Moving from motorhomes to caravan

[Nigel Lindsay-Smith]

Hi all,

I'm looking to jump ship and buy my first caravan as I'm tired of having to pack up and move the motorhome overtime we want to pop out for a bit of shopping or tour a new campsite’s area!

So, we're looking for a safe and sound 2 berth van- probably oldish second-hand under £12-15k to try caravanning for size. We only tour in the UK, probably mainly weekends from the Lake District down to south coast, 2 adults who like comfort and i love the idea of a fixed double bed..

We'll be pulling with a Skoda Scout 4x4 diesel and/or the new Mazda Cx5 awd auto.

Any ideas from sage caravanners for me please?

Many thanks

NIgel

 

:-D

[mirage]

We`ve just given up with motorhomes after three over twelve years. Went for a new Lunar Ariva small and light, will tow with a Volkswagen Tiguen so we can tow with ease and just continue touring as before.

Our last van was a PVC and the Lunar actually felt quite a bit more roomy when we chose it at the NEC.

[flicka]

Hi Nigel

Can I recommend you check out this link first, to ensure you match your potential vans to your vehicle

>:-)

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Caravan-Towing-Car-Match

 

Next step I would recommend a word with your "in-house" colleagues working on the Caravan magazines

 

;-) ;-)

[Nigel Lindsay-Smith]

Thanks Stalwart, yes I like to get as many opinions as possible, especially from the thousands of people I know post on the Forums. The trouble is no colleagues have these cars as tow cars and therefore cant offer personal feedback regarding the ideal first 'van to go with them.

Glad you like the Towmatch system, i'm just looking to get somefirst hand experiences views to add to this.

Cheers

Nigel

 

[JENIAN]

We have kept our Duetto camper and earlier this year bought a Bailey Ranger 2 birth caravan to experiance the best of both worlds. The caravan is pulled by a VW Touran 2.0ltr with no problem. The caravan is 8yrs old and cost £5,000. I hope this is of some help.

 

Jenian

 

[Dave225]

It is difficult to recommend any particular caravan as everyone has different ideas of what they like. You mention a fixed bed, which is very popular but do check that any you look at are big enough. Sometimes they appear to be designed for midgets or you sleep like sardines. Probably the best bet is to wander the forecourts looking at what is available. I am not familiar with either of the cars you mention but the makers will give you details of the maximum towing weights each can handle. However, it is recommended that you do not use this as a rule but try to aim for vans with an MTPLM of no more than 85% of the kerbweight of the tow vehicle. This will give you an idea of vans that suit. Theprice range you mention should allow you to pick something pretty new and could even encompass a brand new van if you are lucky. Also, you do not always have to be patriotic as many EU made vans are often better than UK made ones, however, they often reduce the washroom size as they do not feel that is as important as the average UK camper. It is not they do not wash it is merely they use the site facitlities, and use the space released to better use. It all depends on what type of camping you like to do.

 

We for example always look for the 'Ambre Solaire' factor. In other words will it suit long periods in the hot sun etc.

 

Good hunting

[terry1956]

hi all, I sold the hymer last year after many years of happy motoring. my reason was that it was getting expensive to own, garage bills, road tax and insurance all adding up. So we said well we had lots of fun, time to let it go. After that we did the hotels bit in germany and france, italy etc. But its not the same somehow. In many ways its better for sure, its safer, better bathing etc. but something was missing. so after some thinking and not wishing to have the expensive of more road tax etc, we got a caravan. Its an Eriba Troll 555GT with gas hot water system, shower etc. Not been away much as yet just a trip from somerset to scotland to test it out. I think that the biggest pain is keeping to the speed limit, with HGV,s now taking over the inside and middle lanes of the motorway its hard sometimes to make headway.

apart from we found that just being able to leave the van and use the car when we wanted allowed us greater freedom then when we had the camper van. michael

[Dave225]

There are advantages and disadvantages from both sides. We have done both but are now back with caravan as it was the easiest for where we now live. However, a campervan as a tug is always on my mind but the costs are not really justifiable. Plus we need an automatic so choice is limited. I am too old to start repairing old wrecks anymore and a reasonable campervan is approaching £30000 or even more. That pays a lot of alternatives. We have also getting to the stage where we will just leave the caravan in Spain and either drive with car, or fly down as we are now preferring the quieter life. Also here in Scotland the weather can make going away for a few days a very much hit or miss scenario, and again it is a lot of money to tie up for an offchance it won't rain.

