HELP (1 Viewer)

[Dan16]

me and my girlfriend are planning to go travelling around Europe covering approximately 80,000 miles. We are wondering what type of vehicle we would need looking at mpg and being as cheap as possible! We were looking at camper vans but came to the conclusion that this would be too expensive as they have low mpg. We were swaying more towards a converted van. Any suggestions?

 

[Robert Clark]

When travelling in Europe, a simple 'please ' and 'thank you' helps. Costs nothing, but can save thousands, with free advice given in return.
Enjoy your adventure !

 

[Anthea M]

Hello Dan
Thought there was an emergency with the Help title.
You young things don't prepare surely? We tented and backed packed and had a tatty old mini!! Good luck !

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[Mousy]

Hi Dan. What a great adventure for you both. Yes I think you are right to look into van conversions, but to travel and camp cheaply you really need your own facilities like a loo and shower. Plus the ability to heat and cook etc. You can then wild camp. There are a couple of good blogs on here and elsewhere.
Good luck.

 

[Dan16]

Thanks for the advice, we found this ........ Broken Link Removed ..... would apperciate your thoughts in terms of fuel efficency thanks guys

 

[Zigisla]

Although mpg is a big factor - I know I only get 23 or so, one of the most important considerations if you intend to spend a long time travelling is comfort and usability. Mpg may be great but if you don't have much room, live on top of each other, cannot answer the call of nature efficiently and wash etc then your trip may well be an uncomfortable if not very short one.

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[obanvanman]

If you intend on travelling for a long time, then you need a van that is going to be comfortable in.
We made this mistake, hired an r/v in Canada for a month that was far too small. Nearly ended in fisty cuffs.
We have now been travelling for 5 months and head off to Europe next month, it is a large van but we are having a great time.
Get the right van to live in, then worry about the mpg.

 

[Dan16]

thanks guys for the advice

 

[DBK]

Do you mean 80,000 miles or was that a typo? Assuming you are not driving every day then that is going to take several years in which case factor in coming back to the UK every 12 months for an MOT and you will be classed as "full timing" which means insurance is going to cost you around £2K a year plus or minus a bit depending on age and any previous claims.

If you are young and fit why not do it on push bikes? This is not a joke suggestion, there are couples cycling around the world at this very moment and there are entire families with kids who have been on the road for years on bikes. Have a look on this website: www.crazyguyonabike.com and as an example this lot (not so young I think) have been in Europe 6 months: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/PBandBlueDoEurope

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[pappajohn]

Thanks for the advice, we found this ........ Broken Link Removed ..... would apperciate your thoughts in terms of fuel efficency thanks guys

Which one Dan.
Your link just goes to an autotrader web page, not a specific van.

 

[pappajohn]

Fuel consumption really can't be an issue....it is what it is.
I was concerned about mpg when we bought our American RV.....10mpg at best.
But, for the sheer comfort and space it was worth the sacrifice in fuel economy.
No matter what you buy you can work on an approx MPG around 25mpg for an older, possibly non turbo, van.

 

[funflair]

Well you are going to be away a while if you are going to do those miles, do you plan on your winters being in the sun or snow, this could really affect your choice of van.

Become a full member and come back with more information and the advice will come rolling in.

Martin

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[hilldweller]

Thanks for the advice, we found this ..... would apperciate your thoughts in terms of fuel efficency thanks guys

Never mind fuel, 80,000 miles living in something that small and you'll be ready for the funny farm.

 

[TheBig1]

many folk seeking "the alternative lifestyle" of travelling long term use converted lorries or busses. A panel van has too little space or payload for the conversion and your essential goods and chattels

As already mentioned it is no longer such an easy life as the vehicle must be "legal" as in have mot and insurance. so a return to the uk each 12 months is essential

 

[jennyp19]

if you passed your test after 1997 you won't have a C1 on your licence if you want to drive vehicle over 3.5t.

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[DBK]

I wonder what he did in the end? Are you still out there @Dan16?