Ownership Diary - Concorde Charisma I880f Luxury Motorhome
Discussion
Here we have my November 2005 Concorde Charisma I880f luxury motorhome, based on a Mercedes Sprinter 616CDI chassis - Carrie. On the chassis side of things she has a 5-cylinder 2.7l engine mated to the slushiest of slushy autoboxes (far superior to the semi-automatic Sprintshifts which are fitted to many of the same era) and plated at 5,990kg Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight. Empty she weighs in at around a "mere" 4,500kg giving a tad under 1,500kg payload. She is 8.9m long, 2.4m wide and 3.4m long. When new she retailed at around £180,000 - today her equivalent would set you back in excess of £250,000! Carrie currently has a tad under 47k under her wheels.
I bought her a little over two years ago in August 2017 as my effective "home". As many of you will remember, at that point I had been living in my previous Hymer motorhome for around 8 months; having braved a pretty cold winter in a non-winterised van with a single skin floor and fairly basic blown air heating. Although I was grateful coming into summer that year, it was obvious that I would be in the van for at least another 18months and the thought of another winter (or two) was unbearable so the search was on for something more comfortable.
After looking at several vans of different types, I found that I could get into Concorde for my budget of around 50k. This budget gets you into a lot of newer vans, but not necessarily ones which did that much more than the 2001 Hymer I was in at the time. However, Concordes are in a different league. They are designed to be lived in and for luxury touring. Every element has been well thought out for maximum comfort and useability all year around. They are rare finds on the second hand market and although there were two when I bought mine, I have not seen another private sale at the same price point since. The bonus with this van (and ones of its ilk) is: "wet" central heating like you'd have at home. A warmth which is subtle and cosy, not blown at you and then drafty when it's off. It's so well insulated - I did minus 30degs C down in Austria where we had 25degs C in the van and could've had much more if we'd have turned the thermostat up. It has double-floors which further insulates but also provides additional storage. It has 250litres of water which allows 7 days off grid. It has a huge fridge freezer, oven, grill, 3-ring hob.................a Nespresso machine!
So what's she been like?
In the last twelve months she has covered around 4.5k miles - most of those overseas; crossing France and Belgium twice on her way to and from Germany. She lived in Germany for 8months; transporting us on four snowboarding trips to Austria in that time. And prior to that, she helped myself and my girlfriend get acquainted very early on in our relationship on one of the most special trips of our lives to NW Scotland.
So, it wouldn't be an ownership diary if I didn't list all the things I've done to her............bear with me, it's a long one!
I invested in 7 new Michelin Agilis Alpin M&S winter tyres for all year round use. These have proved an excellent investment since they work well both on muddy campsites as well as being approved for winter use in the Alps where we went skiing; excellent traction in wet and very snowy & icy weather.
Upon removing the wheels, it became obvious that the discs & pads were in poor condition. Cue: new discs & pads all round. Stopping now very effective indeed, she sailed through her subsequent MOT............only two weeks later to have a catastrophic breakdown at the side of the A10 in 39degs C of heat with my little one on board. After 8hrs of waiting in a layby for HGV recovery (she's too big & heavy for any low loader), the diagnosis was a failed ABS pump, triggered potentially by a sticking handbrake caliper which had boiled the brake fluid and caused the pump to burn out. On top of that, a broken leaf spring and a new handbrake caliper left me with a £4.2k bill once I'd added wheel alignment.
That hurt.............big time. However, once all back on the road and back to being my fulltime accommodation, she earned her keep again and drove beautifully.
As far as the chassis side is concerned, she's been fine for the 15months since. Regardless of mileage I get the oil & filter changed, together with the fuel filter since this is a weak spot on Sprinters of this age and yesterday during this regular servicing, I had the Mechanic replace the auto gearbox oil. This has been a revelation............before this the gearbox would hunt and shunt around its gears. I just assumed it was due to the age of the autobox and relative lack of refinement based upon my experience of newer boxes. How wrong I was! The oil & filter change has turned her into a limo-esque smoothness with a driveability I could only dream of previously. She changes up and down gear smoothly.
