Is a Motorhome right for me?

[Papa_J]

Hi all - I've been a longtime lurker, but first time poster, it's time for me to say hello!

I have recently taken a job working just outside of Reading in Berkshire, and whilst the job is enjoyable, the office base is rather far away from my (mortgaged) home in Cardiff. I am currently lodging near the office Monday-Thursday, however the prospect of living in a motorhome seems a tempting idea, as well as serving as an interim office when I fancy working from the beach!

I'm currently 25 and stand at around 6ft 3 - I will be driving the motorhome around 260 miles per week (round trip to the office). I will most likely be using the MH as a Daily Driver in the week (so sub 6m would be nice), however all amenities including shops would be in walking distance of the office.

The two questions I pose to you lovely guys and gals:
1) Is this a sensible idea?
2) Can you recommend any motorhomes that would fit my need? I like the Hymer Van 314, but it's rather pricey - PVCs seem a better option, however my height doesn't appear to fit most specifications.

I realise I am asking for the moon on a stick, however this forum always appears receptive and welcoming to newcomers wishing to join the fold!

Thank you for your help

 

[movan]

25. 6'3". Motorhome. ...... house. Job.


Oh God please knock 40 years off my age

Welcome to the fun.

 

[jezport]

how about this

 

[Papa_J]

This thread reminds me of why I want to become a Motorhomer - all very helpful and willing to share experience Thank you all!

@JJ It's nice to hear directly from someone who has done this before, stealth PVC does seem to be the best option, and I've been actively paying attention to how long I spent stood up (a lot less than I initially expected...)

Now just to find something cheap, reliable and comfortable. A MWB Transit with a sofa bed and ikea wardrobe is looking tempting - I am a low earning youngster after all.....

 

[mpdcymru]

lived in a caravan (ex-tugger!) for several months at a time and for several periods in London, Peterborough, Ipswich and Swansea whilst working away from home. Worked very well but (now I have some experience with a motorhome) I would say it is so much easier to do with a motor home.

You will need to think how you might dispose of grey water and toilet but these should be manageable particularly if you have use of office showers.

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[pappajohn]

Your height is no problem......stoop/duck.

 

[Candapack]

At the risk of being 'hung, drawn and quartered' by some members, I'll ask the question ... does it have to be a motorhome? Perhaps considering a caravan and your car would be a more cost effective option (putting the caravan on a site, at least initially) to see if you are happy living in a 'box' - if not then you can sell a caravan much easier than a MH/PVC, if you do like it then you can change to a MH/PVC.

My thoughts too. I have a friend who lives in Ayr, self employed IT industry and has a major customer in Aberdeen. He's used a caravan as his base for about 15 years, works for him.

 

[Anthea M]

Hello and welcomeIt all sounds very do -able so go for it if you can afford the insurance and the vanEtc . You will find you will love using the van for weekend trips to lovely venues !
Will your office let you use electric as winter nights may get cold and boring without a little heater and telly if the panels and battery don't give enough charge.
Keep in touch and let us know how you get on!
A few months ago a young man converted his own van ( it was on the news but looked very basic)

 

[autorouter]

Here's another way of looking at it. Since you are an honorary funster already, you could think in terms of buying yourself a motorhome for your holidays/weekends, and use it during the week to justify the cost to yourself.

You'll soon get a different perspective. Why always go home at weekends? Why not find a nice comfortable site with showers/washing machine/interesting things to do/places to go? With a bit of planning, your other half can catch a train and meet at a convenient station en route. Pack the barbeque, walking boots, fishing rod, whatever. A couple of bikes or even a small scooter and you're set up.

Also you'll find that if you're working all day, going home at weekends, and maybe doing a couple of evening sessions at the gym, you'll be spending a lot less time in the motorhome than you might expect.

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Hi Robin and a big .
Have read your posts and all the replies and agree with most of the info given,particularly with regard to PVC's,keep searching and sure you will find a hi top self conversion that will be cheapish and suit your purpose and see how it goes.
Just double check their are no height barriers to the office car park!