Motorhome/Campervan or Caravan

Yorkiebar

Going to Harrogate tomorrow to the show BUT have absolutely no idea of which one to get.  Did camping and caravanning in the 1950's and 60's and, albeit getting on in years we are both quite fit.  Really want a fixed bed, but can cook on a one ring gas,
and a pressure cooker so not so bothered about 'extras' as such and have a Nissan Primera Estate 2.6 car if we have to have a caravan.  Any advice from 'old time campers' would be appreciated.

DSB

I think there is no real answer to this.  It just comes down to personal choice and the way you use the unit you have.  For us, we are still caravanners.  We like to leave the 'van on site and use the car from that base.  Personally, we don't like the idea of taking everything with us if we go out for the day. However, there are many who prefer the flexibility offered by a campervan or motorhome.  There are some that do things the opposite way to us - they tow a small car behin their motorhome.  I know those who have changed from a caravan to a motorhome and are really happy with that.  I also know there are those who have changed from a motorhome to a caravan.

David 

Briang

We looked at both before we went for a caravan, so that we can leave the caravan at a site and explore the countryside which means going down narrow lanes which you would have a problem with a motor home.Parking is another problem where do you park a big
motorhome with height restrictions, also supermarket car parks. If you go out from a site you have to take everything with you. A motorhome for us is for travelling and stopping off anywhere for 1 or 2 nights then moving on.

Francis

Hi

we caravanned for many years before moving to a motorhome over 2 years ago now. We loved our caravan but it was needing replaced so we took the opportunity to try a motorhome and we haven't regretted it. Our van is quite large so we tow a small car behind
on an A-Frame and this works well for us however last year we did a 6 week tour of France and didnt bother taking the car as parking for MHs in France is great and we never had a bother so we only take the car if we are in the UK as you dont really need it
abroad. As others have said ot is personal choice and I'm sure you will make the right decision for you.

Dave Nicholson

We're caravanners first but find our motorhome ideal for driving to and from Italy (where our caravan stays) and mainland Europe. Its 'horses for courses' and your own personal preference. Most high top van conversions are well equipped and easier to park
in carparks than larger motorhomes but you may find them cramped for extended use.

Yorkiebar

Thank you all so much for your advice, think it will be a caravan, though will have to find a site to park when not in use.

JD6620

It is very tricky to give advice in this as we all have different ideas on how we use our caravans or motorhomes.  For us we have done both.  We had a caravan for 15 years and loved every minute with it.  We now have a motorhome which is also fantasitc and
suits our needs perfectly, as a lot of our touring is short breaks and weekends a motorhome is so much easier.  What ever you do think carefully about how you want to use it, as it is very expensive if you get it wrong.

Takethedogalong

Dont be tempted by "show bargains", sometimes they are not the bargains they seem! Do some proper research about how you want to use it, sort of places you want to stay, what your car can tow. Sounds common sense, but you would be surprised how many people
make big mistakes they later regret! 

Yorkiebar

Thanks once again to the 'campers' who answered my questions.  I have now been to the show and saw what we wanted.  Second hand, Lunar Homecar PR59 with end bathroom.  Loved it and was offered it at 22.500.  Anyone got any comments on this motorhome.  There
are only 2 of us and although it was basic in 'decor' it ticked all our boxes.  Year 2006, 23,000 miles, 3 owners.  Please advise.

Also saw the Warwick, which was also super, but a little pricey.

Aspenshaw

Lunar Homecar motorhomes were built by Homecar in Belgium and badged as Lunars. Lunar and Homecar were part of the same Tirus group if I remember rightly. Lunar's management subsequently bought back the Lunar business and focused on caravans. So you are not buying a Lunar motorhome, you are buying one made in Belgium.

Davan Caravans' website suggest they are dealers for Homecar. I'm not convinced Homecar is still going although it did survive or rise again around 2011.

If you are attracted to either the Homecar and the Warwick, then I suggest you sit down and really think about what you intend to do with your motorhome because a coachbuilt offers a different approach to motorhoming than a PVC [Panel van Conversion] such as the Warwick. Have a look at the motorhome advice on the Out and About website, or the lower circulation motorhome magazine, Practical Motorhome.

Yorkiebar

Thanks Aspenshaw, will follow your advice.

mickysf

There are advantages to owning a motorhome, there are those also specific to campervans, and of course, caravans too! Each have their 'disadvantages' Which of the three you choose and which perspectives as to advanages/disadvantages will be determined by your needs and patterns of use. It's horses for courses but can be costly if you get the match wrong. I've had all three and a trailer tent, loved them all changing these as our family needs changed. Good luck and enjoy which ever you choose! 

molly

I think it is only you that can answer what is best for you.

We have a Burstner 747, lots of storage, lots of space, even when our teenage kids are in bed we can use toilet, make tea and get on the road long before they wake up.

Also it is great for a day event as it is always loaded with Gazebo, BBQ, bikes etc and water tanks are always read and we use it both in summer and winter.

On longer breaks we tend to alway go to Europe, even travelling down to Italy is cheaper because we use one of the 4000 Aires De service.

BUT, its not practical to be on pitch and then to nip off site to the local supermarket or popping along to a local attraction.

So our holidaying is fluid, if we go to an attraction then we almost always plan this either before or after a spell on one site. Most attractions in Europe more than welcome Motorhomes overnight.

However, not everyone wants to live like this, we have friends who just want to get to site, pitch up for 2 weeks and not move, then I would suggest a Caravan is a better option, with the benefits of a car and normally a massive awning attached.

If you are going for a Motorhome but plan to be on site most of the time then I would consider a rear lounge.

I think if you are going to invest in a motorhome they really need to be used for more than a couple of weeks per year.

I often think we have the names mixed up, I think it should be Carahomes and motorvans as Caravans tend to be homes albiet on a pitch where motorhomes are less loungy and more for touring. Sure, there are loads of people with motorhomes who stay on pitch
for weeks but the great benefit, particuary in Europe is to tour with your Motorhome.

Yorkiebar

Thanks Molly and all others who have answered my questions.  The idea is to travel Europe most of the time.  Especially during the colder months, wth UK in the warmer ones.  Definitely not intending to pitch it.  Always wanted a motorhome and intend to use
it.  I am getting the AA to check it out, costs over £200 BUT when you are forking out over 22,000 it has to be worth it.  Do Caravan Club do anything like this.  We have plumbed for the Lunar Homecar, I like the kitchen area and the large table to eat off
and Ken likes the spacious bathroom at the end of the Lunar.  Look forward to chatting to you all over the coming months.  By the by, does anyone know of any reasonable 'pitches' 'parking' around the York area as we are quite limited in where to 'safely' put
it when not in use.

young thomas

a good way of getting about, if you decide not to move the van, is bikes.....and even better are electric bikes...

so many to choose from with varying costs and mileage ranges.

wont debate them here but there are a few threads around and these really do give you loads of freedom, joy and exercise...especially if you are wintering in the sunshine...

MichaelT

I think it is only you that can answer what is best for you.

We have a Burstner 747, lots of storage, lots of space, even when our teenage kids are in bed we can use toilet, make tea and get on the road long before they wake up.

Write your comments here...isn't that illegal shouldn't you be in a seat belt?

cyberyacht

I would have thought so too. When my children were small we would start a passsage in our yacht while they were still asleep although how they slept through 15 metres of chain being hauled in baffled me.

Knauser

I think it comes down to where you intend to go.  For Europe get a motorhome, you can use dedicated parking in town centre aires - often free - and walk everywhere.  For the UK get a caravan.

Just my opinion.

K..