How Do People Use Their Motorhomes?

When i go in April i will be having a look at that Honfluer? place ya'll talk about. Not sure on the way down or on the way up, but going to have a look see.
 
We rarely do short, as in time, trips so have chunks of between 10 and 60 days as a rule. When we go abroad it's usually 55-60 days as it costs a lot to do so but in the UK 10-20 is usually the max. We don't use sites, just off-gridding, so other than a bit of a route and likely places to stop, don't really plan much in advance as we'll change our minds depending on weather etc.

Unfortunately I don't think we'll get much use this year now due to other things we are currently/are going to be dealing with in the future so I've SORNed it. 😒
 
Speaking of sorn's i can unsorn some of ours now.
Edit
Oh bugger, not got the reminder letter or the V5. All at home so it can wait til i get home.
 
SueMS said:
Just wondering how people use their motorhomes? We have a dog and we generally use CLs or CSs. We only use the site as a place to stay overnight. During the day we drive somewhere, park up and go for walks. Any planning for a holiday involves finding plenty of places to park reasonably near to the site.
Getting a bus from a site isn't an option for us because of the dog. Planning is always an issue as husband is of the opinion that "we'll find somewhere we can park", I like it all planned from the start. A work colleague of mine used to accuse me of micro-managing, can't think what he means really.
The New Forest is just amazing for holidays like this, we go several times a year.
Any other suggestions of similar places that would work for us will be appreciated.
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We take our dog on buses no problem usually
 
We are not really "wild campers" a bit too visible I think, we do use sites,rallies,shows, CL's, THS's and of course aires and stellplatz abroad, basically we will use anything that gets us where we want to be (y)

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We like to have 3 or 4 days away as often as we can sometimes meticulously planned other times load up and go off and see where we end up. We have a few "banker" sites within 2 hours drive where we can generally get in and know the areas well so don't need to plan. For longer trips we may take the toad with use and book somewhere cheap and explore around. As long as we can take our Collie with us we do what we want when the mood grabs us
 
Ours is used as somewhere to stay when we are doing caring duties for my Mum and can't stay in her spare room for any reason.

Except next week when we have booked into an hotel as the hotel was cheaper than even CL charges and we will save money by taking a car and not the van (fuel and Tyne Tunnel toll).
 
SueMS said:
Just wondering how people use their motorhomes? We have a dog and we generally use CLs or CSs. We only use the site as a place to stay overnight. During the day we drive somewhere, park up and go for walks. Any planning for a holiday involves finding plenty of places to park reasonably near to the site.
Getting a bus from a site isn't an option for us because of the dog. Planning is always an issue as husband is of the opinion that "we'll find somewhere we can park", I like it all planned from the start. A work colleague of mine used to accuse me of micro-managing, can't think what he means really.
The New Forest is just amazing for holidays like this, we go several times a year.
Any other suggestions of similar places that would work for us will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Hi there , we have a whippet and we often use a few sites in Cornwall . There are many on the coast road from Newquay to Padstow and dogs are allowed on the local bus service. Many around Harlyn bay and padstow itself, with a bus stop just outside the campsite. Just a thought but like you we prefer sites near to Forrest walks etc .
 
Looks like the dog owners hijacked this question! However! My camper is the perfect answer to weekend music festivals! Plus when i go visit my sister in Germany it gives me a comfortable mobile snooze and toilet stop whenever the needs must!
 
bobnick said:
Speaking of sorn's i can unsorn some of ours now.
Edit
Oh bugger, not got the reminder letter or the V5. All at home so it can wait til i get home.
Click to expand...
You mean you don't have it all on a spreadsheet so you can do it wherever in the world you are? :giggle: It means if I forgot to sort I can do it where I am and not loose out, also useful as our Smart's insurance is due 2/1 so I can deal with that whilst away if needs be to get the best price.

