First time looking into living in a motor home - need advice on different models pleas

[Woosty]

Hi all, I recently sold my house but then lost my job and also had life changing experience.
I have decided that I need some time off work to think about what I do next. I’m only 45 so lots ahead of me.

Rather than rent a house/ flat which would be £900-1500/month + bills, I went thinking of buying a motor home for now whilst I sort my life out.

I have a budget of up to £30k but would prefer to be nearer the £25k mark as I would want to get an electric bike, ? Elon musks starling for good internet wherever I travel and other bits an pieces that I would do to the motor home.

My ideal camper would be one with a dining/seating area and a back U shaped lounge with a full shower and bathroom and an above cab bed so that I can leave it made up and can work in the smaller seating area and relax in the larger area. This will be my permanent home as well.

I do not have a class c license

Sorry for the long explanation but I thought that it was needed to explain exactly what I am looking for.

Here is my list so far and I would grateful for any advice or experiences as I have to have purchased it and moved in by 13/12/24 so not long! Thank you all in advance, Chris

Autotrail Arapaho se - seems to tick the boxes but need a C1 license

Cheyenne 660se but has an end bed, good bathroom

Chieftain frontier ? Class c license

Mohican - big, large bathroom through a door at the back, above cab sleeping, larger , good kitchen- top of budget

Autotrail scout SE - separate working area and end lounge, good sized bathroom, above cab sleeping, only downside is limited kitchen counter top space - FAVOURITE SO FAR

Autotrail frontier scout - separate workspace and rear lounge, good bathroom and shower, above cab sleeping, small kitchen work surface - essentially an upgraded Scout SE - top of budget

Autotrail Apache 640se - good sized bathroom to the rear, some counter top space, large lounge, no separate working area

Apache 700 se - work space and end lounge, decent bathroom, no counter space, above cab sleeping

Apache 634 and 634L high line - end lounge only, more kitchen space, decent bathroom, above cab sleeping - LIKE THIS A LOT AS WELL

Apache 640 - kitchen towards the rear with an end bathroom which is a good size, only lounge seating are but quite nice otherwise

Bailey approach 760 - workspace and end lounge, decent bathroom, above cab sleeping, good cooking area, newer and top of budget


Auto sleepers Berkshire - merc engine, automatic, good bathroom and shower, no separate workspace, large rear lounge and above cab sleeping - a top of budget but LIKE THIS ONE

 

[nicholsong]

Thank you all for being so helpful, you have given me a lot of very useful information and I have spent the last few days doing as much research as possible.

To try and answer some of your questions:
1. RE Health - it is mental health issues, I have suffered with anxiety for the last 11yrs or so. My son was ver ill for 10yrs and we pent a lot of that time in hospital, multiple surgeries and I lost count of how many times he nearly died from complications etc. - This essentially turned myself and my ex-wife into full time carers rather than partners as we had no time for any romance.
6 months after he was 'cured' (will has a stoma bag for life), I started getting anxious about stupid things like making the dinner or going to the shops and it gradually worsened to being severe. I had a very highly paid job at the time (I essentially work just like a GP but I am not a Dr - I'm a Physcian Associate) and was a partner in a GP practice. I have worked as a PA for over 20yrs. I would often work all day and then go straight to the childrens hospital and spend a night on a cot next to my son on an acute gastro surgical ward so sleeping much was out of the question with screaming children in pain, machines alarming and also trying to look after my son. I would then shower at the hospital and go straight back to work whilst my wife took our younger son to childcare and then she did the day shift. The stress was unbelievable but at the end of the day you have to do it as it is your child.

The recent episode was because I had sold my house in Oxford where I had moved after the divorce (moving away was a big mistake) and had bought a house back where I am from in the midlands and it was a 5min drive to my kids and the same to my elderly parents. Then I lost my job as the company I worked for went bust and thus lost my mortgage offer but still wanted to sell my house and get back up near the kids so I moved in with my mum (74) and father in law (84).

