Buy 2 vans vs 1 motorhome

[KentFF]

My partner and I are planning on starting the full time motorhome life. We're looking at second hand listings and there's a handful of 7.5 m, 3500 kg motorhomes for £25k. There's many more listings for vans, many in the £10k range. Why not just buy 2 £10k vans instead?

I understand fuel, insurance, aire fees would be higher on two vans.

We've got 4 cats, so we really think we need the space of at least a 7.5 m motorhome.

Are £10k vans going to be rubbish, or significantly lower quality than a £25k motorhome?

 

[funflair]

Hi

For starters if you are going to full time I think you may struggle in a 3500kg van, when you say 2 £10k vans do you mean panel vans to convert or PVC already done.

Apart from that I honestly cant see the point of two vans, unless you want one just for the cats

Martin

 

[irnbru]

Think of the fuel expense of having 2 vans or do you both fall out a lot?

 

[Chockswahay]

2 vans? 2 vans! That would be bonkers! You really would have double the trouble and have to drive everywhere separately. Whilst I'm not a big fan of big motor homes I think in this case you should seriously consider one.

 

[scotjimland]

trailer for cats .. sorted

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[Lenny HB]

7.5 m, 3500 kg

Two things that don't go together a 7.5m van at 3500kg will have virtually no payload. We have a 7.5m van @ 4500kg with a 1300 kg payload those are the sort of figures you need for full timing. Anything less than a 1000 kg payload not worth looking at if you are planning on full timing.

 

[The Wino]

Depends what sort of full timing you are looking at doing there are a lot of people who full time with van and caravan they often park in public spaces in groups until the police move them on!!!!

 

[DBK]

Full timing insurance will cost around £2K per vehicle. Bit of a non-starter I think. If you want a second vehicle you could tow a small car.

And welcome to MHF!

 

[Paul an Jane MK]

Cannot see the appeal of driving separately every time you move pluse double fuel insurance repairs etc.

If you really think space is an issue you could get a shorter Motorhome with a decent pay load and tow a caravan and then at least you would have separate spaces if it ever gets heated!

Thinking about it never had a real barney whilst away in Motorhome- not sure who that would work out and bound to be raining outside.

 

[two]

Van, caravan, and awning would provide more flexibility and space, assuming that you're not planning to change location every day.

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[Snowbird]

I have been in the 2 van club, or as I prefer to call it, the 2 bird club more than once. It can be an expensive exercise, but it generally works out in my favour once one is sold .

 

[KentFF]

Thanks for all the insights. I thought it was a pretty silly idea, but good to hear some views from experience folks.

For starters if you are going to full time I think you may struggle in a 3500kg van, when you say 2 £10k vans do you mean panel vans to convert or PVC already done.

Already converted vans.

Two things that don't go together a 7.5m van at 3500kg will have virtually no payload. We have a 7.5m van @ 4500kg with a 1300 kg payload those are the sort of figures you need for full timing. Anything less than a 1000 kg payload not worth looking at if you are planning on full timing.

We want to avoid having to get the C1 driving license, but it seems like it may be necessary.

BTW, we've seen a number of motorhomes over 3500 kg that seem relatively cheap. I presume that's because fewer buyers are able to drive them?

 

[Just smiffy]

BTW, we've seen a number of motorhomes over 3500 kg that seem relatively cheap. I presume that's because fewer buyers are able to drive them?

No, it’s probably because they are crap.....

Motorhomes...... you get what you pay for...

Although there are some where you pay for the crap too....

It definitely pays to join on here and learn what you can before you buy...