Questions to the forum

[Russ3376]

We are selling up, yep everything, and leaving the carousel so here are a few questions for the experts, there's a ton of info on the interweb, too much , but I'd rather ask the peeps who live it!

How do you maintain a UK footprint (as we will have no offical home address) for GP, postal/proof of address for future return and buying a new home?

Which Medical Insurance is best?

Pet Insurance (Already have Pet passport)?

Which Security devices are essential without it adding armour plating, canons and anti personel mines, which is illegal?

Worth getting a roll of fake grass or outdoor mat?

Internet access will be essential, how does that work?

Controversial subject, generator or powerbank?

I should imagine that a lot of sites will already be getting booked up, as we are still planning, which areas welcome off site parking for a limited time only as I forsee we will struggle to get the best sites?

What is the average cost per night at an established site with ablutions, power, water etc?

We are mega serious about this, it will happen so any other recommendations will be welcome?

Thanks in advance campers!

 

[Russ3376]

If it makes it easier as Ive asked a lot here, DM me to prevent the forum getting clogged up,

 

[chaser]

If it makes it easier as Ive asked a lot here, DM me to prevent the forum getting clogged up,

One of the first things you need to do is pay your subscription, otherwise you have only one more post.

 

[Bolti]

Use the Search facility top right corner, all your questions have already been asked.

And welcome to Fun

 

[MisterB]

Take one question at a time and read as much as you can and watch YouTube. Until you've lived the life (which I haven't) its not really possible for most of us to offer good advice on every aspect, but there is plenty of good info in the forum itself for some if your questions.

Some will suggest not taking any notice of you tubers but my suggestion is to watch as many as you can BUT don't believe everyone you watch and don't get sucked into buying everything that they promote.

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[1967bowesj]

Take one question at a time and read as much as you can and watch YouTube. Until you've lived the life (which I haven't) its not really possible for most of us to offer good advice on every aspect, but there is plenty of good info in the forum itself for some if your questions.

Some will suggest not taking any notice of you tubers but my suggestion is to watch as many as you can BUT don't believe everyone you watch and don't get sucked into buying everything that they promote.

Last sentance is most important, they get paid to advertise most of the stuff so its the dogs dandlies till they get the next new freebie then that becomes the best.
Next best advice is do as chaser has said and pay your membership, the advise and knowledge you will get back is well worth £20

 

[Figaro]

You asked a lot of questions for which most have many answers depending on circumstances and preferences.
I'd suggest paying to become a full member, slowing down a little and addressing one question at a time.

Full time living in a motorhome is a dream for many, but it isn't simple or easy and you need to be sure you're not looking through rose tinted glasses.
Good luck with your plans

 

[berni109]

The search function on here will provide answers to all your questions but you need to be a member.

 

[jdk62]

So here's a thing…. a couple of posts above have challenged the OP to pay a subscription rather than take advantage of the initial free posts which Fun allows.

I see this it a bit like on a 2 lane road which then merges into 1… those on the inside lane queuing getting miffed by those who stay in the outside lane and merge into the inside lane at the point of lane reduction… Those in the outside lane are doing nothing wrong ( and following signage to merge), yet many in the inside lane moan.

The OP is entitled to make use of free posts and after which they can decide if they wish to subscribe, But responding to perfectly reasonable questions with a reply which tells them they need to subscribe is in my opinion, really quite unwelcoming and unnecessary.

 

[Geistguy]

May I welcome a possible new member and wish him luck and fun for the future.

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[Bailey58]

So here's a thing…. a couple of posts above have challenged the OP to pay a subscription rather than take advantage of the initial free posts which Fun allows.

I see this it a bit like on a 2 lane road which then merges into 1… those on the inside lane queuing getting miffed by those who stay in the outside lane and merge into the inside lane at the point of lane reduction… Those in the outside lane are doing nothing wrong ( and following signage to merge), yet many in the inside lane moan.

The OP is entitled to make use of free posts and after which they can decide if they wish to subscribe, But responding to perfectly reasonable questions with a reply which tells them they need to subscribe is in my opinion, really quite unwelcoming and unnecessary.

Sorry, don't agree. The OP wants, and needs, a wealth of information for a huge change of lifestyle much of which he will find with the search facility, unavailable to non subscribers. Joining the forum for £20 is a drop in the ocean for the help and advice he will receive now and in the future.

 

[L' Hobo]

So here's a thing…. a couple of posts above have challenged the OP to pay a subscription rather than take advantage of the initial free posts which Fun allows.

