What motorhome

[Frankvmax]

Believe this or not but I've only been In one motorhome for about ten minutes what I really need to know what ones to steer clear from I'm intending to stay in it permanently I'm lucky to have about 60k to spend I know it sounds alot but working for 40 ish years then having to sell the home and can't afford a half decent house or flat because of prices going through the roof anyway apart from the motorhome what extras should I look into solar panels prices petrol generator that sort of thing Im intending on going away every chance I get thanks.... frank

 

[MisterB]

Full time van life isnt easy, think hard and long about what you want and where you want to be in a few years time. whatever you choose, i hope it works out for you.

i would spend a lot of hours on youtube, researching how some people manage full time van life and not making any fast decisions, learn from their experiences. best wishes

 

[Figaro]

 

[Shrimp]

As said above, full timing can be difficult.
You need house address for Insurances, Rd Tax, etc.
And if you need some sort of medical procedure-operation or ?- you will need somewhere to stay afterwards and the MoHo may not be suitable!
It can be a minefield!

 

[Elsie2010]

I hope whatever you choose works out but please consider where you will stay/Park each night safely (the size of the vehicle such as space to live comfortable V's being able to park doesnt always go hand in hand assuming youll need to stay off grid)...where you'll fill up and empty regularly (latter isn't too much of an issue, but still one to consider)

Also, if you do give it a go and it doesn't work out, can you comfortably absorb the loss you'll make in selling it, assuming you'll need £'s to find alternative accommodation, possible even another deposit for a mortgage down the line (we never know what's round that corner, you may very well wish to invest in bricks and mortar again)

I'd honestly try hiring one for a couple of weeks, live and park it where you would if you were full time in it (eg no campsites) and see how you feel

I wish you all the best, just please don't rush in to anything straight off

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[nickq]

Agree with Elsie, hire one even if only for a week, you will learn so much. One of the biggest factors in MH choice is the layout, living in one will give you some idea on the layout that could work for you.
Sadly 60K is not a lot for MH these days .
I don't think you can say there are specific ones to avoid exaclty, it all depends on the condition of the individual vehicle. Do also keep in mind though that servicing, fuel and repairs can get very expensive very quickly.

Keep a keen eye out for water ingress, damp patches and mould. If it smells dodgy it probably needs quite a bit of work. Where you plan on camping is also very important, a 7-8m long 2.3m wide van in a layby is a lot more conspicuous than a panel van conversion, and a lot harder to fit into spaces. So I would look at what's the smallest I can live with from that respect.
Personally I've owned MHs for 12 years now and I love going away but no way I would want to live full time in one, not ever. "wild camping" is also not for me.

Have you considered a narrowboat on the canals?

 

[MichaelT]

Echo everyone else's thoughts on full timing. Being stuck in a van when its passing down for days on end can drive you stir crazy let alone full time.

 

[Frankvmax]

Thanks for the advice folks I won't be rushing in to something

 

[urban_biker]

I'd recommend looking at a European fully winterised model rather than a standard UK spec van, even if that means you have to buy one a bit older. Double floor and a fully insulated habitation area will make a huge difference to winter comfort. You'd also get more storage.

 

[cyberyacht]

Basic running costs for narrowboats, licences etc., appear to be higher than for motorhomes. Obviously a lot depends on fuel use and mooring/pitch fees.