Meet_Cleaver Posted April 26, 2019 Share Posted April 26, 2019 Hi, I’m a new member so this question may be like trying to answer the meaning of life; please forgive me if I’m asking too much with this post. I completely understand I can research YouTube and a multitude of websites and forums (and I will) but as part of that research I first wanted to post on this forum. I’ll try to cover my anticipated needs so any genius out there can help in the most efficient way (and of course thank you very much for your time and help) Later this year, I plan to purchase and live in a motorhome full-time - as of 2020 and beyond it will be mainly for the period of April-October each year. I think that means what you experts call ‘wild camping’ - ideally with not a great deal of hooking up. I plan to tour Europe and the UK during those months. I -think- I prefer a motorhome as opposed to a camper van, mainly for more space. However, I don’t want anything too large, 2-berth is fine unless a 4-berth is considered to be better so I could utilise the extra space even by by removing seats - if that's not too drastic or unnecessary? I want to be able to power a washroom/wet room, a fridge/freezer, oven, perhaps a small TV and all the usual and obvious necessities. I understand that at certain times I’ll need to hook-up at a site, but, if I have enough power via solar panels and/or a generator - I’ve seen the smallish types that seem to work very well, then that is all the better. Generator recommendations would be very welcome. I understand I will need to regularly refill water tank/s and I know that’s a whole separate question/debate/problem - your solutions/ideas very welcome. I understand I will need to regularly refill gas tank/s and I know that’s a whole separate question/debate/problem - your solutions/ideas very welcome. My budget will be £30k which allows me a little extra for any retro fit/s. On that subject is there a company out there that can be relied upon to work on a motorhome and perform quality work? Or maybe, someone knows a company that converts vans into motorhomes? I'm based on the south-east coast near Brighton. My gut tells me the better quality vehicles would be those powered by Mercedes, Volkswagen, Iveco, but maybe they are out of my budget? Conversely, perhaps the likes of Swift or Elldis are the worst on the market? Maybe, someone out there can advise me on things I’ve not yet thought/written about - highly likely as this is my first forum post. Bottom line, I’m a person who wants to drop off the grid - up to a point - I know these days that isn’t entirely possible but I’m going to try to do it. By the way, I already live in a small static caravan for 8 to 9 months -travelling the other 3/4 months- each year and understand the many sacrifices and compromises that need to be made in order to undertake my next step. I’m very grateful to those who have read this and certainly appreciate your time, advice, recommendations, etc. Cheers and have a great summer. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted April 26, 2019 Share Posted April 26, 2019 The bigger the better, motorhomes tend to have less space than caravans, for obvious reasons, but going higher with an overcab bed will give you more for less length. Left hand drive might be an option if you intend to stay on the continent, led lights, solar panel, refillable gas bottles, (or even an underslung tank) pure sine wave generator to keep batteries, computers, microwave going, but consider an lpg powered one so you don't have to store petrol. You will know if you need a separate shower/toilet, but storage space is essential. Spare toilet cassette? Heating needs to be considered carefully, it gets colder than the UK in central europe, but in the summer you can sit, and work, outside, as it can get very hot. You won't get much UK TV without an internet connection, possibly using a specialist aerial/modem/server. There are far more Fiat/Iveco based motorhomes than any others, so more choice. It's the bodywork on top that counts. Most say German is better made. 3500k weight gives more flexibility, but tighter payloads. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spirou Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Use diesel for heating and you've solved the biggest problem for long term touring over many countries. Webasto or (better) Truma. https://www.amumot.de >> someone living and cruising europe full time (and knows a thing or two about electrics). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Sussex Campervans are / is located about 3 miles north of Horsham Sussex. No dealings with them, but from a visit indicate they know their business with a range of van conversions. Edit to add, there are a number of wild camping forums on the web. Unfortunately a number of previous wild campers have caused a range of problems, that have made wild camping less welcome in some areas in Europe. Just a caution ! Enjoyed your build and travels. Rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Dave MMM Magazine publishes this guide https://pocketmags.com/buying-your-first-motorhome-magazine and this link may be worth looking at https://www.wandering-bird.com/buying-a-motorhome-for-the-first-time/ For basic motorhome ’technical’ background about gas, water and electrical systems I suggest you get hold of this book. https://tinyurl.com/y5uoj7o4 What you are planning to do falls into the “full timing” category rather than “wild camping” - that generally means not paying to park. Using a motorcaravan as your full-time home has implications that go beyond the choice of vehicle, and there are on-line forums that specialise on this type of lifestyle (example here) https://www.motorhome365.com/forum/ This 2018 forum discussion may be worth reading https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Full-timing-in-Europe-any-advice-welcome/48697/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumpstart Posted April 27, 2019 Share Posted April 27, 2019 Sounds to me that you’ve not actually used a Motorhome before. (Apology if wrong). They do take a little getting used to. A 4 berth is just about ok for two. Think big for water tank. Most modern van manufactures are fine, though second hand probably needs to be low mileage. I have a new Alddis and am very pleased with it. You only need to look at this forumn to see that most makes have problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meet_Cleaver Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 Hey, spirou, thanks so much for your reply/s to my questions!! Very much appreciated, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meet_Cleaver Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 Hi Derek, thanks so much for your brilliant reply to my questions!! I'll get into those links and read in full - excellent advice and very much appreciated, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meet_Cleaver Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 Hi jumpstart Good advice and thank you very much for your time, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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