I see this it a bit like on a 2 lane road which then merges into 1… those on the inside lane queuing getting miffed by those who stay in the outside lane and merge into the inside lane at the point of lane reduction… Those in the outside lane are doing nothing wrong ( and following signage to merge), yet many in the inside lane moan.

The OP is entitled to make use of free posts and after which they can decide if they wish to subscribe, But responding to perfectly reasonable questions with a reply which tells them they need to subscribe is in my opinion, really quite unwelcoming and unnecessary.

The OP asked for advice, the Funsters who advised them to become a member, IMO was giving very good advice because, there is more by becoming a member that can be accessed.
Unlimited posted questions, access to Fun Rallies (if there's space), being able to use the search facility etc,etc,etc.

As for the example you gave, be honest, don't you get slightly annoyed when everyone else is merging in a ordered way and just before the point, some flash git FORCES their way in causing you to brake so there's not a collision?

 

[Russ3376]

Wow.. Thanks for all the advice. Youtube it is then

 

[DandJ]

I'm still trying to decide whether this is a spoof post.....

 

[Jim]

I'm still trying to decide whether this is a spoof post.....

Posts like this one are the pits, being met with rubbish like this, is the very worst and most unfriendly welcome someone can receive when they join. It makes us look sad and cliquey. Help the OP or don’t, but keep rude observations to yourself. Thanks.

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[Northernraider]

Wow.. Thanks for all the advice. Youtube it is then

There is no right or wrong way to fulltime in a motorhome. Take everything on YouTube with a pinch of salt . The smaller YouTube accounts will be more factual than the ones with thousands of followers that need to create situations daily to keep those followers. I find real down to earth honest vanlifers don't have the time to post videos on YouTube every week.

I've been fulltime 7 years 2 months. My way ain't the best way either but it ( mostly) works for me.

Don't expect it all to be sunshine and rainbows. It isn't, it can be hard , it can be challenging, it can be lonely , but it can also be fantastic . Everyone's situation is difficult.

You absolutely do not have to be a paid up member on here that is your choice.

BUT this forum can be a lifesaver , and a wealth of knowledge, expertise and sometimes just company and a sounding board. And if you're lucky you'll make some very good life long friends


Go for it , if its not for you it will become apparent after your first year. Winters are harder .

Best of luck

 

[Lee Fryer]

 

[Northernraider]

We are selling up, yep everything, and leaving the carousel so here are a few questions for the experts, there's a ton of info on the interweb, too much , but I'd rather ask the peeps who live it!

How do you maintain a UK footprint (as we will have no offical home address) for GP, postal/proof of address for future return and buying a new home?


I used to use my mother's address for mail and to keep registered for doctors, dentist etc , all vehicle registration, insurance etc . I now use my sisters for the Same purpose. While travelling around if I need something delivered then I sometimes use a friend's address to receive those.

Which Medical Insurance is best?


I don't have medical insurance.

Pet Insurance (Already have Pet passport)?

All my dogs are eu citizens and have eu passports


Which Security devices are essential without it adding armour plating, canons and anti personel mines, which is illegal?

A dog is a good one , also visual deterrents and if you can find a way to disable the vehicle that only you know about I find those more effective. If they can't drive it off they can't steal it. A theif may bring tools to remove security devices but they're unlikely to carry spare parts to get the vehicle running .


Worth getting a roll of fake grass or outdoor mat?

What for?


Internet access will be essential, how does that work?

Buy a data sim that covers you anywhere or a local sim or esim


Controversial subject, generator or powerbank?


Best is to fit as much solar as you can first of all . If you're remote then a generator is fine ,if parked next to neighbours you'll annoy the life out of them . Handy for French cuddlers though.


I should imagine that a lot of sites will already be getting booked up, as we are still planning, which areas welcome off site parking for a limited time only as I forsee we will struggle to get the best sites?

I don't use sites.... always free places to park if you look and make yourself as unintrusive as possible. In Europe lpts of aires



What is the average cost per night at an established site with ablutions, power, water etc?

Can't advise


We are mega serious about this, it will happen so any other recommendations will be welcome?


Live your own life , don't try to live someone else's



Thanks in advance campers!

I've tried to answer each of your questions.. you'll have to click on the post above though to read my answers as I messed up the quote


You're welcome

 

[chaser]

So here's a thing…. a couple of posts above have challenged the OP to pay a subscription rather than take advantage of the initial free posts which Fun allows.

I see this it a bit like on a 2 lane road which then merges into 1… those on the inside lane queuing getting miffed by those who stay in the outside lane and merge into the inside lane at the point of lane reduction… Those in the outside lane are doing nothing wrong ( and following signage to merge), yet many in the inside lane moan.

