Why are RV's better? (1 Viewer)

[Road Runner]

At the end of the day we are all campers however we do it be it in a tent or multi million dollar RV.

Think we all get on rather well:thumb:

 

[TJ-RV]

At the end of the day we are all campers however we do it be it in a tent or multi million dollar RV.

100% right John. When we drive away in our coach (call it whatever you like, but the manufacturer calls it an RV), and the neighbours ask where we're going, I say "we're going to be roughing it for a few months".

If the kids ask, I reply "we're spending your inheritance".

 

[N Luyetund]

...
1. Graham brought up the usual argument regarding RV fuel consumption, which while it is valid consideration, is not in my opinion the be all and end all of the points which add up to us making the purchase of choice....
2. ((fuel costs) This makes a difference of £770 in favour of a European MH for the years motorhoming or about £0.13 pence per mile difference. ...

Keith

Hi Keith
1. No argument here... I do have deep pockets but my arms are short

2. Using your figures against one quote of mpg here... 8 plus a bit of adjustment that 6k miles would have cost me more than £1500 (about 2 or 3 years worth of channel crossings)

To sum up:
if you can, do!
If you can't or won't...dream:Cool:

Tom said
...in the US, an "RV" can be a motorhome (Class A, B or C), a truck camper, a tent trailer, a travel trailer, a 5th wheel trailer, a toy hauler, etc. ) ...

Seems like me dream's come true... I already have an RV

...and it does 28 to the gallon

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[RichardnGill]

I have read this with intrest and I am please that it has been discussed in a sensable way for once.

We have a Hymer which when we got it it was big. Now 9 months on it has srunk! There are 4 of us and a Labradour in a 6.6meter van which seemed ok in the summer but recently it has been a struggle.

We have though of changing (funds permitting) and have though about a larger A Class or a sub 30' RV. The biggest problem with the RV for us is the unknowen, It just seems safer to get another Euro. The only other thing that puts me of a RV is the style of the internals ( a bit old fasioned for our liking unless you spend big££ )

PS.. anyoone want to swap a 9 month old Hymer for a nice RV

Richard..

 

[TJ-RV]

To put another perspective on this, some years ago someone on another forum called this "Tom's other RV". Since an RV doesn't have to be "motorised", I had to agree with them.

Psst ... click the thumbnails below.

 

[camcondor]

It's a pity to have the thread degenrate into a bit of a "we're the best no we are" argument - it's not fun and it's not productive and best left to other firums who do it soooooo well......

Personally, although we own an A class Euro at present, which we do enjoy, we would love the space and gadgets offered by an American RV. As I would never consider having our motorhome stored miles away in a farmers field or similar, we are limited in choice by our driveway - at 7 meters long, our A class is the max length we can get up the driveway (and the towbar grounds heavily every time, so we have to load the Smartie at the local Tesco car park!!)
A big American vehicle would also limit the places we could visit / narrow lanes etc and all the other things mentioned by others above, which are considerations.

Doesn't mean we can't admire the various attributes of one anothers vans / coaches though!! I don't think the absolutely perfect RV / Euro van has been built yet, anyway.

I enjoy sharing our experience with others, whether they own RVs or Euro vans - they are like-minded motorhomers and friends seeking to relax and enjoy their expensive motorised tent on wheels!!!!

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[TestPoster]

I have read this with intrest and I am please that it has been discussed in a sensable way for once.

We have a Hymer which when we got it it was big. Now 9 months on it has srunk! There are 4 of us and a Labradour in a 6.6meter van which seemed ok in the summer but recently it has been a struggle.

We have though of changing (funds permitting) and have though about a larger A Class or a sub 30' RV. The biggest problem with the RV for us is the unknowen, It just seems safer to get another Euro. The only other thing that puts me of a RV is the style of the internals ( a bit old fasioned for our liking unless you spend big££ )

PS.. anyoone want to swap a 9 month old Hymer for a nice RV

Richard..

Hi Richard
On your first point...... I couldn't agree more matey :thumb:
We went from a Swift Kon Tiki to a Hymer S660 and thought it was huge Then after several outings we realised that when we said we wanted a fixed bed, we actually meant "like the one at home", ie a walk round bed I had always wanted an American RV but was to scared to get one, fear of the unknown etc, but I can assure you that nothing is a total mystery, there are plenty of people who can help out should you need it, not least of all Linda at Stateside for any parts, accessories, toys or if you just feel that your bank balance is looking a bit to healthy One thing I would say is, if you really fancy an ARV then go (with a sewn shut wallet....) and look at some, you may be pleasantly surprised. With regard to internal styling, are you talking about the fabrics that they use? If so these can be changed and if you buy a cheaper (older) coach you may want to do that anyway. We reupholstered Rocky, our previous RV, including shipping in a pair of new leather captains seats from the USA and it did not cost us the earth, no more expensive than reupholstering a European bus anyway and you get to fit it out as you want it into the bargain. So don't be put off with the coverings, they can all be changed.
I hope this is of help :thumb:
Graham, I know how short your arms are mate and I did say to tailor the equation to a particular vehicle, the reason for the comment was that so many people think that running an RV costs a fortune, when in reality it does not cost that much more than a European bus, and when you consider what you get for the money, it kinda evens out in my opinion..... Just my thoughts :thumb:

Keith

 

[N Luyetund]

It's a pity to have the thread degenrate into a bit of a "we're the best no we are" argument -

Oh no it hasn't

Just folks talking about their RVs... I take it you've seen Tom's waterborne RV

 

[TJ-RV]

Now 9 months on it has srunk!