On the hab side, things have been a similar tale of constant work.......
I have replaced all of the small rooflight shutter & flyscreens at a cost of 120 each (x4) due to the netting being frayed, springs being broken or blackout screens having holes in them. I've serviced the fridge, serviced the hob, replaced thermo couples. I've changed the water filter three times, replaced the showerhead, replaced the water pressure vessel for the pressurized water system. Replaced the water pump, replaced blown fuses. And my biggest job to date - taken apart the thermal shutter over the windscreen which gives privacy and insulation when the thing got jammed and lunched itself in the middle of Germany! I ended up having to take it apart and replace all the shutter springs. It now works perfectly and I saved myself £2k in the process!!
I've had my head in virtually every cavity in the van, taken apart cupboards and now will pretty much take on any job whereas previously I'd have booked it straight in with a caravan dealer. What I have learned vs my previous vans is that the build quality and engineering of this van is so good, it can be taken apart, fixed and put back together at will. Once you've done a few repairs and worked out how things come apart and go back together, it's relatively straightforward. Except that things take time........and that's where the problem now lies.
We all have busy lives - I'm no different to anyone else of working age. I have a partner, young family, a house, a car...............and another campervan..................and a job to hold down to pay for it all!!
And what we're now finding (with both campervans) is that when you eventually find the time to use them, you want to be able to go straight out and enjoy them - not have to repair stuff which has stopped working in the intervening time since the last use. Or have to wash them, vacuum them, clean them just like you would your own house! So at the moment, we're in a situation where one of the vans will have to go. Thankfully probably just the VW at this stage. But I can foresee a situation where the motorhome comes under the spotlight since it's a significant "investment" of capital. To have £50k tied up in her.
See my Garage for a full breakdown of the costs.
That said, I truly think that I would cry my heart out the day I'd have to sell her. She's facilitated so many great memories. She helped me to live, comfortably, independently and more or less, happily together with my daughter when I would otherwise have been homeless or living with my parents.
What's she like to drive?
My daughter asked me the question last week - "Daddy, which do you prefer driving - the Porsche or Carrie?" It was a fab question.........it was honestly one I couldn't answer. It was the ultimate cop-out "I like driving both, for completely different reasons". But it's true. The Porsche is great fun - it's fast, it corners flat with a complete contempt for physics. The motorhome is everything the Porsche isn't. It's HUGE! It requires real thought in everything you do. Whether it's overtaking, joining a road, reversing, parking - it is the closest thing to driving an HGV as it's possible to do without driving one. The amount of space you need an the kind of maneouvering you have to consider is so different from driving a car, it's a wonderful way to exercise the brain. I love it. In some ways, I do love it more than the Porsche.
It's also great the amount of looks and positive feedback it gets. People can't help but ask about it, want to look inside and ask about our adventures...........far moreso than any other van I've owned.
Since owning any of the motorhomes, it's interesting to hear just how many people harbour a secret desire to own one. I find it quite sad how many people do actually live their dreams. I know I'm privileged enough to be able to afford one, but I also know plenty of people in a similar situation who for whatever reason, won't make that leap. Whether they're scared of the cost, time or storage issues, I have no idea. But IMO, the worst thing that can happen is that you don't like it or can't afford it.............you move it on for someone else to enjoy.
If there's anything I can impart here, it's - give it a go! If you think you'll like it, you probably will!
So what does the future hold?
Now she's not my main residence, she is a bit of a burden. However, both my girlfriend and daughter love her almost as much as me. So my gf and I have decided to do our best to keep her not only in tiptop mechanical and habitational condition, but also to improve her somewhat too.
Next trip?