Mum then suddenly collapsed at 11:30 at night and I had to perform CPR etc but she died in front of me and by the time the ambulance got there it was too late. She had some conditions but nothing life threatening so it was unexpected. The next thing I remember is that I woke up in hospital 4 days later and I have no memory whatsoever of those days but have been told that I was not eating or drinking and only sleeping for maximum of an hour per day and eventually got to the point where I could not speak at all. I spent over 2 weeks in hospital with the worst mental health that I have ever experienced and I have lost a few days of memory there as well. Apparently I had a 'Psychotic break' (not the kind where you want to kill people lol'

My house in Oxford was sold and my sister and F-I-L had to sort that out, packing, moving etc etc as I was not in any fit state to do anything. When I was discharged, I wanted to move back into the home that I grew up in but my F-I-L would not have me as he said that he would be unable to cope with me if I was like that again so I was deemed as 'homeless'. I eventually persuaded them to discharge me by renting an AirBnb for a few weeks (where I still am) but the cost of this is unsustainable.

Unfortunately, I am not fit for work at the moment but have some money in the bank. I am looking at what benefits that I can claim but this seems so alien and wrong to me as I have always studied and worked hard to get my BSc and MSc and then in general practice for over 20yrs. I feel guilty that I should want to claim benefits but as lots of people have pointed out, I have paid in for 20yrs on the highest tax bracket so now that I need it, I should claim.

Please note that I am not asking for any sympathy, just putting you all in the picture as to where I am currently.

2. I am looking at living the a motorhome full time but not on a campsite unless I need to empty my toilet etc etc. Initially I would not be travelling a lot as I need to stay local to access the mental health services and be close to my youngest son. I would like to be off grid as much as possible.

3. Certainly getting a class C license would open up a lot of possibilities but it is the time factor. I am in the AirBnb until the 16th Dec, mums funeral is the 12th Dec so I have to deal with all of that as well

4. As I am single and have worked hard to save up for my house and now have the proceeds, I cannot live off those forever as I will end up not having enough deposit to buy again when I am back working. I have decided that I cannot go back to being frontline as I gave everything to my patients at the expense of my mental health and now I need to get better. I loved my job but it took everything out of me. GP land sounds/looks easy but it really isn't - going every 10mins from 'congratulations your are pregnant after years of trying' to 'I'm afraid its terminal' to 'no you didn't need to come and see urgently me because you woke up with a sore throat 2hrs ago and havn't taken anything for it' to seeing a lovely newborn baby, then to a mental health crisis, then to admit a child urgently as they are septic etc etc all day every days takes a huge toll on your mental health and you cannot help but take some of it home with you, especially the paediatric cases
I will need to work as I am only 45 but have no idea what to do at the moment and cannot even begin to think about it tbh.

5. I would intend to travel, my hobbies are walking, fishing, reading a lot, restoring antiques and my favourite is playing airsoft if people know what that is as I spend the whole day with my son having fun and getting lots of exercise which means I lose weight.
I love the North York Moors and Scotland (Aviemore) and have always wanted to walk for the day, stay in a Bothy overnight and then walk to the next one and so on - I have a great book to plan this. I think that I need some time alone in the countryside to just walk and think about lots of things to decide on what I want for the rest of my life. I would also like an electric bike so that I can nip to the shops etc etc.

6. I definitely do not want a towing or static caravan, I want to be free.

7. My max budget is £30k but I would rather spend £25k so that I can personalise the motorhome, have Elon musks' satellite wifi, get a decent electric bike, security system/CCTV and any extras that I find to make the van more habitable long term - The Urban motorhome has made for very interesting watching so thanks for recommending him.

I have found a few motorhomes that I like the look of and this is currently my favourite:

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

Are there any particular things that I need to watch out for on the Fiat 2.8D engine, high mileage etc etc? I assume they must be quite good as it seems most motorhomes seem to be based on them.

I have relatives in France and speak French as well as friends in Europe and Portugal so would hopefully travel a lot as things improve but all depends on if I can find a job that I can do remotely.

Apologies for the long post but as you have all been so helpful I thought it would paint the picture of where I currently am and my mindset at the moment.

Any helpful comments would be most welcome, you seem like a lovely group of people with a lot of experience and as a potential newbie I value your opinions.

Thank you all,

Chris

Chris

That is a heart-rending story and I think that you have done well to survive all that.

Don't apologise for the long post as it helps us to put your desires and needs into context in relation to advising you on what to buy.

Chris, I have several ideas about how you should proceed to buying but I have just been told supper is ready and I need time.

I will write more later.

Geoff.

