Greetings from Ely, Cambridgeshire

[TinkieWoo]

Hi again,

Jaws Swaffham Bash is a great place to see almost every configuration of van (and a few RV) in one place.
We aren't averse to letting people have a look around our vehicles generally speaking and it's the reason we have the RV now after seeing another Funster's vehicle.

If you wanted to visit Swaffham for the day and come and say hello (we take over the rugby club) I am sure you get a head start narrowing down your options.

(Ps I always say Layout is number one).

Wellsbridge Motorhomes not too far away from you and have a wide range of used stock to get a feel for things too - roughly half of them indoors.

Good morning Jev88,

Thank you for your reply and the information within it. That is a great suggestion to speak with folk about their vehicles and it sounds like members are very generous in their willingness to have a look at them.

I agree about layout being key, in my research so far that has become apparent. Interestingly I saw a review on YouTube of a motorhome at the NEC show last week and there was a ladder for a drop down bed above a fixed bed that meant the washroom door couldn’t be opened with the ladder in place!

Thank you for mentioning Wellsbridge. They are on our list to visit. There is also another dealer in Chatteris, DG Motorhomes. We are not adverse to travelling to other dealers further afield of course but I have noted that some owners find they need to travel long distances to the selling dealer if they have any issues.

 

[Jev88]

Good morning Jev88,

Thank you for your reply and the information within it. That is a great suggestion to speak with folk about their vehicles and it sounds like members are very generous in their willingness to have a look at them.

I agree about layout being key, in my research so far that has become apparent. Interestingly I saw a review on YouTube of a motorhome at the NEC show last week and there was a ladder for a drop down bed above a fixed bed that meant the washroom door couldn’t be opened with the ladder in place!

Thank you for mentioning Wellsbridge. They are on our list to visit. There is also another dealer in Chatteris, DG Motorhomes. We are not adverse to travelling to other dealers further afield of course but I have noted that some owners find they need to travel long distances to the selling dealer if they have any issues.

IF! you plan a visit to Wellsbridge it's only 20 minutes from me. Happy to meet there and you can quiz me as you look at the MH there.
(I'm off work long term but can travel).

We all love talking MH and we all start somewhere. I won't name them but several local Funsters helped get us up to speed when we were new to the scene.
You'll quickly pick up the basics.

 

[TinkieWoo]

Not at all - I think you and I will get along just fine as I'm normally the one who compulsively researches everything and fires off long replies, sometimes to questions that haven't been asked yet

It does sound like you have some ideas on what you want and need from the space and from my own personal experience that's very important.

It's easy to get distracted by some nice stying or an elegant feature and lose focus on the important things - like wanting single beds.

There's honestly no better way than to get chatting to others who, as Jev88 said, are normally more than happy to show you around and tell you what they like / dislike / wouldn't live without / would change tomorrow.

I remember going to a show (think it was in Peterborough?) a good few years ago and got to try a skylight fan that I'd been planning on buying. It felt fragile and was incredibly noisy. The reviews had been good, the price was good, but the reality was that it wasn't for me. Nothing like seeing it in person to make the decision.

Ooops! See what I mean. Long rambling answer from me as per usual

Good morning Fishplug,

Sounds like we are kindred spirits then!

I completely agree that it can be easy to be persuaded by the bells and whistles rather than focus on the fundamental requirements. Having worked in the motor trade previously I know there are some sales people who will try and sell you what they want to sell rather than what you want, especially if they don’t have your preferred options available.

Your analogy of the skylight is a very good example. Nothing beats getting your hands and eyes on a product and deciding for yourself if it is what you need. I think we have all seen online reviews that wax lyrically about something and the reality is rather different.

You do your self a disservice with the “long and rambling” description, I prefer to say it was an extensive and helpful reply, thank you!

 

[TinkieWoo]

Spent a week on a CL at Little Downham in 2123. Found the people very friendly and helpful in the village and Ely, just like us so you will fit in!

Good morning Aspenshaw,

Very pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to this neck of the woods. I think people treat like with like don’t they. Good manners and a friendly disposition makes the world a better place doesn’t it

 

[TinkieWoo]

IF! you plan a visit to Wellsbridge it's only 20 minutes from me. Happy to meet there and you can quiz me as you look at the MH there.
(I'm off work long term but can travel).

We all love talking MH and we all start somewhere. I won't name them but several local Funsters helped get us up to speed when we were new to the scene.
You'll quickly pick up the basics.

That is incredibly generous of you Jev88, thank you very much indeed.

Sorry to hear you are off work long term, I hope things are going well for you.

I am so pleased I searched “motorhome forum UK” online and found this site. Whilst it is exciting to be looking to get a motorhome there is also an element of trepidation, not just with the initial purchase but understanding the fundamentals of the various onboard systems and knowing how to use them.

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[TinkieWoo]

Thank you to everyone for the welcome messages, it is very much appreciated

 

[TinkieWoo]

You sound just like me.
For a first van if you are not used to driving larger vehicles best to stick to vans 7m and under. Also don't go for too wider vans we have found narrower vans easier in tight spots.

If you are looking at A Class vans you won't find many without drop down beds unless you oder new. Don't let it put you the advantages of Class worth it. Easier to drive with the flat sides nice big windscreen for good visibility and more spacious and loads with a big garage.

Glad I am not the only one LennyHB!

Thank you for your advice. That certainly makes perfect sense and it is something I have on my list. I am mindful of how a larger vehicle is likely to present challenges on narrow roads and parking in general. I don’t say this to be contentious in any way but it does seem that our continental neighbours are rather better geared up for motorhomes than here in the UK.

I certainly do like the look of the A class vehicles so they would be a consideration if a suitable length one was available.

I am enjoying the challenge of looking for a motorhome but it wasn’t until I started looking in more detail that I realised there is such a huge variance in options. I understand there was a significant change in the price of motorhomes driven by Covid but it is also interesting to see some models are priced significantly higher now at 4-5 years old than they were when new.

Glad the internet is available to help with decision making, it must have been a very time consuming process pre-internet to explore options!

 

[FRANKIE58]

I note you have local dealers on your list that you might visit. I have had good experience for warranty and habitation service at DG motorhomes at Chatteris

 

[ambulancekidd]

 

[TinkieWoo]

I note you have local dealers on your list that you might visit. I have had good experience for warranty and habitation service at DG motorhomes at Chatteris

That is good to know Frankie58, thank you for your post.

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