Help in changing from caravan to motorhome
We are looking for a compact (less than 6m Length) 2 berth motorhome with a budget of approximately £20k-£25k for our first purchase. We need the layout to be end kitchen with a corner bathroom but most importantly 2 bench sofas opposite each other with
slide together very easily to make a double bed. We saw an Autosleeper Nuevo yesterday in this layout which we liked but what is the best way of finding out what other models are out that fit our criteria. Can anyone help us out with a list. Also, we currently
have an Avondale Dart 545/4 Caravan in very good condition and am not sure if part ex is the best way to change to our first motorhome. Just a bit fed up with the towing and setting up now so want to give a Motorhome a try for plenty of weekends as we really
enjoy the lifestyle on the sites and the walking etc. Is there a Do's and Don'ts list available anywhere when you are looking to buy your first Motorhome.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give us.
Adrian & Judith
Comments
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Make sure everything suits your needs. Don't just look, try everything out as if you were away in the van. A nice seperate shower is great but, as we found out, not a lot of use if it's too small for comfort. We had one that was so small you couldn't bend
down to wash your feet!Check that the seating is comfortable for the way YOU sit, what looks nice is not neccessarily comfortable for you. Make the bed up, don't just assume it will suit you, try it out. We have had a few motorhomes and have learned from our mistakes. You
might not find the perfect van but make sure you can live with any compromises. It gets expensive if you get it wrong and need to change it for another one. I talk from experience in that we bought an Autotrail excel which had a step half way along the floor.
No problem says I, but once the bed was made up you were way up in the air as you had to step down to the lower level when you got out of bed. I made things difficult to say the least. Hope you find what you want and enjoy your trips. we certainly do.0 -
Adrian, The two main Motor/van Mags are M M M & Practical M/home. These regularly display the layouts of Motors from the car-derived ones up to the gi-normous ones with "Slide - outs". These will show you the entire range
of lay-outs available from which you can select your preferences. Then I'm afraid its a case of hunt thro' the For Sale ads for some close to you and go out & push & prod both the seats , beds etc & the Sales reps
too !!0 -
Try going to the outdoor motorhome shows. There is a big one at Peterbrough 15-17 April. The first of the year is at Harrogate 18-20 March, but it is a lot smaller than Peterborough. All the information is in MMM magazine.
There should be a good selection of used motorhomes there. You should be able to do a deal using your caravan as a part exchange if you find something you like.
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And Biggarmac should know having done her deal with not only caravan but tow car too a few months ago! Don't forget the big show at the NEC very soon too. Masses to look at there to give an idea but of course shiny new. I won't be giving up the caravan anytime soon I enjoy the freedom to leave it and go exploring in the car. You will still have to make the bed up in a MH unless going pretty large Won't you? I now roll up the mattress topper And duvet into the front end and cover with a throw. It makes a comfy back support for feet up time! And so quick to unroll at bedtime.
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for research without too much legwork, MMM has a very comprehensive section on layouts....the mind will boggle a bit, but its all there....
once you have a coulle of brands in mind (definitely have two or three alternatives as getting stick on one might mean a long search to get your 'ideal') get out there and have a look and try it all out....
£25 will,het you a nice van....at a dealer with a warrenty.....see all, documents for service and damp check etc...
try the beds, dont be afraid, its your cash.....
swift bolero 600 EK is bang on 6 m and a direct rival for the Nuevo.....all down to personal taste..
....Swift a bit more modern in style all round, Nuevo, a nice van.....but those interiors.....40 yrs out of date.....
.....lile sitting on your Nans sofa.....dont forget/rule out Continental vans....well made and tough, many small vans on the market, might get quite new for your budget...
see Roller Team, Pilote, Rapido, Burstner.....all make great small vans but will seem 'different' to a uk caravan......keep eyes open and dont be afraid to try out.....
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also check payload if on a 3500kg chassis....shouldnt be a problem on a 6 m van but best to check....
small vans generally have poor external storage and locker access.....
where will you put your outside dirty kit.....levelling ramps, chairs, table, windbreaks....try and get away from carrying unneccessary aquarolls etc, fill tanks with hose, much smaller to carry, no freezing.....will you have a wind out canopy in lieu of a full awning.....if not, how will ypu carry it.....bikes for getting about (if you dont take the van) outside rack?.....
remember, you dont have a towcar to dump all this 'stuff' so think carefully....do you want al, this coming through the van...? thought not.....
finally, for now...., beds.....if you want singles and are happy to use sleeping bags, check the length of the sofas....small van means (sometimes) smaller sofas.....if you want to use the transverse bed, length should be ok....again....is it sleeping bags or sheets and duvets.....
we are in the latter group and making up a proper bed (we are away for around 230 nights a year) became a chore.....perhaps if we slept in our own separate sleeping bag this would have been less of an issue....ok for someone own their own, but not for us, ensure its for you....
good luck...