 

[Burge]

Hi Chris, just read your History with a BIG Lump in my Throat, I sincerely wish you all the very best on your Future Journeys, take care , another Chris PS that looks a lovely Van by the way

 

[maz]

Thank you all for being so helpful, you have given me a lot of very useful information and I have spent the last few days doing as much research as possible.

To try and answer some of your questions:
1. RE Health - it is mental health issues, I have suffered with anxiety for the last 11yrs or so. My son was ver ill for 10yrs and we pent a lot of that time in hospital, multiple surgeries and I lost count of how many times he nearly died from complications etc. - This essentially turned myself and my ex-wife into full time carers rather than partners as we had no time for any romance.
6 months after he was 'cured' (will has a stoma bag for life), I started getting anxious about stupid things like making the dinner or going to the shops and it gradually worsened to being severe. I had a very highly paid job at the time (I essentially work just like a GP but I am not a Dr - I'm a Physcian Associate) and was a partner in a GP practice. I have worked as a PA for over 20yrs. I would often work all day and then go straight to the childrens hospital and spend a night on a cot next to my son on an acute gastro surgical ward so sleeping much was out of the question with screaming children in pain, machines alarming and also trying to look after my son. I would then shower at the hospital and go straight back to work whilst my wife took our younger son to childcare and then she did the day shift. The stress was unbelievable but at the end of the day you have to do it as it is your child.

The recent episode was because I had sold my house in Oxford where I had moved after the divorce (moving away was a big mistake) and had bought a house back where I am from in the midlands and it was a 5min drive to my kids and the same to my elderly parents. Then I lost my job as the company I worked for went bust and thus lost my mortgage offer but still wanted to sell my house and get back up near the kids so I moved in with my mum (74) and father in law (84).

Mum then suddenly collapsed at 11:30 at night and I had to perform CPR etc but she died in front of me and by the time the ambulance got there it was too late. She had some conditions but nothing life threatening so it was unexpected. The next thing I remember is that I woke up in hospital 4 days later and I have no memory whatsoever of those days but have been told that I was not eating or drinking and only sleeping for maximum of an hour per day and eventually got to the point where I could not speak at all. I spent over 2 weeks in hospital with the worst mental health that I have ever experienced and I have lost a few days of memory there as well. Apparently I had a 'Psychotic break' (not the kind where you want to kill people lol'

My house in Oxford was sold and my sister and F-I-L had to sort that out, packing, moving etc etc as I was not in any fit state to do anything. When I was discharged, I wanted to move back into the home that I grew up in but my F-I-L would not have me as he said that he would be unable to cope with me if I was like that again so I was deemed as 'homeless'. I eventually persuaded them to discharge me by renting an AirBnb for a few weeks (where I still am) but the cost of this is unsustainable.

Unfortunately, I am not fit for work at the moment but have some money in the bank. I am looking at what benefits that I can claim but this seems so alien and wrong to me as I have always studied and worked hard to get my BSc and MSc and then in general practice for over 20yrs. I feel guilty that I should want to claim benefits but as lots of people have pointed out, I have paid in for 20yrs on the highest tax bracket so now that I need it, I should claim.

Please note that I am not asking for any sympathy, just putting you all in the picture as to where I am currently.

2. I am looking at living the a motorhome full time but not on a campsite unless I need to empty my toilet etc etc. Initially I would not be travelling a lot as I need to stay local to access the mental health services and be close to my youngest son. I would like to be off grid as much as possible.

3. Certainly getting a class C license would open up a lot of possibilities but it is the time factor. I am in the AirBnb until the 16th Dec, mums funeral is the 12th Dec so I have to deal with all of that as well

4. As I am single and have worked hard to save up for my house and now have the proceeds, I cannot live off those forever as I will end up not having enough deposit to buy again when I am back working. I have decided that I cannot go back to being frontline as I gave everything to my patients at the expense of my mental health and now I need to get better. I loved my job but it took everything out of me. GP land sounds/looks easy but it really isn't - going every 10mins from 'congratulations your are pregnant after years of trying' to 'I'm afraid its terminal' to 'no you didn't need to come and see urgently me because you woke up with a sore throat 2hrs ago and havn't taken anything for it' to seeing a lovely newborn baby, then to a mental health crisis, then to admit a child urgently as they are septic etc etc all day every days takes a huge toll on your mental health and you cannot help but take some of it home with you, especially the paediatric cases
I will need to work as I am only 45 but have no idea what to do at the moment and cannot even begin to think about it tbh.

