Extras and upgrades - which are most important?

[newbiecamper]

Hello. I’m still doing my research before taking the plunge with a 5.4m PVC. I’m new to the whole scene and am still working out what ‘essentials and extras’ I would need. I would be interested in your views. For example, solar panel, extra leisure battery, insulated waste water tank, blind spot assist, reversing cameras, alarm…. The list seems endless. I want as much assistance as possible with driving, and be as comfortable and safe as possible.

I started looking at second hand vans but want an automatic, which are hard to find, and 3-4 year old vans with a good spec are selling for not much less than brand new, so I’m thinking I might as well buy new on the basis that I will get what I want and it will hold its value well. It seems I would have to buy unseen as the dealerships don’t have any in stock to view and, even if they did, they don’t allow test drives! As I’ve never driven a van before it seems rather daunting.

Also, what are the general annual running costs with a motorhome, including insurance, servicing, maintenance etc.?

Any thoughts will be gratefully received. It would mostly just me and my two dogs travelling.

TIA

 

[Kirsten]

Welcome
extras depend on what type of camping you intend to do - if mainly on sites with ehu solar extra leisure battery maybe not needed. If wilding in uk in summer they would be handy. Insulated waste good for skiing jaunts - blind spot assist and reversing cameras good on bigger vans - depends on your driving skills . I am sure someone with more expertise will answer soon - possibly some things could be retro fitted (? Cheaper) if you find you need them.
Possibly hire a similar van before you buy to see what driving it is like if no test drives? Good luck and have fun

 

[EuroTrotters]

Cab air conditioning and auto gearbox

 

[funflair]

The list is indeed endless and a lot of the “must have” extras depends on how you are going to use the van.

If you are going to be using sites and hook up then extra solar and batteries are not high up the list, but if you are not then yes and again how much of each will depend on your useage.

Likewise extra tank insulation if you are going out in the winter.

 

[deleted79651]

Also, what are the general annual running costs with a motorhome, including insurance, servicing, maintenance etc.?

Bought our Van in Apr 21 and I have a detailed spreadsheet for every category of expenditure to give me overall cost for depreciation over 7 years], loan interest, repairs servicing & upgrades/additions, VED, insurance, fuel; and also the per mile equivalent, and it's breathtaking/eyewatering! Things like the depreciation don't actually cost you cash, but I use the cost as an indicator or measure against the repairs cost [which is obviously a cash cost]. When the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of depreciation, it's time to think about changing the vehicle.

We have covered 2577 miles since purchase; we've had a Lithium Battery & Refillable Gas system fitted, and spent a further £200 or so on Bike Covers+ Warning Signs, a DIY water pump for refilling the tank without having to drive 75m each way to the water tap with a cold engine etc,, in all about £1925 of 'one off' setting up costs. Fuel to date has cost £513 [Ave 31mpg], Insurance £495, VED £270, Depreciation £7,600 +Loan Interest, which you will need to calculate based on your own circumstances.

Just about 5 months of usage and the total costs, including non cash costs, are £22,276 or a more reasonable £4.83 per mile ... cheaper to book a hotel and hire a taxi!]. BUT, this assumes that the Van is scrapped after 7 years and I get nothing for it. In practice, when I P/Ex a vehicle, I add the value back to the spreadsheet and it recalculates the depreciation costs, both in total and per mile. Because I'm OCD/Anal retentive, the spreadsheet records these figures for every year of ownership, total & per mile, for each of the expense categories, so that after 7 years I can sit down and have a good cry, thinking what I could have done with all that money ...

Steve

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[David and Sally]

Corkscrew and bottle opener.

 

[phase3begins]

Go to the next Motorhome show and walk around the camping ground Area. Most folk are only too happy to discuss / show off their vans.
Better to see what is being used and how the owners feel about the various bits.

 

[Al n Val]

Bought our Van in Apr 21 and I have a detailed spreadsheet for every category of expenditure to give me overall cost for depreciation over 7 years], loan interest, repairs servicing & upgrades/additions, VED, insurance, fuel; and also the per mile equivalent, and it's breathtaking/eyewatering! Things like the depreciation don't actually cost you cash, but I use the cost as an indicator or measure against the repairs cost [which is obviously a cash cost]. When the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of depreciation, it's time to think about changing the vehicle.

We have covered 2577 miles since purchase; we've had a Lithium Battery & Refillable Gas system fitted, and spent a further £200 or so on Bike Covers+ Warning Signs, a DIY water pump for refilling the tank without having to drive 75m each way to the water tap with a cold engine etc,, in all about £1925 of 'one off' setting up costs. Fuel to date has cost £513 [Ave 31mpg], Insurance £495, VED £270, Depreciation £7,600 +Loan Interest, which you will need to calculate based on your own circumstances.