 

However if any motorhome owner wants to sell me his camper for a very low sum, then I could be tempted. Call it a donation to charity????

[Guest pelmetman]

Dave225 - 2013-03-02 8:09 PM

a reasonable campervan is approaching £30000 or even more.

 

Disagree Dave ;-)................there are excellent campers out there for less than the cost of a new Polo.......... admittedly you have to search them out.......

 

Here's one I found earlier :D

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-TRAVELHOME-1990-CLASSIC-MOTORHOME-/251233470089?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3D

[snowie]

pelmetman - 2013-03-02 8:30 PM

 

Dave225 - 2013-03-02 8:09 PM

a reasonable campervan is approaching £30000 or even more.

 

Disagree Dave ;-)................there are excellent campers out there for less than the cost of a new Polo.......... admittedly you have to search them out.......

 

I can see the attraction of a caravan; unless you've been a wildcamper.

 

Just spotted a 1992 Hymer on the Caravan Club site for £3995.

Drive it to Spain, wildcamp like most people do; and if it lets you down in the first year tough luck. If it lasts several years you'll do ok.

As long as you've got the cost of a flight home you'll be fine!

Beats council tax, house insurance and lots more expense.

I'm assuming you sell your house and go fulltiming.

 

Also wondering where you'd live when you got back, but that's for another time............don't want to ruin a good plan,

cheers

alan b

[Dave225]

pelmetman - 2013-03-02 8:30 PM

 

Dave225 - 2013-03-02 8:09 PM

a reasonable campervan is approaching £30000 or even more.

 

Disagree Dave ;-)................there are excellent campers out there for less than the cost of a new Polo.......... admittedly you have to search them out.......

 

Here's one I found earlier :D

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-TRANSIT-TRAVELHOME-1990-CLASSIC-MOTORHOME-/251233470089?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3D

 

No disrespect but you misunderstand. What you are showing is a motorhome but I mentioned a campervan. Plus we need an automatic and my idea was something that would pull the caravan if required and act in 2 ways. To get these options means looking at a Fiat base or Mercedes or even Renault and the prices are in the range mentioned, unfortunately. I also stated I was too old to look after 'wrecks' anymore and something 20 years old is a risky prospect.

 

Ironically some of my fellow campers have opted to buy a 2nd caravan, but a tiddler such as a small Eriba. This they use to travel to and from Spain and park it alongside the bigger caravan on the pitch for the summer/winter. Others, who have more cash than I have bought SWB Fiats or Renaults and use that similarly. I did even have ideas that a small camper would fit my standard garage but I suspect I would have to enter and exit through the rear door and put padding around the walls.

 

Ah well, we can but dream. At the moment we do very well with estate car and caravan and once the air conditioning is fitted later this month, will be ready for anything.....we hope. Off to Spain at the end of April and will not have car and van back in Blighty until October.

[dmurton]

Hi done just that.

Had new Adria sonic sl last year - felt isolated putting on silver screen couldnt go out anywhere had to pack up difficult if you have awning up no car to go anywhere and everybody says its a compromise tiny kitchen no workspace timy seating area if you have forward facing seats all friends that have Motorhomes are now buying cars to tow - Why !! they may as well face it buy a caravan much better lounging area, larger kitchen, much better all round socialising etc. Motorhomes really make you isolated . Just Bought Santa Fe premuim se auto and swift Conqueror 570 got car brilliant waiting for caravan.

[lennyhb]

Having been a tugger for 20 years until I saw the light 5 years ago, I now can't think of anything worse than towing a caravan around and setting it up. I find the Motorhome much more relaxing to drive far easier than towing.

I don't see the cost argument a decent tow won't give you much change out of 30k a decent caravan 20k you then have 2 vehicles to maintain and insure, insurance if far more expensive for a car & caravan.