5. I would intend to travel, my hobbies are walking, fishing, reading a lot, restoring antiques and my favourite is playing airsoft if people know what that is as I spend the whole day with my son having fun and getting lots of exercise which means I lose weight.
I love the North York Moors and Scotland (Aviemore) and have always wanted to walk for the day, stay in a Bothy overnight and then walk to the next one and so on - I have a great book to plan this. I think that I need some time alone in the countryside to just walk and think about lots of things to decide on what I want for the rest of my life. I would also like an electric bike so that I can nip to the shops etc etc.

6. I definitely do not want a towing or static caravan, I want to be free.

7. My max budget is £30k but I would rather spend £25k so that I can personalise the motorhome, have Elon musks' satellite wifi, get a decent electric bike, security system/CCTV and any extras that I find to make the van more habitable long term - The Urban motorhome has made for very interesting watching so thanks for recommending him.

I have found a few motorhomes that I like the look of and this is currently my favourite:

Auto Trader Motorhomes - New and Used Motorhomes For Sale

Find your next motorhome with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used motorhomes. Over 7,000 motorhomes online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

Are there any particular things that I need to watch out for on the Fiat 2.8D engine, high mileage etc etc? I assume they must be quite good as it seems most motorhomes seem to be based on them.

I have relatives in France and speak French as well as friends in Europe and Portugal so would hopefully travel a lot as things improve but all depends on if I can find a job that I can do remotely.

Apologies for the long post but as you have all been so helpful I thought it would paint the picture of where I currently am and my mindset at the moment.

Any helpful comments would be most welcome, you seem like a lovely group of people with a lot of experience and as a potential newbie I value your opinions.

Thank you all,

Chris

Sorry to hear of all that you have been through - it must have been very tough on you.

Re the Burstner 681: my first van was the big sister of this one, an 821. Good quality solidly built van. Very comfortable to live in, and huge storage space in the double floor. Bit surprised if it's plated at 3500kg - it can't have much payload at that rating.

The 2.8JTD engine was reliable - ask when the cambelt was last changed.

Have you spotted the Funster sticker on the windscreen? Maybe someone on here can tell you its history?

 

[nicholsong]

Chris

That is a heart-rending story and I think that you have done well to survive all that.

Don't apologise for the long post as it helps us to put your desires and needs into context in relation to advising you on what to buy.

Chris, I have several ideas about how you should proceed to buying but I have just been told supper is ready and I need time.

I will write more later.

Geoff.

Chris

I am now back with you after a very nice Chinese supper cooked by my lady.

I am going to start with my sympathies about you Mother and especially your having to administer CPR to her. At least you knew what to do, so good for you being there and trained.

This leads me on to your timescale. You have the funeral coming up and also the end date of the AirBnB. then there is the holiday period. I think this is no time in your life to be in a hurry to buy a long-term MH. Remember the saying 'Buy in haste, regret at leisure?'

My personal advice would to be find yourself a small place to rent for a couple of months while you look around. You say you have some funds - while you might be dipping into those for 2 months rent you may save that money by buying the right MH at the right price.

Turning to choice of MH, after Christmas as nobody wants to be bothered with selling then. Taking into account your comments in your paras 2, 3 and 5, you have already had advice that you probably need a winterised MH and over 3.5t, needing a C1 licence.

As far as the time to get the licence is concerned you could buy a MH rated at 3.5t, but which has the ability, on a paper exercise only, to be uprated, as we did from 3,500 to 3,850kg and run like that until you get the C1. Or buy one over 3.5t and down-rate it until you get the C1, then uprate it again.

You have already been pointed in the direction of older good quality MHs which are in your budget range. Our N&B Arto is an example - 21 years old but in good condition and if I were selling, which I am not, I would be asking under £25K. So something like that would suit you and there are several around, but you need time looking.

My summary of advice is - after Mother's funeral find a bolt-hole to live in and take your time to look around.

Whatever you decide some of us are here for you so keep in touch - problem shared is problem halved.

Geoff

EDIT P.S. I forgot to cover the engine 2.8jtd question. I and many others think it is great with none of the emissions problems, except not being able to go into city centres, but since that is not your plan it could suit you very well.

