Why would you buy a motorhome?

[TONUP]

Why would you buy a motorhome? That is my question and it's not meant to provoke any ill feeling, as a caravan was all that was in my budget and still seems to be the most practical means of transporting comfortable accomodation to my chosen destination (for me).

Recently whilst on holiday I watched the huge motorhome owners drive onto site and commence setting up. It appears that the they are split into two groups the ones that set up and don't ever leave the site, or the ones that tow a small car behind them.

Taking the car towers first this seems a bit of a back to front arrangement i.e. you have two vehicles to MOT, tax & insure. You are also faced with all of the reversing and manouverability problems associated with towing a caravan. Moving onto the ones that don't tow a car, they appear to be limited to carrying pedal cycles or possibly a small motorbike. In fact one couple who arrived on site in a really nice Hymer motorhome spent around 30-45 mins getting it level with wheel chocks, only the next morning having to undo all their work to go to the local supermarket, and having to set up again upon their return an hour or so later. Seems like a bit of a faff especially considering you must have to lash everything down in the unit each time.

Part of what I like to do whilst on holiday is explore the local area, which often means using single track country lanes etc, where I rarely see these motorhomes for practical reasons. In my opinion they are denying themselves one of the enjoyable parts of visiting new places.

In looking for the positive aspect of them, are they much more comfortable than a caravan, or better equipped? It seemed to me that to get one with the same level of equipment as my Bailey you would have spend £30k to £40k (or more). Perhaps it is that they are easier to drive than a car/caravan combination? One motorhome owner put an awning on the side of his unit, which looked quite tricky to do and seemed to make it even more planted in the one spot.

I guess I am missing some very simple point somewhere. What are your thoughts? It is probably just a case of having what you want and doing what you like.

Alan

[zippy656]

i grew up with a motorcaravan, now have a caravan, so i think i can see this from both sides.

motor caravan was our secon family car. didnt get used alot.

caravaners, some times have a company car and use that to tow, so they only need a caravan

[(RIP) PLANK]

I have allways though the same, if you tow a car then why not just have a caravan?

And whe you are all set up on site (they can be very hard to level) if you need a few tea bags or some thing you have to drive away and loose you pitch and start again when you get back.

having said all that, I htink theywould be brilliant for real 'touring' in remote places just pull in and your ready for the night and move on the next morning!

i realise the impracticalities of them, but i am strangley facinated by them and i know sooner or later i will end up buying one just for the experience of it.

[Deleted account DD]

I have allways though the same, if you tow a car then why not just have a caravan?

And whe you are all set up on site (they can be very hard to level) if you need a few tea bags or some thing you have to drive away and loose you pitch and start again when you get back.



Agreed 100% :thumbs

and also when you go across to say the lake district and you want to go explore some of the more remote height and weight restricted parts...........

[lacroupade]

Me too - an old mate of mine who sadly now lost his sight used to have a twenty-year old Bedford camper in really nice nick. I think the benefits of manouevrability and so on go a long way to outweighing the advantages of a caravan and it was great just to park up and put the kettle on without having to find 60 feet of parking space to get in and out of.

But not a big one - they are sufficiently daft in my view that its a bit like my view on folks who drive round at 20mph all the time - get a bus or a taxi, sell your car and save some money! Ditto the big campers - get a hotel!.

And BTW, the ones that tow cars along behind them? Every single one of them is breaking the law. Something to do with weight and trailer braking requirements - theres no way they can do it legally apparently, despite what they think - the only person that can legally tow a vehicle in such circumstances is a breakdown truck.

But do you ever see them getting nicked? No, probably because the bobbies prefer to target those of us of obvious lesser means (no offence compadres!) on the basis that they think we are more likely to skimp on maintenance....

SO stick a knobbly tyre on your car and your a criminal (like mafia boss Makeitfit!), but drive a seventy grand motorhome with a whole other car dragging along behind you (polluting the planet, taking up far too much room and generally being a 'giant motorhome dick' (strange picture going through my head???) and you are somehow immune??!!