The OP is entitled to make use of free posts and after which they can decide if they wish to subscribe, But responding to perfectly reasonable questions with a reply which tells them they need to subscribe is in my opinion, really quite unwelcoming and unnecessary.

So he has now used his free posts, so that's it , he has either got to now pay or he can't ask anything else, it was only a bit of advice.

 

[Jim]

If it makes it easier as Ive asked a lot here, DM me to prevent the forum getting clogged up,

Don't worry you won't clog us up we have almost 6m posts here.

Threads do ramble but we're not bothered at all. You can ask as many questions at once as you like, that said experience shows that it's best to start a thread for each new question, but it's not a hard and fast rule, it just makes it easier for you to collate the info .

You have exciting times ahead.. Best wishes

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[Tombola]

try to search full time abroad in the MH fun search..., but Ive got this from AI if any good. The points below assume you dont have aNone Lucrative visa or the like, but some points to consider, the Video is ok.
Average cost per night is waht you want to make it really, plenty of free park ups depending on country, then plenty sites from £ to ££££, you will soon find your feet on that one.

AI rsponse below
it's possible to live full time in a UK motorhome abroad, but there are some things to consider:

• Travel restrictions
  After Brexit, UK citizens can only spend 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period. This means you'll need to leave most of mainland Europe after 90 days.
  • A passport with at least three months left until expiry
    
    
    
  • A visa for all countries you intend to visit
    
    
    
  • Your Covid-19 passport
    
    
    
  • A UK driving license
    
    
    
  • Insurance certificate for the vehicle
    
    
    
  • First aid kit
    
    
    
  • High visibility vest
    
    
    
  • Health insurance
    
    
    
  • UK number plate/vehicle identifier
    
    
    
  • Headlight converters
    
    
    
  • Warning triangle
    
    
    
  • Car/motorhome/caravan V5C (log book)
• Driving regulations
  Each country has its own driving regulations, so it's best to check each country's rules before you set off.
  
  
  
• Insurance
  Finding a policy might not be straightforward because your location is likely to change regularly.
  
  
  
• Connectivity
  You might need to buy data cards for different countries.
  
  
  
• Address
  You might need to use a relative's address because the DVLA won't allow you to use a virtual address.

and a cheeky vid from Gap decaders

 

[funflair]

I've tried to answer each of your questions.. you'll have to click on the post above though to read my answers as I messed up the quote


You're welcome

We have a roll of fake grass, I put it down when it's sandy, gritty, muddy or fresh grass clippings outside and it keeps the entrance to the van cleaner, we have carpets inside so don't want all the muck bringing in grass rolls up and stands in a small bucket in the garage so if it is wet it just drains down.

 

[gus-lopez]

Use a relatives address or a friends.

 

[Northernraider]

We have a roll of fake grass, I put it down when it's sandy, gritty, muddy or fresh grass clippings outside and it keeps the entrance to the van cleaner, we have carpets inside so don't want all the muck bringing in grass rolls up and stands in a small bucket in the garage so if it is wet it just drains down.

I do have a couple of small door matt sized squares.

And removable matts inside. Carpets inside not practical with the dogs .

 

[jdk62]

Sorry, don't agree. The OP wants, and needs, a wealth of information for a huge change of lifestyle much of which he will find with the search facility, unavailable to non subscribers. Joining the forum for £20 is a drop in the ocean for the help and advice he will receive now and in the future.

Well given the initial welcome from some on this thread, it is hardly the best start to promote the good of being on Fun and subscribing.

As Jim states on his post….”It makes us look sad and cliquey”

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[VXman]

A lot of very basic questions. Have you already sold up or is this a research exercise? If you have already made your decision I am surprised you didn't fine out about these things first.

 

[Northernraider]

A lot of very basic questions. Have you already sold up or is this a research exercise? If you have already made your decision I am surprised you didn't fine out about these things first.

"We are selling up " would suggest they haven't done it yet as opposed to " we have sold up"

 

[Gellyneck]

it can be lonely

Aye right, Tam!

You and how many dugs!

and Russ3376 as Jim says I do ramble on!

 

[Northernraider]

Aye right, Tam!

You and how many dugs!

and Russ3376 as Jim says I do ramble on!

Aye but there are sometimes I don't speak to another human in person for weeks lol.

But yeah dogs make vanlife .. wouldn't have lasted this long without them

 

[EuroTrotters]

Are you moving overseas?