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[Woosty]

Have you looked at Jim 's motorhome buyers guide? it's in the resources section and it's free at the moment. Also be very careful buying from Auto trader and eBay, there are many genuine ads but also many scammers. Don't part with any cash until you have checked the Moho over, and have the V5 any other documents.

Ahh, another gem of information for me to check out thanks. Yep I probably wouldn't buy from ebay for this sort of money but was trying to find a van and layout that I liked. I would also want an up to date habitation check from what I have been reading about. Many thanks

 

[Woosty]

Sorry to hear of all that you have been through - it must have been very tough on you.

Re the Burstner 681: my first van was the big sister of this one, an 821. Good quality solidly built van. Very comfortable to live in, and huge storage space in the double floor. Bit surprised if it's plated at 3500kg - it can't have much payload at that rating.

The 2.8JTD engine was reliable - ask when the cambelt was last changed.

Have you spotted the Funster sticker on the windscreen? Maybe someone on here can tell you its history?

Thanks, I'll have a look at the 821 as well but I'm guessing that would be on a C license? thanks for your help

 

[Northernraider]

Ahh, another gem of information for me to check out thanks. Yep I probably wouldn't buy from ebay for this sort of money but was trying to find a van and layout that I liked. I would also want an up to date habitation check from what I have been reading about. Many thanks

I wouldn't worry about buying from ebay as long as you view the van etc before parting with any cash . I've bought most of my vans including my current one from ebay .

The Burstner you linked to looks like a nice van and a decent price

 

[Woosty]

Hi Chris, just read your History with a BIG Lump in my Throat, I sincerely wish you all the very best on your Future Journeys, take care , another Chris PS that looks a lovely Van by the way

Thank you, its pretty tough at the moment and I'll admit I'm not doing great but life goes on and so will I. The hardest part is that my 14yr old wont text or speak to me atm - not that I have done anything to harm him but in the past when we have made plans and I've had to cancel at the last minute as my anxiety is so bad that I couldn't get out of bed, it has really upset him. My ex has been talking to him about it all and we think that he is just trying to protect himself from getting hurt but until this happened we spent every weekend together and he is my best friend as well as a son so I do not want to push him at all but not speaking to him is killing me. I hope given time he will come round.

Again, I'm not here looking for attention or sympathy but it does help to write it down as no-one here knows me personally so its cathartic for me but perhaps I need to find a different forum than a motorhome one to explore all of that!

 

[Woosty]

I wouldn't worry about buying from ebay as long as you view the van etc before parting with any cash . I've bought most of my vans including my current one from ebay .

The Burstner you linked to looks like a nice van and a decent price

Yes, I think it looks nice, seems to look airy and roomy but in nice colourse, decent bathroom etc, seems to tick all of the boxes unless I spend £60k+ which is not going to happen lol!

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[scotzsue]

Woosty that is a lovely looking van, however, you want an electric bike and it has no suitable storage, wouldn't keep mine permanently on a bike rack. First van had not outside accessible storage, it is now an essential, keep all your treasures out of site.
your recent life has been traunatic, take some time to heal, not trying to find a van quickly should reduce your stress levels some way.
Wishing you all the best for the future.

 

[Woosty]

Chris

I am now back with you after a very nice Chinese supper cooked by my lady.

I am going to start with my sympathies about you Mother and especially your having to administer CPR to her. At least you knew what to do, so good for you being there and trained.

This leads me on to your timescale. You have the funeral coming up and also the end date of the AirBnB. then there is the holiday period. I think this is no time in your life to be in a hurry to buy a long-term MH. Remember the saying 'Buy in haste, regret at leisure?'

My personal advice would to be find yourself a small place to rent for a couple of months while you look around. You say you have some funds - while you might be dipping into those for 2 months rent you may save that money by buying the right MH at the right price.

Turning to choice of MH, after Christmas as nobody wants to be bothered with selling then. Taking into account your comments in your paras 2, 3 and 5, you have already had advice that you probably need a winterised MH and over 3.5t, needing a C1 licence.

As far as the time to get the licence is concerned you could buy a MH rated at 3.5t, but which has the ability, on a paper exercise only, to be uprated, as we did from 3,500 to 3,850kg and run like that until you get the C1. Or buy one over 3.5t and down-rate it until you get the C1, then uprate it again.