Well, I am in the process of switching jobs. I have two weeks unpaid leave between jobs at the end of November and the plan is to take 10days (rather ambitiously) to head back up to Durness for 4-5nights to see if we can spot the Northern Lights and recreate the wonderful romantic time we had two years ago when we toured the Southern Highlands together as our first holiday in Carrie. We're well aware it'll be wet, windy and cold, but there are few better things than snuggling up cozily in the van watching the stars pop out of the night sky being cosy inside.
That'll be close on 2k miles by the time we finish, but Carrie has never felt more up for it. I can't wait!
I'll post some pics up of some of the adventures we've had in her.
Any questions, please feel free to ask!
I bought her a little over two years ago in August 2017 as my effective "home". As many of you will remember, at that point I had been living in my previous Hymer motorhome for around 8 months; having braved a pretty cold winter in a non-winterised van with a single skin floor and fairly basic blown air heating. Although I was grateful coming into summer that year, it was obvious that I would be in the van for at least another 18months and the thought of another winter (or two) was unbearable so the search was on for something more comfortable.
After looking at several vans of different types, I found that I could get into Concorde for my budget of around 50k. This budget gets you into a lot of newer vans, but not necessarily ones which did that much more than the 2001 Hymer I was in at the time. However, Concordes are in a different league. They are designed to be lived in and for luxury touring. Every element has been well thought out for maximum comfort and useability all year around. They are rare finds on the second hand market and although there were two when I bought mine, I have not seen another private sale at the same price point since. The bonus with this van (and ones of its ilk) is: "wet" central heating like you'd have at home. A warmth which is subtle and cosy, not blown at you and then drafty when it's off. It's so well insulated - I did minus 30degs C down in Austria where we had 25degs C in the van and could've had much more if we'd have turned the thermostat up. It has double-floors which further insulates but also provides additional storage. It has 250litres of water which allows 7 days off grid. It has a huge fridge freezer, oven, grill, 3-ring hob.................a Nespresso machine!
So what's she been like?
In the last twelve months she has covered around 4.5k miles - most of those overseas; crossing France and Belgium twice on her way to and from Germany. She lived in Germany for 8months; transporting us on four snowboarding trips to Austria in that time. And prior to that, she helped myself and my girlfriend get acquainted very early on in our relationship on one of the most special trips of our lives to NW Scotland.
So, it wouldn't be an ownership diary if I didn't list all the things I've done to her............bear with me, it's a long one!
I invested in 7 new Michelin Agilis Alpin M&S winter tyres for all year round use. These have proved an excellent investment since they work well both on muddy campsites as well as being approved for winter use in the Alps where we went skiing; excellent traction in wet and very snowy & icy weather.
Upon removing the wheels, it became obvious that the discs & pads were in poor condition. Cue: new discs & pads all round. Stopping now very effective indeed, she sailed through her subsequent MOT............only two weeks later to have a catastrophic breakdown at the side of the A10 in 39degs C of heat with my little one on board. After 8hrs of waiting in a layby for HGV recovery (she's too big & heavy for any low loader), the diagnosis was a failed ABS pump, triggered potentially by a sticking handbrake caliper which had boiled the brake fluid and caused the pump to burn out. On top of that, a broken leaf spring and a new handbrake caliper left me with a £4.2k bill once I'd added wheel alignment.
That hurt.............big time. However, once all back on the road and back to being my fulltime accommodation, she earned her keep again and drove beautifully.As far as the chassis side is concerned, she's been fine for the 15months since. Regardless of mileage I get the oil & filter changed, together with the fuel filter since this is a weak spot on Sprinters of this age and yesterday during this regular servicing, I had the Mechanic replace the auto gearbox oil. This has been a revelation............before this the gearbox would hunt and shunt around its gears. I just assumed it was due to the age of the autobox and relative lack of refinement based upon my experience of newer boxes. How wrong I was! The oil & filter change has turned her into a limo-esque smoothness with a driveability I could only dream of previously. She changes up and down gear smoothly.
On the hab side, things have been a similar tale of constant work.......
