Changed from Caravan to Motorhome
Always had caravans but now decided to change to a Motorhome. We purchased a Autotrail T625 tribute 4 berth 2015 model, really pleased with it so far. We also purchased a 770 camper sat nav that gives you the option of putting in the dimensions of your vehicle, which has proved invaluable. We hope to got to stripwood some time in October but see you need to go through a narrow bridge, looking at the dimensions l think its to close to call on my vehicle, is their any other routes to this site. We do find a big difference between the Caravan and the Motorhome. With the caravan you have the added convenience of the car, which allows for greater freedom, to overcome this we invested in two e Bikes which gives us some freedom, we both have bus passes which helps as well. One big plus though with the Motorhome is how easy we load up and get on our way, it used to take at least a minimum of two hours to get sorted before we left, any help in this transgression from Caravan to Motorhome would be a real help.
Nidge 4
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Welcome to the "Dark Side" Nidge 4 ! the one thing to remember is to check you have all your goodies in before starting to cook -- it can be a right pain holding a pan of cooking spuds / rice etc when the OH is driving to get the drinks or whatever they forgot.
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Presume you mean Strid Wood.
Here's a picture of the bridge in question which is used daily by buses.
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We started with caravans, changed to a campervan then a small motorhome and, just over eight years later, we reverted to caravans between 18 and 19 years ago. We take one of our holidays in France each year. In France they cater better for the motorhome fraternity and, if we took all our holidays in France, it would certainly be with a motorhome. Now in our 80's, we have on occasion considered the possibility of going to a small motorhome again, but the pros and cons are still keeping us on the side of caravans.
For some, there is already a strong feeling towards one or the other but, like ourselves, the convenient and not-so-convenient aspects have been well explored by those who have had experience of both.
The choice between caravan or motorhome can be based on many factors, and the decision for one or the other can be by a very narrow margin. For this reason, when we have met people starting out in camping or thinking about changing over, we never give any advice either way. If pressed, we might offer some reasons applicable to ourselves but, IMHO, to presume to know what suits other people is being a bit pompous.
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We went through the arch with a MH 2.26m wide (2.66m incl mirrors) and 3m high. I think we folded the mirrors.
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Width l can just get away with, my height is 3.1 metres, like l said to close to call. If theirs no other way in will need to cancel which would be a shame. My Autotrail tribute is the high line version with the bed over the cab. not the low line which would breeze under. by my calculations leaves me 9 inches to spare. Don't think She that has to be obeyed will be to chuffed with me trying it
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3.277m (10' 9”) means you have 0.177m (7") to spare by my calculation. Personally, I think that’s fine but it’s your call.
Check out a map tor an alternative route as I’m sure I've heard there is one.
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Wharfedale is a good site, if you want to consider an alternative in the same area.
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We changed to a MH 7 years ago after 30+ years of having a caravan, last year we changed back to a caravan and up to date we are enjoying it.
Not that we didn't enjoy the MH we did and would agree with some of the comments that it can be easier to pack up a MH opposed to the caravan, We don't have an issue with it as the caravan sits outside the house so always ready. We have found that we have a more relaxed holiday with the caravan as we are not always on the road.
We do miss the ease of a break when on a long journey and setting up when its bad weather but it is nice to have a vehicle once on site. We do have ebikes but they are now for fun not a necessity.
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We switched to a motorhome three years ago and it has been a revelation touring Europe. No more messing with aquarolls, waste carriers etc. and so simple to move off. Sometimes we miss having a car but we tend now to look for sites close to towns. After 30 years of sightseeing we are quite happy to stroll into the nearest town or village and just enjoy the site location.
The pluses and minuses of motorhome v caravan have been extensively explored on this forum so no point going over them again.
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We changed to a motorhome 19 years ago and there is no way we will go back to a caravan but we have always towed a car so we have the best of both types of LVs. We don't always tow the car, just depends where we are going and what we have planned. I have taken an Autotrail Mohican to Stridwood, great site, but there is no way I could reach the site with my current motorhome which is 3.4 meters high.
peedee
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There is another way in via Grassington, used by buses. A long way round. It’s also a long way to almost anywhere by ebike from Bolton Abbey, and the hills will drain your battery a lot quicker than a flat route. It’s a lovely site, but best done with a motorhome that’s more nimble than your choice. Depends what you want to do. Buses from site go into Skipton, but vary in duration between just over an hour, to over two hours. (It’s 20 minutes in a car/small MH normally.) No idea how many buses run per day.