You have already been pointed in the direction of older good quality MHs which are in your budget range. Our N&B Arto is an example - 21 years old but in good condition and if I were selling, which I am not, I would be asking under £25K. So something like that would suit you and there are several around, but you need time looking.

My summary of advice is - after Mother's funeral find a bolt-hole to live in and take your time to look around.

Whatever you decide some of us are here for you so keep in touch - problem shared is problem halved.

Geoff

EDIT P.S. I forgot to cover the engine 2.8jtd question. I and many others think it is great with none of the emissions problems, except not being able to go into city centres, but since that is not your plan it could suit you very well.

Thank you for your kind comments and useful info Geoff and I think that you may be correct. I am going to look at my rental options for a room or similar as I went to a 'crisis cafe' for the first time on Thursday night and several people there live in buildings that have been converted into single room living areas, communal kitchen and shard bathrooms but a guy did mention that he thinks there is one currently available with its own private bathroom for about £500/mnth including all bills which is an amzing deal - I think the landlord has ties with the council so perhaps subsidised housing? I have to wait until next week to find out more but any roof over my head is good enough. Similar to what my father always used to say: 'a second class ride is better than a first class walk'

I will continue to research and probably ask loads more questions but thank you to everyone, you have been very kind with your help and ideas which is really nice to find in an online community.

Chris

ps: I can send you an address for any Chinese left overs as my dinner consisted of a pot noodle lol!

 

[Figaro]

That was a very honest and moving post today, life has dealt you a very tough hand and I feel for you.
Take one step at a time after careful consideration, and do what's right for you.
Do you have a trusted close friend or anyone to discuss things with ? I think you would find that useful.
Edit : eat proper food, not pot noodles for a start Only students can survive on them

 

[Odd-no-more]

Woosty you have now used all your free posts. If you're going ahead with the Moho well worth paying for full membership, even if not ( I don't have a MOHO ATM but I'm still getting good value here) it may be worth the money. Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[Dutch 68]

I average about £6-800 per month ,

Whilst some average 6000/8000 a month, you just can’t put a number on these things, everyone is different

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[Fulham Dave]

H

Regarding insurance, you absolutely do not have to have fulltime insurance if you can stay with friends for at least a few days or weeks a year, and could stay there in the event of your camper being in an accident etc .

The primary reason a fulltime policy is so expensive is because if your van /home is written off or is being repaired for an extended period of time the insurance would have to pay for hotel , b&b etc and that can run in to thousands.

I've never taken out a fulltime policy but I have always told my insurance company that I travel for extended periods that can be up to a year and they have always said that is fine.

If I'm abroad then they'd do the same as normal anyway. If I'm in the UK then I'd make alternative arrangements myself while my camper was being repaired etc or I'd buy another one straight away if it was written off.
A hymer b544 would cover all his needs and available at 3500kg


Problem with caravans is you then need a campsite. With a motorhome even with the ever increasing restrictions you can still always find free spots . And if money is tight it helps . Friends of mine pay nearly £400 a month to stay on a very basic site ...basically a grass field with a toilet

Hi Northernraider, very informative about Full-time insurance. Can you advise who you are insured with?

Would be interesting to see if they would quote for us if advised we do use it does up to 5 months at a time.

We do not have a Full time policy this year as we are away for 9 months travelling around Asia and Ocenania and it was £1900 cheaper to insure

 

[maz]

Thanks, I'll have a look at the 821 as well but I'm guessing that would be on a C license? thanks for your help

Yes, the 821 is 5 tonne but the cab, lounge and cabinetwork are identical.

 

[SafetyPete]

I am on a couple of off-grid groups, as I’m interested to learn about solar etc, and this topic is regularly discussed, the biggest issue always being where to park at no cost.

It appears to me that the ability to roam freely and park in idyllic spots is possible, but takes a lot of effort, planning and determination!

So my starting point would be that, if I huy a suitable van to be near specific people, where will I be based? Its the easiest part to ignore and think ‘I’ll just wing it’, but if you already live with anxiety it may be an issue bigger than you are imagining. For context, one of the reasons I bought a van was to help with my OH’s anxiety, and it works fantastically well, plus lots of cbd oil of course!

If you have a target area in mind, maybe someone on here can recomend a site that will let you over-winter, and that gives you chance to settle into your new lifestyle.

