Looking for advice on micro campers
Hi, my late husband and I loved camping and then caravanning. We had camped for several years when our girls were young. After a break we bought a caravan 2008, sadly my husband passed away in 2016. I sold our caravan as it was too big just for me, but also it held too many memories. I've been toying with the idea of getting a small camper or micro camper and would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions that people might have. This would be a new adventure for me and not sure where to start. Thanks in advance, Ann
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Ann, I would start with deciding how you want to motorhome because that will help reduce your options to a manageable number. I assume that you want something that is easy to drive and manoeuvre so I'd recommend nothing longer than 6m with a rear view camera. If you intend using the camper/van in winter, then you might find a microcamper is more limited.
For micro campers I'd start with Romahome and NuVenture models because these are two established manufacturers in this market. You will find Panel Van Conversions [PVCs] a viable option; there are so many choices of PVCs. Some manufacturers are now building traditional motorhomes at 6m or less. The best example is a Hymer Van which is 5.45m long and 2.2m wide [18' by 7.2' wide] - there are others! Then there are campers, often based on the excellent VW, and which can come with a pop up tent like roof.
Out&AboutLive's website has some useful guides. Scan down to Motorhome Advice articles
https://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/motorhomes/buyers-guide/motorhomes/
Below is an old, but interesting article you might find useful; Auto Sleeper no longer makes microcampers. Todds Motorhomes up near Preston is a consistently highly regarded dealer.
https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/advice/36548-used-motorhome-buyers-guide-micro-campervans
If you look at the dedicated motorhome forums - say MotorhomeFun - you will see that there are plenty of single campers/motorhomers who share experiences and meet up from time to time.
Best wishes on your new adventure.
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Hello Mrs Rogerson, great idea to get back out there and enjoy touring again, but guess it will be a big step for you. Folks have already posted some good examples of what is out there, and of course, only you will know what your budget is, what facilities you will need, what interior layout you prefer. Some of these will impact upon the kind of sites you stay on, and therefore just how much you might be paying for site fees. If you choose a microcamper with no or limited bathroom facilities, then you will be somewhat restricted to sites providing amenities, and therefore will be paying more per night to stay. The Club is quite good in some respects in that it charges a nominal pitch fee, but then per person, and there are some very cheap fees for sites without facilities. We have used some private sites as well that do lower fees for single visitors. Hope you find something to suit, and get back on the road again, Club Sites and CLs are usually full of nice friendly people, willing to give a hand or advice if required!
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This is a bit cheeky but here's a link to the C&CC website which gives ideas for micro and small campers. If you look in the advice section at the top of the page there is also some help out there from CAMC when considering a motorhome/camper purchase. Good luck Ann, lots to think about and the NEC would be a good place to visit to see lots of clever designs.
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My suggestion is that you visit some caravan sites (both CC and C&CC) and explain to the warden your interest in campervans (nearly typed "dampervans" there but that is another discussion) and see if you can strike up a conversation with some of the people actually using them to find out what it is really like to live in one.
I spent a few years holidaying in the back of a long wheelbase Land Rover, which is why I now have a large twin axle caravan!
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Ann,
Don't go TOO far TOO soon into the M/van world !!
My very first move would be to head into the Leisure Industry's Library { some times called W H Smiths
} and pick up a couple of magazines Motorcaravan & Motorhome Monthly ( MMM ) and Practical Motorhome. These are the paper versions of two of the On Line information sources mentioned above. They will allow you to browse at leisure, study whats out there and an approximate price range.When you have found your way round then and only then would I start making decisions about what I might like to research in earnest !!
What ever you do decide, please let us know if you do go ahead and what adventures you have.
Brian A B M
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I can vouch for the Romahome R30 as pictured above. Had one for years. Easy to drive, 2 berth, 4 travelling seats and proper ,if somewhat compact, bathroom.
Have you looked on the small motorhome forum? Free, friendly and lots of helpful advice.
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Hi everyone, thanks for all you advice. I think it will be a trip to Smiths for some mags & then to some shows. It's always nice to know what others think. Ann
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I hope we've given you some food for thought, Ann.
After you've done some research and viewed a few vans you'll have a much better idea of what suits you.
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