Thinking of giving it up

[Odd-no-more]

After many years of first camping, then a camper van and now the motorhome. I am now thinking about getting rid of the mo ho. Our local council is talking about a "clean air tax" and the mo ho is Euro 5 so I would probably have to pay a tax or store it away from home. Also I intend to fully retire next year, and keep asking myself, do we need 2 vehicles? will we be able to afford 2 vehicles?

It will be a difficult decision, I love our mo ho, it is a PVC, so it's my car as well. It is also perfect as a day van, but with retirement we plan longer trips and it is a bit small for that. We are thinking about getting a caravan.

No worries about the "visit Southampton tax" more space only 1 vehicle to tax, insure and service. But we have never had a caravan does anyone have any advice regarding which one to buy or are they very difficult to put on site? Not too worried about setting one up on site, because we have an awning now to get the space we need with the mo ho so can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine" with the mo ho.

Will I have to leave motorhome fun if I "move to the dark side"?

 

[kelpie]

Jim might have to monitor your posts and replies more vigourously .
Never had a caravan , so can't help with advice sorry. My cousin is was a tugger until October when he bought a static van on a very nice site near Carnoustie. He paid seasonal fees for the towing van , but a year old static became available. Tugger is caravan , chugger is motorhome , what 's for static ? keep it clean.
John

 

[denisejoe]

We currently have both motorhome and caravan. We bought the caravan to use during the summer months in the UK but prefer the motorhome for winter trips in the UK and for any trips we do to France, Belgium and Germany.

Don't think we'll go to Spain in the winter in the foreseeable future but if we do then I think we'd prefer to use the caravan and use the ferry direct to Spain so we'll have the car to get around.

I can't see any reason why you'd have to leave MHF if you go to a caravan! As long as you've paid your subs then you're as entitled to stay.

Denise

 

[jumartoo]

Will I have to leave motorhome fun if I "move to the dark side"?

No, never. Some people on here don't have either.

 

[pappajohn]

can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine"

Of course you can...... Out of car, into caravan, open wine..... Sort the other stuff later, there's no rush.
Only thing you might have to do is drop the corner steadies but that takes two minutes.

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[Tea Bag]

Hi.
It is. "Same as". So. Single axle models are big now,so space is OK. and you only need 1 level ramp A lot can have an onboard water tank,aqua roll?simple, waste Hog (Wheels again)
My dislikes . a Unit where you open the door and find yourself with a bench seat on your left side,i prefer to have the living area away from the door,fixed beds? TO ME.. a waste of space,but Jennifer prefers them DOH!.
Must have for me ? Motor mover (and i CAN reverse ),BIG sink in washroom,large as possible fridge and blown air heating. We have owned a few different makes,however,two i would look to buy again.. Hymer or Coachman. The Hymer was bullit proof,think "Brick Karzie!!" (The shower power could blow you out the door) the Coachman was very well made and had a "Belfast sink" fitted in the washroom. Hope this helps a little much,i/we could go back to a c/van tomorrow,people are downsizing/ buying PVC's,towing cars/m/cycles,each to their own,sometimes you have to go where life takes you. Above all,whatever you do...Enjoy it,stay well,stay lucky.
Tea Bag

 

[Hollyberry]

My daughter and her husband have a caravan, I think it's a Bailey Bordeaux ( might be wrong, I've only seen it once) Upside is they can all get in the car and drive off each day if they want. No worries about narrow lanes in Cornwall or access to car parks. No need to put everything away before you go out for the day.
Downside is it takes them about an hour to set up on a site ( large awning with extra sleeping pod, water thingy to fill) and I'm informed you cannot use the toilet on route. ( even if you're parked up, not sure if this 100% true). And of course you can't use Aires in France. Wild camping not really possible as you can't make a quick exit if necessary !
They do need servicing as in a habitation check and chassis/tyres/ tow thing. Their friends didn't get theirs checked and serviced, had never changed the tyres which were 7+ years old. Tyre blew , caravan almost overturned and would have gripped the car. The chassis was damaged beyond repair but luckily no one was hurt.

 

[scotjimland]

We are thinking about getting a caravan.

what we did this year, for similar reasons..

But we have never had a caravan does anyone have any advice regarding which one to buy or are they very difficult to put on site? Not too worried about setting one up on site, because we have an awning now to get the space we need with the mo ho so can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine" with the mo ho.

