Another newbie saying hello

Phil Horsepool replied on 12/05/2023 14:04

Phil Horsepool

Posted on 12/05/2023 14:04

After many years thinking about it we are finally in the throes of buying our first motorhome.

But I think we are really going to be jumping in head first as our first trip will probably be a year long!

So even though there will only be my wife and I we will be looking for a minimum 4 berth MH, under 3,500kg so that my wife can drive as well, and with preferably a fixed double bed as we don't want the faff of making beds up every night. Also need the capability of taking our electric bikes with us.

Plans include plenty of UK sightseeing until it gets too cold, then head south to warmer climes for a few months.

I know plently of people say that a MH can be awkward to get into a lot of places in the UK so any feedback on that would be gratefully received, particularly in regard to places definitely not to visit.

Personally I'm not too worried about manouvering a large vehicle as over the years I have driven lorries, fire appliances and ambulances. My wife is pretty handy when driving as our current work vehicle is a transit van. But we are both now in our 60's so would prefer travelling to be more relaxing.

So any tips on type of vehicle, etc. would be great. It's a bit difficult getting to see loads of vehicles as we are based in Guernsey.

Has anyone come across A Cass Limited who seem to have some great deals on vehicles?

Thanks, and I look forward to meeting some of you out on the road.

Phil

8 replies

replied on 12/05/2023 14:27

Posted on 12/05/2023 14:27

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

replied on 12/05/2023 14:39

Posted on 12/05/2023 14:39

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

peedee replied on 14/05/2023 06:28

Member

peedee

Motorhomer from Bedfordshire

Posted on 14/05/2023 06:28

Welcome to CT Phil. I would think very carefully about limiting yourself to 3.5 tons, this will limit what you can carry and if you plan to live in it for a year, you will almost certainly want to carry more than say someone going on a two week holiday.

There are places where motorhomes can be difficult to use in the UK but if you plan carefully, picking sites which allow you to use public transport or your bicycles safely you should not have problems. Of course it is much easier on the Continent and can be cheaper but as has been pointed out be aware of the restrictions on length of stay. You may want to consider obtaining visas for both of you which will allow you to stay longer.

peedee

1 person likes this

Takethedogalong replied on 14/05/2023 09:34

Member

Takethedogalong

Posted on 12/05/2023 14:04 by Phil Horsepool

After many years thinking about it we are finally in the throes of buying our first motorhome.

But I think we are really going to be jumping in head first as our first trip will probably be a year long!

This is mainly due, if our plans work out, to our house being demolished and a new one being built on the site.

So even though there will only be my wife and I we will be looking for a minimum 4 berth MH, under 3,500kg so that my wife can drive as well, and with preferably a fixed double bed as we don't want the faff of making beds up every night. Also need the capability of taking our electric bikes with us.

Plans include plenty of UK sightseeing until it gets too cold, then head south to warmer climes for a few months.

I know plently of people say that a MH can be awkward to get into a lot of places in the UK so any feedback on that would be gratefully received, particularly in regard to places definitely not to visit.

Personally I'm not too worried about manouvering a large vehicle as over the years I have driven lorries, fire appliances and ambulances. My wife is pretty handy when driving as our current work vehicle is a transit van. But we are both now in our 60's so would prefer travelling to be more relaxing.

So any tips on type of vehicle, etc. would be great. It's a bit difficult getting to see loads of vehicles as we are based in Guernsey.

Has anyone come across A Cass Limited who seem to have some great deals on vehicles?

Thanks, and I look forward to meeting some of you out on the road.

Phil

Posted on 14/05/2023 09:34

Hello and welcome😁

With regards to UK and a MH, we have never come across any County that is impossible to visit with a MH, but there will be some places that will require a bit of careful research before you venture too far off down tiny lanes and into coastal villages. Devon and Cornwall spring to mind, but are perfectly doable if you choose your destinations wisely. Likewise Yorkshire, both coastal and inland. I would say be wary not only of smaller roads, but also gradients leading into and out of some places. But it will still give you lots of lovely places to visit and spend time. Decent OS maps, either paper or digital will give you excellent information with regards to gradients, road types, hairpin bends, suitable travel routes, etc……

You can’t beat local knowledge either, so make use of this forum, and if you plan to try somewhere, ask if it’s suitable and someone is more than likely to pop up with that definitive answer rather than a guess.

Two fantastic places to take a MH are Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, and the North East of England, from the Humber, right up the Coast through Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland and on into the Lothians in Scotland. There are plenty of other really nice tours as well. Can recommend Searchforsites for legal overnight stops, fuel stops and daytime parking, and there is a network of pub/small business stopovers that are often free to sleepover if you buy a pint, or a meal, or a breakfast!

Hope everything goes well for you😁

2 people like this

DSB replied on 14/05/2023 22:38

Moderator

DSB

Caravanner from Staffordshire

Posted on 14/05/2023 22:38

Welcome, Phil. All the best with your search for the motorhome that fits for you. Do let us know how you get on. All good wishes.

David

1 person likes this

Phil Horsepool replied on 15/05/2023 17:14

Member

Phil Horsepool

Posted on 14/05/2023 06:28 by peedee

Welcome to CT Phil. I would think very carefully about limiting yourself to 3.5 tons, this will limit what you can carry and if you plan to live in it for a year, you will almost certainly want to carry more than say someone going on a two week holiday.

There are places where motorhomes can be difficult to use in the UK but if you plan carefully, picking sites which allow you to use public transport or your bicycles safely you should not have problems. Of course it is much easier on the Continent and can be cheaper but as has been pointed out be aware of the restrictions on length of stay. You may want to consider obtaining visas for both of you which will allow you to stay longer.

peedee

Posted on 15/05/2023 17:14

We had thought about over 3.5 tons but Sue reckons that I would be left with all the driving as she would be too nervous with anything that big.

We've also considered the 90/180 rule for travel within Europe, and will possibly do the UK for 6 months or so, then 3 months in Europe, before returning to the UK.

Also we may be able to get an extended visa under one of the 'Digital Nomad' visa schemes as we will be running our travel agency and web design businesses while we are on the road.

All very early days yet as still waiting to get our house development plans past by the local government!

1 person likes this

Tinwheeler replied on 15/05/2023 17:30

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 15/05/2023 17:30

3500kg MHs aren’t necessarily of smaller dimensions than, say, 4250/4500kg models but the heavier chassis allow the carrying of a bigger payload which is what PD was saying. They do though have their drawbacks in terms of tolls, driving licence entitlement and so on. Swings and roundabouts.

2 people like this