Motorhome advice please….

[Hartleyj]

Welcome. Won’t you be able to do 3 months in Europe every 6 months, ie a total of 6 months a year? And 8m is quite a bus, how many of there are you? Most MoHo’s have only driver and passenger. Can’t see why you need over 7m personally. Were at 6.75m but would have preferred 6m like the previous one but like cars they seem to get bigger every year. And yes, ginger man if at all possible. You won’t regret it.

 

[Hartleyj]

Welcome. Won’t you be able to do 3 months in Europe every 6 months, ie a total of 6 months a year? And 8m is quite a bus, how many of there are you? Most MoHo’s have only driver and passenger. Can’t see why you need over 7m personally. Were at 6.75m but would have preferred 6m like the previous one but like cars they seem to get bigger every year. And yes, ginger man if at all possible. You won’t regret it.

Sorry, German not Ginger!

 

[akadingbat]

No matter what vehicle you are in Edinburgh is dreadful for parking so much better to use the park and rides and get the tram in to city centre.

 

[pat100]

I’ve only recently started MH-ing but I’ve been on some incredibly steep single track in the Welsh Black Mountains and the Pyrenees’s. I met an articulated logging lorry on one single track with 3ft ditches on both sides. I stopped with half of my tyres off the road. He completely amazed me by squeezing past. He must have had several wheels completely off the road. Very skilful. Luckily, he was empty. Several times, I have thought: “I am so, so glad I got a small vehicle with a powerful engine.” Not a clever decision, just ignorance and good luck guiding my choice. (6m.)

 

[Compusol]

We’re 8M and have no problems, I’d be a little cautious in some remote and rural areas but as stated earlier, if a bus goes there, so can you.
Height barriers can be an issue.
We are currently at Steamer Quay in Totnes and only 5 minutes stroll into town. Pubs, supermarket, chippy etc. There are a few sites close to town but plenty that are on a bus route and exploring by bus can be fun. Worst case you go home in a taxi!

We were in Steamer Quay a few weeks ago visiting friends in Totnes, a super place to stop.

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[Nanniemate]

I’ve only recently started MH-ing but I’ve been on some incredibly steep single track in the Welsh Black Mountains and the Pyrenees’s. I met an articulated logging lorry on one single track with 3ft ditches on both sides. I stopped with half of my tyres off the road. He completely amazed me by squeezing past. He must have had several wheels completely off the road. Very skilful. Luckily, he was empty. Several times, I have thought: “I am so, so glad I got a small vehicle with a powerful engine.” Not a clever decision, just ignorance and good luck guiding my choice. (6m.)

Fiesta rule of forest driving never got in the way of the loggers

 

[B-JandBella]

Hey, thank you. Yes, he is comfortable using in in Europe - he loves driving through Europe. But given that he can only be there three months a year, we’re concerned that it will be largely unused for the rest of the year, if it’s too difficult in the UK.

He has been looking at converted vans as well (Ducato type size). But price for price, you get so much more with a motorhome. It’s a quandary!

Welcome to the club......
Hey Bev, don't forget that a bigger van means heavier!
Make sure your driving license will cover you, in regards to weight of the vehicle.
Just something to consider.

 

[Puddleduck]

When we were in Eire we followed a bus along a country road thinking "if it can get through so can we." Then the bus turned round and went back the way we had come.

We continued on and the road got very narrow but with spectacular views. About 10km further on and across a county boundary the road opened up again. No harm done, we were pleased not to have met anything coming the other way, and carry the memory with us. The country road did save us an additional 40km on more major roads. We said after that an "L" road meant "why the L did we come down here?"

 

[B-JandBella]

When we worked we would often do 15-20 weekends away in a year, pack MH Thursday night, leave Friday after work, often travelling less than 50 miles from home. Always felt on holiday as soon as we left our drive.

I'm with you on that one! Me, Janet and puppy dog do exactly the same as you.
Can't seam to fathom driving for hours and hours when there's ton's to see right on your own doorstep!
Unless, of course, we are travelling to see friends and family.
Billy

 

[Purrfecttune]

Four years into Motorhoming and here is my experience.

First time to France & Spain this year: Really easy to find parking, regularly free, always in a convenient place beside towns and villages. Cost of campsites half the price of UK with loads more facilities including swimming pools.

England: Nearly always need to pay for sites and nearly always have to use e-bikes, busses or taxis to get anywhere.

Scotland, loads of welcoming free or extremely cheap parking, especially in remote areas. Outer Hebrides especially good for parking anywhere.

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[DandJ]

People above who've posted have far more experience than me but I'd make sure I have a good look at everything between 6m van conversions and 8m full MoHo. (We have a 6.6m slimline), hardly wider than a van at 2.1m but feels far roomier...works for us, won't for others. We've been told many times that it will likely be our 3rd van that is 'just right'....looks like our pre-purchase research has paid off as this van (layout) is perfect for us) Good luck in your search

 

[1090alex]

Hi Everyone,
We are looking at buying our first motorhome (we’ve found a Swift that we like and it’s nearly 8m long). My husband paraglides and spends a few months in Europe during the year and we feel it will be really useful for that as he tends to stay on sites with other pilots. However, how easy are motorhomes to use in the UK, specifically ease of parking during the day.

