Newbie to motorhome

Val

It was clearly a good idea that your chums hired a motorhome as they were not as convinced it was for them and the hire perhaps confirmed those doubts. Some of us start out from a different position in that we really do want to change from a caravan to a motorhome. So therefore unless we can hire the motorhome we actually end up buying there is not a lot of point. Many facets of motorhoming are very similar to caravanning but there are a few quite major differences which you have to get used to. If the perceived advantages of a motorhome don't outweigh the disadvantages its probably best to stick with the caravan. Its nearly six years since we made the change and we are still glad that we did. No going back for us, in fact we are seriously thinking about changing to a slightly smaller model. 

David

I agree - and they had 'browsed' lots of motorhomes, and narrowed the choices down............ but even so  they found there was nothing like living in it for a few days to show up the drawbacks.  

They had a caravan with a full width 'proper' bathroom at the back, then a fixed bed, so I suppose they were spoilt really, but they are so glad that they hired.  Other friends (also previous caravanners) bought a motorhome two and a half years ago, and quite quickly realised it wasn't the right layout for them, but they've now decided on a Burstner, and got a good deal for their old Swift, and a good price on the new (ex-hire with only just over 1000 miles) one.  Compared with some of the previous deals they've been offered they think they've made a very good choice - and so far are loving the new model.

It is a big expenditure for most people - and I can't help but think that hiring for a short time might focus thinking for those who still haven't quite made their minds up.

yes, I can see that if someone needs that final confirmation/reassurance  that hiring would perhaps give that.

for those more used to the open spaces of caravans, and yet something that's easy to drive and park, there are a number of small (but big inside) MHs that can perhaps make the move more 'familiar'...remember, most caravans have their lounges at the front and their washrooms at the rear (no garages)....

so, a non fixed bed, front lounge van with an across the rear washroom are available at just 6m long from Roller Team, Pilote, Burstner etc....

Itineo (Rapido sub brand) have a model that even grafts a garage on to the back which is only 6.5m long and MMM described as one of the vans of the year...

 

 

Hi all

Thanks for all your advice & information, today we have purchased a pre owned Swift Sundance 590RL, from a reputable dealer, & inside our budget, so we are looking forward to taking delivery in a couple of weeks time, & the start of next year when we can get out there,

We will be joining the club in the new year

Can anyone offer advice on purchasing a safari room th go with the fitted Fiamm awning as fitted to the motorhome, or has anyone got one to sell ???

Think twice about getting a safari room. The advantage of a motorhome is the simplicity of touring. Safari rooms are hard work. I would spend some time touring and reflecting on whether you realy want to go down that route. A free standing awning might be a better option or you maight decide you don't want either.

peedee

I'd add that it's better not to go out and purchase lots of "extras" till you've been out with the van a few times in different weathers. You'll need to check how much storage is practical and the weight.  You'll find you don't need some things at all and some that are more essential.

agree with Peedee and Brue...

these things are very bulky and very heavy, we had one that came with our first van and we sold it straight away...

like the 590rl, our van was short of decent storage for outside kit (a trait of rear lounge vans) and we (and you) would have had to store a possibly wet 'room' inside on the floor of the van....not nice IMHO....

large mucky items like mats, levellers, BBQ, leads, boots, water containers, tools etc will need to find a home along with the larger stuff that won't fit under the seats....outside chairs, tables etc.....and then there are bikes if used....

and remember, if you sit about outside a lot, these a world of difference, comfort wise, between a decent folding chair and a 'camping' chair that fits in a bag.....

for folk new to MHing, it's easy to overlook what kit you might need, let alone working out where it might go...we tend to just sit in the van, try the lounge and decide if this is how we want to relax in it....

have a really good think about how you might organise all the above equipment and ensure there are some decent sized external opening lockers or you'll have to cart everything in through the van....

good luck.

I reckon the advise above is spot on. Most of us, even the most restrained of spenders 😉, have a shelf, cupboard or shed with items purchased but not needed 😂😂.

With regard to a safari room, we have one, it came with our Sundance when we bought it. IT IS HEAVY so weight could be a big issue. We have had our motorhome 11 years and love it. The safari room came out twice, we couldn't get it up properly not even with the help of camping friends. Life's too short to stuff a mushroom springs to mind 😂😂. Of course once it's in place you can't move until it's dismantled. It lives in our shed 😉

I also agree with the above posts, we have recently gone back to a caravan from owning a MH for 6 years. We had the rear lounge type and loved it, we had no outside storage lockers so everything had to come in through the habitation door. Its not a problem once you work out where everything is going. Loungers went on the floor at the rear, ramps went on the floor just inside the door. Everything else went under the seats. As to a safari room I personally wouldn't bother with one. We purchased a set of 'Lillypad windblockers'  which we found of much more use and so much lighter to carry, all 3 screens fitted into a top locker with room to spare. If you really 'must' have an awning then consider a lightweight driveaway one. 

Hope you have many happy years with your new van.

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