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There is another way but it’s a dry long way round and on some narrow roads with passing places. I have taken our Caravan through numerous times and do need to fold in one mirror if I am even a fraction off centre. However the local bus goes through (by taking off one mirror!) ok.
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We will go to Grassington been there before great site, up to now been out twice in the MotorHome we really enjoying it, park up cup of tea and relaxing in ten minutes opposed to the 40 min set up with the caravan. We take two electric bikes with us so we are not restricted to the site we both have bus passes and we have the camper Sat nav which gives us all the parking places for motorhomes. Time will tell if we have made the right decision but up to now things are looking good
Nidge 4
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add the app park4night to your phone or tablet....a terrific source of day/night parking info here or abroad.
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Glad you are enjoying yourselves, it’s so easy setting up isn’t it😁
Brilliant for picnicking as well when out for day.
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After our trip to Southport, we have picked up on what we will need adding to the motorhome for next year. The Autotrail Tribute 625 is an entry level MH. l have priced a door fly screen up with my local dealer who have given me a quote for fitting, l intend to have this fitted in early January, wife says this is a must due to the pesky insects. l was thinking of having a gas point fitted outside but this will have to wait. The lighting in a entry level MH is sparse to say the least or is it that being used to the Coachman Vip which was well equipped with lighting spoilt us, so we are looking to improve that. I am also pondering on whether to have the remis cab blinds fitted, not sure on this one, the price may put me off, at the moment we have the silver screen internal type which seem adequate. The lounge part of the van is perfect for us, we bought two coasters that hang over the side of the back rests that hold glasses or mugs, as there are no shelves for your cup, obviously if the table was up they would sit on the table but it takes a lot of room up in the lounge. l looked at small camping tables but we settled for one of those trays with a cushion underneath that sits on the u shaped part of the seating seems to work fairly well. The one that is proving a pain is a shelf under the tv bracket that hangs on the wardrobe door, cant seem to find one that's suitable. Some would say why go to all these lengths why not just upgrade. The reason being this will be our only purchase of a motor home so we intend to put are own stamp on it, up to now we really find it comfortable, parking is no problem in our drive as its only 6.3 metres in length. We have really taken to motorhoming which is a surprise to both of us having being havid caravanners for years. We are off to Bridlington in couple of weeks where we will be playing golf, walking and riding the bikes. Let you know how we get on. If any of you have any ideas for improving the MH please let us know.
Nidge 4
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Nidge, one of the very best things we bought was external silver screens. No condensation inside at all, they are warm in Winter, help cool things in Summer. Only take seconds to put on, take off, roll up into their own bag if damp, dry super quick. Ours roll down on front screen, so you don’t have to keep taking them on and off if staying on site. Try either Silverscreens, or Taylor Made. You need to know base model of your vehicle.
We modify our outfits to suit, as many folks do. We are fortunate to have good lighting for all our needs in MH, but we have added extra small strip lights to our van, mainly over work top areas. (It’s very old, but very solid). Sometimes looking in cupboards and putting some extra shelving in can gain some storage, and we use pull out baskets in our big food storage cupboard under sink/drainer. Saves a lot of rummaging around.
If you like Brid, there is a great private site, not too big, nice walks and cycling called Thorpe Hall just South, close to Burton Agnes. Grass, but solid as a rock underneath. We stayed there for less than half price of Club Site, facilities excellent. In a Walled Garden so very sheltered.😁
Have a nice time.
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External insulation mats ("silver screens") are a good investment. They keep the cold out from the end of Autumn to early Spring, stop condensation, and also can be used to keep the van cool in hot weather.
Just bear in mind that the more you add, the less your available payload; it's easy to exceed the payload.
We love our motorhome because we can have days out from home or the site and have all our facilities with us such as a clean toilet, cake when we are hungry and tea when thirsty. I find it more relaxing to drive than a car.
We might go back to caravanning, which we enjoyed in the early 90s, if we decide to change the motorhome because we won't fancy the new VED rates on motorhomes.
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