Motorhome enquiry

I don't always tow a car TW, infact the last tour I did in this country in 2022 of about 30 days was around the Scotish Boarders without a car. It all depends on what I am doing and where I am going and what there is to see. I would not dream of towing a car around the Scotish Highlands or on the Continent but would if I was touring Devon and Cornwall. Last time I was out, only a few weeks ago, it was without a car! Parking for motorhomes is improving all the time in the UK and it is becoming much less of a problem than even a year ago and of course on the Continent it is not a problem I have encountered at all.

Most people who own motorhomes have a car anyway, all you need is to make sure it is suitable for towing behind a motorhome and the only extra outlay is the method of towing and then you have the best of both worlds, the freedom a motorhome offers and the ability to stay on one site for a prolonged period if one so desires.

The choice of what to own is one for the purchaser alone. there are pros and cons for whatever you own.

peedee

You know as well as I that towing a car legally behind a MH isn’t quite that simple, PD 😄😄.   As I said earlier “Been there, done that”.

peedee,

I must admit the idea of motorhome towing a car to me sounds like the owner has made a mistake. It sounds like a [very] expensive [and potentially confusing] alternative to car towing a caravan.

But we are all different and I'm glad we approach the problem from different directions.

Colin

With an A-Frame in this country, not a problem. I have had one for 23 years and now on my 4th towable car, an Hyundai i10 4 door hatchback.

peedee

I did say “legally” which means complying with towing laws in this country, including considering weights. It is not a simple issue.

However, I doubt if the OP is interested in this so I’m leaving the toad issue there.

It is not a simple issue.

Simple enough and many do it especially if they only tour in the UK.

peedee

Colin

I must admit that when I caravanned I thought much the same but since becoming a motorhomer I have slightly changed my outlook on the idea. I don't think I will ever tow a car but the option to do so does open other opportunities. With a caravan you have no option but to take the car as you need it to tow the caravan. With a motorhome, towing a car just gives you an extra option and flexibility. So if you are going away for a couple of days and staying somewhere within easy walking distance or public transport you leave the car at home. On the other hand if you are staying in a more remote area you might take the car to give you extra options. So really it is a choice thing. Once on the IOW we hired a car for a few days. A bit on the expensive side but a lot cheaper than buying all the bits you need to tow a car and also you don't have to compromise on the size of car you use at home.

David

Some good practical advice from folks who have swopped over from van to MH/PVCs.

I would just say that deciding all the reasons why you want to change is essential, and you need to have a “like”, “dislike” review to make sure your likes far outweigh your dislikes, otherwise you won’t be happy.
We have both a small MH and a small caravan still, but in truth, we barely use our caravan any more. It will at some point probably end up doing seasonal duties somewhere we like to spend a lot of time in one place, allowing us to take our car. But at the moment we are loving roaming around from place to place, moving on when we feel like it.

We use our MH daily when away, and that’s smallish 5.5m, but we do have a storage box if not taking bikes. We are fit and well enough to walk, and as I say we cycle, but both of us loathe buses, so we wanted to be able to use our MH daily, as it gives us everything we need, kitchen, warmth, loo, even a shower after a swim. It’s a mobile cafe, rest room, bird hide, etc….. 

Make some decisions on what/ how/where you like to travel and live.

How will you cope not having a car.

Travel as light as possible, ditch the clutter, but keep the comforts.

Be open minded about layouts, and think about possible important compromises.

Happy hunting, and hope you drop on what’s right for you. We only looked at one MH, bought it on sight. We are now into year 10 with it, and despite the odd glance at a few other much newer outfits, we haven’t been tempted at all, as our little MH works perfectly for us. (we might downsize on the next dog, two big Labradors and it can get a bit like Twister🤣🤣)

Given all the advice you have been given this might sound a bit counter intuitive. Many have suggested smaller is more flexible. That is true if you want to take the motorhome off site during your stay. However if you decide that you want to pitch up on site and get around by other means then a longer motorhome might well be a good option particularly if you want to maintain a similar amount of space you have in the caravan. We started with a 7.5 metre motorhome which had a French Bed and a decent lounge. We changed to a 6.6 metre motorhome with two single beds. Because it is relative compact we have added a Fiamma back box to store our chairs and odds and ends which means it is now 7 metre long! One of the reasons for changing was we thought a smaller motorhome would mean we would visit more off site. We the exception of one visit that has never materialised as we tend to use sites with access to transport options. We have visited Castle Howard between sites but it wouldn't have really matter had we still had the longer motorhome. We do slightly regret not going for something with decent sized single beds and a larger lounge. Never had any problems filling with fuel or stopping in supermarkets en route with a large van.

A final thought which I am not sure if anyone has mentioned, seriously think about an automatic gearbox regardless of size.

David

Yes, I think we would opt for Automatic if we renewed.