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Minxy said:
You mean you don't have it all on a spreadsheet so you can do it wherever in the world you are? :giggle: It means if I forgot to sort I can do it where I am and not loose out, also useful as our Smart's insurance is due 2/1 so I can deal with that whilst away if needs be to get the best price. to SORN you don't need
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If i remember correctly you don't need paperwork to SORN. To un SORN you do.
And no i don't do spread sheets.
I do have a list in the car file of when each vehicle needs what................of course it's at home.
2 car insurances automatically renewed after reminder 30 days prior.
One was £13 more expensive. One was £9 cheaper. So not worth the hassle chasing cheaper.
 
bobnick said:
If i remember correctly you don't need paperwork to SORN. To un SORN you do.
And no i don't do spread sheets.
I do have a list in the car file of when each vehicle needs what................of course it's at home.
2 car insurances automatically renewed after reminder 30 days prior.
One was £13 more expensive. One was £9 cheaper. So not worth the hassle chasing cheaper.
Click to expand...
You need either a tax reminder or the V5C number, you can't tax or SORN it without one or t'other, I've just SORNed the camper and needed the latter.
 
We have 2 dogs and now pick sites where there is public transport because we have a dog garden so prefer not to move once we are settled. We usually travel with our friend who has 2 dogs and a dog garden as well and if allowed, join them together to make a big garden. Ours are fine on a bus and even when we have been travelling as 5 adults and 5 dogs have had no problems but none of ours are rescues and I agree that makes a difference.

August 11 b.jpg September 23 b.jpg
 
Minxy said:
You need either a tax reminder or the V5C number, you can't tax or SORN it without one or t'other, I've just SORNed the camper and needed the latter.
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As i mentioned in #33.
I thought one could SORN without.
I SORNed 6 vehicles in Dec. Other than the reg number don't remember anything else.
To un SORN indeed as you say a V5 tax reminder or the 11 digit ref number from the V5 is required.
I un SORNed my Caddy van last month so brother could use it, hense knowing what is required and not having here. But not a problem, will take mins on line when i get home.
EDIT.
Just checked, yes i did have to put in the long 16 digit number from the V5 to SORN them.
 
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We live in our van full time and travel wherever we wish to in the UK, Ireland and the continent 😁.

We use CL's, CS's, sites,
Spelplatz, aires, camperparks, car parks and Pubs.

We tow a trailer with trike so we can get out and about to see places, use our e-bikes for more local trips, together with bus, trains and ferries.

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bobnick said:
Just checked, yes i did have to put in the long 16 digit number from the V5 to SORN them.
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You're definitely confused ... :giggle: the 16 digit number is on a V11 reminder, it's the 11 digit on off the V5C ... too much fun in the sun seems to be addling your brain. :LOL:;)

1677748483758.png
 
bobnick said:
If i remember correctly you don't need paperwork to SORN. To un SORN you do.































































































































































































































































































































































































































































And no i don't do spread sheets.































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































I do have a list in the car file of when each vehicle needs what................of course it's at home.







































































































































































































































































































































II've























































































































































































2 car insurances automatically renewed after reminder 30 days prior.























































































































































































































































































































































































































One was £13 more expensive. One was £9 cheaper. So not wor































You need either a tax reminder or the V5C number, you can't tax or SORN it without one or t'other, I've just SORNed the camper and needed the latter.
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bobnick I've scanned all my documents and keep copies on my phone and tablet so can do all such things on line without actual documents.
 
Hi Folks,
There are as many ways to use your van as there are vans - we tend to book a crossing and see where we end up. However there is another use - last weekend we had family to stay and they used the MH on the drive. They had everything they needed and could get up when they wanted. When we visit friends we park on their drive or round the corner and so do our thing without disrupting their houses.
In a couple of weeks we have a family wedding - and we will have four of us staying in the carpark of the reception venue, so we can have a drink and not worry about the taxi turning up.
I guess what we all have is a hotel room we can put where we want - either in a block with others, on our own, or as an extension to another house for the night. Having spent so much buying the thing, the most important fact is - use it - as much as you can.

D
 
We are just over 48 hours away from using ours again after Winter and my mind entering semi retirement phase
fortnight cycling disused railway lines in Belgium/Luxembourg/Germany and trying out hostelries then return to work for a couple of weeks before long weekend at Quackers really excellent site near Bath https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...ers-woodside-field-6-11-april-2023-🐥🐥.271322/ then I have to wait another couple of weeks before a month down in Languedoc then wait another month before a month in the Vendee (ish) and I have to wait until the schools go back before a month in Provence and then I have to wait for a fortnight off pre Xmas to do the markets.
In between times I am employed full time

