My first campervan (well almost, havent bought one yet!)
Discussion
I've decided I want to travel a little bit, my biggest constraint being I don't ever leave my dog in kennels so want to take her with me.
I am looking at getting a RV style campervan. The ones that grab my attention are
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281319628041?ssPageName=...
or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251506091648?ssPageName=...
So, what are the main points I need to consider.
Absolute newbie to this and I do not know anyone who has, or has ever had an RV.
Many thanks
Simond
I am looking at getting a RV style campervan. The ones that grab my attention are
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281319628041?ssPageName=...
or http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251506091648?ssPageName=...
So, what are the main points I need to consider.
Absolute newbie to this and I do not know anyone who has, or has ever had an RV.
Many thanks
Simond
A bit of Europe but I like the idea of seeing Scotland, Wales, Devon etc.. as well.
I'm working on the basis they are no bigger than a coach / lorry, and they get everywhere so this should as well. My licence is a standard one from 1986 which I understand is fine for up to 7.5 ton. (I hope!)
I'm working on the basis they are no bigger than a coach / lorry, and they get everywhere so this should as well. My licence is a standard one from 1986 which I understand is fine for up to 7.5 ton. (I hope!)
Simond S said:
A bit of Europe but I like the idea of seeing Scotland, Wales, Devon etc.. as well.
I'm working on the basis they are no bigger than a coach / lorry, and they get everywhere so this should as well. My licence is a standard one from 1986 which I understand is fine for up to 7.5 ton. (I hope!)
Yep you should be good up to 7.5 ton.I'm working on the basis they are no bigger than a coach / lorry, and they get everywhere so this should as well. My licence is a standard one from 1986 which I understand is fine for up to 7.5 ton. (I hope!)
I think, however, that lots of places in Devon, Cornwall and Scotland will be way too tight for those beasts!
All depends where you want to get I suppose. Some sites may also not allow such big units.
You also have to think that buses etc don't have to find somewhere to park if you fancy driving to the nearest town etc. Though I did talk to somebody with one that towed their car so they left the "bus" on the campsite whilst they went around in the car.
I've also come across a few sites that won't take RVs as they're too big to fit on their hardstandings. We only just fit in some, and we're only 7.35m long!
I've also come across a few sites that won't take RVs as they're too big to fit on their hardstandings. We only just fit in some, and we're only 7.35m long!
Newbie here too - collecting my motorhome on Monday but I'd be really careful of the size. Mine is just under 7.5m and already been a pain to store (driveway not big enough) and most places limit length to 7.2m!
Campsites also don't have many pitches big enough to house more than 7.3m.
I'd also be concerned about manoeuvring on the tight lanes in Devon/Cornwall and in farthest parts of Scotland. At the end of the day, you're there to access these places; would be a right pain of you couldn't get there due to the size of the bus!
Campsites also don't have many pitches big enough to house more than 7.3m.
I'd also be concerned about manoeuvring on the tight lanes in Devon/Cornwall and in farthest parts of Scotland. At the end of the day, you're there to access these places; would be a right pain of you couldn't get there due to the size of the bus!
Spuffington said:
Newbie here too - collecting my motorhome on Monday but I'd be really careful of the size. Mine is just under 7.5m and already been a pain to store (driveway not big enough) and most places limit length to 7.2m!
Campsites also don't have many pitches big enough to house more than 7.3m.
I'd also be concerned about manoeuvring on the tight lanes in Devon/Cornwall and in farthest parts of Scotland. At the end of the day, you're there to access these places; would be a right pain of you couldn't get there due to the size of the bus!
Appreciate the response, a little research and you are correct. Time to start looking for something like a kon tiki then! Campsites also don't have many pitches big enough to house more than 7.3m.
I'd also be concerned about manoeuvring on the tight lanes in Devon/Cornwall and in farthest parts of Scotland. At the end of the day, you're there to access these places; would be a right pain of you couldn't get there due to the size of the bus!