I have replaced all of the small rooflight shutter & flyscreens at a cost of 120 each (x4) due to the netting being frayed, springs being broken or blackout screens having holes in them. I've serviced the fridge, serviced the hob, replaced thermo couples. I've changed the water filter three times, replaced the showerhead, replaced the water pressure vessel for the pressurized water system. Replaced the water pump, replaced blown fuses. And my biggest job to date - taken apart the thermal shutter over the windscreen which gives privacy and insulation when the thing got jammed and lunched itself in the middle of Germany! I ended up having to take it apart and replace all the shutter springs. It now works perfectly and I saved myself £2k in the process!!
I've had my head in virtually every cavity in the van, taken apart cupboards and now will pretty much take on any job whereas previously I'd have booked it straight in with a caravan dealer. What I have learned vs my previous vans is that the build quality and engineering of this van is so good, it can be taken apart, fixed and put back together at will. Once you've done a few repairs and worked out how things come apart and go back together, it's relatively straightforward. Except that things take time........and that's where the problem now lies.
We all have busy lives - I'm no different to anyone else of working age. I have a partner, young family, a house, a car...............and another campervan..................and a job to hold down to pay for it all!!
And what we're now finding (with both campervans) is that when you eventually find the time to use them, you want to be able to go straight out and enjoy them - not have to repair stuff which has stopped working in the intervening time since the last use. Or have to wash them, vacuum them, clean them just like you would your own house! So at the moment, we're in a situation where one of the vans will have to go. Thankfully probably just the VW at this stage. But I can foresee a situation where the motorhome comes under the spotlight since it's a significant "investment" of capital. To have £50k tied up in her.
See my Garage for a full breakdown of the costs.
That said, I truly think that I would cry my heart out the day I'd have to sell her. She's facilitated so many great memories. She helped me to live, comfortably, independently and more or less, happily together with my daughter when I would otherwise have been homeless or living with my parents.
What's she like to drive?
My daughter asked me the question last week - "Daddy, which do you prefer driving - the Porsche or Carrie?" It was a fab question.........it was honestly one I couldn't answer. It was the ultimate cop-out "I like driving both, for completely different reasons". But it's true. The Porsche is great fun - it's fast, it corners flat with a complete contempt for physics. The motorhome is everything the Porsche isn't. It's HUGE! It requires real thought in everything you do. Whether it's overtaking, joining a road, reversing, parking - it is the closest thing to driving an HGV as it's possible to do without driving one. The amount of space you need an the kind of maneouvering you have to consider is so different from driving a car, it's a wonderful way to exercise the brain. I love it. In some ways, I do love it more than the Porsche.
It's also great the amount of looks and positive feedback it gets. People can't help but ask about it, want to look inside and ask about our adventures...........far moreso than any other van I've owned.
Since owning any of the motorhomes, it's interesting to hear just how many people harbour a secret desire to own one. I find it quite sad how many people do actually live their dreams. I know I'm privileged enough to be able to afford one, but I also know plenty of people in a similar situation who for whatever reason, won't make that leap. Whether they're scared of the cost, time or storage issues, I have no idea. But IMO, the worst thing that can happen is that you don't like it or can't afford it.............you move it on for someone else to enjoy.
If there's anything I can impart here, it's - give it a go! If you think you'll like it, you probably will!
So what does the future hold?
Now she's not my main residence, she is a bit of a burden. However, both my girlfriend and daughter love her almost as much as me. So my gf and I have decided to do our best to keep her not only in tiptop mechanical and habitational condition, but also to improve her somewhat too.
Next trip?
Well, I am in the process of switching jobs. I have two weeks unpaid leave between jobs at the end of November and the plan is to take 10days (rather ambitiously) to head back up to Durness for 4-5nights to see if we can spot the Northern Lights and recreate the wonderful romantic time we had two years ago when we toured the Southern Highlands together as our first holiday in Carrie. We're well aware it'll be wet, windy and cold, but there are few better things than snuggling up cozily in the van watching the stars pop out of the night sky being cosy inside.
