Wanting to Buy First Motorhome to Travel UK with my Dogs - Ongoing Divorce

[jinks84]

Hi my name is Scott and I am wanting to buy my first ever motorhome for me and my dogs. I am going through a recent separation from my partner of 10 years and to get some space and heal - I want to travel the UK for a while starting in February.
I am a landlord so can work anyway as long as I have access to my phone and emails, so a very lucky to be able to up sticks and go. I am selling the last of my toys so I have the funds to buy the motorhome and cover the trip. As a novice I need to know EVERYTHING if I post some questions below your help would be so gratefully received. As you can imagine having only separated in November my head is in the shed!

1. As I have needy cocker spaniel dogs who get dirty and wet - should I choose a low value motorhome like 10k to start so I won't be too heart broken if they destroy it?
2. My parents live on the Isle of Man and the motorhomes on the Island seem much cheaper to buy than the UK mainland is this a good option?
3. Engine size I've seen a 2003 Fiat Carioca 50 for 12k done 65,000 miles but it's a 1.9 do you need a bigger engine for covering longer distances?
4. What should I check for when viewing one?
5. Does it take much planning to go around the UK? as I want to go in February and am not the most organised
6. Are any sites open in February and will Scotland be too cold?
7. Are the heaters in Motorhomes any good?
8. If I missed anything please let me know - my boy dog is 10 and would love to show him new adventures before he gets too old

Thank you in advance

 

[f6c]

Why not pay to Join and all your questions my be answered.

 

[rolosroller]

 

[CazPaul]

Yes buy an older one.

Biggest potential problem with the one you highlight is damp, especially that marque you shortlisted. Check very very carefully.

Have you considered the construction of motorhomes which I would advise you to research carefully.

A PVC maybe a better option or old German A class with a garage for storage.

 

[Janine]

Welcome to the Fun

As the owner of a mud-magnet cocker, I would buy a van that might not be too precious

Electric hook-up is useful at this time of year for getting everything dry.

There are quite a few sites open over the winter. Have a look at Pitchup.

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[bigtwin]

For what you plan I’d be looking for an older German A Class as these are likely to have:

• better insulation
• a double floor
• more space (the A Class bit) for a given length

I’d also suggest that you should consider the addition of:

• additional batteries
• solar panels and/or a Battery to Battery (B2B) charger
• refillable gas cylinder(s) (e.g. Gaslow)

Ian

 

[David and Sally]

 

[Phill D]

hi welcome, as a paid up member you get access to the resource center where there is a plethora of great information on buying and owning your motorhome.

but there are really 2 key things:- Layout, and payload.

then there is your license , do you have a C1 so not restricted to 3.5T and under.

as far a dogs go a few throws over the relevant furniture should mitigate most things. ( at least it does for us, but we only have 1 )

 

[Speve]

Personally I would be going for something in the Hymer range as most will be winterised and you will find some nice older models there may even be some in the classifieds on the forum.
you don’t mention your budget for purchase as that is going to dictate what you can buy

 

[jinks84]

My budget would top out around 15k as want to keep money back for the trip want my dogs and myself to have one big adventure I turn 40 on January 1st and having had a tough couple of years want to start things off right

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[Phill D]

My budget would top out around 15k as want to keep money back for the trip want my dogs and myself to have one big adventure I turn 40 on January 1st and having had a tough couple of years want to start things off right

if you are about to turn 40 then you are unlikely to have C1 on your license , so watch the max weight of what you intend to buy. and at the budget of £15k get a thorough damp check.

 

[jinks84]

hi welcome, as a paid up member you get access to the resource canter where there is a plethora of great information on buying and owning your motorhome.

but there are really 2 key things:- Layout, and payload.

then there is your license , do you have a C1 so not restricted to 3.5T and under.

as far a dogs go a few throws over the relevant furniture should mitigate most things. ( at least it does for us, but we only have 1 )

Hi Phil - not sure how to become a paid member? - you are noted as being in South Wales as am I in the village of Gwaelod-Y-Garth would be great meet up for a coffee if you local so could pick you brain and take some notes

 

[Phill D]

Hi Phil - not sure how to become a paid member? - you are noted as being in South Wales as am I in the village of Gwaelod-Y-Garth would be great meet up for a coffee if you local so could pick you brain and take some notes

im up at Gilfach Goch, there are a few members in the area.

if im about happy to meet although im a tad older than you my youngest son is older than you

membership subscription; click on your avatar and you will see subscriptions.

 

[Phill D]

another point you only get 5 free posts and your on already

 

[Jays2]

If you are a landlord, why are you worried about money for the trip, as income comes in wherever you are, which then funds the trip?

