Camper vs. Motorhome vs. Caravan
Discussion
From the top I have to say that I have never been with a motorhome / caravan. Now that the second baby is here we are planing to scale back on work and enjoy time with the kids as much as possible until they go to school. Obviously we are going to wait until the newborn is about 18-months old. Traveling around Europe with a motorhome/caravan/camper has a very special appeal so I have started doing some research.
The romanticised idea at the beginning was buying a motorhome and camping where one pleases, however the reality is that we are no longer in the 1950's and camping is strongly regulated. After reading some stories and seeing some horror youtube movies about overcrowded camping sites I was ready to give up on the whole subject , but the idea won't give me any peace. After some more research I have found out that civilised camping sites with a bit of private space and some nature do exist so I have decided to soldier on with my research.
So getting to the point... what is more recommendable for 3-4 week trips with 2 adults and 2 kids (4 and 2 years old)? I have to add that we are now in the market for a vehicle with 3 rows of seats (6-7 seater) with a decent cargo cappacity when the third row of seats is in use (Viano, MB R-Klasse, VW T5 or american minivan ala Odyssey, Sienna). We also spend time in Romania where the off-roading possibilities are a dream, and therefore the attraction of wild camping off the beaten track in some gorgeous hidden corners of the Carpathians or the Danube Delta.
- The ideal setup would be a 4x4 Sprinter size motorhome. The advantages are obvious as far as the felxibilty of going anywhere anytime. These things are however very rare and expensive.
- The second choice would be a capable 7-seater 4x4 (Discovery or Landcruiser) with an aussie style offroad caravan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk6KJXeOM0k
....there are no such offroad caravans on the european market as far as I can find.
- Third choice would be a nice minivan and a caravan. No wild camping option here but the real question here is how many possibilities are realistically available in Europe for such offroad excursions?
- A leftfield option would be a nice pickup with a slidein camper or a fifth wheel caravan.
I would like this to be a time of our lives that we remember with great pleasure of lots of family time in great places and a nice dose of adventure. I am looking forward to suggestions and discussions. Thanks in advance!
The romanticised idea at the beginning was buying a motorhome and camping where one pleases, however the reality is that we are no longer in the 1950's and camping is strongly regulated. After reading some stories and seeing some horror youtube movies about overcrowded camping sites I was ready to give up on the whole subject , but the idea won't give me any peace. After some more research I have found out that civilised camping sites with a bit of private space and some nature do exist so I have decided to soldier on with my research.
So getting to the point... what is more recommendable for 3-4 week trips with 2 adults and 2 kids (4 and 2 years old)? I have to add that we are now in the market for a vehicle with 3 rows of seats (6-7 seater) with a decent cargo cappacity when the third row of seats is in use (Viano, MB R-Klasse, VW T5 or american minivan ala Odyssey, Sienna). We also spend time in Romania where the off-roading possibilities are a dream, and therefore the attraction of wild camping off the beaten track in some gorgeous hidden corners of the Carpathians or the Danube Delta.
- The ideal setup would be a 4x4 Sprinter size motorhome. The advantages are obvious as far as the felxibilty of going anywhere anytime. These things are however very rare and expensive.
- The second choice would be a capable 7-seater 4x4 (Discovery or Landcruiser) with an aussie style offroad caravan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk6KJXeOM0k
....there are no such offroad caravans on the european market as far as I can find.
- Third choice would be a nice minivan and a caravan. No wild camping option here but the real question here is how many possibilities are realistically available in Europe for such offroad excursions?
- A leftfield option would be a nice pickup with a slidein camper or a fifth wheel caravan.
I would like this to be a time of our lives that we remember with great pleasure of lots of family time in great places and a nice dose of adventure. I am looking forward to suggestions and discussions. Thanks in advance!
Forgot to mention the campervan option. Ideally a 6-7 seater that can be converted into a camper (modular slide-in furniture and galley). I think these may be a bit uncomfortable for 2 adults and 2 kids for extended periods of time, however I have read some positives about this setup as well.
GAjon said:
That is lovely, but it looks like its only a two-seater....maybe the adults in the motorhome and the kids in the towed Panda? 
flatso said:
That is lovely, but it looks like its only a two-seater....maybe the adults in the motorhome and the kids in the towed Panda?
Roof rack, they'll love it!For rwd coachbuilts take a look at older Rimmers or Kentucky Camps on transits or mercedes cabs.
Also Laikias on the Iveco cab.
All have plenty of travelling seats, fixed beds and decent tank capacities and towing capacities, a safari room might be a consideration also.
On a serious note 
If you want to go properly off the beaten path, how about one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Globemaster-Extreme-Offr...
I'd think twice about using a Landy Defender to tow it behind, even though it would look cool and the gang. They aren't the best on the motorway if you're heading all the way to Eastern Europe, so how about something like a Land Cruiser Amazon?
Another trailer tent option (cheaper)
http://www.mywayrooftents.co.uk/myway-roof-tents-p...