That'll be close on 2k miles by the time we finish, but Carrie has never felt more up for it. I can't wait!
I'll post some pics up of some of the adventures we've had in her.
Any questions, please feel free to ask!
Edited by Spuffington on Thursday 17th October 14:10
Edited by Spuffington on Thursday 30th September 15:18
Once again, what a lovely post from you. I really enjoyed your previous Westfalia/VW thread. Last year we did NC 500 and Durness but in a 7.4 m long Fiat based motor home. Sure you will have a great trip! We keep thinking about another camper having had a California before but other things keep taking priority over that. Keep us posted....
Nice write up and post. Yes I would agree that Concorde are right up there in terms of build quality. Thankfully you will suffer the least amount of owner depreciation in it's life time I think.
I'm not convinced motorhomes of any pedigree are designed for full time living. The electrics and plumbing just don't put up with the constant use.
I spent 2-3 years going to shows before buying my first one. I was always surprised at how some cheaper less well built motorhomes would come to pieces whilst on display. Simple things like door ctahces and draw runners just didn't last the first few hours of the NEC show.
I purchased a new Wildax Aurora XL in April this year. It's just reached 5k miles so I've had decent use from it so far.
The attraction of buying new was what you mentioned - it's just ready to go. I figured buying new would mean I don't spend time fixing and fettling with it.
I just put milk and beer in the fridge and drive off into Wales at half an hours notice.
I'm not convinced motorhomes of any pedigree are designed for full time living. The electrics and plumbing just don't put up with the constant use.
I spent 2-3 years going to shows before buying my first one. I was always surprised at how some cheaper less well built motorhomes would come to pieces whilst on display. Simple things like door ctahces and draw runners just didn't last the first few hours of the NEC show.
I purchased a new Wildax Aurora XL in April this year. It's just reached 5k miles so I've had decent use from it so far.
The attraction of buying new was what you mentioned - it's just ready to go. I figured buying new would mean I don't spend time fixing and fettling with it.
I just put milk and beer in the fridge and drive off into Wales at half an hours notice.
Spiffing post spuff!
I read and followed your previous thread with alot of interest and actually used some of your comments etc when building my campervan!
If you don't mind my asking two questions;
What sites do you use when in and around Scotland? Mrs geeks and I are still trying to organise going up there in the van but can't get a feed on where to park up and enjoy the nights sky etc.
How juicy is the inverter to be able to run a Nespresso machine?
Very jealous of Carrie although our van gives us lots of enjoyment all the same.
I read and followed your previous thread with alot of interest and actually used some of your comments etc when building my campervan!
If you don't mind my asking two questions;
What sites do you use when in and around Scotland? Mrs geeks and I are still trying to organise going up there in the van but can't get a feed on where to park up and enjoy the nights sky etc.
How juicy is the inverter to be able to run a Nespresso machine?
Very jealous of Carrie although our van gives us lots of enjoyment all the same.
Great update, & good to hear things are going well
I’m rapidly of the opinion I may never get a van.....kinda like the theory of the smaller ones, but want a toilet not inches from partners head.....love this beast, but nowhere to keep (& probs wouldn’t use enough!). Even found my head turned towards https://www.go-barefoot.co.uk, which IS small enough for our drive.....my XC60 already has a towpoint.....hmmmmm!
Meanwhile, I continue to vicariously enjoy your (& others) journeys: crack on!!
I’m rapidly of the opinion I may never get a van.....kinda like the theory of the smaller ones, but want a toilet not inches from partners head.....love this beast, but nowhere to keep (& probs wouldn’t use enough!). Even found my head turned towards https://www.go-barefoot.co.uk, which IS small enough for our drive.....my XC60 already has a towpoint.....hmmmmm!
Meanwhile, I continue to vicariously enjoy your (& others) journeys: crack on!!
Thanks for the replies, guys.
@defender1 - I'll be sure to do a thread on the Durness trip. I'm not sure how many photos there'll be though, given I'm only expecting an hour of sunlight a day!