A Kon-Tiki isn't that short. And a Swift, despite many happy owners, isn't the last word in build quality either.
There are plenty of other makes around.
Your first task is to work out the layout you'll need. My advice is to rent a motorhome to establish what things you like and dislike.
Our first rental was a new Swift. Although I loved the motorhome life, I quickly concluded I hated Swift's poor build and relative lack of thought.
Our second rental was a 20 year old Hymer. This was instantly better. Better build, better attention to detail. Better layout. Better everything.
I ended up buying a 22 year old RMB from Germany. At 7m long, there's no problem fitting into campsites. With the age, the purchase price was good. The layout is pretty much bang-on for us. And the quality is stunning. You'd never know ours is so old.
Do your homework. Plenty of research. Get it wrong and you'll regret it. Get it right and you'll love every second.
There are plenty of other makes around.
Your first task is to work out the layout you'll need. My advice is to rent a motorhome to establish what things you like and dislike.
Our first rental was a new Swift. Although I loved the motorhome life, I quickly concluded I hated Swift's poor build and relative lack of thought.
Our second rental was a 20 year old Hymer. This was instantly better. Better build, better attention to detail. Better layout. Better everything.
I ended up buying a 22 year old RMB from Germany. At 7m long, there's no problem fitting into campsites. With the age, the purchase price was good. The layout is pretty much bang-on for us. And the quality is stunning. You'd never know ours is so old.
Do your homework. Plenty of research. Get it wrong and you'll regret it. Get it right and you'll love every second.
You certainly get a lot of van for your money with the US RV's, I dont think the European vans get close, but, there is the drawbacks that have been highlighted.
If your planning mainly weekends away in the UK with one or two trips into Europe per year, then I would say a European van is the best option.
Going into Europe for months on end, full timing or part timing the RV's take a lot of beating(apart from fuel consumption that is).
One other aspect,which has been touched on is the right layout. Take agood look around, go to shows, go to main dealers.
If you do get a layout your not happy with, a European van will be easier to move on.
Good luck with your search, if its an itch you've got to scratch go for it.
If your planning mainly weekends away in the UK with one or two trips into Europe per year, then I would say a European van is the best option.
Going into Europe for months on end, full timing or part timing the RV's take a lot of beating(apart from fuel consumption that is).
One other aspect,which has been touched on is the right layout. Take agood look around, go to shows, go to main dealers.
If you do get a layout your not happy with, a European van will be easier to move on.
Good luck with your search, if its an itch you've got to scratch go for it.
I think you're making the right decision leaving the RV's.
I've been researching motorhome ownership for the last 18months seriously. I've not seen a massive amount, but done enough looking, reading and researching to be fairly sure we've got exactly the right one for us. If only there'd been more funds in the pot, but that would've actually made the search more difficult as budget inevitably brings all sorts of different things into contention.
There's no substitute for experience of vans, as the guys said. I'm probably a little whacky in the sense I haven't been to shows, dealers or seem many in the flesh; just a few private sales we've been to view. But I kept coming back to the same layout and couple of models time & time again, it was on that basis that I just decided to go with gut feel and hope it works out. Only compromise we have made is over lack of lounging space, but we'll hopefully get round that by making the space we have got as homely and comfortable as possible.
I think it's useful to make a list of your priorities. For us it was (in order of preference);
- <7.5m long
- space - so that both my daughter could be in bed whilst we're up eating (far enough away) and also enough berths that we don't have to make up beds every night.
- big fridge freezer. My daughter has food allergies, so taking plenty of her food with us was important and a key criteria for the search;
- separate shower. My wife hates the idea of wet rooms and showering over the toilet etc.
- room to store a very expensive mountainbike securely within the van (so a decent "garage"-type space)
- winterised or partially winterised as we intend to use the van all year around
- 20-25k budget
Everyone is different and, like buying a house, lots of compromises required.