Just about 5 months of usage and the total costs, including non cash costs, are £22,276 or a more reasonable £4.83 per mile ... cheaper to book a hotel and hire a taxi!]. BUT, this assumes that the Van is scrapped after 7 years and I get nothing for it. In practice, when I P/Ex a vehicle, I add the value back to the spreadsheet and it recalculates the depreciation costs, both in total and per mile. Because I'm OCD/Anal retentive, the spreadsheet records these figures for every year of ownership, total & per mile, for each of the expense categories, so that after 7 years I can sit down and have a good cry, thinking what I could have done with all that money ...

Steve

bloody hell

if I thought about it like you Steve i’d cut my throat

Just buy what you want, not what you need, then get your hand in ya pocket and pay what it costs, is my philosophy

 

[deleted79651]

bloody hell

if I thought about it like you Steve i’d cut my throat

Just buy what you want, not what you need, then get your hand in ya pocket and pay what it costs, is my philosophy

I know. Despite all my analysis and data recording, I still read about the latest accessories etc and If we decide that they'll improve the Van or add convenience/reassurance, I just think 'sod it' and get the plastic out [which explains the high costs to date!]

But keeping track of what's been replaced/added and when does soothe my furrowed brow, and help me to plan for the renewals! And [trying to] plan Brunhilde's first trip to Spain this year, I have been able to use the data from the previous visits to calculate the budgets for this year ... Doesn't everybody keep a list of their Spanish Winter Sun supermarket trips and the cost of individual items? [that's another spreadsheet ...]. Oh, it's just me, then ...

The avatar has a picture of Brunhilde, so if we turn up at a Rally, feel free to give us a wide berth; most sane folk do ...

Steve

 

[Waveski]

I’ve had my 5.4m PVC for 4 years. The most important initial options for me was to have cab air conditioning, an underslung refillable gas tank ( saves very valuable space in a small van), Remis internal blinds fitted in the cab area and above all a Vanbitz alarm system. Most other options can be fitted later dependent on preference; solar panels, extra battery, tv aerial, wind out awning, external bbq point, battery monitor, extra USB sockets etc. I’m also a solo traveller and a good sat nav is essential. If you are considering an electric bike think about a tow bar and bike rack system which will allow the rear doors to open.

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[Otter Spotter]

Bought our Van in Apr 21 and I have a detailed spreadsheet for every category of expenditure to give me overall cost for depreciation over 7 years], loan interest, repairs servicing & upgrades/additions, VED, insurance, fuel; and also the per mile equivalent, and it's breathtaking/eyewatering! Things like the depreciation don't actually cost you cash, but I use the cost as an indicator or measure against the repairs cost [which is obviously a cash cost]. When the cost of repairs exceeds the cost of depreciation, it's time to think about changing the vehicle.

We have covered 2577 miles since purchase; we've had a Lithium Battery & Refillable Gas system fitted, and spent a further £200 or so on Bike Covers+ Warning Signs, a DIY water pump for refilling the tank without having to drive 75m each way to the water tap with a cold engine etc,, in all about £1925 of 'one off' setting up costs. Fuel to date has cost £513 [Ave 31mpg], Insurance £495, VED £270, Depreciation £7,600 +Loan Interest, which you will need to calculate based on your own circumstances.

Just about 5 months of usage and the total costs, including non cash costs, are £22,276 or a more reasonable £4.83 per mile ... cheaper to book a hotel and hire a taxi!]. BUT, this assumes that the Van is scrapped after 7 years and I get nothing for it. In practice, when I P/Ex a vehicle, I add the value back to the spreadsheet and it recalculates the depreciation costs, both in total and per mile. Because I'm OCD/Anal retentive, the spreadsheet records these figures for every year of ownership, total & per mile, for each of the expense categories, so that after 7 years I can sit down and have a good cry, thinking what I could have done with all that money ...

Steve

Can I ask, do you get stressed out if you cannot log all this and be able to analyse it or do you stress more when you read the results? its interesting that the word analysis /analyse is made up of the word ‘anal’ I know you used a emoji but I wonder if you would be better off just chilling and enjoying the road to eternity and just try and make the journey ‘as long as you want it to be’

 

[Al n Val]

I know. Despite all my analysis and data recording, I still read about the latest accessories etc and If we decide that they'll improve the Van or add convenience/reassurance, I just think 'sod it' and get the plastic out [which explains the high costs to date!]