Not cheap - but it does say they do export too:
http://conqueroraustralia.com.au/commander
If you want to go properly off the beaten path, how about one of these?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Globemaster-Extreme-Offr...
I'd think twice about using a Landy Defender to tow it behind, even though it would look cool and the gang. They aren't the best on the motorway if you're heading all the way to Eastern Europe, so how about something like a Land Cruiser Amazon?
Another trailer tent option (cheaper)
http://www.mywayrooftents.co.uk/myway-roof-tents-p...
Not cheap - but it does say they do export too:
http://conqueroraustralia.com.au/commander
Edited by hornetrider on Wednesday 5th November 10:40
Hornetrider I like your style....but to bring us towards a more reasonabe budget
http://www.unimogs.co.uk/machinedetail.asp?searchs...
ther are a few more on there, if you've ever seen truck offroad competitions these things are just unstoppable
http://www.unimogs.co.uk/machinedetail.asp?searchs...
ther are a few more on there, if you've ever seen truck offroad competitions these things are just unstoppable
andburg said:
Hornetrider I like your style....but to bring us towards a more reasonabe budget
http://www.unimogs.co.uk/machinedetail.asp?searchs...
ther are a few more on there, if you've ever seen truck offroad competitions these things are just unstoppable
Expedition style vehicles are nice but a bit overkill, one kid will only be 18 Mo. old and we are not really driving across all the way to China. Universal Motor Geräte (UNIMOG) are awesome, I have a friend who has an older model, the thing is truly unstoppable. However they are all trucks and therefore require more expensive toll charges and are rather uncomfortable on the road.http://www.unimogs.co.uk/machinedetail.asp?searchs...
ther are a few more on there, if you've ever seen truck offroad competitions these things are just unstoppable
Trailer tents are also not much of an option mainly for the lack of bathroom and shower facilities.
The options are a 4x4 Sprinter style campervan (the T5 would be a bit too small for 4), a classic motorhome (non 4x4) or a solid offroader (Discovery, Landcruiser) with a camper hung to it. The idea of a Ram pickup with a large cummins turbodiesel and a fifth wheel camper is also very nice but these fifth wheels are almost impossible to find on the continent.
There are always a lot of MB Sprinter 4x4 and others that exhibit at the Dusseldorf show each year , but not cheap at all.
Here are a few sites to look at :
CS Reismobile
HRZ Reismobile
www.sprinter-rv.com
Here are a few sites to look at :
CS Reismobile
HRZ Reismobile
www.sprinter-rv.com
Personally I am a caravan convert as I like the easy set up, and the fact you dont have to pack up every time you want to go anywhere. Equally can pop to the shops or whatever leaving one parent and the kids behind, Also you do not have parking issues on days out etc.
Disadvantages of a carvan are the need to store it when not away, and its difficult to stop tourist destinations on route to or from sites.
Disadvantages of a carvan are the need to store it when not away, and its difficult to stop tourist destinations on route to or from sites.
Every option is a compromise. The idea of wild camping in hidden beauty spots sound idillic, but realistically are you really going to be doing that every time, or will commercial campsites end up being more realistic?
Im a caravaner and until recently never saw the appeal of motorhomes. I saw them as expensive vehicles that sit on the drive for 11 months a year. When on holiday, having to pack everything away everytime you want to nip to the shops must be a real pain. But of late, when seeing folk parked up in a countryside lay-by, or by the sea, I can see their appeal. Whenever you see somewhere nice you can just pull over and put the kettle on. Parking is easier than with a caravan, and you can even pull up and have a chill whenever you want.
When towing a caravan you could perhaps do the same, but once at the caravan site you would be using your car to explore everywhere, so you can't just pull up and have a cuppa/snooze/watch tv like you can in a motorhome. But I do like returning to my caravan after a day out sightseeing, having somewhere to escape from being in the car all day, Whereas in a motorhome your stuck in it 24/7.
You won't know whats right for you until you try it. Thats why there are always loads of 2nd hand caravans/motorhomes for sale, owners are constantly upgrading or swapping to other options in search of the perfect rig.
Im a caravaner and until recently never saw the appeal of motorhomes. I saw them as expensive vehicles that sit on the drive for 11 months a year. When on holiday, having to pack everything away everytime you want to nip to the shops must be a real pain. But of late, when seeing folk parked up in a countryside lay-by, or by the sea, I can see their appeal. Whenever you see somewhere nice you can just pull over and put the kettle on. Parking is easier than with a caravan, and you can even pull up and have a chill whenever you want.
When towing a caravan you could perhaps do the same, but once at the caravan site you would be using your car to explore everywhere, so you can't just pull up and have a cuppa/snooze/watch tv like you can in a motorhome. But I do like returning to my caravan after a day out sightseeing, having somewhere to escape from being in the car all day, Whereas in a motorhome your stuck in it 24/7.
