Moving to Motorhome

You wouldn’t be static but you would have to think and plan carefully. Ours is 6.94 / 2.25 and whilst we occasionally take it to say a National Trust property or visit places on route we generally look for sites where we can use public transport. No problem in supermarkets to restock supplies however.

At that length you will have problems in England for parking. You will rely on being able to occupy and pay for two car park bays. That is without considering height barriers. We have a 6.4 m PVC and can often get our back hanging over at the back or we can park on the road where bays are not marked out. We do research car park opportunities before going to any town and use google maps to consider access to landmarks, tourist attractions etc.

I would also consider payload with a van at that size unless you have  a C1 license. 

In my opinion, and I know others will disagree, a MH of those dimensions would be too big for the use you want.

You are on the right track in sensibly thinking things through with regards to getting out and about but, for example, the van you suggest will occupy 4 spaces in a supermarket car park so will not be that easy to park. Even a 6m PVC needs 2 spaces lengthways unless it’s possible to park with the rear overhanging a verge. We had a 6.4m coachbuilt at one time and that was just about manageable but still needed 4 spaces to park. Keep your eyes open when you’re out and consider where and how you would access places and park if you were driving a 7m MH. 

Good hunting!

We are still 'young' enough' to have our caravan but I do like the 'simplicity' of pitching a MH without all the bits needed for a caravan but having one it fits in with our current touring style - using the car to access road and places especially for walks in the Lakes . 

We have thought about making it easier by having an auto engage mover and an automatic leveling system where the steadies are moved down as well. Then all that would be needed is water and waste, which again could be made easier by systems which by-pass the aquaroll and a service pitch which we already use. EHU would of course be the same (for us anyway).

If you have thought about this then just ignore but we'll probably do this before going to a MH.

My view?  Put the  £75,000 cost of a Bailey into accounts earning nearly £4000 a year interest. Start to spend the capital too.  Go to smart hotels. Rent comfortable cottages. Fly to Lanzarote or Cyprus. Have a look at New Zealand. Forget that cumbersome motorhome. There’s a whole range of opportunities beyond campsites. Good wishes for a new life ahead. 

To some extent it does depend on where you intend to use it. We do half of our touring in France and it is rarely an issue as there is generally an Aire within easy walking distance of what you want to visit. These can be used just as a parking space while you visit, or for an overnight stop.

I agree with SteveL and will go as far as to say that a motorhome is a liability in the UK.  In Europe motorhomes and motorhomers are made welcome with excellent motorhome only parking areas made available either free or at quite low cost.  In the UK such facilities are rarely found.  Caravanning in the UK is much easier.  

David 

I think, from what has been said, I generally agree that if you want to use a van for day visits the more compact the easier it would be. Fortunately we were free of that restriction so we went for something larger, initially,  when we swapped our caravan for a motorhome. It pays to really think how you will use the motorhome before making what is an expensive decision. We prefer to stay at campsites and explore on foot or by public transport although we have occasionally visited large country houses between sites, with our current motorhome, which is slightly smaller than the Adamo, although only just. Supermarket parking is usually fine and we shop en route if on a tour. If I get the chance I usually use Google Maps or Earth to check out access motorhomes.  I wish you luck.

David

You need, literally, to think outside the size of box you are used to when moving to a MH.
As other wise heads have advised, if you are primarily looking to use one in this country, and don’t want to be using public transport, walking or cycling, then the more compact you choose, the easier your touring life will be. You mention that you want to use it for days out as well, which is great, as the more the engine is fired up, the less issues you will get. Again, think as compact but comfortable as you can. This is our touring choice, in the UK, go out in our MH every day to visit places, move on, and when not on holiday, we go for full days out with our own cafe, rest room and facilities. Even a shower after a cycle ride😁 

A smaller unit will give you a lot more options in the UK. Where you can get to, where you can park up, where you might want to legally overnight somewhere, such as using pub stops. Forget if you want, most of your caravan habits, and consider a more compact, travel light existence that is easy to deal with, easy to set up, pack away, and you can take almost anywhere, even in the UK. I would suggest nothing larger than 6.5 metres, and as slim as possible, if you can find something that suits your personal circumstances.

My two penny's worth as a new MoHo owner in the course of moving from motorcycles to my Hobby 6 metre van: You may want to consider a couple of Ebikes likely folding to go with your van. Although my Hobby T500 is super easy to park my intention is largely to leave it on site and use the Ebike for sightseeing, shopping and exercise.  The two will compliment each other and keep me supple and fit for longer than might be the case otherwise. 

As to van length (and width) being new I can only sensibly advise that driving the Hobby is very little different to driving a car. I doubt that can be said of something 7 metres long but do not have recent personal experience to say more.

Chris