Rant over! :bow

[wildbri]

I have studied all this myself. Having had a split screen vw in the 60's which was great not much comfort but we were young and it was better than tenting ( until it blew a big end in the middle of turkey, but that's another story). WE have a small caravan and like yourself have watched motor vans all over Europe, and also look at www.motorhomefacts.com and read the problems they have with their £40,000 plus vehicles, some doing less than 2000 miles per year. A lot of the talk on the forum is where they can camp for free, they call it " camping wild" but often it is in a super market car park or truck stop amongst the lorries!
In france they have aires where motorhomes can park free with some services, but we have used a camp site by river with few campers on it, on the other side of the river 20 motorhomes so close together there was no room to put out chairs! The motor homers say having a caravan means a lot of setting up but without an awning I can set up in a few minutes and and a caravan with two wheels is much easier to level than a motorhome with four or more. Motorhomes are very nice and it is easy to be seduced by the comfort and luxury but on the road finding some where to park is a different story. Small motorhomes are great in my opinion but if you want comfort, practability and the best value for your money it must be a nice car and good caravan. You take your home with you and your vehicle for shopping exploring etc. Happy camping whatever way you do it, regards....bri

P.S just booked our ferry crossing www.norfolkline.com best price through the caravan club
car, caravan lunchtime crossing £104.00

[wildbri]

I have studied all this myself. Having had a split screen vw in the 60's which was great not much comfort but we were young and it was better than tenting ( until it blew a big end in the middle of turkey, but that's another story). WE have a small caravan and like yourself have watched motor vans all over Europe, and also look at www.motorhomefacts.com and read the problems they have with their £40,000 plus vehicles, some doing less than 2000 miles per year. A lot of the talk on the forum is where they can camp for free, they call it " camping wild" but often it is in a super market car park or truck stop amongst the lorries!
In france they have aires where motorhomes can park free with some services, but we have used a camp site by river with few campers on it, on the other side of the river 20 motorhomes so close together there was no room to put out chairs! The motor homers say having a caravan means a lot of setting up but without an awning I can set up in a few minutes and and a caravan with two wheels is much easier to level than a motorhome with four or more. Motorhomes are very nice and it is easy to be seduced by the comfort and luxury but on the road finding some where to park is a different story. Small motorhomes are great in my opinion but if you want comfort, practability and the best value for your money it must be a nice car and good caravan. You take your home with you and your vehicle for shopping exploring etc. Happy camping whatever way you do it, regards....bri

P.S just booked our ferry crossing www.norfolkline.com best price through the caravan club
car, caravan lunchtime crossing £104.00

[Terranosaurus]

P.S just booked our ferry crossing www.norfolkline.com (http://www.norfolkline.com) best price through the caravan club
car, caravan lunchtime crossing £104.00

Was going to mention ferries - must be cheaper with a motorhome as theyt charge by the foot.

Personally don't know whats wrong with a tent, i have a number of them in different sizes - can be set up with the kettle on in under three minutes with my best one (and its not a pop up, this will stay up in any weather) or about 5 in my biggest that i'd take for a family longer holiday - no storage issues, no servicing costs etc. Can leave it behind or tour with it, no restrictions where i drive between sites, more mpg and more mph on the way too and from - perhaps I'm ust not old enough yet to want a caravan, unfortunately Alison is......

[lacroupade]

Was going to mention ferries - must be cheaper with a motorhome as theyt charge by the foot.

Personally don't know whats wrong with a tent, i have a number of them in different sizes - can be set up with the kettle on in under three minutes with my best one (and its not a pop up, this will stay up in any weather) or about 5 in my biggest that i'd take for a family longer holiday - no storage issues, no servicing costs etc. Can leave it behind or tour with it, no restrictions where i drive between sites, more mpg and more mph on the way too and from - perhaps I'm ust not old enough yet to want a caravan, unfortunately Alison is......The Redhead just wants to know "where do I plug my hair dryer in then???"....give me a tent any day, but if I want to hide from the weather and have a brew, I'd love a 'van...