You won't know whats right for you until you try it. Thats why there are always loads of 2nd hand caravans/motorhomes for sale, owners are constantly upgrading or swapping to other options in search of the perfect rig.
Edited by LeadFarmer on Saturday 8th November 00:10
LeadFarmer said:
Every option is a compromise. The idea of wild camping in hidden beauty spots sound idillic, but realistically are you really going to be doing that every time, or will commercial campsites end up being more realistic?
Im a caravaner and until recently never saw the appeal of motorhomes. I saw them as expensive vehicles that sit on the drive for 11 months a year. When on holiday, having to pack everything away everytime you want to nip to the shops must be a real pain. But of late, when seeing folk parked up in a countryside lay-by, or by the sea, I can see their appeal. Whenever you see somewhere nice you can just pull over and put the kettle on. Parking is easier than with a caravan, and you can even pull up and have a chill whenever you want.
When towing a caravan you could perhaps do the same, but once at the caravan site you would be using your car to explore everywhere, so you can't just pull up and have a cuppa/snooze/watch tv like you can in a motorhome. But I do like returning to my caravan after a day out sightseeing, having somewhere to escape from being in the car all day, Whereas in a motorhome your stuck in it 24/7.
You won't know whats right for you until you try it. Thats why there are always loads of 2nd hand caravans/motorhomes for sale, owners are constantly upgrading or swapping to other options in search of the perfect rig.
Perhaps the idea of a motorhome towing a small car is the best compromise. Where does one find campsites with lots of private space and nature? I mean, the idea of waking up in the morning surrounded by caravans and motorhomes is not exactly the most attractive.Im a caravaner and until recently never saw the appeal of motorhomes. I saw them as expensive vehicles that sit on the drive for 11 months a year. When on holiday, having to pack everything away everytime you want to nip to the shops must be a real pain. But of late, when seeing folk parked up in a countryside lay-by, or by the sea, I can see their appeal. Whenever you see somewhere nice you can just pull over and put the kettle on. Parking is easier than with a caravan, and you can even pull up and have a chill whenever you want.
When towing a caravan you could perhaps do the same, but once at the caravan site you would be using your car to explore everywhere, so you can't just pull up and have a cuppa/snooze/watch tv like you can in a motorhome. But I do like returning to my caravan after a day out sightseeing, having somewhere to escape from being in the car all day, Whereas in a motorhome your stuck in it 24/7.
You won't know whats right for you until you try it. Thats why there are always loads of 2nd hand caravans/motorhomes for sale, owners are constantly upgrading or swapping to other options in search of the perfect rig.
Edited by LeadFarmer on Saturday 8th November 00:10
I am a Motorhome owner, and have traveled as a kid in Caravans all over Europe. Both have their Pro's & Con's. I think if you are going to go away for a week or more, and set up camp, the Caravan is what you want. Once set up, you have freedom of transport etc. Also, way, way cheaper than a Motorhome, let alone towing a car. Motorhome is ideal for short breaks for us (which is all we have time for) because the set up time once you arrive is virtually nil. Arrive, park, plug in, done. What you don't have is mobility.
If you are touring, you get used to visiting places on the way to camp sites.
You have to figure what works for you...
If you are touring, you get used to visiting places on the way to camp sites.
You have to figure what works for you...
The plan is to be away from home for 1-2 months at a time, France and Scandinavia in the summer and the Mediteranean area in the winter.
Lately I have been analising the idea of a camper/conversion van towing a caravan. This way you can setup camp in a commercial camper park, have a vehicle to move around in that can double up as cooking/sleeping alternative in case you stumble across some really nice places.
I also think that vans are a nicer place to travel in for kids, especially if one parent can easily move between the front and back rows of seats, the kids having a table to draw/play etc. on.
The european van market is a bit limited. The VW T5 is the first option, it is however very expensive and seems to have a lot of reliability problems. The previous Viano is not bad (with the 3.0 CDI V6), the new V-Klass is totally overpriced. Will also look into the Transit and Vivaro offerings.
Lately I have been analising the idea of a camper/conversion van towing a caravan. This way you can setup camp in a commercial camper park, have a vehicle to move around in that can double up as cooking/sleeping alternative in case you stumble across some really nice places.
I also think that vans are a nicer place to travel in for kids, especially if one parent can easily move between the front and back rows of seats, the kids having a table to draw/play etc. on.
The european van market is a bit limited. The VW T5 is the first option, it is however very expensive and seems to have a lot of reliability problems. The previous Viano is not bad (with the 3.0 CDI V6), the new V-Klass is totally overpriced. Will also look into the Transit and Vivaro offerings.
A motorhome is a much better option for touring in Europe, you can stay for free at many Aires in some beautiful parts of the France and those that charge are very reasonable. I love fishing and have found many free Aires alongside lakes, rivers and canals. Also look at France Passion, you can stay for free in thousands of places in France.
Regards,
Martin
Regards,
Martin
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