But keeping track of what's been replaced/added and when does soothe my furrowed brow, and help me to plan for the renewals! And [trying to] plan Brunhilde's first trip to Spain this year, I have been able to use the data from the previous visits to calculate the budgets for this year ... Doesn't everybody keep a list of their Spanish Winter Sun supermarket trips and the cost of individual items? [that's another spreadsheet ...]. Oh, it's just me, then ...

The avatar has a picture of Brunhilde, so if we turn up at a Rally, feel free to give us a wide berth; most sane folk do ...

Steve

here’s a list of our “extras ”

E&P levelling system
Truma Aventa aircon
85cm self seeking sat dish
Extra tv in bedroom
Rainbow Screen covers
Bonnet stone guard
LED headlights
2 x 11kg Gaslow
280w Solar panels with Victron MPPT Smart controller
Victron DC to DC charger
2 x Leoch PLCarbon 100ah batteries
390XXL Kampa Awning with mat
6 mtr windbreak
Chassis mounted folding Motorbike/Cycle rack
2 x Folding elec bikes
Heosafe Deadlocks and Cat1 Alarm with tracker
Disklok (very good btw)


I’m thinking of a full leather upgrade atm as well

There’s a myriad of other stuff and no doubt some I can’t think of

I’ve no idea how much is all cost and not really interested tbh as it’s my intention to make my time in the motorhome as easy and enjoyable as possible

 

[berni109]

You will be really restricting your choice if it has to be 5.4mts.
Many PVC's are built on 6 or 6.4mt base vehicles.
Driving a PVC is a very car like experience just without the interior mirror.
Hire a van (not motorhome) for a day and give it a try.
You need to decide how and when you will be using a motorhome so we can offer better advice.

 

[ChrisL]

As has been said it depends on how you will be using the van, I would fit gaslow or similar as that is very convenient and will save you money in the longer term, extra security is pretty much essential so vanbitz alarm and deadlocks etc. Some dealers will let you test drive there vans, I can recommend MDG at Poole who let me test drive an 8.3 mtr A class, which I later purchased, overall they have been very good to deal with, they also have a company that specialises in PVC's and day vans so worth checking out.

 

[deleted79651]

Can I ask, do you get stressed out if you cannot log all this and be able to analyse it or do you stress more when you read the results? its interesting that the word analysis /analyse is made up of the word ‘anal’ I know you used a emoji but I wonder if you would be better off just chilling and enjoying the road to eternity and just try and make the journey ‘as long as you want it to be’

Naw, I can do both at the same time I find the exercise quite therapeutic, and I always have my phone or laptop available to record the data I collect. And there's always a pad and a couple of pens in the cab to scribble down refuel details at the Pumps so that I don't delay other drivers!

There is another practical value for me. If the present mpg [calculated tank to tank on the first click of the cutoff] changes dramatically without my being able to explain it [trip to Stonehaven with almost full water/diesel for Wildcamping so lots of climbing and extra weight], then it may well be early warning of a looming problem. That and cleaning the engine bay every time that Brunhilde is washed so that I can spot any leaks, dribbles or spillages and try to avert a roadside problem, means that I can then relax on the trip [although I do work out ETA and average speed in my head whilst I'm driving to keep my brain from nodding off! I used to use the motorway markings to do a quick speedo calibration, but I can use the GPS now!]

I'm happy in my own wee world, alongside Elaine, and there's very little that I would want to change; because, being retired, fully jagged [Scots term for jab], and, once I have resolved my spat with the Courts Service over repeated [allegedly random] Jury Service citations, if I were unhappy with any of the 'pre flight checks', data collection etc, I can change the routines to restore my tranquility

Steve

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[SpeedyDux]

5.4m PVC is enough for solo trips, but not sure about 2 dogs - depends how big they are!

Everyone's list of extras and upgrades would be different and a lot depends on how you will use it.

Mine would include cab aircon, Remis cab blinds, auto gearbox, more powerful engine, rear parking sensors (some prefer a reversing camera), diesel fired heating, roll out awning, silver paint finish (doesn't show the dirt like white would) and half leather upholstery. Accessories include mirror protectors and headlamp protectors because of the expense of replacements.

Insurance is surprisingly cheap but scheduled maintenance by a Fiat Professional workshop isn't. Diesel works out at about 29 mpg but I don't keep spreadsheets ... anyway I don't really want to know the cost per mile and accept it will cost more than a car to run.