[lennyhb]

Doh! Stupid ipad

[mirage]

As my earlier post took our Ariva to Crystal Palace a week ago and I will admit driving a van (we`ve had a coachbuilt, "A" Class & PVC) is probably more enjoyable, anyone who says they don`t know the caravan is there when towing wants to ask themselves are they safe on the road. However as I like to change for new every three years or so the lesser amount to part exchange is far more appealing. OK you have to buy the car but you can drive a car 360 days of the year whereas a van does spend a considerable amount of time on the drive. In the end horses for courses comes to mind.

[josie gibblebucket]

Have to say that our old campervan gets used regularly, we ditched one of the cars, as too many vehicles to tax and insure, but haven't really missed it, as the van is small enough (just) to use on a daily basis. In any case, it seemed daft to have it sitting there not being used, no vehicle seems to like standing for long periods. Bought the caravan on a whim, remains to be seen how much use it will get. I'd like to put a tow hitch on the van too, but its a pricey old game. :-|

[Dave225]

It all depends on your lifestyle and worldly desires. Having started with a caravan in the 70’s progressed to a coachbuilt motorhome in the 80’s and now back with a caravan I can only say there are advantages and disadavantages in both. Most towcars these days can easily tow at the speed limit (for cars) if actually illegal so the idea that caravans clog up the roads for others is a myth perpetuated by Clarkson et al. We all should obey the legal speed limits and I do not see anything like the grumbles when stuck behind a slow moving truck for mile after mile. Motorhomes have the advantage of being able to move from place to pace relatively easily but watching the antics of owners trying to drive on to ramps to level the thing can be quite amusing. With a motor mover on the caravan I can do this in half the time. Setting up and packing times excluding awning are similar so that myth can be scotched.

 

Having done the touristy thing for many years we have seen enough places to last our lifetimes. Now in our twilight years we just like to settle back in a warm sunny part of Europe and enjoy a quiet life. Saves on fuel and once awning etc is set up we have lots of space, and lots of ‘toys’ to while away the days. If the wine is cheap and good to drink, and the pool is clean then I can be quite happy. I also can poddle into town with the car any time I like and park without hassle.

 

There is also the issue of cost. A quality motorhome is now more expensive than the first 2 houses I bought combined, while my ancient caravan could just about be paid for nowadays with a credit card, so a major difference in expenditure. Yet both will sleep, feed and keep you in comfort. Yes, I know Pelmetman bleats on about cheap motorhomes but running costs are still different. The caravan goes to site once a year and back once, and even that may be stopped as I will leave it on site in a covered store in future year. The same option is not available to motorhomes.

 

So, decide what you want from life and do your thing. Also be prepared to change as your circumstances and desires change. Nothing is cast in stone.

 

[Guest pelmetman]

Dave225 - 2013-04-30 8:27 PM Yes, I know Pelmetman bleats on about cheap motorhomes but running costs are still different. The caravan goes to site once a year and back once, and even that may be stopped as I will leave it on site in a covered store in future year. The same option is not available to motorhomes.

 

 

Bleats!..........bleats 8-).........................Baaaaaaaa.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

humbug :D.....

[josie gibblebucket]

Since investigating whether or not our little 1250cc car would be capable of towing our tiny caravan, I have become more aware of the 85% weight ratio etc. Have to say I have been quite alarmed by the number of seemingly quite large caravans being towed by not particularly heavy or powerful cars. Citroen Xsara's seem to be a popular choice, but they don't appear to be "man enough" to tow what is often behind them. I don't mean they can't pull it, just that it looks like they shouldn't be, and seems that the caravan would definitely be in control should something happen. Do you think people even worry about their caravans being too heavy for their cars? I mean you see them loaded with bikes on the roof, 3 kids in the back, boot space full of luggage etc etc Mine only has a fully laden weight of 650kgs, and we will be trying hard to keep it to about 500kg. Don't want to put undue strain on the car, even though the caravan was designed to be towed by a mini. :-S Just read this back, and should have said that I understand that train weight is a different thing altogether, but even so, I think people expect a lot of their poor old motors......

