Motorhomes dominate
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We have thought about it, and yes the MH is up to towing our little van on all but the steepest of gradients and it came with a tow hitch in place. To be honest, we haven’t used caravan more than a couple of times since we got MH, but that’s because it’s currently in a state of being refurbished, and we just aren’t getting on with it, finding going away too tempting! Also, I was caring for my Dad, and then my OH had a couple of horrendous health scares, so we are only back on track this last six months or so. But long term, I think we will probably site van somewhere we love, possibly Cornwall again, and have long lazy holidays down there as we used to do, using MH for other holidays. OH got to loathe towing, so that was another factor in buying MH. Cornwall we find challenging with MH, even as small as ours is, we couldn’t get to a lot of our favourite places, such as Lerryn and other hidden gems, so using a car is better down there. We are enjoying touring UK at moment as well.
We kept the van because it isn’t really worth much to other than us, it’s very old, coming up for 35 years old this year, but it’s a true well built little classic and it’s within our capabilities to refurbish it and update some of the fixtures and fittings. It already has a new fridge, new heater, new water heater fitted, so a lot is purely cosmetic. Main thing is, little or no damp. Old things appeal to us, we love classic cars, old vans and it’s still got all we need to have a good time away. Comfy bed, something to produce a meal, somewhere to have a shower, we don’t need more than this. Stored at Mum’s, but we need to get it home on drive to give it the few weeks work to finish it. Costliest outlay will be new foam for lounge beds, and recovering.
I think if we can get van finished, then we might try towing it. 😁
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same old same old micky
Storms in teacups
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Probably just the usual tit-for-tat. I'm sure you'll be able to fill in the blanks.
As an aside, we had an easy drive up the M6 today and, because of this thread, had a looksee on LVs heading south. About 60% Motorhomes to 40%Caravans. There were quite a lot of LVs as well. We were going to play the colour game but Mrs WN got to choose White so I sulked and refused to play.
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and it sounds like you might be in the market again....? keep in touch
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A bit like the view from my Land Rover when towing then . . .
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Returning to the original theme which was why MHs are becoming more popular, the first thing to mention (downside) is yes, they rattle and bump along. If you are obsessive you can improve this or simply use motorways and autoroutes as much as possible.
Second, many people regard caravans as deeply unfashionable. 30 years of jokes - we’re going to Florida next week - oh, didn’t know you could get your caravan on an aeroplane. Never bothered me and I would happily switch back if circumstances changed but when I swapped to a motorhome suddenly everybody was interested and wanted to see it. Sorry but that’s just a fact and it is more significant amongst younger people. Some folks are reluctant to say it except after a few drinks but they hate seeing caravans on the road - can’t overtake etc. Well, you know all the arguments.
Thirdly as I mentioned earlier (although a certain argumentative individual seemed to disagree) there are many very different options for MHs. A large garage continental style is ideal for bikes, scooters and outdoor living. Panel vans are not much bigger than a large car so you can travel thousand of miles and use mountain passes, narrow lakeside roads etc.
In short, the MH market has developed enormously and that may explain the increased uptake.
Just a few theories!
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Only if my health makes me, but at the moment there are far more positives with the way in the UK we tour with our set up, which is why we left useing motor caravans in some years ago and it seems the downsides we found then have just got more these days, as more bus services have been curtailed, which has no effect now with our support vehicle next to us
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good luck with the health thing but, rest assured, if you switch (back) to a MH youll definitely have ypur support vehicle with you.....at all times.
some small PVCs are really very sophisticated these days....
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…but I look up to buses 😄
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That’s a very manoeuvrable and compact wagon at just under 5.5m. The auto would make it a Fiat, of course.
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Our last motor caravan was an Auto cruise valentine,well built great vehicle we always took it to their factory for service,thats when makers thought of the customers, hence an Autosleeper as they also have their own service centre at the factory
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Ah, but how many of the M/Hs were just out for the day and not staying on a site at all, and how many of the cars you saw were being driven by owners of caravans, staying on a site, who were out seeing what was in the area? Just asking!!
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That was in the days before Swift got their hands on Autocruise.
Yes, AS have their own service centre at WIllersey and are also very efficient at supplying spare parts online.
I doubt the vans are better built than any other make, despite having a reputation for quality, as staples, Velcro and sealant are much in evidence. 🙄
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Yes, real glass but not double glazed and most don’t open so it’s a two edged sword.
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Yep, fingers crossed.
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there are many very different options for MHs
sorry if disagreeing with you is something you don't like and has to be labelled as argumentative, perhaps that is just you, but that all applies to caravans as well. Just as many options in caravans as MH I would say.
You mentioned parallel seating (name one caravan that doesn't btw) garages too have been there.
Anyway sorry if disagreement bothers you. I'll try and agree with you in future
Post edit, actually I did I remember with your first two paragraphs back wherever?
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Good point and how many MH are used as 'daily use' cars I wonder, for commuting? probably a lot of smaller camper vans?
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I said have been there, there was a six berth Coachman (I seem to recall) model where the bottom traverse bunk folded upwards and made a garage, and there is one current model I know about the Antares Caravelair 486
see https://www.caravelair-caravans.com/range/antares/
Hope that helps?
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perhaps but that wasn't the question was it? It was about garages being on MH and caravans
Although in the Coachman model (we bought an Avondale more's the pity) it was the full width of the van, the width of the bunk and up to the upper top bunk which was about three to four feet off the floor so pretty big. I seem to recall it was photographed with a bikes in it.
Also the size of a 'garage' on a MH will depend on its size too?
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certainly if I bought a MH, and that might well happen, a garage would be on my list, for walking boots, rain gear and rucksacks... which we currently carry in the car
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it would be Auto Sleeper Symbol but it would need to have an auto box