 

[gpat]

For me...alloy wheels. Everything else I can do without

 

[hja]

Where would you keep it? Drive or storage? Will you be able to plug into mains in winter to keep batteries charged? Solar may well help with that, especially Spring and Autumn.
auto gear box definitely.
Will you want internet? We had it installed in this van and have found it useful. Never got on with tethering to phone.

 

[deleted79651]

here’s a list of our “extras ”

E&P levelling system
Truma Aventa aircon
85cm self seeking sat dish
Extra tv in bedroom
Rainbow Screen covers
Bonnet stone guard
LED headlights
2 x 11kg Gaslow
280w Solar panels with Victron MPPT Smart controller
Victron DC to DC charger
2 x Leoch PLCarbon 100ah batteries
390XXL Kampa Awning with mat
6 mtr windbreak
Chassis mounted folding Motorbike/Cycle rack
2 x Folding elec bikes
Heosafe Deadlocks and Cat1 Alarm with tracker
Disklok (very good btw)


I’m thinking of a full leather upgrade atm as well

There’s a myriad of other stuff and no doubt some I can’t think of

I’ve no idea how much is all cost and not really interested tbh as it’s my intention to make my time in the motorhome as easy and enjoyable as possible

Well, Al, now I've finished slavering, here's an idea. If you want to repeat the exercise for our Van, I can verify the list and tot up the cost so that we can both rest easy ... God loves a trier!

Steve

 

[Jonno1103]

I know. Despite all my analysis and data recording, I still read about the latest accessories etc and If we decide that they'll improve the Van or add convenience/reassurance, I just think 'sod it' and get the plastic out [which explains the high costs to date!]

But keeping track of what's been replaced/added and when does soothe my furrowed brow, and help me to plan for the renewals! And [trying to] plan Brunhilde's first trip to Spain this year, I have been able to use the data from the previous visits to calculate the budgets for this year ... Doesn't everybody keep a list of their Spanish Winter Sun supermarket trips and the cost of individual items? [that's another spreadsheet ...]. Oh, it's just me, then ...

The avatar has a picture of Brunhilde, so if we turn up at a Rally, feel free to give us a wide berth; most sane folk do ...

Steve

Steve if your heading to Spain on the ferry get your own BF Club Voyage, you'll more than save the membership cost on a single crossing. We have both for France & Spain and save a small fortune... bit of a ferry anorak so always find an excuse to travel on one anywhere in Europe. We also have memberships for Color Line, Tallink & GNV and the loyalty cards get a few free upgrades on Stena, Viking & DFDS too.

I admire your spreadsheets. For us we simply spend what needs to be spent we we need to spend it... Spent years calculating but now at 53 and into year 6 of retirement the brain is enjoying the rest although I do need to make that a full time conscious decision at times!

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[vzac]

have you read what this bike needs. good poem.
My advice is buy it, use it, when you go to bed frustrated, say wish this, then buy it. AS well as holidays etc, its a hobby. If you have everything at the beginning it gets boring (for me anyway) i am always wanting to improve, so i waste money on improvements that actually are not cost effective, just say changing a perfectly good fridge for a slightly better one is not good value.
Just enjoy it. and yes speak to people, visit shows ralleys etc

 

[deleted79651]

Steve if your heading to Spain on the ferry get your own BF Club Voyage, you'll more than save the membership cost on a single crossing. We have both for France & Spain and save a small fortune... bit of a ferry anorak so always find an excuse to travel on one anywhere in Europe. We also have memberships for Color Line, Tallink & GNV and the loyalty cards get a few free upgrades on Stena, Viking & DFDS too.

I admire your spreadsheets. For us we simply spend what needs to be spent we we need to spend it... Spent years calculating but now at 53 and into year 6 of retirement the brain is enjoying the rest although I do need to make that a full time conscious decision at times!

Cheers, Jonno!

We went on a Baltic Cruise that started in Stockholm in Aug 2019 after I had had another pulmonary embolism, so Elaine came up with the idea of travelling by train from Fife over a 3 day stint, instead of the 2 hours or so flight [which is how I tend to get embolisms]. When we were waiting to clear Passport Control in Ijmuiden, Elaine spotted the DFDS Wall of Maps showing their Baltic Routes etc ... So they're on the List to do!

I wouldn't want to give the wrong impression. The costings and recording is a hobby/information source, but when we cut loose, we don't hold back ... Between late October 17 and early May 18, we spent about 79 nights cruising to Cuba & the Caribbean, South America [Chile to Argentina] and Yokohama to Seattle via the Alaska Glaciers etc, which was an insane programme. We struggled to get back and draw breath before clearing off again, but, looking back, I'm glad we took a 'sod the cost' approach

Steve

 

[Al n Val]

Well, Al, now I've finished slavering, here's an idea. If you want to repeat the exercise for our Van, I can verify the list and tot up the cost so that we can both rest easy ... God loves a trier!

