New to motorhoming is an overstatement in our case
Hi Laerned Ones!
With work getting in the way, And a global pandemic our plans have been delayed. Well after 2 years ‘research’, a year of club membership the time has come (I even admit to being addicted to Bob Earnshaw). Having explored the website a number of times it seems that to ‘try before you buy’ is the way to go for us complete novices.
The dilemma we have is how to go about things? We are thinking of planning a 4 or 5 day trip in late September but do we hire a motorhome first and then book sites of vice versa? Whilst researching the club sites on the website I noticed that in the booking process you are asked for the vehicle detail so I have probably answered my own question. We just have this vision of hiring a motorhome and then finding we can’t get site bookings where we want to go, probably East Anglia.
We would be grateful of some words of wisdom as it all seems a bit daunting at the moment.
kind regards
Daveso (Southampton).
Comments
-
Hi Daveso and welcome.
In normal circumstances I’d suggest there’s probably no need to book far ahead, if at all, for the end of Sept but these aren’t normal times and we may find more people out and about than in other years.
Why not make your booking via the call centre on this occasion then you can explain the circumstances and see what they can do for you.
1 -
Hiring avehicle is a good idea but at least first check out the probability of one being available. Given the alleged difficulty of finding pitches and a good probability of a vehicle being available, I think I would book at least the Club sites first. I don't think it is compulsory to provide vehicle details, these could be given when you firm up your plans.
peedee
1 -
I think the Club is in partnership with Swift in terms of hiring a motorhome? That could solve both things for you as I think the hire includes nights on a Club Site. I will try and find a link. Mind, this year it might be difficult........
Edit, here is link https://www.experiencefreedom.co.uk/motorhome-hire/
2 -
Suggest you have a poke around dedicated motorhome websites/forums. This will broaden your understanding. I'd recommend Out & About Live for no nonsense motorhome advice whilst Motorhome Fun is less formal providing good advice. OAL also publish a guide that helps those new to motorhoming. These two will tell you all you need to know and make it easier for you to ask informed questions of experienced motorhomers. The CMC provides sound advice (see Advice & training).
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/
I've used OAL and its predecessor for information & advice since 1995.
There are other motorhome sites and at least 3 magazines which are good sources of information.
We go where the sites have vacancies even if this means more mileage.
1 -
I think you are wise to hire and try a motorhome before you buy. (I assume you are looking to hire the size of van you are considering buying.) In this situation I think that driving it a reasonable distance on a variety of roads and using it on at least a couple of sites (to experience packing up and moving to another site) is more important than having a specific area to visit. If you were unable to go to East Anglia on this trip that is less important than driving and using the motorhome somewhere else. There have been some very useful suggestions above as to how you may do this.
Here's hoping you have a good experience. Please remember that if you have any difficulties on site that other motorhomers are usually willing to help if you ask.
It will be interesting to read later about how your trip went.
Best wishes.
0 -
Hi Daveso, we hired a motorhome for 3 nights only and were absolutely convinced it was for us even after such a short period. We also got an idea of which layout would suit our needs best, which is the key to making the right purchase choice. The hire company provided an excellent handover with full insurance etc so we felt we new what we were doing, well at least as a novice. If you rent the MH now for September and then get looking for sites either with the club or on private sites you won’t go wrong. There should be vacancies available in September. Depending how long you hire for go for 3 nights then move on, the journey is part of your holiday in a MH.
Once out on the road and on site you’re part of a big family And we are all here to help, not intrusively, but if you get stuck someone will help from a socially distanced distance of course. Go for it, sometimes you can overthink it.1 -
Many, many thanks to you all for responding with your advice and experiences it is really helpful and sets us off with a level of confidence!
We have booked some sites for our mini tour, this was the first challenge
.Without wishing to bore everyone I will submit an ‘end of term’ report.
Once assassin thank you everyone.
Dave
1