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just got ours in July last year.
However, since childhood I have camped, caravanned and toured on a motorbike. Moving around often. Just love to wander around. Ideally without any real plan other than the return date. Have also done the time honoured "normal" holidays and very much enjoyed them
But as my darling wife reminds me. I am only ever truly happy when sitting, in the shade, on a sunny campsite pitch somewhere. Drink in hand and reading a book. Obviously, next to her :rolleyes:
The motorhome is perfect way to do just what we both enjoy. tour around without any plans. Having spent a month away in France and another month away to Spain last year. We both now firmly know it is a way to enjoy our lives.
DW is retired and I had planned on working for another few years. However, since being away at Christmas and New Year we are now looking into the detail as to whether I can justify retiring at the end of this year, I will be 58.
OK another few years will help with additional funds in the pension but then again, thats another few years of less freedom. We only have one life and COVID has taught us to grab every moment.

One thing is certain, we will be away wandering a great deal, more often. (y)(y)(y)
 
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Blaydon said:
Hi Folks,
There are as many ways to use your van as there are vans - we tend to book a crossing and see where we end up. However there is another use - last weekend we had family to stay and they used the MH on the drive. They had everything they needed and could get up when they wanted. When we visit friends we park on their drive or round the corner and so do our thing without disrupting their houses.
In a couple of weeks we have a family wedding - and we will have four of us staying in the carpark of the reception venue, so we can have a drink and not worry about the taxi turning up.
I guess what we all have is a hotel room we can put where we want - either in a block with others, on our own, or as an extension to another house for the night. Having spent so much buying the thing, the most important fact is - use it - as much as you can.

D
Click to expand...
In 2021 we had new worktops and tiled splashbacks fitted in our kitchen and fitted wardrobes in our bedroom. We decided to move into the MH on the drive as the house was in a mess . We could let the guys into the house in the morning and leave them to it . It worked out brilliantly.
 
Hi there - another use planned though we were pleased we never had to do it - was over Covid. We worked out that the van would be an isolation ward in the garden. If any of us got it - they would be shoved out with a set of keys. We prepped the cupboards, stocked the bathroom and set up the beds.
The idea was, shopping could be dropped off, tanks filled/emptied from the outside, and washing dumped in a bag by the door.
We even had a sign with a red cross ready!
D
 
andysam said:
We wildcamp mostly; at a push a CS/CL. Very rarely use hook up. Try to get away at weekends, but being in the SE time/distance to travel is troublesome for a weekend stay. Like to limit ourselves to 2-2.5 hrs travel on a Fri after work (arriving 9pm), but that doesn't get you very far down here! Wales is very MH friendly/tolerant for longer trips.
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I've still not stayed over anywhere in Wales as every one used to say it was very motorhome UNfriendly mainly related to wild camping which you've said you mainly do. So is it better now than it used to be?

bobnick said:
When i go in April i will be having a look at that Honfluer? place ya'll talk about. Not sure on the way down or on the way up, but going to have a look see.
Click to expand...
Honfluer is lovely, did it last year on our first trip to France, you'll like it

As for how we use the MH. We've only had it coming up to 2 years and it's kind of evolved, but essentially we will use it as often as possible and all year round. Hardly ever do sites unless it's purely convenience and mainly use searchforsites app for off grid stops and never had a problem. Longest trip we've managed is 9 nights away but thats because we are both nhs nurses so getting time together for over a week is hard :-/

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Puddleduck said:
Ours is used as somewhere to stay when we are doing caring duties for my Mum and can't stay in her spare room for any reason.

Except next week when we have booked into an hotel as the hotel was cheaper than even CL charges and we will save money by taking a car and not the van (fuel and Tyne Tunnel toll).
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My good lady and I are having a break from caring for Mother-law and wife’s Aunty who both have Alzheimer’s Dementia, only going away as youngest son taking his 2 yr old to Euro Disney, so we are doggy sitting as well!( Childcare takes up only 2 days of the week….
 
