American RV vs European Slide outs Advise requested please

[ToffeeClan]

We are a family of 4 with 2 grubby teenagers and 3 labradors (2 Oldies that I don't want to fall over in the middle of the night and 1 young idiot) so safe is the biggest point for us looking at the moment. We previously had caravan's while the kids were young but trying to get past each other in a typical caravan is just not possible, hence we are looking American RV's as price wise we appear to get more size for the price compared with European motors but there is not many with the ask of king size bed and 2 wide single / doubles for the kids. I have looked European motorhomes but can only find a handful that have slide outs; Moto-Trek, RS and RC motorhomes.

All advice on other brands to look at ?
Hubby has old style licence so can go up to 7.5 ton but not over

Any advice gratefully received from others that have gone through this choice ?

 

[jongood]

We are a family of 4 with 2 grubby teenagers and 3 labradors (2 Oldies that I don't want to fall over in the middle of the night and 1 young idiot) so safe is the biggest point for us looking at the moment. We previously had caravan's while the kids were young but trying to get past each other in a typical caravan is just not possible, hence we are looking American RV's as price wise we appear to get more size for the price compared with European motors but there is not many with the ask of king size bed and 2 wide single / doubles for the kids. I have looked European motorhomes but can only find a handful that have slide outs; Moto-Trek, RS and RC motorhomes.

All advice on other brands to look at ?
Hubby has old style licence so can go up to 7.5 ton but not over

Any advice gratefully received from others that have gone through this choice ?

European Mh's with a slide out are pretty rare, when you do see them they tend to be on bigger Mh's so over 7.5t. We have previously looked at RVs but didnt find one that suited our needs. I do remember looking at a Thor Ace which was quite roomy and I think are under 7.5t Im pretty sure someone on this forum had one.

One issue I can remember is that the lighter ones are front engine so they recommended petrol (their diesels were considered quite noisy at that time - 10 years ago?)which at that time meant a 5 litre V10.

You havent mentioned budget etc. Its not that difficult or expensive to get a C Licence which would open up your options considerably. Or if the licence is an immovable you could probably get the space you wanted in a 5th wheeler?

olley am I right in thinking you have an RV?

 

[olley]

Yes Winnebago brave jon with the GM 8.1 petrol engine.
Your right most RV with slides are over 7.5t, although some built on the 18000lb (8.04 tons) workhorse chassis were downrated when brought into the UK.

Our Winnie is a twin slide, it has the king size bed and two doubles formed from the drop down table and rock-and-roll couch.
They're not comfortable to sleep on.
There are some RV's with twin bunk beds along with the king size but they are all over 7.5 to my knowledge.

With two teenagers and dogs I would be looking at 35-40 footers which are mainly rear engine diesel pushers, all well over 7.5t.
As you say, take the test, you can now go straight to the C+E I believe, which gives you the option of towing a trailer/car over 750cwt, which on my C licence I am restricted to.

 

[BusyBuilder]

I'm more surprised that you teens want to go on holiday with you. We almost had to kidnap our oldest lad when he was 14.

 

[olley]

My two grandsons love going on the annual skiing holiday, all paid for by mum and dad.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[eddie]

We have had a number of RV’s and have significantly downside with our current one, a tiddler being under 8m

Have a look at the Winnebago View, 3l Mercedes rear wheel drive chassis, European feel inside, with the advantage of a slide out making a massive difference space wise

Ours is the 24v and is totally usable with the slide in, but there’s two of us and one puppy

 

[funflair]

I am not a massive fan of slide outs, but there again only two us so why would I/we be, in the OP's position I may well be more inclined towards them for the added space, they do add weight though so that C/C1 licence thing is going to rear it's head again.

I would start with what you think is the maximum length you can go with and then work back from there, if it looks like the 7500kg is a deal breaker then go for the test you will get more van for your money at over 7500kg simply because less people can drive them so they take more selling IMO.

I think one big difference you will find between European and American is that the Euro vans tend to focus a lot more on the garage space which is nearly always under the rear bed, this space can take anything from a couple of push bikes or Scooter (sometimes both) right through to a car and bikes, but definitely over 7500kg.

 

[Jev88]

After entering the MH world we were happy with an old Coach-built at 7.9 Metres but after sipping coffee in a neighbours RV we decided we liked internal space more than the convenience of a smaller Motorhome.
Ended up with an RV at 9.7Meters with NO slide outs. Weighbridge confirmed loaded weight was 7300Kg. So all the RV that have slide outs at this length and longer that have been plated at 7500Kg are very suspect.
Love having our RV though. Pulled out diner completely to increase floor space for us two and two adventurous cats!

 

[Ridgeway]

I'm more surprised that you teens want to go on holiday with you. We almost had to kidnap our oldest lad when he was 14.

