The reason why we changed to the motorhome

Heethers replied on 15/09/2019 08:04

Posted on 15/09/2019 08:04

l thought l would give the reason why we changed to a Motorhome. 

Last May l was diagnosed with prostate cancer l was immediately sent for a Bone scan which thankfully was  clear l was then put on a hormone drug Called Zoladex uncanny really as l worked at AstraZeneca that produced the drug formally good old ICI. In December l went to the Christie for Brachytherapy HD, then in January 15 dose of Radiotherapy. After the treatment we booked an Holiday in the caravan to Ludlow Shropshire, l didn't realise how much it ook out of me hitching up and pitching up at the other end, we sat having a coffee after every thing was done legs down, and leveled, water on, electric plugged in, waste connected, etc. we sat watching the world go by recuperating when opposite a Motorhome pulled up the wife sat watching and remarked how little time it took to set the motorhome up, not more than ten minutes she told me. Now up to now the wife wouldn't contemplate changing to a motorhome l had suggested it a couple of times but was greeted with a big No. l never broached the subject again. The next day the wife said to me when we get back let's investigate changing the caravan to motorhome. We went looking the following week after our holiday, it took us a couple of months to decide the layout and the amount we could afford, never thinking one would turn up a few days later, we were more thinking early next year. l had seen a motorhome in Nottingham that fitted the bill, with in a week we had taken the plunge. We have been away in it twice once to Castleton for a couple of days to try it out and then to Southport a few weeks ago. l am sat writing this post getting ready to leave for a week at Bridlington site one of our favourites, the wife who was sceptical from changing to motorhome absolutely loves it so much so she intends to take the motorhome course next year offered by the CMCC never ever contemplated towing the van. Great news for me

Heethers

JVB66 replied on 28/09/2019 13:53

Posted on 28/09/2019 13:22 by hitchglitch

We saw a motorhome as a natural progression from a caravan once the children had moved away and I had retired. I don’t think motorhomes are ideal for families due to the more limited space although on the continent it is more common as you can live outside due to the better climate.

The differences have been well debated and the most apt and often repeated expression is to say “the advantage of a motorhome is that you take everything with you. The disadvantage is that you take everything with you”.

I terms of set-up, just one point, steadies on motorhome are not essential (we seldom bother with ours) and there are only two (rear). Of course, you also generally have a wind out canopy, two minutes to set up, and not an awning, half an hour to set up. But that’s not comparing like with like.

Posted on 28/09/2019 13:53

We have a wind out Thule awning on our caravan, and is very flexible in use,for short stops ore longer stays,and we still have transport for any quick trips or days out,

Ps it has also extended on some of the larger NA pitches (wound in when we are out and at night

hitchglitch replied on 28/09/2019 20:52

Posted on 28/09/2019 20:52

We had a Fiamma on our Bailey Valencia and at that time it was the only UK manufacturer who would warrant the installation of a canopy. In fact, I believe they stopped supplying it as they found it too difficult to get a seal between the side wall and the canopy. From that point of view it is  better to have it roof mounted. That doesn’t stop the Dutch fitting wind-out canopies to the side walls of most makes of caravan.

Heethers replied on 30/09/2019 11:54

Posted on 30/09/2019 11:54

We had a fiamma on our VIP never had a problem of it leaking down the sides, we also had a Isabella magnum used to take me 3/4 of an hour to erect a brilliant awning, the Fiamma used to take 20 min with storm straps attached, the big problem is rolling it up need strong wrists, plus you need something to stand on if you are on the small size,

l am 5 foot 8" and still couldn't manage it on my own. So much easier with wind out or even better still with an electric one

hitchglitch replied on 30/09/2019 21:48

Posted on 30/09/2019 21:48

I believe you are referring to the Fiamma Caravanstore which rolls up into a bag which is located in the awning rail. This won’t leak as it slides into the rail and the rail is properly factory sealed.  

I was referring to a full wind-out canopy which is standard on motorhomes but rarely fitted on caravans in the UK due to warranty issues. The canopy needs very substantial fixings to the side wall or roof and many manufacturers will not fit them and not warrant an after sales fit. If fitted to the side wall there is no sealing mechanism so it needs lots of mastic or sealant. 

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