The Campervan Thread

[fossyant]

Got this to fit over the coming days...

https://www.gtv-van.com/en/gtv-van-led-reversing-light-set-addition-155579720.html

I've got thermonuclear levels of lighting up front, time for similar levels of brightness when reversing.

You'll be popular on the campsite.

 

[BoldonLad]

Despite my dear wife wanting to move next year, & me to retire*, we had a look at one possible location this afternoon, as she wants a beach!
On the way home, she came up with the idea of, instead of a house, having a motorhome for a year!?!
But a big one??

I found this, apparently it’s big enough (plated at 4.5 tons ?)

We both passed at the time you got ‘grandfather rights’ up to 7.5 tons
I know it’s old-ish, but…

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-details/202507024085914?sort=relevance&searchId=41b9d9be-bcfd-4909-9773-7b544ffd3128&advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=AUTO-TRAIL&page=1&postcode=Wf1 4dg&price-from=500&fromsra&backLinkQueryParams=advertising-location=at_motorhomes&make=AUTO-TRAIL&postcode=Wf1%204dg&price-from=500&flrfc=1

It could be a flight of fantasy, but….


* my intention was to retire when l had 30 years in, where l am now (early 2027), but she wants me to do it far sooner; next May/June

The key thing, IMHO, is to work out how YOU (and your wife) plan to use it.

Something that size has obvious advantages in terms of space and comfort, but, it also has some downsides:

- where are you going to park it when not in use?
- once you have arrived at your destination, what are you going to use for transport (something that size is not ideal for a visit to the supermarket)
- where do you plan to go?, if planning to visit countries outside of UK, there may be implications with ferry costs, weight restrictions, road tolls, bridge tolls, for example

After retirement, we spent 15 years when we spend 5 or 6 months each year roaming mainland Europe, we typically went on two "expeditions" per year, 3 months, and, another 2 or 3 months later in the year. That was all in Motorhomes of approximately 6.5 - 7 metres in length, and, using bicycles and/or motor scooter and/or public transport when "onsite".

Finally, again, IMHO, layout is all, and is closely linked to how YOU plan to use it.

 

[Gwylan]

That was caravans, particularly German ones ,especially if you tow it with a van, such as Dethleffs, Knaus, Hobby & Burstner's as these were/are popular with the traveller community.

No, campervan with dual real axles.

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

@BoldonLad

Her idea is to (all intents & purposes) spend a year living in it…

 

[Jameshow]

Id be looking at older German vans at that age. The insulation and build quality will be better at that age.

 

[Drago]

Id be looking at older German vans at that age.

Just dont mention the war!

 

[fossyant]

Living in one in winter will be miserable unless you go abroad.

 

[BoldonLad]

@BoldonLad

Her idea is to (all intents & purposes) spend a year living in it…

Well, that is what we did for 6 months of the year, for each year for 15 years.

There is a difference between living in a van in (say) Spain, in January, and UJ in January.

Is she wanting to just "live" in one place, or, move around, if stay in one place, why not a caravan, if move around, all of the points about size vs ease of access apply.

 

[Gwylan]

Living in one in winter will be miserable unless you go abroad.

Refillable gas tanks and a dehumidifier make winter vanning comfortable. 240v is very handy too

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

Well, that is what we did for 6 months of the year, for each year for 15 years.

There is a difference between living in a van in (say) Spain, in January, and UJ in January.

Is she wanting to just "live" in one place, or, move around, if stay in one place, why not a caravan, if move around, all of the points about size vs ease of access apply.

Move around
We already have a caravan