No more work than a motorhome, pull up, unhitch, drop steadies.. about 10 mins.. no more than it takes to level a campervan using ramps.

what to buy will depend on what you need and what tow car you have .. MAM of caravan by law must not exceed MAM Of the car, in practice 85% of car weight is advised..

I bought. Hymer Nova caravan as it's built the same as the Hymer motorhomes.. no damp worries but they are heavier than comparble sized UK vans.. It has a 'motor mover' which isn't essential, but highly desirable.. wouldn't be without one now. It makes pulling it out of the drive child's play and so easy to manoeuvre on the site..

I bought a Skoda Ocavia diesel estate to tug with.. lovely outfit.. can cruise at 60 all day.. steady as a rock, and returns 33 mpg.

4x4s are popular as they have greater towing weights and don't get stuck on wet grass

Wales this year at Cwmcuttan CS

 

[MikeD]

We tour for about six months a year in our PVC and whilst you have less room for storage we have never found the lack of room a problem.
Hopefully the weather is nice enough that you will not spend much time inside.

 

[SpeedyDux]

The best of both worlds might be a small Euro 6 compliant day van to tow a caravan.

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[Melvin]

My circumstances are similar to the op, currently we have 7.5 MH and a small Micra . At some point we’re going to change to WV T5 and a small caravan, the T5 being a daily driver with facilities and the caravan for living in for anytime more than a couple fo days.

 

[Podney]

We had a caravan when the kids were small,25 years ago,and it was ideal. Even better,towed it with company car.
Now there’s just two of us,we like the motorhome. We find it easier to drive (reverse), easier and quicker to set up,smaller,and easier to stop on an ad hoc basis en route.
And being of a certain age it’s very nice to have the loo just a few metres to the rear.
Basically,I see the main difference as being that a caravan is more suited to going to a site for a few days or weeks,and the motorhome is more suited to being on the move.
But I don’t really think there’s a right or wrong answer............you’ll enjoy either!

 

[PhilandMena]

After many years of first camping, then a camper van and now the motorhome. I am now thinking about getting rid of the mo ho. Our local council is talking about a "clean air tax" and the mo ho is Euro 5 so I would probably have to pay a tax or store it away from home. Also I intend to fully retire next year, and keep asking myself, do we need 2 vehicles? will we be able to afford 2 vehicles?

It will be a difficult decision, I love our mo ho, it is a PVC, so it's my car as well. It is also perfect as a day van, but with retirement we plan longer trips and it is a bit small for that. We are thinking about getting a caravan.

No worries about the "visit Southampton tax" more space only 1 vehicle to tax, insure and service. But we have never had a caravan does anyone have any advice regarding which one to buy or are they very difficult to put on site? Not too worried about setting one up on site, because we have an awning now to get the space we need with the mo ho so can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine" with the mo ho.

Will I have to leave motorhome fun if I "move to the dark side"?

I suspect storage would cost more than a clean air tax and if a clean air tax is introduced how would it apply to stationary vehicles and owners of vehicles living in the affected area (?) is it not a daily charge on vehicles that are being driven (?). Also, a motorhome gives you more choice and freedom that a caravan I.M.O. With a caravan your pretty much restricted to campsites and associated costs involved with campsites. with more time on your hands after retirement you may find that you can do more with your motorhome than you can with a caravan. Also, from what I've seen on campsites setting them up with an awning can be quite a long process and would be uncomfortable in foul weather, I think. Still, if that's your choice, that's your choice. You will not be criticised on here because you use a caravan instead of a motorhome. Safe travels.

 

[gus-lopez]

if a clean air tax is introduced how would it apply to stationary vehicles and owners of vehicles living in the affected area (?) is it not a daily charge on vehicles that are being driven (?).

No it applies to the vehicle just being there & stationary. I.e. if you have a vehicle that doesn't comply you have to sell it or move or pay the daily charge.
This is why everyone in London, who were to lazy when khan did his ulez survey to reply, are now up in arms as they find themselves looking at £12,50 /day charge for anything they own that does not comply. Which is basically any vehicle that is 3 years old as euro 5 & 5+ do not comply by all accounts.