Our Rio has a tailgate so as well as using it as a conventional MH, we can use it as a general van as well to some extent. A nice 3 piece set of conservatory furniture, a couple of wardrobes etc. delicate things can sit on the bed or we pack the bed up and things can be held upright…good for large plants as well!!

trips to relatives and used as a mobile hotel room whilst there, extra storage space for food and cold drinks Christmas time, again as a spare room when friend or relatives stay, chill out ‘panic’ room when you need a bit of space away from everyone!

and also for a few days away locally, going to RHS gardens and using CL sites. City breaks, usually London or Bristol, great public transport support. And of course further a field across the water, again using cl sites, aires, known free stop-over points, France Passion and the like type sites, municipal and more leisure ones (read pool and bar, hopefully no little darlings).

the free or municipal type sites, we are usually enroute so walk around locally rather than drive to ‘sight-see’. If they are full ie twice the ’legal’ capacity, you just look up the next nearest site. Never really been an issue. What did we do without the internet…makes life so easy in this respect…

The larger luxurious ones (OMG fresh bread, free toilet paper and …a pool!), it can be walking around or using the van for ‘day out’ trips. At least with a pitch you know you can get back in at night! The stay on site and ‘commune with my goat’ type sites, quite often we have a bit of local produce with us so it’s usually a nice creative meal and a quiet evening listing to the surroundings with a bottle of something.
 
SueMS said:
Just wondering how people use their motorhomes? We have a dog and we generally use CLs or CSs. We only use the site as a place to stay overnight. During the day we drive somewhere, park up and go for walks. Any planning for a holiday involves finding plenty of places to park reasonably near to the site.
Getting a bus from a site isn't an option for us because of the dog. Planning is always an issue as husband is of the opinion that "we'll find somewhere we can park", I like it all planned from the start. A work colleague of mine used to accuse me of micro-managing, can't think what he means really.
The New Forest is just amazing for holidays like this, we go several times a year.
Any other suggestions of similar places that would work for us will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
We are very new to motorhome. Our own conversion is not finished yet but last year in prep, we hired two and didn’t want to give them back hence the build.
We found that electric bikes are a game changer.
We have a dog and went to Cornwall for a week. It was the best holiday ever. W left the van on site every day and used the bikes with a dog basket to go everywhere. Most towns on the north coast of Cornwall are too small for a motorhome anyway and parking would be a nightmare.
Sometimes we walked for 6 hours along the coastal path and got a taxi back to pick up the ebikes locked up in a town like St Ives.

Hoping we might be able to do the same sort of thing everywhere we intend to go.

Our ebikes are not expensive. I converted our old mountain bikes because I didn’t want them looking like they should be stolen. They don’t, and they haven’t been so far. My bike is 25 years old. Helens looks much newer but nowhere near like a purpose built ebike, some of which cost more than my van.
 
We live in Lincoln. Our favourite place is Ferry Meadows, Peterborough. Only site is Caravan and Motorhome which has just gone up to £32 a night😧. The site is on edge of Neme Valley Park. A fantastic park with acres of fields, lakes. Tarmac paths and whole park is kept immaculate.
Great walking with dogs safely off leads and good biking. You can catch steam train into Peterborough. Chef and Brewer pub just up road plus a huge garden centre.
5 minutes up road from us is Hartsholm Park with small council site. Park is great, river walks and lakes. Bus outside into Lincoln where there are 2 Wetherspoons 🤗. We wish we were further away so we would want to stay there but we walk dogs in there every day.
 
SueMS said:
Just wondering how people use their motorhomes? We have a dog and we generally use CLs or CSs. We only use the site as a place to stay overnight. During the day we drive somewhere, park up and go for walks. Any planning for a holiday involves finding plenty of places to park reasonably near to the site.
Getting a bus from a site isn't an option for us because of the dog. Planning is always an issue as husband is of the opinion that "we'll find somewhere we can park", I like it all planned from the start. A work colleague of mine used to accuse me of micro-managing, can't think what he means really.
The New Forest is just amazing for holidays like this, we go several times a year.
Any other suggestions of similar places that would work for us will be appreciated.
Click to expand...
I know this will be a silly question but what is CL's or CS's (campsites?) short for? We are complete newbies lol!!

We had our first trial night away last night with our dog who is very nervous, so these replies have given me hope! We only went to wareham forest, just half hour drive, he shook the whole way but we were in a car accident 2 years ago where we were overturned so partly due to that and partly as he is a big soft golden retriever who doesn't like change!


Where do you stay that's good in the new forest for walking from site as that's our next intended location, it's an hour away so building him up! Woods walks are his favourite so hoping this will mean he will soon relate MH to fun walks!


Great Post thank you!

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