But as I said, I've been dreaming of doing this for a long time and seriously for the last 18 months. To me, I'm more excited about picking this up that I would be realising my other longheld ambition (to buy a Porsche 911).
Good luck with the search!
I've been researching motorhome ownership for the last 18months seriously. I've not seen a massive amount, but done enough looking, reading and researching to be fairly sure we've got exactly the right one for us. If only there'd been more funds in the pot, but that would've actually made the search more difficult as budget inevitably brings all sorts of different things into contention.
There's no substitute for experience of vans, as the guys said. I'm probably a little whacky in the sense I haven't been to shows, dealers or seem many in the flesh; just a few private sales we've been to view. But I kept coming back to the same layout and couple of models time & time again, it was on that basis that I just decided to go with gut feel and hope it works out. Only compromise we have made is over lack of lounging space, but we'll hopefully get round that by making the space we have got as homely and comfortable as possible.
I think it's useful to make a list of your priorities. For us it was (in order of preference);
- <7.5m long
- space - so that both my daughter could be in bed whilst we're up eating (far enough away) and also enough berths that we don't have to make up beds every night.
- big fridge freezer. My daughter has food allergies, so taking plenty of her food with us was important and a key criteria for the search;
- separate shower. My wife hates the idea of wet rooms and showering over the toilet etc.
- room to store a very expensive mountainbike securely within the van (so a decent "garage"-type space)
- winterised or partially winterised as we intend to use the van all year around
- 20-25k budget
Everyone is different and, like buying a house, lots of compromises required.
But as I said, I've been dreaming of doing this for a long time and seriously for the last 18 months. To me, I'm more excited about picking this up that I would be realising my other longheld ambition (to buy a Porsche 911).
Good luck with the search!
After a lot of research (well, ten days to be exact and 5 days of that was on here!) I worked out my must have list
Must have a bed over the drivers cabin for 13yr old.
double bed at rear so we have decent space between us.
have dinette and seatbelts for 4.
outside gas point and shower.
So, after visiting a few retail sites over the weekend I have decided on this
http://www.johnscross.co.uk/products/auto-trail-sc...
Collect in ten days, needs a little tidying that they are doing, but feels really good inside. I want to change the carpet for lino and have button down mats and get a privacy room thing for the awning.
Found this video for a remap that looks good, so hopefully I can honour the PH values. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xixrzIlkljk
Must have a bed over the drivers cabin for 13yr old.
double bed at rear so we have decent space between us.
have dinette and seatbelts for 4.
outside gas point and shower.
So, after visiting a few retail sites over the weekend I have decided on this
http://www.johnscross.co.uk/products/auto-trail-sc...
Collect in ten days, needs a little tidying that they are doing, but feels really good inside. I want to change the carpet for lino and have button down mats and get a privacy room thing for the awning.
Found this video for a remap that looks good, so hopefully I can honour the PH values. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xixrzIlkljk
Hope you enjoy your new Scout.
I've had mine for 5 years now and the layout really suits.
If its me and the wife we convert the rear lounge into a bed and when in warmer climes leave it set up, over here we just make it up at night - 5 minutes.
If I've got my lads with me I make the back into a single, one son has the overcab and the other converts the dinnette (I should really have that because he's taller than me), but it's my van so tough.
If I'm on my own I use the overcab and its plenty comfy.
I've found the autotrail build quality good, but these things take alot of hammer especially on our decaying roads, so you have to keep on top of things just to keep them tip top.
And dont forget to wave.
I've had mine for 5 years now and the layout really suits.
If its me and the wife we convert the rear lounge into a bed and when in warmer climes leave it set up, over here we just make it up at night - 5 minutes.
If I've got my lads with me I make the back into a single, one son has the overcab and the other converts the dinnette (I should really have that because he's taller than me), but it's my van so tough.
If I'm on my own I use the overcab and its plenty comfy.
I've found the autotrail build quality good, but these things take alot of hammer especially on our decaying roads, so you have to keep on top of things just to keep them tip top.
