Problems with length?
Discussion
I know there are other threads running re choosing a MH so I'll leave off that.
My main question is size. Feeling cramped won't fly with my lot so I'm thinking around 8m long is the preferred size.
Will we regret it? Is it more of a pain than it's worth? Not sure where it will go because this is all a new idea but I'm expecting U.K. and Europe.
Thanks
My main question is size. Feeling cramped won't fly with my lot so I'm thinking around 8m long is the preferred size.
Will we regret it? Is it more of a pain than it's worth? Not sure where it will go because this is all a new idea but I'm expecting U.K. and Europe.
Thanks
We were on a site last week where caravans and motorhomes over 7m are advised to call in advance to be given advice on how to access the site. We came across an owner of a long caravan that hadn't called ahead. He got caught on the gatepost on the way in, did a reasonable amount of damage to the caravan.
Bill said:
Ours is 7.2m and I've not had length issues (yet) but supermarket parking can be a fiddle. I generally park away from the entrance over 2 spaces. Width is a bigger problem ime, but only in Devon and Cornwall.
This.Ours is 7.4m and we have only had issues a couple of times in Spain with the pitches being tight. The overhang past the rear wheels is key. As Bill said, width is more often the issue.
I have seen suggestions that going over 8m is more of an issue but I have never owned a MH that long.
Ours is 7.4m long and 2.3m wide. Driven sensibly this size of MH is fine. It just needs some foresight when parking and as other posters have said making sure you have good awareness of the rear overhang which will of course flick out in the opposite direction when you turn. Just back from a 900 mile week in Devon & Cornwall and It's a lot easier and much more fun to drive than pulling the caravan we had some years ago!
Ours is 8.7m long 
It just means you have do make sure to do your research on sites and let them know when you book that you are of a length. It is true that there are sites that can't take longer MH's but tbh that has never let us down as there are so many sites out there to choose from where it is no problem, we have not been found wanting.
We have travelled extensively across Europe including Poland and the Czech Republic with no dramas. We go down to Spain every winter with no issues. Every country has sites that can only take smaller vehicles and equally have many sites than can accommodate larger ones.
Space is an issue if you have a family especially with our weather if you are cooped up in a smaller MH. Don't forget that you probably would have a wind out canopy to extend usable space which can be turned into an external room if you have a safari room to attach to it. Alternatively you can buy a tent-like awning to attach to the MH to increase the outside space. This could even be a 'drive-away' type which you leave behind on site if you go out for the day in the MH.
It just means you have do make sure to do your research on sites and let them know when you book that you are of a length. It is true that there are sites that can't take longer MH's but tbh that has never let us down as there are so many sites out there to choose from where it is no problem, we have not been found wanting.
We have travelled extensively across Europe including Poland and the Czech Republic with no dramas. We go down to Spain every winter with no issues. Every country has sites that can only take smaller vehicles and equally have many sites than can accommodate larger ones.
Space is an issue if you have a family especially with our weather if you are cooped up in a smaller MH. Don't forget that you probably would have a wind out canopy to extend usable space which can be turned into an external room if you have a safari room to attach to it. Alternatively you can buy a tent-like awning to attach to the MH to increase the outside space. This could even be a 'drive-away' type which you leave behind on site if you go out for the day in the MH.
Similar to oblio...
I’ve had a 9m Concorde for around 3yrs now and I have never had an issue getting in somewhere I’ve wanted to go. There are plenty of choices of sites and although many may on the face of it restrict longer vans, you very often find with anphonecall that there is space and in smaller sites, overhanging the rear section over the end of the pitch is an option.
I’ve only had an issue once and that was my own fault - trying to get into a lumpy parking spot in Glencoe so me nearly ground out the rear. But since then I’ve been more circumspect and not had any issue wild camping across the UK, NC500 or in Europe.
The only thing to note is you have to be a confident and careful driver. Plan your manoeuvres before commencing them and be aware of everything you’re getting into. But if you’re a half decent and considerate driver then you have nothing to fear IMO.