[Terranosaurus]

T but if I want to hide from the weather and have a brew, I'd love a 'van...

I'd pay for a night in a hotel/B&B with the money I've saved by not having a caravan or motorhome - and thats just on site fees.

[zippy656]

caravan and site fees are cheaper then a B&B for us 5

[Terranosaurus]

caravan and site fees are cheaper then a B&B for us 5

Night for night undoubtably, I was meaning across a year I save enough to have a couple of hotel/B&B nights if need be.

[zippy656]

depends how meany time you go away

[Darwin]

I wouldnt have the space to park a caravan , but I could park a motorhome on the road.

[zippy656]

i had to dig up some of the front garden. so we could get on in. you could always store one some where else

as we are talking about caravans, I cant see the point of a seasonal pitch. can any one enlighten me as to why??

[wildbri]

It's for when you are past touring and cant be bothered, just want to nip off for a few days, now and again............ might consider it in a few years when I'm 80! Either that or the old folks home............. bri

camping, caravanning, tents and motorhomes are all part of the family of travailing and as
long as you enjoy it and are considerate to others and have fun thats all that counts.

My wife and I would be very sad if we had to give up our caravan and I know many others
who think the same................

[TONUP]

camping, caravanning, tents and motorhomes are all part of the family of travailing and as
long as you enjoy it and are considerate to others and have fun thats all that counts.

Agreed. my comments were purerly observational and did not mean to be critical of anyones liesure pursuits.

Regards

Alan

[Paul]

Where we keep our van there are alot of motorhomes parked up for about 10 months of the year, most are only a few years old so alot of money set in a yard.

Like the idea of just stopping and there you have it, but like others here once we set up the only time we see the van is when we get back from looking around where ever we are, bit hard to do when you have to packup just to go to the shops.:doh

[lacroupade]

i had to dig up some of the front garden. so we could get on in. you could always store one some where else

as we are talking about caravans, I cant see the point of a seasonal pitch. can any one enlighten me as to why??

cheap second home?

theres a CCC site in Llandovery called Erwlon, bloody place is always chocker yet the town as very soso....OK they are by the River Tywi and they've got wireless broadband, but every weekend??????? They had awnings up in the blizzards in February!

[(RIP) PLANK]

a two pronged answer:

i wouldn't like a seasonal pitch and goig to the same place week in week out, it would drive you/ me mad (or do I mean more maderer? and have i just invented a new word?)

I have allways fancied a little camper maybe a transit coversion no bigger than a van just for a few little adventures, but i doubt it will ever happen.

[Paul]

a two pronged answer:

i wouldn't like a seasonal pitch and goig to the same place week in week out, it would drive you/ me mad (or do I mean more maderer? and have i just invented a new word?)

I have allways fancied a little camper maybe a transit coversion no bigger than a van just for a few little adventures, but i doubt it will ever happen.
Where the van is stored it's also got seasonal pitchs, for peeps like me who work 3 weekends out of four it's usefull for just getting away for a few days, but most of them are used by peeps who work at BAA making the euro fighter, as to be alot cheaper then b&b's or renting somewhere.

[wildbri]

Hi plank, what you need (want) is one of these www.longdogent.com bri

[Bibio]

Why would you buy a motorhome? That is my question and it's not meant to provoke any ill feeling, as a caravan was all that was in my budget and still seems to be the most practical means of transporting comfortable accomodation to my chosen destination (for me).

Recently whilst on holiday I watched the huge motorhome owners drive onto site and commence setting up. It appears that the they are split into two groups the ones that set up and don't ever leave the site, or the ones that tow a small car behind them.