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BB is right to touch on payloads. Moving from a Dart I agree you might not have a problem, but for others mindful of making a move to a MH it might, as for us be a real issue. Stating the obvious you have not got the car to take is share including the passenger, and even the driver might be over the 12 stones allowed. Whilst it is obvious to me the MH is going to need a healthy payload current research is indicating the MH builders, certainly those targeting the aging driver and so the 3500 kg limit market, have not given it anything like enough thought. That conclusion is drawn even before addressing the weight distribution on the axles and if they individually are overloaded. To me I can’t understand why rear axles are not sufficiently over rated as with how MHs are carrying the loads they can so readily be abused even whilst keeping the summated mass within the rating.
I read that many MHs stopped and checked recently were overloaded. Having looked at weights and the clobber carried by many I can easily see why.
We looked to changing and probably will have to soon but this payload issue with MHs in the sub 3500 kg bracket is a minefield and becoming a nightmare. It points to becoming minimalist and forgetting the bikes and so much as caravanners we take.
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NEC is fine for new vans but better for second hand vans are the open air shows, the biggest being at Peterborough. Some of the shows, such as Peterborough, have a broad remit whilst others, such as Harrogate, focus on sales. Lincoln is great for end of season bargains.
I would strongly recommend anyone new to motorhoming to feast on the Out & About Live website. It has a wealth of knowledge easily laid out. It also has a decent forum where you can ask questions. Viewing two forums is a good idea.
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/
The Nuevo is a good van with a good repuation from a highly respected UK manufacturer. There is a perception that damp is always a problem in UK motorhomes, and some foriegn ones, but it seems to be less on an issue with Auto Sleeper than others.
We sold our caravan to a caravan dealer. It supplied the van and was desperate for good quality second hand ones. Some dealers sell motorhomes and caravans. If you can afford to take the hit, trading in is the easiest but make sure your caravan is in good nick because dealers can reduce the trade in price, if on exchange, they notice a problem.
We've had 6 motorhomes, three 6.3m long and three 6m long. If you want to use the van for day's out or to park up in tight areas, then a Panel Van Conversion might be a good buy. It will look cramped and feel claustrophobic but it is perfect for touring using sites, rather than staying for long periods on site, ideal for reaching some out of the way places, and unlikely to suffer damp [they can leak!]. Also PVCs are not as well insulated as coachbuilts.
Just be sure you want a motorhoming lifestyle. Oh, and accept there will always be someone who says they bought cheaper and better.
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Both of our motorhomes have been under 6m, our first was a re-badged Autosleeper van conversion and we part exchanged our nice big caravan for it. No problems involved, we never saw the caravan again, it must have sold on quickly. We could have pt x'd our 4 x 4 too but used this as part ex for a smaller car. It was an easy change over all round. We chose a reputable dealer with plenty of stock and I looked on line at all the layouts and prices first. We never felt cramped or claustrophobic in our van, a good lay out and design can create a spacious feel. The main compromise was in the washroom area but even that proved ok (make sure there is a heat outlet into it.)
Our second van, a coachbuilt, an Autosleeper by Marquis is also under 6m, the heating and insuation is better. Worth considering if using the van all year round as we do. We are now cosy and warm and our van fits into most spaces although not as easily as the van conversion. Happy hunting for a van, as others have said visiting the big shows gives you a good idea of the sort of van that will suit your needs.
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We had three motorhomes over twelve years after caravans and have gone back to caravans. The one thing we found was the motorhome rich, car poor syndome i.e. unless you are very affluent you can have either but not both and in the end we get more use out
of a luxury car than a motorhome that sits on the drive for the winter. If you are going to use a motorhome for extended periods like a lot of people do then they are a good bet.0 -
We bought an Autosleeper with exactly the layout you describe. Check out motorhomesales, based in Studley, West Mids. Excellent small secondhand dealer, quality of stock on offer, (including AS Nuevo at time we viewed) was superb. Our MH has been perfect
for us, came excellently prepared, with six months warranty on everything, and we have had nothing go wrong or stop working after a year of ownership and 10,000 miles! Highly recommended, we would go back to same dealer when we look to change our MH. Good
luck with finding what you want!0 -
Like Brue, we swapped from a van conversion (autosleeper Topaz) to a small coach built, a marquis majestic 115.
Its a similar size to the Nuevo and with the same end kitchen set up but much cheaper. Two bench seats facing across convert quickly to a double. We turn the cab seats round to make two generous size singles or a massive double. I know it isn't the same
spec as the Nuevo but it has a good size wardrobe, three gas and one electric hot plate plus oven and grill. Bathroom is ok if a little snug and there is lots and lots of storage.Although we loved the Topaz it was getting difficult to make up the beds while the current set up in moments. We use duvalay sleeping bags which we store under the seats, folding chairs store behind the cab seats, cable, hose and wheel ramps sit in the
gas bottle locker. Pillows in two of the large overhead lockers, clothes boxes in the other two, coats, jumpers etc in the wardrobe. All this and under 2metres so it fits on our drive.0 -
Hi Adrian & Judith.
