Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Motorhomes and Campervans 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Motorhome Newbie advice Post Reply Post New Topic
Personadehslev
16/3/2017 at 11:48am
 Location: Bournemouth Dorset
 Outfit: Bessacar 454 View adehslev's Profile View Profile   Reply to adehslev Reply   Quote adehslev Quote  
Joined: 03/9/2008

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   18
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
So after several years of caravanning we're thinking of moving onto a motorhome, so one or two stupid concerns.
Obviously apart from bikes we won't have a smaller vehicle to get out and about once arrived on site. Do people find this an issue? Is it easy to find places to park a 7m motorhome at supermarkets or places to visit. Is there a ready source of information about motorhome friendly carparks etc.
I not seen anything in the UK which compares with France for being motorhome friendly.
Any other suggestions about easing the transition would be welcome.
Thanks, and sorry for the stupid questions.


PersonFiona W
16/3/2017 at 12:17pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
Our motorhome is 5.3 m, so we fit onto a car park space. Others with equally big vehicles as yours will advise you on whether you have to pay two fees or not. Sometimes we've have to use the lorry park, but overhead gantries are the biggest problem - all East Lothian car parks beside beaches have them, for example. As do some town centre car parks; multi-storey ones are off limits - look at your own town to get an idea.
We arrive on site, leave our EHU and step & number plate to reserve the pitch & head back out. Thereafter, it's no different than driving to the site in the first place. Bikes are handy for nipping out to get morning rolls without having to pack everything away first. Our motorhome only stays put on a site all day like a caravan if we're walking or using a bus locally - into town or along a canal to a pub or up into the hills. Otherwise, we use it like a car.

-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members
Caravan Guard Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

Personneil and lena
16/3/2017 at 5:59pm
 Location:  Dumfries
 Outfit: 2022 CoachmanVIP 2022 Pilote P696GJ View neil and lena's Profile View Profile   Reply to neil and lena Reply   Quote neil and lena Quote  
Joined: 18/2/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2370
Site Reviews Total: 51
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by adehslev on 16/3/2017
So after several years of caravanning we're thinking of moving onto a motorhome, so one or two stupid concerns.
Obviously apart from bikes we won't have a smaller vehicle to get out and about once arrived on site. Do people find this an issue? Is it easy to find places to park a 7m motorhome at supermarkets or places to visit. Is there a ready source of information about motorhome friendly carparks etc.
I not seen anything in the UK which compares with France for being motorhome friendly.
Any other suggestions about easing the transition would be welcome.
Thanks, and sorry for the stupid questions.


We thought that not having transport would be a minor inconvenience but eventually we began to get fed up being stuck on site with only the bikes to get about especially in colder wetter weather . Don't like buses so won't travel by public transport , we overwintered last year in Spain and hired a car but it worked out quite expensive for short term rental . We have returned to caravanning after 2 years of Motorhoming as it does not suit us especially for longer stays when abroad . We still have the Motorhome at the moment although it's been parked up for the last 6 months so not sure what to do with it


PersonRainbowsend
16/3/2017 at 6:11pm
 Location: Staffs Cheshire bord
 Outfit: None Entered View Rainbowsend's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rainbowsend Reply   Quote Rainbowsend Quote  
Joined: 02/7/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1080
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Ours was 6.5 metres. Parking in entered car parks was an issue for us. We just fit in a bay widthwise but that leaves no room to open the doors, also you get a ticket if you are over the length or the back overhang goes onto a footpath. Supermarkets that were not chargeable were OK. We found it best to use other transport in UK.

-------------
Jean

Sometimes a little rain must fall before you reach a rainbow.

The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work.


PersonHacksaw Bob
16/3/2017 at 6:28pm
 Location: West Midlands
 Outfit: Various tents View Hacksaw Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Hacksaw Bob Reply   Quote Hacksaw Bob Quote  
Joined: 26/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6502
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by adehslev on 16/3/2017
...Is there a ready source of information about motorhome friendly carparks etc....



Yes, if you put "motorhome parking" or similar into your search facility of choice you should find at least a couple of useful websites.


