T5 upgrade for more permanent living?

[jaminb]

Hi there I am new to the forum, having joined needing some advice. The Singletrack Forum recommended you guys as a friendly, knowledgeable bunch.

Sense check required.

I am going to be without a house for upto a year and am considering camper life to fill the void, do the forum consider this feasible?

I already know that my T5 (too small) and my boat (too far from work) are not going to be suitable for upto a year. Most of my 'house' possessions can go into storage or the skip.

I think I need a min 4 berth (young kids will hopefully come to visit on a regular basis) and have a budget of upto £35k (includes p/x the T5). I need a garage for a couple of cycles, at least one permanent bed and ideally the 2nd will not require jenga and major shuffling to assemble. Will be located in south east but would like to travel around. I have an old driving licence with a C1. Finally I would like the ability to be off grid and the option to add a tow bar / motorbike rack to the rear.

Moon on a stick?

Have I lost completely lost leave of my senses or is this even remotely possible? The budget appears to buy something that might work but will I be buying something that will spend more time in a garage than on the road? Are Fiat bases reliable? Links to some suitable options greatly appreciated.

thank you in advance.

 

[Riverbankannie]

You could do worse than paying subs and joining up on here which would give you access to classified ads.
Some great MHs in there and very much less likely to be scammed or hiding issues.

 

[maz]

Hi and welcome to the Fun.


Fulltiming in a van is perfectly feasible - quite a few on here do (or have done) just that - and 35k is a decent budget.

If you're planning on over-wintering in the UK, then a fully winterised van is a good idea - this generally means a German or French built van. Payload is a very important issue to consider as well - you will find lots of threads on here about payload!

Layout is a personal preference so it would be a good idea to visit a few dealers or motorhome shows and check out the vans to see what might work for you. Imagine yourself living in different layouts 24/7 - rehearse the practicalities like using the shower.

Good luck!

 

[stevewagner]

It is doable but you need to think about the insurance as full timing is expensive. You will also need to be able to quote a UK address.

 

[Brains]

It's doable.
For one person or a couple.

I think have 2-3 kids for the weekend in the van in a cold wet October to April weekend, the novelty could rub off pretty fast.

When we were doing something similar, we had a regular Air B&B that we went back to many times, sometimes just for the weekend, other times for a week or more.

Also as others have said, you will need a permanent UK address.
Ideally one that you can visit on a regular basis.

Either you use a relative, or, you 'rent' (and have a tenancy document for) a mates garden shed/spare bedroom.
(Or if you know anyone with a holiday home.)

This way you stay on the voting register, can prove you are a good tenant, and therefore a good credit rating, and have an address for the motorhome V5, insurance, tax, as well as the local doctor, dentist, etc.

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[jaminb]

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I hadn't thought about insurance or other admin but should be able to maintain the current family address as a base. Wet weekend with the kids is one of the reasons the boat isn't suitable!

Think subs will be forthcoming as I search for a suitable new temporary home. Is there a good time in the season to buy? I was thinking maybe post summer holiday season there may be an increase in people seeking to offload.

 

[Jake Royd]

Think about of you have a friend or relative who has a drive you could be 'resident' on.
Or consider campsites and their fees. Most campsites don't permit long term bookings longer than something like 24 weeks. But I could be wrong.
Please make some inquiries before 'jumping'

 

[Brains]

Thanks for all your helpful comments. I hadn't thought about insurance or other admin but should be able to maintain the current family address as a base. Wet weekend with the kids is one of the reasons the boat isn't suitable!

Think subs will be forthcoming as I search for a suitable new temporary home. Is there a good time in the season to buy? I was thinking maybe post summer holiday season there may be an increase in people seeking to offload.

Now is a good time to start looking, if you find the right one, buy it.

November to February is the best time to buy in terms of cost, however as everyone knows this, therefore unless they have to sell mid winter they will hang onto a van until Easter, so you may not get the choice that you want.

 

[rolosroller]

 

[Otter Spotter]

Perfectly feasible, but any Van for winter will decent insulation and probably a diesel heater., as cheapest form of heating. Think about where you are going to stay in the van, pitched on a site ( will cost you) or moving around stealth camping. Good luck whatever you decide

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[Gromett]

Hi there I am new to the forum, having joined needing some advice. The Singletrack Forum recommended you guys as a friendly, knowledgeable bunch.

Sense check required.

I am going to be without a house for upto a year and am considering camper life to fill the void, do the forum consider this feasible?

I already know that my T5 (too small) and my boat (too far from work) are not going to be suitable for upto a year. Most of my 'house' possessions can go into storage or the skip.

I think I need a min 4 berth (young kids will hopefully come to visit on a regular basis) and have a budget of upto £35k (includes p/x the T5). I need a garage for a couple of cycles, at least one permanent bed and ideally the 2nd will not require jenga and major shuffling to assemble. Will be located in south east but would like to travel around. I have an old driving licence with a C1. Finally I would like the ability to be off grid and the option to add a tow bar / motorbike rack to the rear.

Moon on a stick?

Have I lost completely lost leave of my senses or is this even remotely possible? The budget appears to buy something that might work but will I be buying something that will spend more time in a garage than on the road? Are Fiat bases reliable? Links to some suitable options greatly appreciated.

thank you in advance.

Depends on your locations. But if you have family and need a large amount of space. Then a caravan and using the CL/CS network might be more viable?
Living in a van is brilliant for a couple of years, but you would need a fairly decent sized one to accommodate children. However when you go bigger you limit yourself in other areas such as being able to go place spontaneously and planning for parking.


I had a Eura mobil when I first went full timing and it sounds like it would be ideal. Look for a Eura 770HS. It has 2 dining areas both of which can be converted to beds. Then there is one above the cab. 1T of payload which is great for a fulltimer.
It is a tax axle and very long so parking in the supermarket can be fun for example.

Any questions just ask

 

[Gromett]

I just went to check if it is your budget and there are a few out there within budget.

Euramobil Euramobil Activa 770 HS Motorhome | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Euramobil Euramobil Activa 770 HS Motorhome at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

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[Gromett]

This 770HB might be better. 2 permanent beds. but not so much lounging area.

Euramobil Activa 770 HB Motorhome | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Euramobil Activa 770 HB Motorhome at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

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