Well, I can understand how you might feel Richard. However, the perspective of many folks I know is that the RV lifestyle is really about enjoying life outdoors. I've wanted a truck camper (see photo) for the last 20+ years, because I like to fish and some of those remote streams and lakes can only be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. But the driver/cook won't have it.

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[N Luyetund]

..... Just my thoughts :thumb:

Keith

Steady Keith... you'll be multitasking next

Don't forget to leave some fuel in France for us when you go... we're there in September:thumb:

 

[Lindy-C]

Well, I can understand how you might feel Richard. However, the perspective of many folks I know is that the RV lifestyle is really about enjoying life outdoors. I've wanted a truck camper (see photo) for the last 20+ years, because I like to fish and some of those remote streams and lakes can only be accessed with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. But the driver/cook won't have it.

So why not tow that behind the coach instead Tom

 

[TestPoster]

I'll try to leave you a drop Graham, but then you don't need much eh
On our last visit I was getting the equivelant of 40 free litres every time I filled (which actually was only twice ) so there was some incentive to fill it to the brim :thumb:
Multitasking???????????????? Nah I'm a bloke

Keith

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[TJ-RV]

So why not tow that behind the coach instead

LOL Linda, I tow it in addition to, rather than instead of; It rides with Sam in the toad

 

[haganap]

well actually I have quite enjoyed reading this debate.
As an owner of a euro MH I simply chose it for the following reasons.

1) I can afford it. (just)
2) I can park it (just)

However I use my MH for touring the uk and europe. I have done about 10k per year discovering new places.
If I was fortunate (or brave) enough to full time I would probably opt for an RV. Mainly because the build quality and additional space I could gain. If I was just long term touring a couple of months or so I would buy a nice a class.
SO in answer to the original question, neither is better or worse than the other, they both serve a purpose, the RV looks better but in the main the euro is more practical for most.

euro motorhomes rule
SORRY COULDN'T RESIST
But what ever you do or however you do it just enjoy it,

 

[Lindy-C]

LOL Linda, I tow it in addition to, rather than instead of; It rides with Sam in the toad

You put a truck camper IN the toad? That's one helluva big toad you have

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[Geo]

"we're spending your inheritance".

Tom
Iv'e convinced my kids Im not spending their inheritance,Just driving it around for a bit

Haganap
Now your getting it, it just needed shouting louder
euro motorhomes rule
Geo

 

[Camperian]

It used to be said that men bought large powerful cars to compenssate for small dangly bits

Dunno what that says about me as I'm single and have an ARV:thumb:

One factor in the equation is "How much time you spend in your chosen MH"

For full-timing, I think you have to go for the ARV

Ian

 

[TJ-RV]

You put a truck camper IN the toad?

No, no. I was talking about my "other RV" (the float tube).

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[thehutchies]

I've decided that what my family CLEARLY needs is a huge caravan towed by a minibus from Monday to Wednesday (when I'm working), then a large Euro motorhome from Thursday to Sunday, a huge ARV kept in France for when we are touring and a range of tents from one-man peapod to 6-man expedition depending upon how many of us are wild camping in the mountains.

Oh, maybe a boat as well.....

 

[haganap]

Now one further thing,

I have heard this several times and think it relates to this debate.

"It's not the size that counts it's the way you use it"

 

[Geo]

Now one further thing,

I have heard this several times and think it relates to this debate.

"It's not the size that counts it's the way you use it"

Must be true ive used that saying all my life, especialy on first dates,
Geo

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[eddie]

A good debate! As I posted the original "why are RV's better?" As I explained this was a question that was asked of me, on my stand at the Bath & West show at Shepton Mallet last weekend, so the "Why" was not mine (I know)

Personally I would love to by a European van, if and it's a big IF I could get all of the equipment on it that I can as standard on an American van. Domestic plumbing that works, using proper size rigid waste pipe and U bends. Comfortable seating that is constructed in the same way as furniture in a house, as opposed to two bits of plywood on a frame with two rectangles of upholstered, high density foam that I am expected to sit on all night. A spring interior mattress on a proper sized bed that we can walk around to make it. Just a few, trust me the list could go on and on.

Another aspect is the back up and spares situation. As a specialist vehicle, getting virtually anything for it is really simple, and not expensive. Either from the States or from UK specialist.

Linda (Stateside Tuning) is constantly being praised for her knowledge and customer service Stateside Tuning - Home To be fair there are several specialists that excel.

The number of problems you read about on this and other forums where Fiat or Merc cannot obtain this or that or the dealer can't get this or that (or won't) I know of one guy who waited five months for a new back axle for his Hymer. It seemed that Merc just didn't want to know, and Hymer could put so little pressure on Merc as it is Hobson choice for them as to which chassis they use!

Having said all of this, my mantra has always been the same. Motorhomes are like religion . What I believe doesn't make me right or wrong, it is just what I believe at the moment. I may change my mind in the future as my circumstance change? who knows, it is just what I think now, everyone is entitled to the same.

As I always say to my customers " Try explaining camping to a Martian! Sitting in a wet :rain: field, trying to cook dead meat over a fire while drinking fermented rotted vegetables! Whether you have spent £100 pounds or £500,000 in essence that is what you are doing

 

[moandick]

How I so agree with your views on camping and Martians, Eddie - the only thing you could add - as far as caravanning is concerned - is the thrill of walking across soggy, muddy, wet grass clippings, in your pyjamas and slippers, carrying a bowl full of greasy dishes, your soap bag, towel and shower cap together with the morning newspaper, to the toilet block to do the morning ablutions! :Sad:
Aaagghhhhh - bliss - he says as he relaxes in his standard domestic power shower in his centrally heated bathroom in his 36 Monaco Cayman quad-slide - yes, wonder what the poor people are doing now? :Blush:

Anonymous