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[Jays2]

Does not stop us all debating the situation!

 

[jinks84]

Does not stop us all debating the situation!

Once the mortgages are paid the salary isn't alot and need to have a job to support myself but having no kids over the years I got some toys a small fishing boat, classic car & a nice watch had sold these now to fund this trip

 

[Jays2]

So are you now homeless and wish to full time?

 

[Jays2]

But you could afford the toys before!
And not work?

 

[jinks84]

So are you now homeless and wish to full time?

In with my brother until I get a motorhome and go

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[jinks84]

But you could afford the toys before!
And not work?

I work am a berthing master but giving it up to go on an adventure

 

[KiwiKampers]

There’s a special offer on subscriptions to Motorhome Fun at present. My advice would be to join and take full advantage of the “experts” on here.
After reading your post, I do wonder if you have chosen the right time and circumstances to start motorhoming, especially as you are going straight into full-timing without any experience.
You are embarking in a major change of lifestyle at a time when you are probably very vulnerable. I’m thinking of emotionally and probably financially.
Motorhoming, especially during the winter months, can be a very lonely experience. You may not meet many people as they stay inside their vans to keep warm. There is nothing more depressing than sitting inside a motorhome when it’s teaming down with rain, there’s condensation on the windows, the dog needs a walk, you need to empty the toilet cassette, you haven’t spoken to a soul for days and you’ve no cellphone signal.
Some on here find life on the open road invigorating and stimulating ( not to mention financially beneficial). I, personally, prefer to wildcamp. It suits my personality and I loathe campgrounds. But if your van is not set-up for living off grid you are going to have to spend time and money on staying where you can have EHU.
You say that you are not a very organised person and this makes me think you would not enjoy having to plan your route and book where you are going to stay.
I would urge you to hold back on the idea of going fulltime in a motorhome. You may have seen lots of You Tube video blogs of young people touring the world in the back of a van, but don’t be taken in by what they tell you. At this stage of your life, I’m not sure it would be a good idea.

 

[97243]

I work am a berthing master but giving it up to go on an adventure

Fellow landlord here, also from South Wales originally. I have learned over the years that there is a general misconception of how well off or principled a landlord might be. We all seem to get tarred with the same brush.

You are about the same age as my kids and I have always said to them, just go for it but avoid debt. My daughter, your age, also a landlord, has just bought a narrow boat to live on, as she is fed up with renting but doesn't want to be tied down to a mortgage as she is also building a business.

She has started off with an "entry level" boat which she will always get her money back on, so my advice to you would be to do that and just take some time to consolidate your life.

 

[Jays2]

If you are going on a adventure in February, cross the channel and head south! For 90 days then come back.

 

[Spriddler]

I totally agree with KiwiKampers comments above ^^^^^^^^
Motorhoming solo in winter can be a very depressing experience after the novelty and excitement of the first couple of weeks has faded.

There are no black and white single sentence answers to your questions as they depend so much upon how you like to live etc. so I'd recommend having a rambling chat and discuss the many options and scenarios with someone experienced.
Just as an example you'll need a m/home with better than average insulation and be able to prevent the fresh and grey water tanks from freezing up (especially in Scotland). You'll need refillable LPG cylinders as the Calor exchangeable type will cost you a fortune to exchange.
Be very cautious of adverts on the auction sites as there are many very convincing fraudsters out there.

It would be useful for you to read the excellent 'Motorhome Buyers Guide' in the 'Resources' section.

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[Emmit]

For what you plan I’d be looking for an older German A Class as these are likely to have:

• better insulation
• a double floor
• more space (the A Class bit) for a given length

I’d also suggest that you should consider the addition of:

• additional batteries
• solar panels and/or a Battery to Battery (B2B) charger
• refillable gas cylinder(s) (e.g. Gaslow)

Ian

And an outside shower fitment.

 

[denisejoe]

You definitely need to be looking for an older Hymer with double floor. We had an old (1998) B544 without a double floor. To be honest we'd still have that van if we hadn't wanted a double floored van!

 

[68c]

Pilote Galaxy (G) models similar quality and double floor, usually cheaper than a similar age Hymar.

 

[Jammi]

For the dogs, get them some good quality drying coats, like Ruff & Tumble. They stop the entire van being splattered with mud.
And some absorbent quick drying mats for the floor.
We have a giant, hairy, water loving Leonberger and these two things have worked well for us.

 

[ambulancekidd]

If you join up properly, I'll be able to message you as I might know of a motorhome for sale that'd fit your criteria.

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