Mimi555 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 I am seriously searching for my first motorhome. I have not driven one before and would like to have a few lessons in a similar size van or motorhome. I am a mature single lady so I don't have the option of another half to advise and been driving for many years but only average size cars. I have found on place in Bristol, The Family Travel Centre but as I live in Essex, SS7, that is quite a way to go for a two hour session. Other internet searches came up with a 3 day course on van driving for £999 !!! If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be extremely grateful. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikejkay Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 A reasonably modern motorhome, i.e. one with power steering, drives much like a car. If you are going to travel single you probably don't want/need a big m.h., 6m max? If you are serious one possibility would be to buy and insure a suitable M.H. and then find a local m.h. owner who would be prepared to sit with you and give advice. Personally, I would be prepared to do this. On the whole m.h. owners are friendly and helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Try both the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. I think both, but definitely one of them, do such courses at a variety of locations. The only catch from your point of view is that I believe you can only use your own van, so have first to buy/hire one, and then get it to the nearest venue. However, unless you buy a leviathan, you shouldn't find driving it that different to a car. You can do quite a lot to make the driving easier by choosing vans that are relatively narrow. This would include almost anything with "Van" in its name, such as Hymer Van, Hobby Van, Knaus Van, Burstner Travel Van, but also Dethleffs Globe Bus and Adria Compact, and others. For reference, the more or less "standard" coachbuilt motorhome will be 2.3 metres wide, in some cases 2.35 metres. The above mentioned are somewhere between 2.1 metres and 2.15 metres wide, and that 150mm or so makes quite a difference. Not all mentioned are still in production, but good recent examples will be available and, of course, those still in production are available to order. The alternative is to look at panel van conversions (PVCs), of which there is now a huge variety in production, from almost every motorhome producer in Europe, as well as and a substantial number of specialist producers. These are no wider than the vans from which they are converted (most a shade over 2.0 metres, but some narrower) as they retain the original van bodywork, merely outfitting the interior for occupation. Once inside, apart from some loss of width at high level, they are virtually indistinguishable from coachbulits in terms of amenities, comfort, and equipment. If you were to look at conversions based on the VW "T" (Transporter) series vans, you would find a number of examples little larger than a big car, both in current production and used. So, there is abundant choice in all areas, and your largest problem is likely to be finding what suits you - rather than subsequently driving it. If you want to get a better idea of how the various groups look and feel, I'd suggest you go to a motorhome show somewhere and have a good rummage around, including looking around the camping areas where folk have parked their vans while visiting the show. Few will object if you ask them what they like and dislike about their vans (though they all love them to death - until just before they change them for something different! :-)), so you would also get free user feedback into the bargain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 A quick fix might be to hire a panel van from somewhere local. Most motorhomes since 2007 have been built around the Fiat X250 cab. This has upswept headlights that come to a point at the top and says Ducato just in front of the door. You can hire them by the hour, and if you like the driving position and feel of it, just imagine the same set up with a wider and longer body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brock Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Good advice above. I'd add that I'd think very seriously about what you wanted to do with a motorhome. This will give you an indication of the size of van that would suit you best. As you'd expect, there is a difference between driving a small camper van and an 8m long A-class. Thank about contacting your local Institute of Advanced Motoring. They run courses which will help boost your confidence and once you are more confident, you'll have little problem with a motorhome. Your local group might have a motorhome user or van driver - you can then hire a white van for the day and use that for practice. Also look at defensive driving techniques/videos/training. I found what I learned on the course was ideally suited to driving a motorhome because to drive, motorhomes are as easy as cars. You have good visibility in a motorhome. There are motorhoming groups for single people. They may be able to help you. I drive my motorhome on my own sometimes and it is different to having my wife as a passenger. The latter is less tiring. Driving alone requires more concentration and decision making. Allow more time for journeys and rest stops. If I was on my own, I'd go for a Panel Van Conversion about 2m wide and no longer than 6m [white van man!]. When you pick up your new motorhome, take a sensible, calm friend with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Brian Kirby - 2015-06-24 12:45 PM Try both the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. I think both, but definitely one of them, do such courses at a variety of locations. The only catch from your point of view is that I believe you can only use your own van, so have first to buy/hire one, and then get it to the nearest venue. C&CC is £105 for a day's "manoeuvring" course in a motorhome, but as Brian says, it's BYO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 The Caravan Club usually run a trial "taster" session at the NEC Show later in the year, where they have provided the motorhome in the past. IIRC you need to book in advance. Alternatively see here for sessions with "own" van http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/training-courses/motorhome-manoeuvring-courses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashpark Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 Mimi555 - 2015-06-24 11:06 AM I am seriously searching for my first motorhome. I have not driven one before and would like to have a few lessons in a similar size van or motorhome. I am a mature single lady so I don't have the option of another half to advise and been driving for many years but only average size cars. Mimi555, welcome to the forums. I had a similar dilemma, the last time I drove anything other than a car was when everything was in black and white :-D . Our target was a small coach built and I decided not to take the advice of hiring but I understand why many would find this helpful. Everybody said that I would adjust to the larger vehicle quickly and they were right. If fact I actually enjoy it more than driving a car. Your years of driving experience will stand you in good stead, unless you intend the purchase of a very large M/H it should be a reasonably easy transition from car to van. Good luck whichever way you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi555 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 Thank you for your reply to my question about Motorhome Driving Training. I appreciate your reply and confirm that I have a motorhome in mind an Autosleeper Nuevo, possibly a 2008/9. It's a pity your are in Torbay, otherwise I would take you up on your offer. I will certainly take your advice. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi555 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 Thank you Ashpark for your reply to my forum, it is appreciated. Perhaps when I have acquired my motorhome, after a couple of times of driving it I will look back and wonder why I was so apprehensive I am currently searching for a Autosleeper Nuevo which I think will suit me perfectly. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi555 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 Thank you all for your replies, much appreciated. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashpark Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 Mimi555 - 2015-06-25 8:01 PM Thank you Ashpark for your reply to my forum, it is appreciated. Perhaps when I have acquired my motorhome, after a couple of times of driving it I will look back and wonder why I was so apprehensive I am currently searching for a Autosleeper Nuevo which I think will suit me perfectly. Regards I would say that's a good choice. Funnily enough..........guess what we got :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliB Posted June 26, 2015 Share Posted June 26, 2015 My son took driving lessons from an independent instructor. The instructor also offered post test training, motorway driving etc. He said he could arrange a 1 hours driving experience in our motorhome. Something we are planning for the future. Prior to him reaching the age of 17 he had a couple of hours at the Tockwith Training centre. This is an excellent venue at an old airfield. They arrange driving course in all sorts of vehicles. There must be similar places in other parts of the country. http://www.tockwithtraining.co.uk/ You can pay £20 for an hours driving in your own vehicle around their course of T-Junctions roundabouts etc. As said previously, after the first couple of miles you will wonder why you were concerned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi555 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 Thank you AliB, I am going to contact them. It's nice to get some positive advice, much appreciated. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimi555 Posted June 26, 2015 Author Share Posted June 26, 2015 That's great news that you have an Autosleeper Nuevo. I am always on the internet searching, as I'm in Essex most seem to be up North. Without boring you my son and I went all the way to Malvern 2 weeks ago, a round journey that took 8+ hours. After offering the seller (a private sale) the advertised price he would not shake hands on the deal as he thought he could get more for it!! I was prepared to pay a deposit there and then but he would not agree. Back home and back on the internet he had upped the price 3K. I hope he got stuck with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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