We know that we can plan a trip and drive from site to site, however, if we just wanted to take off for a weekend without too much thought, how easy is it to find somewhere to pull up and park during the day. Also, we’re just wondering how the best way would be to visit Cities? If we wanted to go to Edinburgh for example or even some Coastal villages, how do you do that with a motorhome? Do you need to park outside and then get public transport or is it quite easy to park anywhere. We’re really excited to get one, but actually wondering how easy it is to use in the UK without having to plan to the nth degree).

Silly questions probably, but want to make sure we’ve thought through everything before we buy, they’re not cheap.

Thank you
Bev.

Hi Bev

I have an 8.6 mtr long motorhome. Before I took delivery I had an Avtex (other brands available, ) sat nav fitted on top of the dash. Unlike the system already fitted to the vehicle with Avtex you can programe in the dimensions of your van. This means (in theory) when you enter a destination the sat nav will only use a route suitable for your van.
When we decide we want to be able to visit a city we check out which ones are within walking distance, on a bus route or electric bike range. We also keep a note of the length, height and width of the van on the dash just to remind us! Other thing to remember is the reduced speed limits on your vehicle.
Good luck with your new motorhome you'll wonder why you didn't do this years ago.

 

[DerryW]

As a free user you won't be able to keep posting so you'll need to subscribe, then you can access the resources section the content of which is free to subscribers and you'll certainly benefit from reading the stuff in there.

As for your suggested purchase, 8m is BIG ... whilst you may have a goodish payload unless you know for a fact that it is the actual payload on the MH you are looking at, ie a recent weight ticket showing front and rear axle weights, do NOT trust the figure as they are notorious for being over-egged.

Could I suggest that if you do subscribe you post a link to the MH in question so we can give it the once over to see if there's anything you need to be aware of.

Agree 100% with what Minxy has said. Particularly about becoming a fully paid up member of the forum. Not just saying that to bolster membership, but I guarantee you won’t find a better place for technical and non tech advice, not only Motorhome related. There are some members (present company excluded) who are true experts in their fields who are only to happy to share the knowledge and expertise.
Good Luck with whatever you do around your future travel arrangements, and look forward to welcoming you to member, it’ll be the best £20 you’ll ever spend.

 

[VXman]

Abroad is a breeze in 7.5m motorhome. The UK is terrible in a 7.5m motorhome. If I was restricted to just UK I wouldn’t have a motorhome.

Depends - We have a 7.5m motorhome. We have 2 electric bikes and sometimes take a motorbike. We have found it easy enough to find campsites near towns/cities or even 'off grid' park ups. If it's a little to far to walk we use the bikes or occasionally bus.

 

[VXman]

Welcome. Won’t you be able to do 3 months in Europe every 6 months, ie a total of 6 months a year? And 8m is quite a bus, how many of there are you? Most MoHo’s have only driver and passenger. Can’t see why you need over 7m personally. Were at 6.75m but would have preferred 6m like the previous one but like cars they seem to get bigger every year. And yes, ginger man if at all possible. You won’t regret it.

Personal opinion - Our 7.5 feels just right for 2 people. I don't want to feel cramped, want to be comfortable. We also like fixed beds at the back, plus a big garage for bikes etc. 7.5/8m is not excessive for that. However, everyone is different. I really couldn't cope in a camper van.

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[peterc10]

Personal opinion - Our 7.5 feels just right for 2 people. I don't want to feel cramped, want to be comfortable. We also like fixed beds at the back, plus a big garage for bikes etc. 7.5/8m is not excessive for that. However, everyone is different. I really couldn't cope in a camper van.

Same for us

 

[Darling]

German motorhome every time much better quality than UK vans.

 

[1090alex]

I've a German brand and after owning an Elldis it's only just better

 

[StephandJohn]

Our motorhome was.6.6m and quite big enough for the two of us. I'm sorry to say this but 8m is very big for ease of driving and parking in the UK
As has been suggested it's really good to hire one and see how you get on. It's not only the height and length it's also the layout that's important and many people find out they don't like the layout of their first one when it's too late.
Finally. It's often the one partner who does the driving. Unfortunately my husband was taken ill in Germany and I had to drive ours without any training or practice.Very scary. Both the camping clubs do manoeuvring courses and I really wished I'd done one.
Having said all of that; motorhomeing is the best thing we've ever done. You'll have great fun and see new place and meet lovely people.

 

[Nanniemate]

Our motorhome was.6.6m and quite big enough for the two of us. I'm sorry to say this but 8m is very big for ease of driving and parking in the UK
As has been suggested it's really good to hire one and see how you get on. It's not only the height and length it's also the layout that's important and many people find out they don't like the layout of their first one when it's too late.
Finally. It's often the one partner who does the driving. Unfortunately my husband was taken ill in Germany and I had to drive ours without any training or practice.Very scary. Both the camping clubs do manoeuvring courses and I really wished I'd done one.
Having said all of that; motorhomeing is the best thing we've ever done. You'll have great fun and see new place and meet lovely people.

I keep suggesting to partners that dint drive the vans often to get in and have a go before the incident as being confident when dealing with an unexpected event leads to far less stress

I hope other head your advice

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[Puddleduck]

StephandJohn well done for driving it all that way. Not a great introduction to driving big vehicles.

When I did drive I preferred to drive larger vehicles and the first time I drove our new van on the road was when Martin developed a nasty migraine. Luckily very little motorway driving which heikes doing and I find boring - which is why he used to drive the distances. I was far happier on interesting roads!!