Motorhome size

We certainly find a motorhome less "faff" than a caravan which we had for 30 years, so some experience! It is not about having the van ready as I am sure both caravans and motorhomes can be ready for the off in terms of what they have in them. However for me it is the ability to drive out of my back garden and not have to worry about  getting the caravan out on the road and hoping there is space to hitch up, same on return. Far less checks with a motorhome like is it hitched correctly, is the noseweight correct, is the wheel torque correct, are the brake lights working etc, etc. Those are the things we don't miss about caravanning. Perhaps it's an age thing but we now find life a bit more relaxed with the motorhome. It won't suit everyone but we are comfortable with it.

David

How about

"we have a 5.5m MH, and take a bit of care choosing a parking space that suits, so that we are not likely to break any rules, block anyone else in, or have to pay for more than one parking bay"

This is our experience the length and breadth of the UK (except South Coast and London, never visited). No you can't just drive into a car park and dump your outfit anywhere without looking, but then we can't do that with our cars either! As I said earlier, if you do a tiny bit of research, ask around, there are not usually too many issues parking something under 6.5 metres, which is us plus bikes on the back. A whole lot easier than parking up anything a lot longer, or towing a car. And of course, once parked up, you can do what you like in it, cook, stretch out and read, have a comfy nap, visit the loo. Can't do that in a car! Birdwatching in pouring rain? Back for a shower after a surfing session? Heater on and a warming drink after walking dogs on a cold day? Fish and chip supper watching the sun set in comfort? We have done them all from our easily parked MH, all over the country.  

I would have thought being a responsible driver you would check your lights are working whatever you drive/tow

As we are unable to keep motor caravans (we have had two)or caravans at our home address ,it does not really affect us getting ready to go as both types are in storage,so have to be "got ready"before going away

+1.

Deleted User by user. Duplicate.

I’m neither offended nor upset, Dunelm. You’d know if I was. It was simply that you seemed to have misread/misunderstood what I said and I was attempting to clarify. No apology is necessary and there’s no need to leave the discussion on my account.

I think we both agree that parking a MH of any description needs care. We have to choose carefully so as not to obstruct other users - drivers and pedestrians - and to comply with the terms set by the parking operator.

Our small coachbuilt comes in at 5.9 m or 6 + with the bike rack etc. Previously we had a similar length PVC, we can park up reasonably easily in most places except places with height barriers.

However we don't spend our days driving round in the M/H we tend to find a site we like with good access to local transport, walking, cycling etc and we use that as the hub. During the winter it's easier to navigate the type of narrow lanes, coastal access points etc with the M/H but as the season picks up we tend to find our way to places without the M/H. We have enjoyed seeing places on foot or by public transport etc and have often commented we would not have seen them sitting in a cab or car. Then we move on, a few days on a site then another one or just short local breaks.

The OP states there is no point in leaving the M/H on site but for us there is, we enjoy getting out and about by other means and can use the van as a day van for outings when we're at home.

Fortunately we have a bulb fail device on the van so we get a warning light in the cab It went off once in France and I had no idea what it was as I had never come across such a system. We have been fortunate that we have been able to store our caravans/motorhome in the back garden.  Unfortunately the convenience of being able to do that is sometimes overshadowed by problems with access because of parked vehicle.

We use ours for days out as well brue, great fun!

We are contemplating actually using our MH as holiday transport when we go away with Mum and Sister, in a cottage. That way, Mum can have a cosy, warm base, with all facilities if she gets tired during the day. Just need to make sure Cottage we book has space for two vehicles!