Three and a half years ago we were looking for our first real MH (had a camper van in late 70's 80's) and also with your budget, well started at £15.000 but that did not seem to get you a van that fitted... Also was set on a AS Nuevo both trade and privat,
test drove a private one but unsure private was the way to go so went the trade route in the end but not a AS but a Auto Trail Tracker EKS (same layout and less than 6M ). Have now done about 35,000 miles in the three and a half years and loved it. Spain every
winter for 6 weeks plus 2 other europe trips of 6 to 8 weeks a time we feel we are getting full use of our van and think its been good value for our money.When you find the right van you will know its the one for you.0 -
First of all go to vicarious books or amazon and order the Go Motorhoming book.Its brilliant and will answer questions you never even thought to ask.
Secondly remember that motorhomes have fresh and waste water tanks, like a caravan and they have to be emptied and filled.Motorhomes have to be plugged in if you want to use electricity and have to be levelled off as well if you are parking on an unlevel
surface.Parking for sightseeing and shopping is not as easy with a motorhome as with a car but we have always found supermarkets no problem.Mostly it comes down to your style of holidaying.If you like moving on very frequently perhaps shopping and sightseeing en route or using sights near good public transport, places of interest etc,then a motorhome is for you.If you love finding a nice site
and staying for a week or more then caravanning is for you.0 -
Slightly disagree with Sumitra. Motorhomes do not need to be "plugged in". Lots of motorhomes very rarely plug in, they use their habitation batteries augmented with solar panels. This enables M/Hs to visit more places such as non electric sites. Freedom
to roam is one of the big pluses of a motorhome.0 -
Slightly disagree with Sumitra. Motorhomes do not need to be "plugged in". Lots of motorhomes very rarely plug in, they use their habitation batteries augmented with solar panels. This enables M/Hs to visit more places such as non electric sites. Freedom
to roam is one of the big pluses of a motorhome. Well I did say it needs to be plugged in IF you want to use electricity and caravans also have leisure batteries and increasingly solar panels too so they
can also go off grid.0 -
We manage for 3 or 4 days without being plugged in. Solar Panel on the roof and 160Ah Leisure Battery. You can find Public Toilets to empty waste and taps can be found in the most unlikely places. Buxton has a mineral water fountain and all you need is a
universal hose pipe to fill up ( 2 watering cans ) Plenty of places to stop and you don't have to level them you just make sure its the right way round so you can sleep with your head above your feet so to speak. We have stopped at all sorts of places. Don't
carry LOTS of stuff. We can be packed and gone in about 5 minutes. You do need to be tidy and put things away.0 -
Thanks to everybody for their help and advice. We will take it all on board and not rush into anything. Hopefully when we make the decision it will be the right one. Thanks again.
Adrian & Judith
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We changed from a caravan to motorhome six months ago as We found with the better half changing jobs the caravan was being used less. Now when she finishes on a Friday evening , and im off the weekend we head off wherever the mood and weather takes us and
return on the Sunday night. This wasn't really doable with the caravan.We have just returned from five days away at Cairngorms , Fort William and Glencoe with three nights wild camping and one on a site to refresh water etc.
Two leisure batteries , solar panel and gas it system takes care of all our needs.
Best decision we ever made.
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After 30 years caravanning I changed to a motorhome last October. It is much easier to set up and pack up. No water barrel to fill, no wastemaster to put in place, no steddies to wind down. No having to put up with congratulations from old men astonished
that I could reverse a caravan.0 -
Motorhome Arrival Sequence:
Handbreak On.
Engine Off.
Kettle On / Wine Open.
The End
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Do not MH's require an element of levelling in the same manner as caravans or are they immune to non-draining showers, beds where the blood rushes to your head and temperamental fridges?
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Motorhome Arrival Sequence:
Handbreak On.
Engine Off.
Kettle On / Wine Open.
The End
Write your comments here...What make is your magic motorhome as all the ones I looked at needed water in the tanks (also needed emptying) and generally on a site EHU, Oh and as CY says they need to be level or do you only camp in car parks?
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Yet again on these forums a lighthearted comment is met by sarcasm.
As it happens my motorhome is self levelling and self sufficient on water and power for a good number of days . Some might say that's 'magic' but personally I wouldn't.
If I was on a club site with EHU of course I'd use it, but there's a big wide world of CL type basic sites where my comments stand.
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Yet again on these forums a lighthearted comment is met by sarcasm.As it happens my motorhome is self levelling and self sufficient on water and power for a good number of days . Some might say that's 'magic' but personally I wouldn't.
If I was on a club site with EHU of course I'd use it, but there's a big wide world of CL type basic sites where my comments stand.
Write your comments here...But you still ahve to empty the waste tank at some point, fill the fresh at some point sme as a caravan only not so often as you ahve roughly 2.5 times the capacity of a caravan so isntead of once a day its once every 2 days....unless
of course you dont shower, washup or brush your teeth0 -
To be fair, MichaelT, many m/homers empty and / or fill up on their arrival on site either after booking in or on returning after a day out.
Write your comments here...Agreed but from some popeles comments they try to make out its so easy but in effect it is no different to a caravan, needs filling and emtying, maybe not so foten but has to be done all teh same. Same as packing up and leaving
site, in our caravan we used to pack the stuff for home in the car when we left site, when we get the M/H we will ahve to do this at teh storage compound so leaving site will be quicker once we stop to empty tanks, but leaving storage will take longer, overall
very little saving in time.0
!!