A good reminder to update the Westfalia thread though......
@Zooks - thank you
@cts1975 - I'm inclined to agree with you. I remember my first trip to Travelworld to buy my 2001 Hymer. It was quite astonishing going around the showroom and nosing around vans costing 2-3x as much which were a year or two old and had catches missing, drawers broken and a variety of things needing attention. In the pursuit of lightness for the avoidance of C1 licenses and emissions, regular vans are getting pared down to the bone, which has the effect on reliability and longevity IMO. Good luck with the Wildax - I did look at one of those during my fulltiming, as a way of combining vehicle and camper in one.........but kinda realised it wasn't going to work. But they look like great vans.
@geeks - thanks! In answer to your questions - I don't tend to use sites whilst up in Scotland for anything other than filling or emptying. I know there are varying thoughts on this in terms of not supporting the local economy etc. But I do spend money in pubs, cafes and shops, but for me the point of a trip like this is to be completely self-sufficient and experiencing wild Scotland.
On my first trip to the NW I just stopped at Durness for emptying grey & black and refilling with fresh water. I'll probably do the same again this time. I paid for one overnight at Durness campsite which allowed me also to fully recharge the batteries overnight on EHU, but otherwise fully self sufficient.
On the last trip in the Concorde, I strangely ran out of fresh water before I filled the grey. This was resolved by filling with fresh water at a petrol station (with their permission). I also carry two toilet cassettes, which is sufficient for me on my own for a week.
I had a problem with the fridge on the last trip, so took to asking Pub & Hotel owners if we could stay overnight in their car parks, in exchange for eating evening meals in their restaurants / bars. We did this every other night and cooked pasta in between when we wanted to do a bit more wilding. This worked well and I also believe is a nice balance between supporting the local economy and getting the wildnerness bit done.
In terms of wilding - choose somewhere well out of the way - away from peoples properties. Don't create a blot on the landscape. Don't look like you're camping. Make sure you leave it as spotless as you found it and even if you didn't litter, but you find some. Pick it up and dispose of it properly. DON'T tip waste of any kind anywhere other than a campsite. And DO pay for servicing your motorhome at a campsite rather than chancing your arm on a drive through without paying.
The Nespresso machine..........well that's a fundamental luxury for me! I have a 2000w SINE Inverter hooked up to 2 x 160aH batteries. The Nespresso machine I bought was the lowest wattage one I could find. I dare say it's not doing the best for the batteries, but I've not had any issues. If I'm wilding, I'll run a genny for a few hours (if it's a suitable location) every couple of days just to keep things topped up.
@mikeiow - it's very difficult to make an economic case for motorhome ownership. But I'm so glad I have mine. If it helps, I pay "just" 300quid a year for Carrie to be stored at a secure location about half an hour from me, which is pretty good value and means it's practical enough to pop down to her regularly or get her out to use her.
@defender1 - I'll be sure to do a thread on the Durness trip. I'm not sure how many photos there'll be though, given I'm only expecting an hour of sunlight a day!
A good reminder to update the Westfalia thread though......
@Zooks - thank you
@cts1975 - I'm inclined to agree with you. I remember my first trip to Travelworld to buy my 2001 Hymer. It was quite astonishing going around the showroom and nosing around vans costing 2-3x as much which were a year or two old and had catches missing, drawers broken and a variety of things needing attention. In the pursuit of lightness for the avoidance of C1 licenses and emissions, regular vans are getting pared down to the bone, which has the effect on reliability and longevity IMO. Good luck with the Wildax - I did look at one of those during my fulltiming, as a way of combining vehicle and camper in one.........but kinda realised it wasn't going to work. But they look like great vans.
@geeks - thanks!
