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Subject Topic: 4 kids, dog and motorhome ??? Post Reply Post New Topic
19/4/2010 at 8:50pm
 Location: Letchworth Herts
 Outfit: trigano randger 575
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We are looking to upgrade our folding camper after 5 happy years to something we can holiday in more often without the age old problem of rain spoiling play and can't decide between a caravan or a motorhome.  I really like the idea of a motorhome and being able to move about without constant pitching and packing up but hubby thinks a motorhome with 4 boys and a dog would be too claustrophobic and a nightmare. He also worries about being able to park it on days out/supermarkets/beaches etc. Does anyone have any experience of motorhome travel with a large family and is my dream of a summer gipsy lifestyle really a nightmare waiting to happen ? Any comments would be welcome.



20/4/2010 at 9:42am
 Location: Goole
 Outfit: CI Carioca 656
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I think you will probably be better with a caravan and an awning for your size of family.

Maybe a triple bunk caravan but I guess you will have at least 1 or 2 kids sleeping in the awning.

There are very few motorhomes that have 6 travel seats, mine does and we have 2 bunk beds at the back.

We only have 1 child though.

Ben


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20/4/2010 at 2:44pm
 Location: Hartlepool
 Outfit: Burstner Argos 747
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We have a motorhome with six seatbelts, there are a few around but takes lots of searching. 

We went from a tent to a motorhome for lot's of reasons, didn't realy want to tow and the size of beds.

We have had 2 motothomes in 2 years lol

We have 3 boys age 13, 15 and 19 don't have a problem with space in the van and do have a large awning that we use for longer stays.  Biggest problem with a caravan for me was having to make beds up every night and the fact that the kids are all 6ft and caravan beds are not made for tall kids lol.

There are many things to think about, just a few

Do you want to travel around when you go on holiday?  we don't have a problem but than we chose carefully sites we stay on. Last year we went to Spain and did not want to drive anywere for 10 days so we parked up put up the awning pluged in and that was that.

On the drive down we stopped at Disneyland Paris and then another stop a clearmont ferand.  On the way back we went to the south of France but did not use the awning. We have a large fridge and freezer so didnt need to worry to much about shoping all the time.

Can you drive a large motorhome?  some driving licences have restrictions.

Do you want to go away close to home or to travel to europe., which is so easy.

How old are the kid's do you need space for buggies or bikes?

Lot's of the caravans we looked at for our needs had less space then in the van.

Think about storage we are lucky we keep ours at home so just put in cloths and fresh food and drive off.

You don't say how old the kid's are but sometimes mine pitch a tent outside giving tham a bit more space.

Have parked in Asda with the van but did get a few looks lol

Motorhomes are expensive so take your time to look look and look again and try and get the layout right for your family.

If you have any questions just ask.



22/4/2010 at 9:48pm
 Location: Mid Wales
 Outfit: Merc 709D MotorCaravan
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The reason that Motorhomes with 6 seatbelts are quite hard to find is due to the weight issue. The vast majority of Motorhomes are below 3500kg (which can be driven by anyone with a full licence) but they don't have that much spare payload. As they get bigger so they get heavier and the spare payload capacity is reduced.
There are 5 of us + dog but our truck weighs in at 6500kg and is just under 8 metres long.
It suits our needs but does lack the ease of parking you can get with smaller vehicles.
If you can try hiring one for a short holiday before you make your mind up


23/4/2010 at 9:04am
 Location: Hartlepool
 Outfit: Burstner Argos 747
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With reference to the above post I know lots of people who are unable to drive even up to 3500kg or to tow on there current licence. 

Our first motorhome was 3500kg and had six seat belts.

Good advice to try hiring before you buy.



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23/4/2010 at 10:05pm
 Location: Mid Wales
 Outfit: Merc 709D MotorCaravan
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Quote: Originally posted by Caroleeeeee on 23/4/2010

With reference to the above post I know lots of people who are unable to drive even up to 3500kg or to tow on there current licence. 

Our first motorhome was 3500kg and had six seat belts.

Good advice to try hiring before you buy.



By full licence I meant anyone who had category B which covers Motor vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg.
If you get the Caravan & camping Club magazine the current issue features a 6 berth with 6 seatbelts that can be driven on the standard car licence. However it has a user payload of 530kg which has to include passengers plus the usual camping gear water, gas etc so not much room for manoeuvre


26/4/2010 at 11:56am
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Toyota Granvia (Wellhouse)
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Personally,although never having owned one ourselves,in your position I'd be opting for the caravan route(especially as you're already familiar with towing).

You could get a lot more for your initial outlay..you'd be retaining the use of transport,whilst on site and there wouldn't be the additional road tax/insurance/mot/running costs etc to worry about..

There's only the two of us in our MH and even we can get under each others' feet if the weather means we're "confined to quarters"...

Yes,driveaway awings are an option but if you need to depend on them for your living/sleeping space,then you're back at being at the mercy of the eliments again,when it comes to pitching!

Another thing to consider,be it for a MH or caravan,is where it can be securely stored?..and at what cost?  



27/4/2010 at 6:21pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Swift Kontiki 669
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hi,

I agree that you should hire before you buy,we did this when we first started and decided that the motorhome was great for travelling but once pitched and kids stuff everywhere it was a good hour packing away to go out for the day.....and that was 20 years ago.  The parking in many towns is very restrictive so we opted for a caravan and awning with extension then we had awning extension and  tents ( as they brought their friends!.having the awning meant we could eat and live in it and not have to make up beds each night ( my pet hate).

Happy hunting and all the best!

sandils




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