Taking the car towers first this seems a bit of a back to front arrangement i.e. you have two vehicles to MOT, tax & insure. You are also faced with all of the reversing and manouverability problems associated with towing a caravan. Moving onto the ones that don't tow a car, they appear to be limited to carrying pedal cycles or possibly a small motorbike. In fact one couple who arrived on site in a really nice Hymer motorhome spent around 30-45 mins getting it level with wheel chocks, only the next morning having to undo all their work to go to the local supermarket, and having to set up again upon their return an hour or so later. Seems like a bit of a faff especially considering you must have to lash everything down in the unit each time.

Part of what I like to do whilst on holiday is explore the local area, which often means using single track country lanes etc, where I rarely see these motorhomes for practical reasons. In my opinion they are denying themselves one of the enjoyable parts of visiting new places.

In looking for the positive aspect of them, are they much more comfortable than a caravan, or better equipped? It seemed to me that to get one with the same level of equipment as my Bailey you would have spend £30k to £40k (or more). Perhaps it is that they are easier to drive than a car/caravan combination? One motorhome owner put an awning on the side of his unit, which looked quite tricky to do and seemed to make it even more planted in the one spot.

I guess I am missing some very simple point somewhere. What are your thoughts? It is probably just a case of having what you want and doing what you like.

Alan

Saves difficult Reversing LOL

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q295/bibio6/file006.jpg

John

[Deleted account DD]

And BTW, the ones that tow cars along behind them? Every single one of them is breaking the law. Something to do with weight and trailer braking requirements - theres no way they can do it legally apparently, despite what they think - the only person that can legally tow a vehicle in such circumstances is a breakdown truck.



Correct in the greater part

It comes down to the definition between between recovery and transportation. A very grey area and in any case above (off the top of my head from memory) 750kgs the trailer must be braked.

Any car under that would be ok, over that in the crap unless some kind of ingenious system exists to brake it. (break away cables alone not acceptable)

And as far as cops not enforcing..............dont tar em all with the same brush :augie;)

[Deleted account DD]

Ton up, your bang on about kit, we paid 1/3 of the cost of a modestly equipped but physically larger transit based motor home and got more kit including that premium item SAPCE on board our new bailey :thumb2

We looked at all sorts from s/h trailer tents through to new motor homes, it was an interesting time :lol

Each to their own at the end of the day though :thumbs

[(RIP) PLANK]

out of interest when you tow a car it legaly becomes a trailer, and every trailer with a gross weight of 750 kilos or greater must have brakes acting on all the road wheels! so even a cable system operating front or bak brakes wouldnt be enough, a 'dolly' is only legal for recover not transport as this only allows for the wheel on the dolly to be have brakes.

on top of this ther is the lights reflecters etc, that are needed for trailers and are different heigts sizes stc froma car.

the only legal way to tow a car is on a trailer, then of course you get into train weghts and gross vehicle weights of the towing vehicle, and whether or not the law sees it as a commercial or a car.


so basically I agree there seems no legal way to tow a car behind a camper, unless you have in on a trailer and are onfident about the train wheights etc.

havng said all that, I will still buy a camper one day!

[lacroupade]

Correct in the greater part

It comes down to the definition between between recovery and transportation. A very grey area and in any case above (off the top of my head from memory) 750kgs the trailer must be braked.

Any car under that would be ok, over that in the crap unless some kind of ingenious system exists to brake it. (break away cables alone not acceptable)

And as far as cops not enforcing..............dont tar em all with the same brush :augie;)

Allow me to introduce you to the Heddlu! :surrender :wasntme

Think thats the issue; there isn't a car under 750kg except the Smart, and even that comes in at 730kg without extras, leaving a meagre 20kg for the substantial towing equipment - not even sure if that weight applies to the very latest variant..and of course you still can't brake it.

[Deleted account DD]

Some try to get around the lighting situation with a trailer board. They do suffice if fixed properly but not many know the dimensions ;)

[Deleted account DD]

Allow me to introduce you to the Heddlu! :surrender :wasntme


;) I couldn't think of a car that clocks in below 750!!!! thought a panda might but nope.