In answer to your questions - I don't tend to use sites whilst up in Scotland for anything other than filling or emptying. I know there are varying thoughts on this in terms of not supporting the local economy etc. But I do spend money in pubs, cafes and shops, but for me the point of a trip like this is to be completely self-sufficient and experiencing wild Scotland.On my first trip to the NW I just stopped at Durness for emptying grey & black and refilling with fresh water. I'll probably do the same again this time. I paid for one overnight at Durness campsite which allowed me also to fully recharge the batteries overnight on EHU, but otherwise fully self sufficient.
On the last trip in the Concorde, I strangely ran out of fresh water before I filled the grey. This was resolved by filling with fresh water at a petrol station (with their permission). I also carry two toilet cassettes, which is sufficient for me on my own for a week.
I had a problem with the fridge on the last trip, so took to asking Pub & Hotel owners if we could stay overnight in their car parks, in exchange for eating evening meals in their restaurants / bars. We did this every other night and cooked pasta in between when we wanted to do a bit more wilding. This worked well and I also believe is a nice balance between supporting the local economy and getting the wildnerness bit done.
In terms of wilding - choose somewhere well out of the way - away from peoples properties. Don't create a blot on the landscape. Don't look like you're camping. Make sure you leave it as spotless as you found it and even if you didn't litter, but you find some. Pick it up and dispose of it properly. DON'T tip waste of any kind anywhere other than a campsite. And DO pay for servicing your motorhome at a campsite rather than chancing your arm on a drive through without paying.
The Nespresso machine..........well that's a fundamental luxury for me!
I have a 2000w SINE Inverter hooked up to 2 x 160aH batteries. The Nespresso machine I bought was the lowest wattage one I could find. I dare say it's not doing the best for the batteries, but I've not had any issues. If I'm wilding, I'll run a genny for a few hours (if it's a suitable location) every couple of days just to keep things topped up.@mikeiow - it's very difficult to make an economic case for motorhome ownership. But I'm so glad I have mine. If it helps, I pay "just" 300quid a year for Carrie to be stored at a secure location about half an hour from me, which is pretty good value and means it's practical enough to pop down to her regularly or get her out to use her.
Great write-up Spuffers! I enjoyed your live-in thread immensely, glad everything is working out for you.
It's always intrigued me what you do professionally, to afford a relatively felxible lifestyle across two countries? My money says something in IT? Intrigued to know, but understand if you'd prefer not to say.
It's always intrigued me what you do professionally, to afford a relatively felxible lifestyle across two countries? My money says something in IT? Intrigued to know, but understand if you'd prefer not to say.
Spuffington said:
@geeks - thanks! In answer to your questions - I don't tend to use sites whilst up in Scotland for anything other than filling or emptying. I know there are varying thoughts on this in terms of not supporting the local economy etc. But I do spend money in pubs, cafes and shops, but for me the point of a trip like this is to be completely self-sufficient and experiencing wild Scotland.
On my first trip to the NW I just stopped at Durness for emptying grey & black and refilling with fresh water. I'll probably do the same again this time. I paid for one overnight at Durness campsite which allowed me also to fully recharge the batteries overnight on EHU, but otherwise fully self sufficient.
On the last trip in the Concorde, I strangely ran out of fresh water before I filled the grey. This was resolved by filling with fresh water at a petrol station (with their permission). I also carry two toilet cassettes, which is sufficient for me on my own for a week.
I had a problem with the fridge on the last trip, so took to asking Pub & Hotel owners if we could stay overnight in their car parks, in exchange for eating evening meals in their restaurants / bars. We did this every other night and cooked pasta in between when we wanted to do a bit more wilding. This worked well and I also believe is a nice balance between supporting the local economy and getting the wildnerness bit done.
In terms of wilding - choose somewhere well out of the way - away from peoples properties. Don't create a blot on the landscape. Don't look like you're camping. Make sure you leave it as spotless as you found it and even if you didn't litter, but you find some. Pick it up and dispose of it properly. DON'T tip waste of any kind anywhere other than a campsite. And DO pay for servicing your motorhome at a campsite rather than chancing your arm on a drive through without paying.