 

[Mattbee]

Just this year part exchanged our caravan for a motorhome. We decided we wanted to travel around more & stay on one site for days in end less. The motorhome seemed easier for that.
Thought we’d give it a year or so & if we don’t get on with it we will switch back over.
We had a Bailey Unicorn Madrid, a big single axle van. Towed with a Galaxy.
Caravan with porch awning used to take no more than 30 min to set up from arrival at pitch to drinking tea. Motorhome takes 10min tops for us so it is a bit slower but without the awning not by much.
Biggest difference is setting up water & waste really.
Motor mover was very handy especially on muddy sites to avoid getting bogged down.

We like using sites, not that bothered about ‘wild’ camping (did a hell of a lot of it inc around Europe climbing with our ‘72 VW when I was younger) so there’s not much difference there for us.
Biggest adjustments going the other way than you are thinking of for us were:
Cost-motorhome way more expensive like for like than caravan (could have paid for burg our caravan & tow car with what the motorhome cost & the motorhome is older than both)
Space-the caravan had more ‘moving around’ space inside. Individual bits (kitchen, shower, beds etc) no bigger but spread out over a larger area.
Car-having the car with you is quite handy, although a bit of planning negates thus having 2 dogs, if a site has crap walking from it or a long way to nearest dog friendly pub it was easier to use car and leave caravan on pitch.

As always, your mileage may vary and like belly buttons everyone has their own opinion!

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[Odd-no-more]

Thank you to everyone for your comments.
Will post again when we decide. We already have a 4x4 so no problem there.

 

[TCG]

Hi
We have only been motor homing for 12 months, prior to. That we owned a large 7.5 metre caravan towed with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We used to holiday in France 2-3 times a year....
And. Every year I said I wanted a motor home, we would come home and I would let it pass..until last year.
Motor homing is easier than caravanning to set up. But with a caravan you have your means of travel with you.... we now have a toad because that was the one thing I disliked about motor homing, not having the flexibility to jump in a car...
Would I go back to tugging....... no, not a present but never say never, it’s great to arrive at your camp site stress free, rather than the white knuckle ride of being sandwiched between two 40 foot French trailers, and. Your back end is getting a little bit twitchy

 

[Grianan]

Can you overlap so you can keep the PVC if you prefer it? We had a lovely caravan ... a Swift Challenger with end bathroom and amazing shower ... which was great until first child hit teenage years.
I don’t think there’s a better/worse option they’re just different. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. You’ll have more space in a caravan than in a PVC but you won’t have that wide open feeling with the sliding door open.

 

[Odd-no-more]

One of the concerns is Mrs Gasman does not like driving the MO HO also the emission rules are going to get tighter. The car is euro 6 and a 4x4 so less to worry about. I may also get a Royal Enfield, as summer run about. The first proper motor bike I had was a Royal Enfield. So it would be a bit of symmetry to finish with one.

 

[Mattbee]

New Forest Council has rejected the clean air rules though so it’s not a done deal...

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[DBK]

After many years of first camping, then a camper van and now the motorhome. I am now thinking about getting rid of the mo ho. Our local council is talking about a "clean air tax" and the mo ho is Euro 5 so I would probably have to pay a tax or store it away from home. Also I intend to fully retire next year, and keep asking myself, do we need 2 vehicles? will we be able to afford 2 vehicles?

It will be a difficult decision, I love our mo ho, it is a PVC, so it's my car as well. It is also perfect as a day van, but with retirement we plan longer trips and it is a bit small for that. We are thinking about getting a caravan.

No worries about the "visit Southampton tax" more space only 1 vehicle to tax, insure and service. But we have never had a caravan does anyone have any advice regarding which one to buy or are they very difficult to put on site? Not too worried about setting one up on site, because we have an awning now to get the space we need with the mo ho so can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine" with the mo ho.

Will I have to leave motorhome fun if I "move to the dark side"?

I think you are worrying unnecessarily about the Southampton Low Emission zone. My understanding of the proposals is they will not apply to privately owned vehicles including motorhomes. See the explanation on the first FAQ on this link - click the + sign to reveal it.



But a caravan might still suit you but it depends how you intend to use it. If going to a site and staying a few days or weeks is what you want to do then a caravan is a good option. If touring and using aires is what you want to do then a MH might be better.

My suggestion would be stuck with your PVC and see how you get on with it after retirement. We do up to 3 months at a time in our 6m PVC and find it perfect.