We can’t rid of ours…. Still coming in there late teens/early 20s

The older is now talking about whe she can buy here own van

 

[ToffeeClan]

European Mh's with a slide out are pretty rare, when you do see them they tend to be on bigger Mh's so over 7.5t. We have previously looked at RVs but didnt find one that suited our needs. I do remember looking at a Thor Ace which was quite roomy and I think are under 7.5t Im pretty sure someone on this forum had one.

One issue I can remember is that the lighter ones are front engine so they recommended petrol (their diesels were considered quite noisy at that time - 10 years ago?)which at that time meant a 5 litre V10.

You havent mentioned budget etc. Its not that difficult or expensive to get a C Licence which would open up your options considerably. Or if the licence is an immovable you could probably get the space you wanted in a 5th wheeler?

olley am I right in thinking you have an RV?

we are looking 5th wheeler as well, as we are thinking would need to bring normal car with us for getting around day to day as the hubby is having palpitations driving round the lakes in a beast

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ToffeeClan]

I am not a massive fan of slide outs, but there again only two us so why would I/we be, in the OP's position I may well be more inclined towards them for the added space, they do add weight though so that C/C1 licence thing is going to rear it's head again.

I would start with what you think is the maximum length you can go with and then work back from there, if it looks like the 7500kg is a deal breaker then go for the test you will get more van for your money at over 7500kg simply because less people can drive them so they take more selling IMO.

I think one big difference you will find between European and American is that the Euro vans tend to focus a lot more on the garage space which is nearly always under the rear bed, this space can take anything from a couple of push bikes or Scooter (sometimes both) right through to a car and bikes, but definitely over 7500kg.

this is Hubby's concern that re-sale of the vehicle would be so low if we went over the 7.5 magic number ?

 

[funflair]

we are looking 5th wheeler as well, as we are thinking would need to bring normal car with us for getting around day to day as the hubby is having palpitations driving round the lakes in a beast

Well if you had mentioned "the lakes" straight away it's width more than anything that will be your enemy there, and an aversion to scratching the sides of course, a lot of RV's will be 2.5 metres wide or more so that is 100mm or 4 inches in old money wider than ours and that is wide enough for the lakes.

this is Hubby's concern that re-sale of the vehicle would be so low if we went over the 7.5 magic number ?

If you are buying new then yes I think he is right but the converse of that is that if you are buying used somebody else has taken the hit and you get quite a lot of van for your money.

 

[jongood]

we are looking 5th wheeler as well, as we are thinking would need to bring normal car with us for getting around day to day as the hubby is having palpitations driving round the lakes in a beast

Imo neither would be ideal in the Lake district. I strongly suspect most of those with larger Mh's buy them to use outside UK we have been to the lakes but predominantly use ours to do longer trips to Southern Europe and Morocco.

 

[funflair]

Imo neither would be ideal in the Lake district. I strongly suspect most of those with larger Mh's buy them to use outside UK we have been to the lakes but predominantly use ours to do longer trips to Southern Europe and Morocco.

The thing is it's the UK where you want the bigger van with inside space as the weather is usually crap, Southern Europe and Morocco I guess you usually spend more time outside, I don't know if we count as "a larger Mh" but we do like to do a fair bit of UK as well as further afield, much over 8.5m on the length I think starts to have limitations wherever you travel.

 

[Run to the Sun]

Its a tough decision, unless you have deep pockets resale has to be thought about. I definitely agree with the over 7.5T in the UK to sell it on. I had a 18T MAN expediton truck, took over 18 months to sell and the market for these vehicles is very strong. Maybe consider a Arto 88 (5.5T) tag with a tow bar to carry bikes or a car. May solve your issue of getting around when on site. Sleeps 4/5 and room for the dogs, only thing I would say is there might not be enough belts to hold the dogs in. I had 3 cane corso's, I have one now and its a tight squeeze with family, I have had to travel many times without restraining them in so something else to consider with the road laws. With the Arto comes a Thule awning, you could get one of those outside rooms that attach and that will give you more space when parked up. Good luck with whatever road you go down.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ToffeeClan]

Imo neither would be ideal in the Lake district. I strongly suspect most of those with larger Mh's buy them to use outside UK we have been to the lakes but predominantly use ours to do longer trips to Southern Europe and Morocco.

yeah re-sales if where we have concerns on all these , we are thinking would have to be parked Penrith area and then drive in as normal, but then the motorhome ends up more like a caravan parked on site and touring round, as I would like to be able to park up for 6 weeks over the summer, work from the MH/van and can go out and about exploring

 

[ToffeeClan]

Its a tough decision, unless you have deep pockets resale has to be thought about. I definitely agree with the over 7.5T in the UK to sell it on. I had a 18T MAN expediton truck, took over 18 months to sell and the market for these vehicles is very strong. Maybe consider a Arto 88 (5.5T) tag with a tow bar to carry bikes or a car. May solve your issue of getting around when on site. Sleeps 4/5 and room for the dogs, only thing I would say is there might not be enough belts to hold the dogs in. I had 3 cane corso's, I have one now and its a tight squeeze with family, I have had to travel many times without restraining them in so something else to consider with the road laws. With the Arto comes a Thule awning, you could get one of those outside rooms that attach and that will give you more space when parked up. Good luck with whatever road you go down.

how did you find floor space with the Arto as my concern is that with 3 of them and the 4 of us its just too squashed ?

