Transition from caravan to motorhome

Helen and Norman

It's a shame in a way that you didn't start this as a separate discussion as I think it has raised some interesting points. As an ex caravanner I am of the view that motorhoming is far easier than caravanning, especially as you get older. My own mobility has worsened in the last 10 years due to hip and knee problems but fortunately I can still walk reasonable distances if for instance the site is on the edge of a town or village or there is a bus service. However if there is the need for one of the passengers to use a mobility scooter even being on the edge of a town with transport available might not be an option. If it is practical a smaller van conversion type motorhome would allow you access to most places as in truth the footprint is not massively bigger than say a large 4X4. I think you would have to look for an external storage solution for the scooter. There are many adverts in not only the Club magazine but the likes of MMM magazine which might be worth a look. Good luck with whatever you decide.

David

Hi, The comment re public transport caught my eye. We have a caravan so not an issue but yesterday I was looking at sites in the York area and the website of one made a big thing about access to public transport.

Looking on Street view, to size up the site and approach, I noticed that the bus stop is on a road with no footpath and set up on a kerbed area that would be impossible to access if one had mobility issues which tend to be more likely as one ages.

Our closest friends, and holiday companions, have a Autotrail MH and for my wife just getting up into it can be a problem and at 8m long parking up somewhere can be an issue

I was looking at sites as part of our mini tour, of where we will stay a max of 4 nights on a site, to see family and friends we have not seen due to Covid.

My wife has reluctantly agreed to this, due to the reason, but dislikes the constant setting up and moving and, besides other reasons, that would put us off a MH-our norm is, as you mention, to get to the furthest point ASAP and do any 'meandering' on the way back.

As you have gone for it I am sure many on here can advise how to make the most of it and as you say maybe its a mindset thing.

Its worth noting that on the Continent finding parking near to attractions is rarely an issue. Motorhome parking provision is the norm over there and as long as you have the scooter, visiting attractions should not be a problem. It is set to get better in the UK as well with Scotland taking the lead but it will take time.

peedee

If switching to a MH is for mobility, setting up, issues, rather than it being a chosen method of touring, then I think it’s going to be difficult to achieve absolutely everything required without some form of compromise.

A large MH might more easily take a mobility scooter, but it’s going to be more faff to tour with, and more likely to be left on site, with the owners relying on public transport. This will limit Site choice.

If you go for a smaller MH or PVC, it might require a more compact, break down mobility scooter, or seeking out a tourer that could carry a bit more payload, one way or another. 
This is an example of a small folding mobility scooter that would easily slip into the very small washroom of our 5.5m MH, giving you the ability to drive out each day, park up a whole lot easier, and take a mobility scooter out to wherever you go.

https://store.easylivingmobility.co.uk/shop/mobility-scooters/folding-boot-scooters/rascal-smilie-manual-folding-scooter-long-range

As per cyberyacht we`ve owned a number of caravans with a period of three motorhomes midway. Motorhomes are very good for the continent but not so good in this country the main thing we found was to ensure you stop where public transport is good in the UK.

.....or use your MH for transport. We have never had to resort to using public transport.