Anyway vosa (and will lend them out) now have some very nifty portable weigh pads that would easily fit in a car boot, they measure up to 44t :naughty

[lacroupade]

;) I couldn't think of a car that clocks in below 750!!!! thought a panda might but nope.

Anyway vosa (and will lend them out) now have some very nifty portable weigh pads that would easily fit in a car boot, they measure up to 44t :naughty

Nasty! So I may still yet see one of these goliaths stranded in a layby because they daren't leave their towcar abandoned there...LOL

[Deleted account DD]

Dont rely on it, one of the pads measured me @ - (yes minus) 45kg!!!! :D

[lacroupade]

Dont rely on it, one of the pads measured me @ - (yes minus) 45kg!!!! :D

LOL!

Scratch my comment about the Smart being possible; apparently its the GVW that has to be used, and thats higher than kerbside weight (the 730kgs I mentioned for the Smart.

Read this interesting extract (I'll post the link for anyone interested below):

I have a motor home and want to tow a Fiat Seicento behind it using an A-frame. This car has a kerb weight under 750 kg so am I legal with this outfit?
Sorry no is the answer. The law regards this as an unbraked trailer and you are allowed to tow up to 750 kg Gross Trailer Weight, not a car’s kerb weight. The figure you have to use is the car’s Gross Vehicle Weight or Maximum Permitted Weight. This is usually at least 300 - 400 kg more than the kerb weight. We have no knowledge of any car sold in the UK that has a GVW under 750 kg. The only vehicle we know that is completely legal to tow with an A-frame is the French Aixam small "car". This is a full four seater and details can be obtained from Aixam UK on 01926 886100. An A-frame or dolly can only be used to recover a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Transporting a car is, therefore, illegal. A-frames may be offered with a braking system that applies the car's brakes. These do not conform to the law as the car then becomes a "braked trailer" and has to conform to European Directives contained within the Construction and Use Regulations. It does not conform to the European Directive 71/320/EEC and amendments regarding braking requirements in any way. The use of this A-frame for transportation is illegal. It is still OK for use to recover a vehicle to a place of safety.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=61469

[(RIP) PLANK]

interesting idea te smart car at 720k but is that kerbside or gross?

with trailer law it all hinges on gross weight, for example, i have a small (ish) ifor williams trailer with a gross weight of 1250 kilos but empty it probably weighs around 200 to 250 k giving it a payload of 1 tonne, it does of course have brakes.

now, if you have recently passed your test you can not tow a trailer with a gorss weight of over 750 kilos GROSS so even when towing this trailer emtpy you would be breaking the law.

So fomr this example it would be fair to assume that the smart if capable of carrying 2 average adults at 70k each plus luggage and fuel would, as a gross weight be way over 750k!

ther are some breaking systems around now for cars towed behind motor homes but i dont think they operate the brakes on all 4 wheels. I'm sure some one out there knows better?

I am still of the opinion that it still leaves you with two insurance policies two lots of road tax, two mot's etc and you are still towing something so there is no saving over having a car and caravan combination, but then many people seem to love doing this so there must be some benefits too it.

[lacroupade]

GVW Plank....even worse as you say...

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

We like to rally with our caravan, or use 5 van farm sites. these are often uneven
fields and have seen to many motor homes bog down with the need of recovery.

obviously fun to offer help, further as stated as their axles are at the ends of the
vehicle atleast compared to a caravan levelling is a bigger issue. have seen many
return from a day out using levelling ramps with difficulty - much reving only to
still be out of level.

if they go out then have to leave sign behind saying motorhome on this pitch etc.
then if find somewhere else nice have to come back to collect their bits.

only real use is on tours moving on every day or so and using ferries where length
savings can be made.

reckon some scared of towing or perhaps mobility issues preclude towing. these
days their are lots of gadget to help though; motor movers, levelling devices etc

all said a small transit van sized camper capable of towing a boat or caravan might
be handy for short trips or even scouting trips from 'van as a base station.

would like a big m/h one day capable of towing a decent 4x4 on its own trailer, one
of these yank coaches with slide outs, just for the hell of it you understand.
saw one other day at £135,000 oh yes.