The Nespresso machine..........well that's a fundamental luxury for me! I have a 2000w SINE Inverter hooked up to 2 x 160aH batteries. The Nespresso machine I bought was the lowest wattage one I could find. I dare say it's not doing the best for the batteries, but I've not had any issues. If I'm wilding, I'll run a genny for a few hours (if it's a suitable location) every couple of days just to keep things topped up.
Thanks for the reply, useful info. We haven't been wilding yet, we want to but haven't had the chance to just drive somewhere and then chance it, we will but haven't yet. We have done the odd site here and there and I am well aware of never emptying a toilet anywhere other than somewhere you should. I know what you mean about the Nespresso machine, its a must for the coffee snob in us In answer to your questions - I don't tend to use sites whilst up in Scotland for anything other than filling or emptying. I know there are varying thoughts on this in terms of not supporting the local economy etc. But I do spend money in pubs, cafes and shops, but for me the point of a trip like this is to be completely self-sufficient and experiencing wild Scotland.On my first trip to the NW I just stopped at Durness for emptying grey & black and refilling with fresh water. I'll probably do the same again this time. I paid for one overnight at Durness campsite which allowed me also to fully recharge the batteries overnight on EHU, but otherwise fully self sufficient.
On the last trip in the Concorde, I strangely ran out of fresh water before I filled the grey. This was resolved by filling with fresh water at a petrol station (with their permission). I also carry two toilet cassettes, which is sufficient for me on my own for a week.
I had a problem with the fridge on the last trip, so took to asking Pub & Hotel owners if we could stay overnight in their car parks, in exchange for eating evening meals in their restaurants / bars. We did this every other night and cooked pasta in between when we wanted to do a bit more wilding. This worked well and I also believe is a nice balance between supporting the local economy and getting the wildnerness bit done.
In terms of wilding - choose somewhere well out of the way - away from peoples properties. Don't create a blot on the landscape. Don't look like you're camping. Make sure you leave it as spotless as you found it and even if you didn't litter, but you find some. Pick it up and dispose of it properly. DON'T tip waste of any kind anywhere other than a campsite. And DO pay for servicing your motorhome at a campsite rather than chancing your arm on a drive through without paying.
The Nespresso machine..........well that's a fundamental luxury for me!
I have a 2000w SINE Inverter hooked up to 2 x 160aH batteries. The Nespresso machine I bought was the lowest wattage one I could find. I dare say it's not doing the best for the batteries, but I've not had any issues. If I'm wilding, I'll run a genny for a few hours (if it's a suitable location) every couple of days just to keep things topped up.
did Carrie come with the invertor built in or did you add it later?PurpleTurtle said:
Great write-up Spuffers! I enjoyed your live-in thread immensely, glad everything is working out for you.
It's always intrigued me what you do professionally, to afford a relatively felxible lifestyle across two countries? My money says something in IT? Intrigued to know, but understand if you'd prefer not to say.
Thanks PurpleTurtle. It's always intrigued me what you do professionally, to afford a relatively felxible lifestyle across two countries? My money says something in IT? Intrigued to know, but understand if you'd prefer not to say.
So I work in Finance; worked for a German Institution in London, which afforded me the ability to work between London & Frankfurt. Now my other half has moved to the UK, I've changed jobs and now fully UK-based with very little travel. After ten years of commuting between London & Frankfurt (the last 2-3yrs being the most intensive), I'm very happy to be more UK-centric.
geeks said:
Thanks for the reply, useful info. We haven't been wilding yet, we want to but haven't had the chance to just drive somewhere and then chance it, we will but haven't yet. We have done the odd site here and there and I am well aware of never emptying a toilet anywhere other than somewhere you should. I know what you mean about the Nespresso machine, its a must for the coffee snob in us did Carrie come with the invertor built in or did you add it later?
Carrie came with the inverter. One of the benefits of a van of her ilk is the fact it's pretty highly specced from new so I've not really had to do anything other than replace bits which have worn out or look after the extras. did Carrie come with the invertor built in or did you add it later?Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff