ChasB Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 The question is, Do you wave when passing other motorhomes? What do you think about this practice or am I opening a big can of worms? There you are driving along and you see another motorhome coming in the opposite direction. Will they wave or should we wave to them first. If they wave and we don’t wave back they will think we are ‘stuck up’ and if we wave and they don’t wave back; well their just miserable bu—ers! We are on the motorway and we see another motorhome coming along, we are both in the first lane, (miles apart) and the couple still try to wave as we pass at a closing speed of 120 miles per hour. We motorhome owners are such a friendly bunch all this waving to each other as we pass; can you imagine bus or lorry drivers waving to each other as they pass, but we are on holiday and we are feeling good. But when we are on site well that’s a totally different matter. We hardly speak to each other apart from the odd “Good morning” from the few motorhomers that use the toilets blocks on the larger sites. When driving on the continent we get waving but that seems mainly from the French. The Germans seems to want to keep there hands on the wheel, but there again the motorhomes do seem to be larger. What do we do? Well it all depends on the road conditions at the time, I wouldn’t wave to not be in proper control of my vehicle. But on a nice single carriageway road with the sun shining and a friendly wave and a smile that can be seen. I would. (lol) (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 As you say Chas it all depends on the road :-S its a waste of time on duel carraigeways but on a single road its me the passenger that will wave most of the time, dont mind if they dont wave because it always depends on my mood at the time anyway >:-) or if Im being nosey looking over hedges! Im a nosey parker and love to be high up it makes a change when Im only 5'2". I often wonder what the traffic behind think!! (Do All these Motorhomers know each other) :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spospe Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 We first encountered waving in 2001 when we did a three-month tour of Norway. It seemed that every 'van coming south as we headed north was German and they all waved! This was amusing at first and then it became a bit of a nuisance. Today we do tend to give a little wave, particularly when in the more remote areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 We gave up waving years ago when the cameraderie that existed between us fellow motor caravaners of the seventies evaporated with the growth of the sport. In the old days when I were a lad motor caravanners would often stop when they saw a fellow motor caravanner broken down - a feature of older Transit, Commer, BMC J4 and Sherpa, and Bedford CA & CF travelling! Similarly at any stop off point be it a beach or a site or a mountain top we would often exchange tales of our adventures and travels with other like minded folk over a cuppa or three. Not any more. Most folk seem to disappear indoors when anyone approaches for a natter these days and come 6.00 pm on most sites people again disappear, the blinds go up and the TV goes on so no time for socialising then! And the worst bit of all is that these unsociable types are probably the very ones who wave gleefully as they pass on the road. So maybe you will forgive one grumpy old sod who is very happy to stop for a natter and always available to help a fellow camper in distress (even tenters and tuggers too!) for not waving! If the search is working you can find previous threads on the waving topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo3090 Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 It's a friendly gesture! People aren't asking for a kidney! Just move your arm and adjust the edges of the mouth upwards, see it feels better already! Now try it when on the road and SOME people wave back! Of course it was much better in "t'olden days"! Everything was though. You could go out in your van, leave your front door wide open, drive from one end of the UK to the other, stay overnight on campsites with everything included, reverse your van uphill, chat to all & sundry, fill up with gas, diesel, food, beer and gold and still have change from a groat! :-D Happy New Year everyone, wavers & non-wavers together. 8 sleeps and we're off! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordonaldson Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 ChasB has got it right here, well most of it. Funny isn't it when you go over to France like he says, foreign plates wave to you. Do they know something or have they always done it. Over here in Britain I've found the answer. I've got a 1992 Kontiki 650z, do I wave yes, but only too similar aged motorhomes. Do they wave back, yes 90% times. Got an estatic wave from a Tag axle 1992 odds the other month. Tag axle 1992 Kontiki !!! was I pleased with that. Never get waved from "A" classes, gave up on that one. New motorhomes, don't be silly, waste of hand action. Is there a class action here. definately snobs amongst us. Noticably the recently retired couples with fat bank balances looking for somewhere to go. Have you tried talking to them on site, they just look at you and turn away. But, I say but, there is nice people amongst us, willing to banter like at Calais Aire, where I ask where the action is, things to see and do. French, Germans Italians join in in broken English. The wife often wonders how we communicate. Well somehow but we all get answers. Sorry if some of this displeases people, but It's what happens and we have no way of turning the tide to the old days when eveybody waved. Gordon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkmoy Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 in the old days when I were a lad motor caravanners would often stop when they saw a fellow motor caravanner broken down - a feature of older Transit, Commer, BMC J4 and Sherpa, and Bedford CA & CF travelling! Similarly at any stop off point be it a beach or a site or a mountain top we would often exchange tales of our adventures and travels with other like minded folk over a cuppa or three. Not any more. Most folk seem to disappear indoors when anyone approaches for a natter these days and come 6.00 pm on most sites people again disappear, the blinds go up and the TV goes on so no time for socialising then! And the worst bit of all is that these unsociable types are probably the very ones who wave gleefully as they pass .......{/quote] How can you assume that? Surely by not returning a friendly wave all you are doing is creating possible resentment and encouraging the behaviour you deprecate? Come on you grumpy old bugger summon up the energy to raise that hand (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggyd Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Tracker - 2008-12-30 4:33 PM We gave up waving years ago when the cameraderie that existed between us fellow motor caravaners of the seventies evaporated with the growth of the sport. In the old days when I were a lad motor caravanners would often stop when they saw a fellow motor caravanner broken down - a feature of older Transit, Commer, BMC J4 and Sherpa, and Bedford CA & CF travelling! Similarly at any stop off point be it a beach or a site or a mountain top we would often exchange tales of our adventures and travels with other like minded folk over a cuppa or three. Not any more. Most folk seem to disappear indoors when anyone approaches for a natter these days and come 6.00 pm on most sites people again disappear, the blinds go up and the TV goes on so no time for socialising then! And the worst bit of all is that these unsociable types are probably the very ones who wave gleefully as they pass on the road. So maybe you will forgive one grumpy old sod who is very happy to stop for a natter and always available to help a fellow camper in distress (even tenters and tuggers too!) for not waving! If the search is working you can find previous threads on the waving topic.Thats just what its like now Tracker :-S we started Camping with our children in the earkly 60s and it was a different expeience altogether wasnt it? we always say when the faces are miserable " they have ony been doing it a couple of years they arent proper campers" :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 parkmoy - 2008-12-30 10:46 PM And the worst bit of all is that these unsociable types are probably the very ones who wave gleefully as they pass .......{/quote] How can you assume that? Surely by not returning a friendly wave all you are doing is creating possible resentment and encouraging the behaviour you deprecate? Come on you grumpy old bugger summon up the energy to raise that hand (lol) Because that's the kind of assumption that always gets someone to take the bait - sorry it was you this time! How can not waving create resentment? Similarly do you really think that waving will make people communicate on site - other than by email or texting? Insufficient energy to raise a hand but might manage a finger or two - no, perhaps not - best just to pretend not to have noticed like many many others! Sorry - I remain unconvinced to resume waving protocol! Happy New Year to all - wavers and non wavers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyman Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 i find the waving a bit stupid why not also put a badge on you jacket saying 'I'm such a nice person, honest'. Why the desperation to prove your Oh so nice? The very same people who stare at a van (instead of the road ahead) on the other side of the road with a closing speed of over 100mph, would also have an 'opinion' on doing over 60mph in a motorhome as well *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I think it's probably all down to numbers. If and when we are in 'remote' areas where there are very few vans I find that most people give a nod or a wave, but in built up areas ( which is most of Europe ! ) there are just too many to wave to. When I started motoring I remember that the RAC or AA patrol man would wave. I don't think they stopped because they're unsociable; as the number of cars on the road increased they just got fed up steering with one hand. ;-) p.s. No, I don't usually wave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 For what it's worth, I'm a waver. The effort expended is zero and if it puts a smile on someones face then that must be good in my opinion. Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike 202 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Yes me too I wave in Uk but the wife waves on the Continent and we think is great to see a smile. You never know keep the Cameraderie up and if you need help then being generally friendly to strangers helps everyone. As for waving being dangerous, I normally remove one hand from the wheel to change gear or maybee give a hand signal on my very old car . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike B. Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 malc d - 2008-12-31 10:31 AM I think it's probably all down to numbers. If and when we are in 'remote' areas where there are very few vans I find that most people give a nod or a wave, but in built up areas ( which is most of Europe ! ) there are just too many to wave to. When I started motoring I remember that the RAC or AA patrol man would wave. I don't think they stopped because they're unsociable; as the number of cars on the road increased they just got fed up steering with one hand. ;-) p.s. No, I don't usually wave. We wave when we're off the beaten track mostly and/or when someone waves to us-Jackie waves to everybody-Ice cream man, ambulances, home delivery man etc etc. Re the AA man-I think he used to salute us not wave when I first started driving-but then again that was in a Morris 8 van and I needed the cover! Don't think they did camper conversions on them-we just slept in the back ..............and froze! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tp002c784tp002c784tp Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Hi All I am a waver if I see them in time or if I see the wifes hand go up I duck in case she is going to clout me then I realise another fellow Motorhomer has passed, But I also find that I have quite often waved to a horse box, an Ice Cream man, I have even waved at a Prison van once and you find the expression on some of these people is did you know Him ?? I drive a coachbuilt but find that campers in van convertions don't wave but I wonder if they wave at other Van convertions ? But I do find in this country the vehicles that do not wave are our Foreign visitors for some reason do not respond to our wave, and I here the boss say Misrable Foreign S**s when she notices the continnetal number plates. Happy New Year Everyone Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkmoy Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Because that's the kind of assumption that always gets someone to take the bait - sorry it was you this time! No don't apologise I don't mind being caught but I have to say it wasn't one of your best - as baiit goes :-> How can not waving create resentment? Similarly do you really think that waving will make people communicate on site - other than by email or texting? I'll pretend this isn't bait and reply ;-) Why should waving be connected to on site communication? It's all right waving to the lower orders but would you want to socialize? Insufficient energy to raise a hand but might manage a finger or two - no, perhaps not - best just to pretend not to have noticed like many many others! I won't ask where you're expending the energy :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I must admit that I am unashamedly a waver - travelling alone I find the commaradery quite cheering. Happy New Year everyone - and a big wave!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
handyman Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 could you get 3 points and a fine for waving? i presume you could, therefore all you nice olds that like reading the daily mail, should hang your head in shame (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 handyman - 2009-01-01 10:27 AM could you get 3 points and a fine for waving? i presume you could, therefore all you nice olds that like reading the daily mail, should hang your head in shame (lol) What has the Daily Mail got to do with it - or have I missed something? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallii Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I usually wave at Spanish lorry drivers, to get them to move over to their side of the road! Geoff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 parkmoy - 2008-12-31 10:09 PM Because that's the kind of assumption that always gets someone to take the bait - sorry it was you this time! No don't apologise I don't mind being caught but I have to say it wasn't one of your best - as baiit goes :-> Sorry - will try harder in 2009! How can not waving create resentment? Similarly do you really think that waving will make people communicate on site - other than by email or texting? I'll pretend this isn't bait and reply ;-) Why should waving be connected to on site communication? It's all right waving to the lower orders but would you want to socialize? That's a very good point - providing you are not joking! Insufficient energy to raise a hand but might manage a finger or two - no, perhaps not - best just to pretend not to have noticed like many many others! I won't ask where you're expending the energy :D Better that you don't ask - you're too young to know about these things! Have a good 2009 and keep those arms a flailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I must be a throwback to the good old days. I will wave, or flash my lights, when I think it is safe to do so. I will stop and help stranded motorcavanners when it is safe to do so. On occasions, I will offer to help others in distress. Most of these tend to be cyclists, limping hikers, families with children, vintage vehicle owners or foreigners. We've never had a TV, rarely draw the blinds until getting ready for bed, and will chat to anyone who shows an interest. However, strangely enough, I can't remember ever going into someone else's van or a motorhome coming into mine - plenty of other friends and strangers have. It's almost like an inner sanctum. Reliant robin drivers used to wave to each other! Also, when I am feeling bored in built up areas, I wave to a complete stranger in a passing car. Gives them something to think about - who do I know with a motorhome? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Happy New Year everyone! Just catching up - my thoughts on some of the points raised in this thread: We wave if it's safe, unless we're in France where we'd get arm-ache!! Responses vary - when we had our old van ("Hannibal"), those in other old vans waved more often than those with newer ones. Now it's about even, so we're clearly more acceptable in "Roxie." But the other issue with both Hannibal and Roxie is that neither of them looks distinctively like a camper from the front, so it's often too late by the time people realise we're part of the gang! On site, we chat with anyone who's willing, but then we don't carry a TV! AA & RAC used to salute when they had bikes with sidecars, and developed a code whereby if they didn't - just sat with arms folded - they were telling you there was a speed trap ahead. Big Bro didn't like that, so they ended up abolishing the salute altogether. Would have faded out anyway, as saluting while hurtling down the motorway in a yellow or orange Tranny isn't clever! Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dethleff Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Been said many times about frantic waivers,who once on site wouldn't dream of giving you a friendly nod as you walked by. As a non waiver,the problem as been solved for me by a Christmas present I received this year. It consists of a baseball cap with a plastic fist mounted on top, connected to it is a button that when pressed causes the middle finger to stand erect. Happy new year (lol) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parkmoy Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 It's all right waving to the lower orders but would you want to socialize? That's a very good point - providing you are not joking! Joking? Why would I joke about that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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