The additional space makes me think I’ll struggle to ever downsize and given how easy it’s been (I had a 6.7m & 7.2m before this one), I don’t see the need to ever do so.
I’ve had a 9m Concorde for around 3yrs now and I have never had an issue getting in somewhere I’ve wanted to go. There are plenty of choices of sites and although many may on the face of it restrict longer vans, you very often find with anphonecall that there is space and in smaller sites, overhanging the rear section over the end of the pitch is an option.
I’ve only had an issue once and that was my own fault - trying to get into a lumpy parking spot in Glencoe so me nearly ground out the rear. But since then I’ve been more circumspect and not had any issue wild camping across the UK, NC500 or in Europe.
The only thing to note is you have to be a confident and careful driver. Plan your manoeuvres before commencing them and be aware of everything you’re getting into. But if you’re a half decent and considerate driver then you have nothing to fear IMO.
The additional space makes me think I’ll struggle to ever downsize and given how easy it’s been (I had a 6.7m & 7.2m before this one), I don’t see the need to ever do so.
I’ll just echo the comments of other owners here. Ours is 7.4m long which generally isn’t a problem unless parking spaces are restricted. We can usually find a space with a decent open area behind to reverse into, or take two spaces in tandem or when parallel parking
The problem can be the width of the van on narrow roads (eg Cornwall/Devon as mentioned above, and the more remote parts of Scotland) as it’s wider than a panel van. However, for us these drawbacks are outweighed by the spatial benefits, the fixed bed (I’ve a dodgy back) and general airiness. They rattle more than camper vans though
The problem can be the width of the van on narrow roads (eg Cornwall/Devon as mentioned above, and the more remote parts of Scotland) as it’s wider than a panel van. However, for us these drawbacks are outweighed by the spatial benefits, the fixed bed (I’ve a dodgy back) and general airiness. They rattle more than camper vans though
Picking up one on Tuesday
7.4m I think.
Not really what I wanted but partner found it and to be fair seems a good buy. I wanted an A class like a Burstner or similar.
This one is a Swift lifestyle 630l. 6 seat belts and births,rear lounge and dinette in middle so pretty flexible I think. Low mileage and owned 9 yrs by seller.
But then what do I know being a complete novice.
Any tips about the whole MH thing,please toss them my way
Cheers
7.4m I think.
Not really what I wanted but partner found it and to be fair seems a good buy. I wanted an A class like a Burstner or similar.
This one is a Swift lifestyle 630l. 6 seat belts and births,rear lounge and dinette in middle so pretty flexible I think. Low mileage and owned 9 yrs by seller.
But then what do I know being a complete novice.
Any tips about the whole MH thing,please toss them my way
Cheers
Treat the first one as a learning curve.
Once you have it and use it you will realise the layout is not what you wanted.
On average they say, its not until you buy your third motorhome that you get one you can get on with.
When I bought my first one I was concerned about the length so went for 6 meters, turned out way to small and not enough storage.
Also I wanted a decent sized bathroom and kitchen area, both not necessary as now, on my third and last motorhome I have used the shower maybe three times, and the kitchen area is irrelevant as for longer stays I cook in the awning.
PS:
I bought brand new on the fist one and within 6 months I was part exchanging it, ended up losing me 12k....
Once you have it and use it you will realise the layout is not what you wanted.
On average they say, its not until you buy your third motorhome that you get one you can get on with.
When I bought my first one I was concerned about the length so went for 6 meters, turned out way to small and not enough storage.
Also I wanted a decent sized bathroom and kitchen area, both not necessary as now, on my third and last motorhome I have used the shower maybe three times, and the kitchen area is irrelevant as for longer stays I cook in the awning.
PS:
I bought brand new on the fist one and within 6 months I was part exchanging it, ended up losing me 12k....
Like this.
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/userfiles/file/M...
Seems the lifestyle name was changed to Sundance,as I can't see any difference
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/userfiles/file/M...
Seems the lifestyle name was changed to Sundance,as I can't see any difference
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