 

[funflair]

yeah re-sales if where we have concerns on all these , we are thinking would have to be parked Penrith area and then drive in as normal, but then the motorhome ends up more like a caravan parked on site and touring round, as I would like to be able to park up for 6 weeks over the summer, work from the MH/van and can go out and about exploring

We are 2.4m wide and 8.7m long and go to Coniston and Ambleside quite regularly, Coniston to Ambleside was a challenge though.

 

[ToffeeClan]

The thing is it's the UK where you want the bigger van with inside space as the weather is usually crap, Southern Europe and Morocco I guess you usually spend more time outside, I don't know if we count as "a larger Mh" but we do like to do a fair bit of UK as well as further afield, much over 8.5m on the length I think starts to have limitations wherever you travel.

Just looking at the Morelo Place and that is more where my preferences are as that appears to have more floor space ?

 

[funflair]

Just looking at the Morelo Place and that is more where my preferences are as that appears to have more floor space ?

Plenty of space for two of us but I can’t imagine 4 plus dogs you can get them with a slide out but 2.5m wide and defo over 7500kg.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jongood]

yeah re-sales if where we have concerns on all these , we are thinking would have to be parked Penrith area and then drive in as normal, but then the motorhome ends up more like a caravan parked on site and touring round, as I would like to be able to park up for 6 weeks over the summer, work from the MH/van and can go out and about exploring

I reckon you answered your own question here.

 

[Arthur01]

Hi,
We have a Tiffin Phaeton 36 QSH. Which is actually about 40’ in length & weighs 14.5 tons with 4 slides and we purchased it second hand - someone else had taken the big depreciation hit.
We have travelled the Highlands of Scotland, around Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, the reaches of Wales, both the Peak & Lake District too. We have of course travelled in Europe as well, I can’t say we have experienced great issues when travelling either with size, weight or location.
However people’s viewpoint is often such that there is a great issue with an American RV when travelling.
We never purchased the RV as a financial investment - it’s not, we purchased to enjoy the experience & of course the space. I’m sure when we have to sell it, it’s value will be ridiculous but see the previous sentence.
Whatever Motorhome/RV you find spend some time in it when looking & perhaps imagine a day or two somewhere with lots of rain & how you would all manage with that.
Its costs - £150ish road tax, £400 fully comp insurance, car MOT & £300/400 servicing each year. We run fully loaded so about 10-11 mpg.
We are fortunate that we have a bit of land so storage is not a problem.
4 children & 13 grandchildren require space and as the “Mothership “ it is ideal.
We are all different have diverse needs, likes & dislikes I’m sure from these posts on Fun that will be evident.
Good luck & I hope you find something suitable for your family.
Arthur.

 

[Clive Mott]

The build quality, insulation, economy, finesse and style of european motorhomes is so much better than American stuff. But also more expensive..American RV chassis are already rusty when they leave the factory, but have some big engines and always automatic transmission. Just lay underneath one at a show and see for yourself. But the yanks want to improve and this is why they bought Hymer.

 

[Kelaifu]

After entering the MH world we were happy with an old Coach-built at 7.9 Metres but after sipping coffee in a neighbours RV we decided we liked internal space more than the convenience of a smaller Motorhome.
Ended up with an RV at 9.7Meters with NO slide outs. Weighbridge confirmed loaded weight was 7300Kg. So all the RV that have slide outs at this length and longer that have been plated at 7500Kg are very suspect.
Love having our RV though. Pulled out diner completely to increase floor space for us two and two adventurous cats!

View attachment 973177View attachment 973178

I agree. Our Georgie Boy is 9m long with two slide outs and was registered as 7.5T when we bought it. Recently I had it weighed and it was 7.5T on the button but, that was with only me in it, 25% fuel and fresh water load and empty waste tanks. Add my wife and a bit of waste in the tanks and we’d be over and forget putting bikes on the Tow Bar
(The Chassis sticker says it’s 8.1T though)

 

[olley]

The build quality, insulation, economy, finesse and style of european motorhomes is so much better than American stuff. But also more expensive..American RV chassis are already rusty when they leave the factory, but have some big engines and always automatic transmission. Just lay underneath one at a show and see for yourself. But the yanks want to improve and this is why they bought Hymer.