 

[tonyidle]

After many years of first camping, then a camper van and now the motorhome. I am now thinking about getting rid of the mo ho. Our local council is talking about a "clean air tax" and the mo ho is Euro 5 so I would probably have to pay a tax or store it away from home. Also I intend to fully retire next year, and keep asking myself, do we need 2 vehicles? will we be able to afford 2 vehicles?

It will be a difficult decision, I love our mo ho, it is a PVC, so it's my car as well. It is also perfect as a day van, but with retirement we plan longer trips and it is a bit small for that. We are thinking about getting a caravan.

No worries about the "visit Southampton tax" more space only 1 vehicle to tax, insure and service. But we have never had a caravan does anyone have any advice regarding which one to buy or are they very difficult to put on site? Not too worried about setting one up on site, because we have an awning now to get the space we need with the mo ho so can't just "turn up put the handbrake on and open the wine" with the mo ho.

Will I have to leave motorhome fun if I "move to the dark side"?

You could tow your caravan with the mh and have the best of both worlds?

 

[Odd-no-more]

You could tow your caravan with the mh and have the best of both worlds?

That was the plan but Mrs Gasman does not like driving the MO HO especially in town. If we are away for months we don't want to leave a vehicle at home. Plus the emission rules are getting tighter all the time, if we wait too long the MO HO may loose a lot of value.

 

[Blue Knight]

That was the plan but Mrs Gasman does not like driving the MO HO especially in town. If we are away for months we don't want to leave a vehicle at home. Plus the emission rules are getting tighter all the time, if we wait too long the MO HO may loose a lot of value.

It sounds to me as if a caravan and a 4x4 is the best way forward (from reading your post above).

We were close to buying a caravan earlier in the year but decided against it for now.

That said, I monitor the C&MC forum every few days and I've been shocked by the number of poor quality vans that are being churned out by Swift, Elddis, Bucaneer so you need to choose wisely.

If Nicky and I were to pick a caravan then it would have to be a Hymer-Nova which we saw at Adventure Leisure Vehicles in Cumbria - very nice but certainly not cheap.

Good luck with your choice,

Andrew

 

[GWAYGWAY]

Euro 5 is quite reasonable for a long time, only the newest are 6 why not get a small van to tug with it to give you best of both.

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[CazPaul]

It quite worries me this thread, what with our nearly 14 year old Iveco 3 litre motorhome, hopefully we can tek it some bloody where cos we sure as he'll can't afford another one.
see you at a scrap yard somewhere in a few years in the queue for the crusher, what a shame, it broke my heart when the car scrappage scheme was first announced all those years ago and I saw all those lovely, reliable, trouble free cars getting crushed. All the energy that went into building those reliable, CAT free, EGR free, simple wonderful pieces of engineering gone forever.
I used to stand at the scrap yard gates, skint, doing my yosser hughes impression " Gissa car mate"

 

[tonyidle]

All the energy that went into building those reliable, CAT free, EGR free, simple wonderful pieces of engineering gone forever.

Not really. AFAIK most are parked at RAF Thurleigh.

https://www.motoringresearch.com/ca...government-save-cars-traded-scrappage-scheme/

 

[mitzimad]

No it applies to the vehicle just being there & stationary. I.e. if you have a vehicle that doesn't comply you have to sell it or move or pay the daily charge.
This is why everyone in London, who were to lazy when khan did his ulez survey to reply, are now up in arms as they find themselves looking at £12,50 /day charge for anything they own that does not comply. Which is basically any vehicle that is 3 years old as euro 5 & 5+ do not comply by all accounts.

im in london and have yet to see a survey ive signed evey petition but the reponse is always "so you want to kill babies "the questions of any survey would have been worded to get the result they wanted
its obviously ok to kill babies if you pay 12.50 a day

 

[mitzimad]

i will be forced into retirement and loose our motorhome in 3 years not having the funds to upgrade either vehicle unless i win the lottey

 

[EuroTrotters]

Depends on your wants and needs.

Will you still want the odd weekend away, not using hotels etc?.

I / We plan to do the same in the future. Sell the UK house (Or turn it into a Buy-to-let). Buy a Caravan and live in that whilst we rent the house in Spain during the summer.

BUT!

I want a small Motorhome, very shorty wheelbase, with toilet & shower. So we can use it daily and travel using aires or things like Ski trips in the winter.

PROBLEM:

SWB motorhomes, with auto boxes are like rocking horse muck.

TM

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