Steve

LOL

I might be repeating it all on a new van if I could find one I like more, the room in ours has really spoilt us tbh Steve especially as its our first moho as well.

We picked right the first time it seems

 

[rolosroller]

Solar Lpg Mirror protectors

 

[deleted79651]

LOL

I might be repeating it all on a new van if I could find one I like more, the room in ours has really spoilt us tbh Steve especially as its our first moho as well.

We picked right the first time it seems

Congratulations! We too are happy with Brunhilde which is our first Van. There are compromises, but the Ixeo is good for us from both the on street parking and the access to nature reserves and similar sites. One of the leatherette bench seat swabs is a little soft, so we will probably try to get new, more solid foam but there is no rush.

Steve

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[Mark and Mindy]

5.4m PVC is enough for solo trips, but not sure about 2 dogs - depends how big they are!

Everyone's list of extras and upgrades would be different and a lot depends on how you will use it.

Mine would include cab aircon, Remis cab blinds, auto gearbox, more powerful engine, rear parking sensors (some prefer a reversing camera), diesel fired heating, roll out awning, silver paint finish (doesn't show the dirt like white would) and half leather upholstery. Accessories include mirror protectors and headlamp protectors because of the expense of replacements.

Insurance is surprisingly cheap but scheduled maintenance by a Fiat Professional workshop isn't. Diesel works out at about 29 mpg but I don't keep spreadsheets ... anyway I don't really want to know the cost per mile and accept it will cost more than a car to run.

Both our our last vans were 5.4m, one with a fixed bed and one without and we managed fine with both of our dogs with us - 1 medium and 1 small and they aren't allowed to sleep with us at night. The van with the fixed bed was easiest as one dog slept on the dinette seat and the other under the table which meant that I could access the toilet at night.
On the last one we had an underslung gas tank and levellers but there was no room for a spare wheel, we also had rear view camera and rear parking sensors, cab aircon, solar panel, Remis cab blinds, auto gearbox, mirror protectors as the things I can think of to begin with.

 

[Jonno1103]

Cheers, Jonno!

We went on a Baltic Cruise that started in Stockholm in Aug 2019 after I had had another pulmonary embolism, so Elaine came up with the idea of travelling by train from Fife over a 3 day stint, instead of the 2 hours or so flight [which is how I tend to get embolisms]. When we were waiting to clear Passport Control in Ijmuiden, Elaine spotted the DFDS Wall of Maps showing their Baltic Routes etc ... So they're on the List to do!

I wouldn't want to give the wrong impression. The costings and recording is a hobby/information source, but when we cut loose, we don't hold back ... Between late October 17 and early May 18, we spent about 79 nights cruising to Cuba & the Caribbean, South America [Chile to Argentina] and Yokohama to Seattle via the Alaska Glaciers etc, which was an insane programme. We struggled to get back and draw breath before clearing off again, but, looking back, I'm glad we took a 'sod the cost' approach

Steve

I can see the attraction in the spreadsheets especially if that's how the mind works... there's no such thing as useless information.

Wife's uncle is a retired P&O Commodore, Canberra, Oriana etc so we got around a bit!

With Brunhilde you can now drive and ferry everywhere. We've probably been on 95% of the ferries across Europe using the cars and the motorhomes we've owned.
Apart from when the missus worked at the CDC in Denver We don't tend to fly much. Since 2010 I think we've only been on 3 return flights, Chicago 2010, Phoenix 2014 in 1st both 787's and an SAS 737 to Billund in 2019. 1st class was a mistake, you don't want to fly any other way after that experience. Our U.S. business visa's have expired now anyway.

I'm a road trip kinda guy, always have been.

Iain.

 

[DDJC]

A sturdy locked gate with locked ground spikes to park your PVC behind for the few weeks that you will spend at your house.

 

[DDJC]

And upgrade your mattress!
Your bus is for you to relax in. Get some decent kip on a decent memory foam mattress.

 

[ChrisL]

1st class was a mistake, you don't want to fly any other way after that experience. Our U.S. business visa's have expired now anyway.

My father worked for BOAC, later British Airways and we travelled first class on many occasions on staff travel, on a trip to Toronto, myself and another staff guy had the upstairs bar on the 747 all to ourselves, for the whole flight, just the two of us and the stewardess. It certainly does spoil you for when you have to go back to the real world.

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