in for a pound!
We own a tent but as I approach retirement age I think I deserve something a little more luxurious. After years of being pestered by my wife to get a caravan and resisting because I am not too keen on towing, we have finally decided to take a leap of faith and buy our first Motorhome.
A recent tour of Europe using the car and hotels added to our resolve to buy a Motorhome as we would have loved to just 'drop anchor' and appreciate the scenery at times insted of rushing to meet booking times. Being a seasoned traveller, particularly in France, I am aware of the consideration afforded to the travelling Motorhome contingent and would like to make full use of it.
We have been considering the idea for sometime, and after visiting Shows as well as countless hours surfing the Internet, we think we know what we are looking for. Namely, a shorter wheelbase 4 berth with a 'U' shaped rear lounge and an over cab bed as well. A centrally located 'wet room' with preferably a decent sized shower (for I am of the 'fuller figure') and a full oven completes the requirements. Our budget is up to ÂŁ20k.
Now this is where I get into the grey areas and need advice. Am I right in thinking that a 2 litre engine is not quite man enough for our requirements? Particularly as we intend to visit the alpine regions again.Is there any advice that any you would recommend as we continue our search? I have already looked at the advice guides, to check for damp areas etc. but I am just concerned about the practical things I need to do.
How much water do I need to carry for Showers and cooking? How does the waste water get emptied?
I wear a CPAP machine at night so will I need to fit extra leisure batteries. If so how many will I need? How many could I have?
I have heard about silent generators. Are they any good?
I am also wary of buying privately. I know that I would get a much better deal but what if I end up buying something that turns out to be not fit for purpose? I suppose I would get more re-assurance from a dealer and I need to weigh up if the extra money is worth the peace of mind.
Finally, if any of you know of a vehicle that may fit the bill with a couple of hours radius of the Hampshire coast, please let me know.
Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.
We own a tent but as I approach retirement age I think I deserve something a little more luxurious. After years of being pestered by my wife to get a caravan and resisting because I am not too keen on towing, we have finally decided to take a leap of faith and buy our first Motorhome.
A recent tour of Europe using the car and hotels added to our resolve to buy a Motorhome as we would have loved to just 'drop anchor' and appreciate the scenery at times insted of rushing to meet booking times. Being a seasoned traveller, particularly in France, I am aware of the consideration afforded to the travelling Motorhome contingent and would like to make full use of it.
We have been considering the idea for sometime, and after visiting Shows as well as countless hours surfing the Internet, we think we know what we are looking for. Namely, a shorter wheelbase 4 berth with a 'U' shaped rear lounge and an over cab bed as well. A centrally located 'wet room' with preferably a decent sized shower (for I am of the 'fuller figure') and a full oven completes the requirements. Our budget is up to ÂŁ20k.
Now this is where I get into the grey areas and need advice. Am I right in thinking that a 2 litre engine is not quite man enough for our requirements? Particularly as we intend to visit the alpine regions again.Is there any advice that any you would recommend as we continue our search? I have already looked at the advice guides, to check for damp areas etc. but I am just concerned about the practical things I need to do.
How much water do I need to carry for Showers and cooking? How does the waste water get emptied?
I wear a CPAP machine at night so will I need to fit extra leisure batteries. If so how many will I need? How many could I have?
I have heard about silent generators. Are they any good?
I am also wary of buying privately. I know that I would get a much better deal but what if I end up buying something that turns out to be not fit for purpose? I suppose I would get more re-assurance from a dealer and I need to weigh up if the extra money is worth the peace of mind.
Finally, if any of you know of a vehicle that may fit the bill with a couple of hours radius of the Hampshire coast, please let me know.
Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.