Hi everyone- considering buying a motor home

When we went abroad with our children and with a caravan on the hook it was not and still seems the same a "no brainer"if using a motor caravan, but then depends on what you want to do

We were camper-vanners first when starting our touring days, so we rapidly discovered just how easy it is to tour in a camper or small MH, right back from the 1980’s. It’s still very easy in the UK, but outfit size is the key, more so nowadays. We thoroughly enjoyed our twenty odd years towing a caravan as well, but get the outfit size right, mix up your sites, a tiny bit of research and it’s still possible to tour in a MH, on a whim in the UK. But fixed beds, a full size bathroom, house sized fridge freezer etc (all very nice) won’t mean a small MH in most cases, nor an economic to run one. A compromise might be required, or stick to towing for UK based tours.

Outfit size is the key factor.

Lots of good points, especially the 'size' thing which is certainly an important factor....and the 'where' will also influence this re the driving/parking element but also how much time you actually need to spend inside the van.

 Being outside for the vast majority of the time, especially with a canopy for the shade and the odd warm shower will put less emphasis on interior space. Most folk will just end up sleeping there as 'socialising' is usually outside.

to that end, continental vans will often give over much attention to the large, comfortable beds....do you need an 6/8 seater lounge (and have to make the bed up each night) if you're always sitting outside?

the propensity do drop down beds recently has allowed designers to double up an area's functionality. Rear lounges have beds that glide down from the roof, complete with bedding and pillows in place, avoiding the usual cushion shuffling routine. Similarly, front lounges are regularly seen with beds above, providing either the main double or and extra single, depending on size of van.

even the 'bugbear' of MH, that cab area that takes up loads of space, is prey for the drop down bed revolution. A class vans have supported large transverse versions for decades but now huge longitudinal doubles cover the dash area when on site and become the main bed. Stick the lounge at the rear and you have as much space now as a caravan of equivalent length. Use the raised double floor to add height and there's room for a bike garage, something no caravan could ever achieve.

verstility is the name of the game, with even panel vans getting in on the drop down act...front, rear all so clever these days.

one financial point struck me...those moving from car/caravan to a new MH will have to consider how much of their outfit will be sold in order to finance the MH.

plump for just the caravan and, depending on size/year etc, may not make much of a dent in the MH price. Also, this will leave you with a 'tow' sized car which may not be the most appropriate, going forward, if you won't be towing... 

sell the car and the caravan to balance the books and this will leave you 'sans voiture' which, depending how 'drivable' the new MH is, might leave you looking for a smaller car?

Plenty to consider.

Or like us, change to a small every day car and, on occasions when wanted, tow behind the motorhome. Fantastic versatility both at home and away. Never take this combo abroad mind though a few braver others do.

 Just wonder what people know about the motorhome depot in Mansfield. Considering using them for selling a motorhome. anyone any experience wit them?

I’ve no direct experience but have not heard anything bad about them and have seen them mentioned on forums several times. I believe they act as brokers selling MHs on behalf of private sellers which seems to be what you hope to do.

Thanks Tim. I guess what I am after is knowing how trustworthy they are

That’s all I know but no bad news is good.

Have you done an internet search, particularly one looking for court judgements?