[(RIP) PLANK]

thats another thing i was wondering about, most large motorhomes /campers, seem to have a lot of body overhanging the back axel, which must make taking a trailer round a corner an interesting experience!

[Deleted account DD]

Easy then innit....................buy a caravan and a terrano AND save money :clap:thumbs

[Travis]

Which is exactly what I've done!

Andy.

[Deleted account DD]

:thumbs:clap

[lacroupade]

Which is exactly what I've done!

Andy.

Andy? Sure its not Dave Lee, the well-known 80s DJ and Terrano enthusiast?

[BigBlack]

Ive got a 'van, and we love it (and I was only 26 when we bought it!!!) :augie

Grew up caravanning, going on rallys every holiday and made loads of friends - now want the same for my kid. Also generally use CL's for main holidays, we (group of 5 of us) book a whole CL for the fortnight to ourselves. Kids can play out cycle round field, have a game of cricket - have there own play tent set up, major BBQ's on a night, up all night drinking and dont upset anyone! :) :thumb2
(dont get me wrong, we aint larger swilling loud 'chavs' who dont control ourselves or our children!!!) :lol

Father-in-law had a caravan - great big twin axel, now all his kids no longer go with them he had 'upgraded' to a motorhome. Reasons:-

No need to store it
No need to shove and push it in/out of storage (twin axel took 4+ of us to turn it round)
No hassle or worries about towing it on motorways, snaking etc
No worries about hitching it up
Litterally if you fancy going away for a weekend/couple of nights just get in it and go

.... and if we are away together he goes everywhere in my car with us! :rolleyes:

Reason I dont have a motorhome.... couldnt afford one even if I wanted one! :D

[Terranosaurus]

LOL!

Scratch my comment about the Smart being possible; apparently its the GVW that has to be used, and thats higher than kerbside weight (the 730kgs I mentioned for the Smart.

Read this interesting extract (I'll post the link for anyone interested below):

I have a motor home and want to tow a Fiat Seicento behind it using an A-frame. This car has a kerb weight under 750 kg so am I legal with this outfit?
Sorry no is the answer. The law regards this as an unbraked trailer and you are allowed to tow up to 750 kg Gross Trailer Weight, not a car’s kerb weight. The figure you have to use is the car’s Gross Vehicle Weight or Maximum Permitted Weight. This is usually at least 300 - 400 kg more than the kerb weight. We have no knowledge of any car sold in the UK that has a GVW under 750 kg. The only vehicle we know that is completely legal to tow with an A-frame is the French Aixam small "car". This is a full four seater and details can be obtained from Aixam UK on 01926 886100. An A-frame or dolly can only be used to recover a broken down vehicle to a place of safety. Transporting a car is, therefore, illegal. A-frames may be offered with a braking system that applies the car's brakes. These do not conform to the law as the car then becomes a "braked trailer" and has to conform to European Directives contained within the Construction and Use Regulations. It does not conform to the European Directive 71/320/EEC and amendments regarding braking requirements in any way. The use of this A-frame for transportation is illegal. It is still OK for use to recover a vehicle to a place of safety.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=61469

Honest John obviously isn't up on his construction and use stuff then.

Yes some cars are under 750kg so don't need to have brakes if you re towing them. However as they are fitted with brakes they have to be operational. UK law is a little unclear about how they should be operated though, in the USA an electrical overrun device can be used to operate the brakes using an electric motor/servo to depress the pedal. Some people think this wouldn't do over here and you would need a mechanical/hydraulic system (operating on all 4 wheels - so pulling handbrake cable isn't enough) - they are available but don't appear to be widely used.