[Dave225]

pelmetman - 2013-04-30 8:35 PM

 

Dave225 - 2013-04-30 8:27 PM Yes, I know Pelmetman bleats on about cheap motorhomes but running costs are still different. The caravan goes to site once a year and back once, and even that may be stopped as I will leave it on site in a covered store in future year. The same option is not available to motorhomes.

 

 

Bleats!..........bleats 8-).........................Baaaaaaaa.........

 

 

And why not?? I could have said something else but then again 'bleats' sounded appropriate. Not complaining but was making the point I hoped, that cost of buying the thing is not the be all and end all, although there are even some real 'dogs' out there being asked ridiculous money.

 

 

Anyway, as you 'crowed' about being in Spain earlier in the year when I was looking at snow, I can now reciprocate and state it is nice and sunny and warm here in Murcia and the wine is cheap. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

humbug :D.....

[Melvin]

Well I too have taken the plunge and sold the motorhome. We originally brought a 2001 Swift Challenger in 2002, but in 2008 I decided to buy a large motorhome to make life easier, but soon came to the conclusion on days out I struggle to find parking ?, so ended up towing a Toyota Aygo behind the motorhome plus we could even after 7 different awning could not find one to fit as well as a caravan. However, the Toyota Aygo was too small for my mobility scooter, so after 5 year we decided to sell the motorhome and go back to a caravan, the bonus I can now fit the mobility scooter in the back of my estate car and fit a decent awning.

[Dave225]

Well done. However do remember your payload will be much reduced so all the heavy stuff has to go in the car. Mind you saves carrying all that crap you think essential, but never use.

 

Enjoy the pleasure of driving off site and watching the motorhome owners puffing and panting as they pedal into town. Also laugh as you remove the 24 pack of beer from the back of the car, which they cannot carry unless they take the 'truck' to town. . However, iIf they have battery bikes then run 'em down as that is cheating.

 

By the way get a mover fitted to save the effort of moving the thing.

[Gwendolyn]

mirage - 2012-11-14 9:21 PM

 

We`ve just given up with motorhomes after three over twelve years. Went for a new Lunar Ariva small and light, will tow with a Volkswagen Tiguen so we can tow with ease and just continue touring as before.

Our last van was a PVC and the Lunar actually felt quite a bit more roomy when we chose it at the NEC.

We have an Ariva. 8+ years old now. Been meaning to sell it since we acquired a motorhome 3+ years ago. But, somehow, we keep on using it in between our motorhome trips.

 

Eventually put it up for sale…. then, when we had an enquiry, and after using it for a week in August, hastily withdrew the advert. Despite motorhome [mainly for European trips] we wouldn’t be without the caravan. In fact, I’m sorely tempted to give up motorhome…. although O/H vehemently opposes that idea.

But Ariva stays!

 

Cheers

Gwen

 

[josie gibblebucket]

It is nice to have the choice of which to go away in isn't it? Our campervan is 18 yrs old and fairly basic, but we have had many good times away in it, and don't really want to sell it as it has been a good vehicle.Better the devil you know and all that.

I bought our little caravan on impulse, and thought I might live to regret it, ok its 27 years old, but has character and is usually toasty warm inside, as better insulated than the van. I told myself that we would just keep both of them for one season, then decide which had to go, but actually I think we will hang on to them both. Its nice to have the car to use for sightseeing etc and nice to have the van when you can't be bothered with hitching up etc! ;-)

[Melvin]

Melvin - 2013-09-08 7:05 PM

 

Well I too have taken the plunge and sold the motorhome. We originally brought a 2001 Swift Challenger in 2002, but in 2008 I decided to buy a large motorhome to make life easier, but soon came to the conclusion on days out I struggle to find parking ?, so ended up towing a Toyota Aygo behind the motorhome plus we could even after 7 different awning could not find one to fit as well as a caravan. However, the Toyota Aygo was too small for my mobility scooter, so after 5 year we decided to sell the motorhome and go back to a caravan, the bonus I can now fit the mobility scooter in the back of my estate car and fit a decent awning.

 

Well we have done it brought a Audi A4 Advant and a Bailey Unicorn Madrid and yes I fitted a mover, that it no going back and much happier with the decision.