Transition from caravan to motorhome

I would say that moving from a caravan to a MH is very much all about size. If you are used to a large caravan (large being over 12 foot to us!) then adapting to living in a smaller space can take some doing. However, long term it is probably easier, and cheaper, than buying a big MH that might restrict you more to choosing sites close to urban centres, or relying on walking or public transport. Large MH is probably easier overseas, but not if you enjoy a lot of UK holidays and like to move around.

We are at YRP at the moment, I would say that at least 80% of the outfits are MHs, and of these most are on the large side. Perfect site for such here, short stroll into city. But it’s the little ones that are out and about, off pitch during the day. 

Top tips from us......I would give things another year OP, but get the maps out, and plan some tours, hopping from site to site with lots of things of interest around. Don’t forget that most NT, EH and other historic places, gardens etc.... have huge car parks, many with dedicated MH parking spots, so you can leave a site, drive to somewhere interesting, park up, look around, maybe have lunch in your mobile cafe, and then move onto your next site. And repeat next day! It’s really that simple. But travel light, don’t take all the paraphernalia that usually goes with a caravan. Keep a bit of water in your tank, make sure you have a gas kettle, and that’s really all you need to have a great day out even if the weather turns nasty. Aim to get set time to no more than 15 minutes on arrival, 20 minutes to be off next day. If you don’t restrict yourself to Club Sites, but use CLs and private sites, touring becomes very easy in UK. 

I have no idea where you are based, but we did a lovely Winter tour in Shropshire. We used Bromyard Downs, then up to a nice CL near Ludlow, then up to Much Wenlock, (RIP, but lots of CLs in area) then home via Ashbourne and Castleton. Another great touring place is Northumberland.....Old Hartley, then sites along Hadrians Wall, then head North along Coast up to Berwick and Borders. Loads of sites, all with different facilities and prices depending upon what you need. 😁

Yours is the other alternative EuroT. We still have our little van. We used to do tours in this as well, although we did stay longer on fewer sites. The one place in UK we prefer car and van is Cornwall. Even our small MH is too big to get to some of our favourite locations such as Lerryn and Church Cove!😁

Reference my earlier photo which is Camping la Palombiere  at Les Mathes - and this is the nearest Motorhome Aire which helped us decide not to switch . 

Thank you all for posting so much sound advice and comments. Our MH is a 6.5m Autotrail so a reasonably small coach built but still find many restrictions if trying to park up during the day. The living space inside is perfect for us, as is the layout. 
Our first year was all in the UK, we have just booked a ferry crossing to France so now look forward to trying things out over there. You have all inspired me to carry on with the MH this year. Just got to work on the planning before we go!

depending on the time of year, id say don't over plan...

despite ET's photo of a typical large/popular town aire, there are 8000. or more in france alone and the vast majority look a lit different to this. the photo is more like a typical 'pull in for a lunch stop' variety....loads of different types....explore and enjoy.

sites and aires (other than the peak six weeks, lated July and August) wont be busy so you can tour where you like without booking.

folk are all different, but if a place seems to hold more of your interest, stay a bit longer, if its not what you thought just move on.

after the first few days youll be away......just as we are on the ferry in an hour or so....

We changed from Caravanning to Motorhoming over 10 years ago now, we have towed a car behind a large Coachbuilt (7.3 metres) and have finally found 'our' ideal size, a 6m Panel van conversion, we can pack it up for moving in 15 minutes, yet it is big enough for a lengthy stay if we like our surroundings,  yet is small enough to take into small villages and park in Supermarket car parks when required...ok you need a bit of 'overhang' to fit right in...but so do some large SUVs.

You just need to find the 'right' van, then hang on to it. Dont be tempted to 'update' too soon, Which we did whilst visiting a dealers....just looking, We are a bit wiser now.

We are UK only tourers, but still enjoy the freedom.

Nice size rayjsj, really does become easy touring if you are a bit smaller. 😁

Same here, Ray, a 6m PVC that goes virtually anywhere and is ideal for island hopping👍🏻. We’ve lived in it for 6 weeks with no trouble. Small is beautiful😀. 

We can beat your 15 min pack up time, though. What takes you so long?😊

Good luck with your plans and enjoy all those stops along the way. 

We have to store the dog’s tie rope, and put his bowl away!🙄😁