[tezzer]

getting back to leveling, where i keep my van there are several large motorhomes, and speaking to the owners, it came up regarding leveling, and was told when you spend £30-50.000 you only have to push a few buttons and it,s done, self leveling system i suppose, "flash gits",

and i have a transit camper and i would'nt part with it for the world, it's to handy, days out, fishing, best thing we done was to throw a few clothes in and just set off, ended up in cornwall for 4 days, this was 3-4 years ago now when we had the hottest day, bbq, wine, good weather what more do you want??



tezzer

[lacroupade]

sounds the biz tezzer <envious!>

[(RIP) PLANK]

and i have a transit camper and i would'nt part with it for the world, it's to handy, days out, fishing, best thing we done was to throw a few clothes in and just set off, ended up in cornwall for 4 days, this was 3-4 years ago now when we had the hottest day, bbq, wine, good weather what more do you want??



tezzer


sounds great, thats what appeals to me about owning one, just get in and go!

[lacroupade]

ah yes, snaking.

reminds of long ago when I borrowed my mates Austin 3-litre (the one like an overgrown Maxi) and drove my Beetle on to the trailer nose first.

You can imagine what happened next...

[(RIP) PLANK]

i did something very simmilar once when i was young and foolish, as opposed to middle aged and foolish

I loaded a marina pick up onto a trailer and it looked too heavy for the springs on the diesle granada tow car, so we then hit on the brilliant idea of reversing it on to take the weight off the back of the car, and set out on a 200 mile journey!

we managed about 8 miles and gave up!

[Deleted account DD]

However as they are fitted with brakes they have to be operational.

Are you sure?

I'm not to be honest :lol, I'd have to check up :augie but I do know that there is a lot of confusion over when a car under tow ceases to be a motor vehicle and becomes a load or a trailer.

I believe (and its quite a while since such an obscure point cropped up) that providing its ok weight and loading wise (which is unlikely unless under recovery) and under suspended or controlled as in steered tow (ie no one required in the car to control it on the end of a rope) it does not have to have brakes etc functioning so long as it is safe in other respects ie running on inflated legal tyres or bodywork not hanging off.

Having said all of that its unlikely it would be under 750kg so it would need either it or the trailer braking anyway. The only ones I can think of that may come in under 750 are kit cars but they seem few and far between these days.

Are we debating an almost academic point :confused: I reckon so. :thumbs but interesting.

I'll try and find out tomorrow.

[mrbliss]

Carvans have thier place so do motor homes.

I used to have a transit motorhome. Went all over the country stopping in laybys view points etc untill all the "no over night parking" signs went up all over the place. Stopping only one night in each place.

Dont see the point in having one if ya going in site.

Cant be asked with a caravan... unless you got land or loads of money to pay storage.

Better off with a tent. You cant take a van up lane.

Mark

[lacroupade]

i did something very simmilar once when i was young and foolish, as opposed to middle aged and foolish

I loaded a marina pick up onto a trailer and it looked too heavy for the springs on the diesle granada tow car, so we then hit on the brilliant idea of reversing it on to take the weight off the back of the car, and set out on a 200 mile journey!

we managed about 8 miles and gave up!

we got two miles before we ended up pointing back the way we came...involuntarily!

[lacroupade]

Carvans have thier place so do motor homes.

I used to have a transit motorhome. Went all over the country stopping in laybys view points etc untill all the "no over night parking" signs went up all over the place. Stopping only one night in each place.

Dont see the point in having one if ya going in site.

Cant be asked with a caravan... unless you got land or loads of money to pay storage.

Better off with a tent. You cant take a van up lane.

Mark

you can't take a dump in a tent :confused:

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

interesting idea te smart car at 720k but is that kerbside or gross?

with trailer law it all hinges on gross weight, for example, i have a small (ish) ifor williams trailer with a gross weight of 1250 kilos but empty it probably weighs around 200 to 250 k giving it a payload of 1 tonne, it does of course have brakes.

now, if you have recently passed your test you can not tow a trailer with a gorss weight of over 750 kilos GROSS so even when towing this trailer emtpy you would be breaking the law.

