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Newly retired and wanting to start new life - Have camper-vanning in mind.

Collecting facts at present - What attracts me is the possibility of getting into the van and set off in a direction and start looking for a place to sleep (after about 3 hours driving) Refreshed, explore the area and then setoff again

Am I dreaming or is it possible - the whole idea to me is to get rid of all the regulation, pre-planning, procastination, don't do this, Don't do that.

On the other hand, I enjoy my drink on occasion, know how to behave myself, but what about all the other vanners? Do they know - In short is there problems with anti-social behaviour ?

Quote: Originally posted by bigpeter on 12/7/2009

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want to take a Dinghy along with 2 electric cycles? I'll start saving up on wine in the meantime. Also have Europe in mind


Electric bikes weigh a fair bit, one of the things some people don't look into is payload. Some vans look fantastic, but only have a 250-300 kg payload, which is very little indeed. That includes just 1 driver at an average weight of 75 kg and a full watertank. So an extra person adds about another 60-70 kg (or more!!) for a start, then there is all your clothes, food, fridge contents, and whatever else you wnt to take. So make sure that whatever van you get, you have adequate payload for everything you want to take with you (including the French wine you are planning to bring back )

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Ina

Hi just three little words 'go for it'

We truly love our Mh it is the best thing we have ever bought.............the freedom it gives you is amazing, we have two electric bikes and have enjoyed so many happy times in ours, if I can help anymore just shout out.

I really am starting to get excited - just have to sell my sailing yacht, then I can go.

So, it seems I will have to stay away from the smaller vans and get something like an Eldis 320? (=4 berth for 2 people.) secondhand.

I just have another burning question and that is the economics of  it all - After petrol, Standing fees or camping fees and the cost of the van discounted over a 5 year period - Is it still cheaper than sleeping in a hotel having ± 60 days spread over a year?

Probably, but that isn't the point.

The point is that you have freedom to roam wherever the fancy takes you, you have your own "home" with you.

You would still have costs of petrol and depreciation using a car and a hotel, and you'd be sleeping in a strange bed in a strange room and using things that many other people have used (ok so they probably wash the linen between guests ).

Additionally, you save on some costs - eg you can cook your own meals so don't have to pay for eating out all the time at hotel prices, also you can buy your beer, wine etc from the supermarket rather than at the bar in the hotel.

There's also the social aspect of meeting & socialising with like-minded campers, rather than sitting in a hotel room on your own.