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campervan/motorhome advice

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By *ebel-Rider OP   Couple
18 weeks ago

Derby

So We're looking at possibly getting a campervan / motorhome. our problem is what as there are so many options.

van conversions are smaller but no need for a C1 lisence. This would become an every day vehicle though and I'd want to be able to use it as a van if needed.

Motorhomes are bigger some come with showers but need a C1 lisence and less easy to park.

wont be going as big as an RV though.

Then comes to cost.

is it better to buy a pre converted van or convert it ourselves to our own spec. I'm pretty dab hand with tools but never woked on anything like this.

theres just so many considerations.

Also what would people say is too old or too many miles.

we love the idea of just being able to the the dogs go away whenever we want and stay wherever we want.

Thanks

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By *ere4fun200Man
18 weeks ago

Bewdley

You will get lots of advice I’m sure…we bought a VW T6.1 lwb last summer from a conversion company…they source the van and then convert it to a spec you want - it’s my daily vehicle now and whilst being the long wheel base it can be a bit awkward to park in places but the extra room it gives you is much better than a short wheel base, especially if you’ve got dogs. Best thing is to go and look at a few and see what works for you…or even rent one for a weekend or so….great fun to be had just nipping off somewhere when you feel like (and the weather isn’t too bad!). Happy searching.

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By *arm man 100Man
18 weeks ago

Caistor

There's a new Zealand based company around cheader that do removable internals for vans

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By *ith_permissionMan
18 weeks ago

Warrington

Bought a motorhome 10 years ago. 7.4m long. Never had a problem anywhere I've been from the outer hebrides to France. 3850kg so need a C1 but on the plus side classed as private heavy goods so only £165 road tax. You just have to plan each journey before you set off. When I bought it my first trip out was in November. Got up in the morning sat in my boxers with the heating on watching a couple togged up to the nines putting their bedding away with the side door open to.their camper van. No thanks!

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By *unydayMan
18 weeks ago

near

Vw 6.1 swb these can be small and crowded, my pop top has a large bed but u do obviously have to climb, double sliding rib bed downstairs which allows me to load it like a van when travelling and still have room for the dog, powered by underslung gas and a Clayton power lps3000 inverter which runs the van for upto 4 days, great heater too,also use an air sun canopy for short breaks and an air awning for week plus breaks,also my everyday drive so works great , good luck

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By *elissafemTV/TS
18 weeks ago

nottingham

I brought a peugeot boxer mwb conversion 3 months ago, currently touring around the Scottish coast.i went smaller for easier parking,cheaper running costs as I live in it as well,just depends on what your going to use it for,need more space for winter breaks but summer ones you will be outside more. Ask if you want any other advice

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By *ogging83Couple
18 weeks ago

Lichfield

Smaller van is always going to be easier with day to day life.

Getting a blank canvas of a van gives you the opportunity to build it how you want it and do it properly rather than ending up with someone's bodges.

Showers if you need one are at every services on the motorway if you needed it

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By *axtanMan
18 weeks ago

Wimborne

You make no mention of budget. Have you used one previously. They don't suit everyone. Rent one borrow one - see how it works for a weekend. Can you park one easily will it be safe where its parked at night. Questions I didn't give much consideration to when I got one. I like the under 6m ones which are better for the above. Good luck.

If you can;build one.

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By *hite Lights 6253Couple
18 weeks ago

Portsmouth

We got our first motorhome in 2023 after coming from a caravan (2016 Swift Rio 310), it's a small motorhome, 5.99m and only 3.5t so driven on a car license but had everything inside including a shower. Not our every day vehicle but small enough that it can be be easily parked in supermarket car parks etc and great for travelling (we did a month around France last September). 17th - 22nd Feb is Caravan & Motorhome show at NEC Birmingham, worth going to look at what is about re layouts etc. Also Warners do Motorhome shows though the year across the UK where there are always a good selection of used vehicles on display. Everything is a compromise, depends on what you want from it, so looking at a few examples is good, you don't always have to pay the earth either, some good used bargains out there, good luck with your search.

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By *ebel-Rider OP   Couple
17 weeks ago

Derby

Thanks all so much for your replies so far.

This is definitely becoming a minefield.

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By *rontmanMan
17 weeks ago

Derby and often London

I might be selling my LWB VW T6, I love it but just don’t get the use out of it anymore.

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By *targazer65Man
17 weeks ago

Rorks drift

As some people have already said it's what works for each individual. Personally I have my 5.99 metre motorhome that does everything I need it to. Has all the mod cons yet you can easily park in a supermarket car park if you need supplies etc. Obviously not ideal for everyday use so I have a modest run around for when at home for food shopping etc. Motorhoming opens up a whole new world. Devon and Cornwall this year as not been there yet. You'll love it once you get set up. Not a cheap hobby but definitely worth it 😁

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By *he SurveyorMan
17 weeks ago

Bury

I’ve got a Swift Kontiki 669. 3lt automatic.

Absolutely beautiful, fully loaded.

However at 8.6 m it does have logistical problems.

If you can accommodate the size, go for it, so comfortable, a true Motorhome.

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By *exhillboyMan
16 weeks ago

Pevensey

I have been a Caravanner and Motorhomer for many years and currently have a 7.4m motorhome with a full sized island bed, shower, toilet, electric drop down second double bed in the front, the kitchen has 3 ring hob full oven and a full sized fridge freezer. All of this while staying under the 3.5 ton limit so a normal driving licence is fine.

In my opinion campervans are ok if you are in your 20s or 30s, or if its just for a very occasional night away but I am too old to be cooking my breakfast on one knee or siting a chemical toilet at the bottom of the bed. I enjoy my comforts specially if we are entertaining.

Ok it does mean its not possible to use the van as your daily runabout but if you buy a good second hand van they are considerably cheaper than an equivalent campervan, and they are usually low milage as people dont use them as a runabout. You can spend the money you save buying a cheap car for day to day use.I find my motorhome is no harder to drive than a car, its automatic and you just have to be more aware of finding places near the supermarket to park.

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