So fomr this example it would be fair to assume that the smart if capable of carrying 2 average adults at 70k each plus luggage and fuel would, as a gross weight be way over 750k!

ther are some breaking systems around now for cars towed behind motor homes but i dont think they operate the brakes on all 4 wheels. I'm sure some one out there knows better?

I am still of the opinion that it still leaves you with two insurance policies two lots of road tax, two mot's etc and you are still towing something so there is no saving over having a car and caravan combination, but then many people seem to love doing this so there must be some benefits too it.

NOT QUITE CORRECT PLANK,

if on a new post 97 b ticket, and no +e trailer the gtw is 3500kg.
a car can tow a trailer with a gross of less than the cars unladen/kerb weight.

so a 2000kg car can tow a 1500 kg trailer,

also a 3500kg car?? well van maybe can tow upto 750kg trailer.

the unladen weight of trailer is irrelevant, its the MAM max auth mass that
applies.

similar for c1 big vans/small trucks/7.5tonners train limit 7500, or 7500+750
so suspect lot of c1 tickets break law towing mini diggers and the like around.

if you have c1+e, typically grand father rights the train is 8250 subject to
trailer not exceeding kerb of truck. if +e test taken can have train of 11000kg.

[zippy]

A motorhome gives a safer drive as there is no risk of snaking. Even if the MH is towinf a car, the weight ration is such that the chance of a snake is low.

A MH is good if you like day trips out in it. Bro in law would not have a caravan near him since this is all he would want from a MH.

If a MH is less prone to damp and is the costs of repair are unlikely to exceed the value of the vehicle.

A caravan gives better accommodation. It is easier on the pocket and gives you a car back once you have set up. It is definately not as safe as driving a MH. Snaking is always a consideration and with heavier new vans the issue is greater now than ever.

Regards
Lee

[tezzer]

sounds great, thats what appeals to me about owning one, just get in and go!

i have done this a couple of times, just over nighters, but they seem to be more fun than a 2 week holiday that we spend hours making sure every thing is loaded, saving up so you dont have to scrimp for a fortnight, i reckon as the crunch takes affect i will be having a few more quickies. :o :augie



tezzer

[lacroupade]

i reckon as the crunch takes affect i will be having a few more quickies. :o :augie



tezzer

like i keep telling my wife....

[millie2]

YOU TAKE EM WITH YOU or at least her that must be *^*** with the purse does, its not a terrano i need its a scania.

[willow]

Hello all
I have just had my caravan nicked:doh:doh:doh

If I had had a motor home I would have been using it to get to work:rolleyes:

My old mum and dad 84 85yrs of age have been caravaners all their lives and only just gave up their caravan for a small motor home because it is easier to go abroad with!!!!:lol:):thumbs

No one wanted to insure them:)

Sad :(:(
so they are touring England stopping loads of places for free and having the odd b+b when they want

They are having a great time:thumbs

[lacroupade]

that sucks Willow - nice to see you back though!

[willow]

:lol:lolThanks nice to know i have been missed:thumbs

Yes its awful just got it all sprused up:rolleyes:
ok its not a new one but it all worked and nice and dry and very comefy
Had a good shower I liked it:(
It seems so did someone else:(

I had pulled it out of its winter parking to give it a good clean and check over.
Took it for a short drive to make sure things were working.

Pulled it back onto my land and left it by the gate to go and get something from the house when I got back it was gone:eek::eek:

We live in a very rural area very quiet:nenau:nenau

Well never mind its a funny old life

So a tent it is then:lol:lol

[NSV257]

somebody missed the point along the way........................

you need a caravan just to get away from the wife without having to drive,anywhere,so while it is on the drive make use,it may be cold at night but it sure is peaceful:lol:lol:lol

[zippy656]

somebody missed the point along the way........................

you need a caravan just to get away from the wife without having to drive,anywhere,so while it is on the drive make use,it may be cold at night but it sure is peaceful:lol:lol:lol

also a place for friends to stay when the want. without them getting in your way