American RV's like mine are built on a Workhorse or Ford lorry chassis, they are designed for a very rough life, so very thick and high quality steel is used, a bit of surface rust is irrelevant.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[KnisteUK]

We are a family of 4 with 2 grubby teenagers and 3 labradors (2 Oldies that I don't want to fall over in the middle of the night and 1 young idiot) so safe is the biggest point for us looking at the moment. We previously had caravan's while the kids were young but trying to get past each other in a typical caravan is just not possible, hence we are looking American RV's as price wise we appear to get more size for the price compared with European motors but there is not many with the ask of king size bed and 2 wide single / doubles for the kids. I have looked European motorhomes but can only find a handful that have slide outs; Moto-Trek, RS and RC motorhomes.

All advice on other brands to look at ?
Hubby has old style licence so can go up to 7.5 ton but not over

Any advice gratefully received from others that have gone through this choice ?

Have you considered a fifth wheel. there is a company in Wales who make them, They look something like this.

Pardon our interruption...

or

British Caravan Design & Manufacturer | Fifth Wheel Tourers

Leading the way in British caravan design & manufacturing. Luxurious, unique and tailored to individual specification British Fifth Wheel tourers.

fifthwheelco.com

I would consider one of these with your loading.

 

[Sue and Steve]

We are a family of 4 with 2 grubby teenagers and 3 labradors (2 Oldies that I don't want to fall over in the middle of the night and 1 young idiot) so safe is the biggest point for us looking at the moment. We previously had caravan's while the kids were young but trying to get past each other in a typical caravan is just not possible, hence we are looking American RV's as price wise we appear to get more size for the price compared with European motors but there is not many with the ask of king size bed and 2 wide single / doubles for the kids. I have looked European motorhomes but can only find a handful that have slide outs; Moto-Trek, RS and RC motorhomes.

All advice on other brands to look at ?
Hubby has old style licence so can go up to 7.5 ton but not over

Any advice gratefully received from others that have gone through this choice ?

Go for the American 5thwheeler with a decent tow vehicle. We have had 5ths for the last 30 yrs, & have loved the space inside. When on the move they take a little more searching out suitable sites,[to be fair, mostly access] but that is more than compensated for by the comfort supplied by trailer, & the fact that you still have a day to day travel vehicle [plus when at home, a do anything, go anywhere, tackle any job truck.] We have had for the last 17 yrs a Jayco Jay flight 26RKS, [towed by an American F150, but lots of UK trucks are also capable] There are lots of 'bunks, & bed layout versions, but we have found that Jayco's are well built, & if trailer bought new, then the choice of configuration can be yours? We have also have had dogs throughout this time, [long hair GSDs]. Husband had an HGV licence, but gave that up when he retired, so he would now have same licence as your husband.

 

[Run to the Sun]

how did you find floor space with the Arto as my concern is that with 3 of them and the 4 of us its just too squashed ?

I think its going to be tight with the A to B part, but with a room attached when parked up the space should be fine unless you want the all the dogs inside the MH at night. Sue and Steve mentioned the 5th wheeler, if that is something on your mind you might be able to rent one for week to try it out/I have no idea if its possible to rent one. I have attached a link, you can see the 88 model and the floor plan, along with the tech/spec details.

https://www.motorhomes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/NB_Arto_SPECS_UK.pdf

 

[diddydave]

We are a family of 4 with 2 grubby teenagers and 3 labradors (2 Oldies that I don't want to fall over in the middle of the night and 1 young idiot) so safe is the biggest point for us looking at the moment. We previously had caravan's while the kids were young but trying to get past each other in a typical caravan is just not possible, hence we are looking American RV's as price wise we appear to get more size for the price compared with European motors but there is not many with the ask of king size bed and 2 wide single / doubles for the kids. I have looked European motorhomes but can only find a handful that have slide outs; Moto-Trek, RS and RC motorhomes.

All advice on other brands to look at ?
Hubby has old style licence so can go up to 7.5 ton but not over

Any advice gratefully received from others that have gone through this choice ?

We have a Forest River FR3 25 DS , 8 meters long with two slide outs and 7.2 ton. One king bed, one electric drop down double, dinette that converts to a small kids double. 4 seat belts in the dinette as well. Just type in the make and model on YouTube and you can see what it’s like

 

[funflair]

We have a Forest River FR3 25 DS , 8 meters long with two slide outs and 7.2 ton. One king bed, one electric drop down double, dinette that converts to a small kids double. 4 seat belts in the dinette as well. Just type in the make and model on YouTube and you can see what it’s like

That looks a good space, OK no garage which wouldn't suite us but can't fault the interior and a V10 as well, have you got much payload with that? just thinking about the OP with 4 people and 3 dogs and how they would keep it under 7.2t.