Absolute Beginner (1 Viewer)

[Deckard]

Hey guys, this is my first post here and I am looking for some feedback/advice/opinions...

I am thinking of "almost fulltiming" ... well 3-5 days a week some weekends back "at base" with a view to doing 468 week jaunts into europe in the future... I dont have a massive budget so I am looking at older units upto £20k

I have been reading this forum for the last couple of months, looking round the web and generally filling my head with MH stuff...

I have some questions...(you knew that was coming didnt you!)

The Vans I like tend to be bigger and I love the space a tag unit brings..
e.g. Link Removed

I dont want to feel like i'm couped up - but what are the downsides with vans of this size?
Do they cost more on ferries?
Does it need to goto a specialist garage (to accomodate it)
Are they a pain to live with? - eg. limited places to stop
I see a lot of people replacing timing belts with very low mileages - i had a diesel van that did 90K before it needed such things??
I know i need "fully winterised" - but what is it really and how do i check when viewing? (have read some posts here about vents being left open, holes in floors etc.)
What can i expect from older vans ... will pumps need replacing, heating units, fridges etc (as this may affect the total budget)
How do the "season" pitches work - can I book for 10-11 months of the year? ( will usually be away for weekends either in the van or back at base)


OK thats a few questions (sorry) just looking to get as much info to be able to make a (more) educated guess on getting my new life started

 

[maz]

Hi Deckard and welcome to the Fun! :welcome:

That's a whole shed-load of questions you've got there - but you've come to the right place to ask them.

I'll make a start on the tag axle questions as I've got one:

1. Tags are usually over 3.5 tonne so you need to check whether your licence covers you to drive one. If you took your test before 1997 there's no problem due to 'grandfather rights'; after that you need to take another test. Six tyres to replace instead of four.

2. I use truck garages for mine but you can always ring round 'ordinary' garages to check that they can cope with size/weight.

3. I don't find it a pain to live with because of its size (quite the opposite) but you have to think ahead a bit if wanting to park in towns or anywhere a bit on the small side. Google Satellite is a good way of checking access to car parks, etc.

 

[Taran_Las]

:welcome:


I'm sure £20K will get you a very good 'van for your purposes. One secret I've learned is not to get excited when browsing. Take your time. Visit shows & dealers and if necessary visit them again. Good luck:thumb:

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