Regarding vans, join an owners group for hymer, or Laika maybe, as you’ll see vans being sold within the groups.

Good luck with whatever you do.

Pete

 

[Jerrywh]

Thank you for all of your replies, they have been most helpful.
In terms of European brands that I should be looking at, someone mentioned Hymer but please could you let me know some more good ones to look into along with the winterisation?

I have a lot of camping experience staying in tents and Scottish bothies as well as havin* a vw capervan 1983 which I had for years but is too small to live in. My parents did have a fiat ducato based motor home and we (2 adults and 2 kids) used it loads all year round. I cannot remember which model it was but it kept us nice and warm in the middle of winter but I was surprised to see the flimsiness of the build. This time it will just be me.

Unfortunately I have to make a decision asap as I can’t keep spending my savings on airbnbs and can’t work at the moment either so need somewhere asap. It’s all a very long story as to why I am in this position

Thank you for your help and I will look further into it

La Strada...

 

[EuroTrotters]

may be better with a caravan on a CL

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[Silverfishface]

Best advice you're going to get.

I've been fulltime just over 7 years now ,it isn't the bed of roses that many youtubers ,Instagramers etc often portray, many claimed fulltimers aren't actually fulltimers. Like some street beggers they've just made a career out of it.


For fulltime living in a motorhome especially in the UK DO NOT buy an autotrail or an eldiss or any british built van they simply arent built for it.. Get yourself an older hymer or something similar, make sure it is fully winterised and has decent storage. Buy sensibly and even if the life isn't for you then you won't lose money should you need to sell it again..


A class , drop down bed or rear French bed and with a decent sized lounge to relax and work in. .
I'd recommend a b584 , b544 or b654 models.

You don't want a British built van .

Hymer B584, 2004, 3 Berth, 3 Belts, LHD | eBay

Motorhome & Caravan Depot Newport - Viewing by Appointment Only. - Call us on 01633 404303 or click here to find out more.

www.ebay.co.uk

Hymer 544 Motorhome 5 Berth 6 Belts 2002 | eBay

Trade Sale Motorhomes - Viewing or pick up by appointment only in Bolton - Call us on +441204589028 or click here to find out more.

www.ebay.co.uk

Hymer B654 4 berth 4 belts - fixed bed - a class motorhome for sale | eBay

Motorhome & Caravan Depot North Nottinghamshire - Viewing by Appointment Only. - Call us on 01623 904603 or click here to find out more.

www.ebay.co.uk

I have to agree the German vans are some of the best we have a Weinsburg 2007 on a 2.8 Fiat chassis had it for 8 years cost me £21k and is fully winterised, these are good solid vans but not very pretty

 

[Northernraider]

I have to agree the German vans are some of the best we have a Weinsburg 2007 on a 2.8 Fiat chassis had it for 8 years cost me £21k and is fully winterised, these are good solid vans but not very pretty



View attachment 987572

View attachment 987573

Could be worse .


You could own a weinsberg komet

Now that!! Is feckin ugly

 

[paddymcc]

Could be worse .


You could own a weinsberg komet
















View attachment 987577






Now that!! Is feckin ugly

Do they redo the mascara every day

 

[MaidinDevon]

Hi Woosty
Firstly, sorry to hear what a tough time you have had.
Secondly, I think it woukd be sensible to explore benefits, you have paid into the system, and your health is such that you cannot work at the moment.
Have you heard of

SpareRoom - the UK's No. 1 flatsharing site

Search for a room to rent or find a flatmate the fast, safe and easy way - we have thousands of ads all across the UK.

www.spareroom.co.uk

Lots of short term accommodation available, that would not commit you to a rental agreement.
There is a range of options depending on location. I've used them in the past when working away from home.

Good luck.

 

[Puddleduck]

Hi Woosty
Firstly, sorry to hear what a tough time you have had.
Secondly, I think it woukd be sensible to explore benefits, you have paid into the system, and your health is such that you cannot work at the moment.
Have you heard of

SpareRoom - the UK's No. 1 flatsharing site

Search for a room to rent or find a flatmate the fast, safe and easy way - we have thousands of ads all across the UK.

www.spareroom.co.uk

Lots of short term accommodation available, that would not commit you to a rental agreement.
There is a range of options depending on location. I've used them in the past when working away from home.

Good luck.

But always look and check before parting with cash "to hold the room".