent a long time researching prices and vans on ebay, read the sellers feedback, rang up and asked all the questions, did some research with the Vin number on websites that tell you if has been stolen and then bid on it. Luckily it has been a great buy.
As has been said; do you want to Motorhome in all 4 seasons in cold climates or just in summer? get a winterised van if you do. Is it for just a couple or will children stay -fixed bed,bunks,2 fixed singles, overcab (great for the athletic)or pull down bed.? Do you like cooking and need oven/grill and worksurface that's large. or prefer to have minimum cooking facilities?Do you like to socialise so need rear lounge and separate area for kids and friends when it rains?
Hope this helps,
Lucille

 

[eribiste]

Beginning M/homing

There's a lot to be said for looking at 4 berth coachbuilt motorhomes (the type with the Luton over the cab) There are a lot about because it's probably the most popular type. Auto's may squeeze your options a little, but they are out there. Van conversions are also widely available. Modest size with ease of use/parking but you may have to do without a toilet. Not an option for me, I like my private creature comforts, especially in France!

Having a look around the dealerships to do your research is useful and all part of the fun. Don't worry about finding the perfect motorhome, it doesn't exist! My own view is that comfortable day lounging is worth concentrating on; the U shaped rear lounge is good for this, but as in all things you must suit yourself of course.

My own bus is a 1999 Hymer. 2.9 diesel with an auto 'box. I get around 26 mpg with 'moderate' driving.

Eribiste