And dont forget to wave.
O.P I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure that scout won't be the Jtd engine that your remap link is for.
It will be a 2.8 but it will be the older idtd unit which is pre common rail and I think 122bhp to the 127 from the jtd.
The idtd probably isn't as easy to chip but I don't think it really needs it.
Could be wrong though and it could be a very early jtd but I've only really seen them 2000 onwards.
It will be a 2.8 but it will be the older idtd unit which is pre common rail and I think 122bhp to the 127 from the jtd.
The idtd probably isn't as easy to chip but I don't think it really needs it.
Could be wrong though and it could be a very early jtd but I've only really seen them 2000 onwards.
Appreciate the input Nagshead. I'll take your word as I (obviously) have no history wit anything motorhome or fiat.
Looking forward to getting it. Booked a couple of local sites for the night we collect and a few days after, just to get used to driving, setting up and work out what else we need. The biggest thing missing at the moment is somewhere external to store table and chairs. I'm thinking of putting a small rack / tray on the back beneath the cycles and strapping them to that.
Speaking to a friend yesterday, she has a friend (in her 60's) who drives every winter to Morocco in hers for a bit of sunshine. Possibly beyond my scope for now but a challenge for the future
Looking forward to getting it. Booked a couple of local sites for the night we collect and a few days after, just to get used to driving, setting up and work out what else we need. The biggest thing missing at the moment is somewhere external to store table and chairs. I'm thinking of putting a small rack / tray on the back beneath the cycles and strapping them to that.
Speaking to a friend yesterday, she has a friend (in her 60's) who drives every winter to Morocco in hers for a bit of sunshine. Possibly beyond my scope for now but a challenge for the future
Had my Kontiki, 3 years now.... Its a 2.8jtd.. And has been chipped for extra torque, also lowered the gearing by changing 5th which was way to high...lost a few MPG but runs nicer, and tows better....
Just done 700 miles down to Beaune in France, towing all the way and it's done 22mpg..... Without towing it does about 26mpg...
As for layout etc, mines just a 2 berth, but the bed is massive......have an end bathroom. With full shower....galley has a full fridge freezer.... Suits me fine... I can last about 5 days on battery power...... Once hooked up on site, I can last for months
Also use refillable LPG bottles so can get gas as required
Just done 700 miles down to Beaune in France, towing all the way and it's done 22mpg..... Without towing it does about 26mpg...
As for layout etc, mines just a 2 berth, but the bed is massive......have an end bathroom. With full shower....galley has a full fridge freezer.... Suits me fine... I can last about 5 days on battery power...... Once hooked up on site, I can last for months
Also use refillable LPG bottles so can get gas as required
I picked up my home on Thursday, not perfect as they hadn't fully valeted it apparently but it looked very clean to me.
Booked Friday in Normans bay as a first weekend away, we couldn't have hoped for better weather which I am sure made things easier. Initial thoughts were that it drove much better than I expected (slight squeal on hills, fanbelt maybe) and as long as I used my mirrors could get through tight spots no issue.
I also made an impulse purchase of a small kayak which proved a good buy with the beach right next to the site.
We intended to move around and spend each night at different sites but were so happy there we stayed till yesterday. Unfortunately off to Spain this week by plane so wont use it for a couple of weeks, but that give the dealer time to clean it properly and sort a couple of minor niggles.
Very happy campers here
Booked Friday in Normans bay as a first weekend away, we couldn't have hoped for better weather which I am sure made things easier. Initial thoughts were that it drove much better than I expected (slight squeal on hills, fanbelt maybe) and as long as I used my mirrors could get through tight spots no issue.
I also made an impulse purchase of a small kayak which proved a good buy with the beach right next to the site.
We intended to move around and spend each night at different sites but were so happy there we stayed till yesterday. Unfortunately off to Spain this week by plane so wont use it for a couple of weeks, but that give the dealer time to clean it properly and sort a couple of minor niggles.
Very happy campers here
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