Advertisement



Personnude2
20/3/2017 at 3:04pm
 Location: Bromsgrove
 Outfit: Moncayo 735 motorhome 2008 View nude2's Profile View Profile   Reply to nude2 Reply   Quote nude2 Quote  
Joined: 24/4/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   19
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi like you we where caravaners and now onto our third motorhome which we love so much. We do not find it an issue using our 7.35 long motorhome to go shopping or popping out to get the odd thing and we have not found any probs with carparks apart from the low barriers, mind you if on a carpark some one parks too close on both sides you may have trouble getting out. You do have to watch the rear end swing out as you make the turn. You just have to use your common sense. If its a big carpark with no low barrier ok but if its a small one we would not use it. The advantages owning a motorhome out ways the disadvantages We use ours for many things one being when visiting a national Trust location. One thing we would recommend is to join Britstops where you can park up for the night free. This is for motorhomes only. Hope you find what you are looking for. Look up "Britstops" on the net.

-------------
Love an all over tan
Naturists have nothing to hide


PersonStickybunn10
20/3/2017 at 3:49pm
 Location: Orpington
 Outfit: Swift Voyager 635EK View Stickybunn10's Profile View Profile   Reply to Stickybunn10 Reply   Quote Stickybunn10 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2016

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   18
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have a 22' long Swift which we bought in November last year. You only get to learn about them really by using them. We love it more every time we go out. Bikes on the back (with Panniers) is sufficient for ALL our shopping needs and combines exercise with relaxation.

We will park 5/6 miles outside a large town or City and cycle in. No issues apart from the rain but it is Great Britain.

Never had a Caravan but couldn't be doing with all the tethering stuff as we like to do a day or two per location on maybe a 5/6 night away day venture.

Whatever you do just relax and enjoy.


Personbeanpark
20/3/2017 at 4:13pm
 Location:  Surrey
 Outfit: Peugeot Boxer Utah + Lunar Ariva View beanpark's Profile View Profile   Reply to beanpark Reply   Quote beanpark Quote  
Joined: 23/1/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1839
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Adehslev.

Never think your asking stupid questions not everyone knows it all and others looking in to just read could have their own queries, fears etc answered. That is what it's all about, ask...get answered..learn...teach

Great. Happy roving and be sensible and safe.

Chrissie

-------------
Chrissie

Be Strong-Think positive.


Personmotorhomeguy
20/3/2017 at 6:05pm
 Location: Solihull
 Outfit: Bavaria I740g View motorhomeguy's Profile View Profile   Reply to motorhomeguy Reply   Quote motorhomeguy Quote  
Joined: 27/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   625
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi

Our motorhome is 7mtrs and we can take it to most places. You just have to be prepared to park at the edge of a carpark and either reverse so the rear overhang is over grass or similar and you only take up one space or be prepared to pay for two spaces. You do have to think ahead and plan your exit in advance as car drivers will park very close to you not realising that the rear over hang will swing out wider than the path of the wheels.
As others have said bikes are useful and we converted an old child trailer to a shopping / beach trailer.
Google earth is also useful to check if planned car parks have a height barrier.
Motorhoming is a different mindset to caravanning. We holiday differently with a motorhome and rarely stay anywhere for more than few nights . set up and break down time is just a few minutes so there is much more Freedom.
Once you have motorhomed in France- you will realise you have made an excellent decision changing to a motorhome and forget all these doubts.

Guy.


-------------
It's only an expensive hobby when it's parked on your Drive....use it, love it , live it.


PersonWhatamess
21/3/2017 at 7:11am
 Location: North Wales
 Outfit: Bessacarr E540 View Whatamess's Profile View Profile   Reply to Whatamess Reply   Quote Whatamess Quote  
Joined: 31/7/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4554
Site Reviews Total: 33
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 2
Site Nights 2020: 2
Site Nights 2019: 6
Site Nights 2018: 0
We've both been caravanners and I was a motorhomer. We now have a 7 metre motorhome.

In the U.K. We try to find sites on bus routes or walking distance to towns. Most car parks apart from supermarkets and retail parks and the like have height barriers. We've just spent three months in France, Spain and Portugal and haven't seen a height barrier. We hired cars at great expense because we had a fixed awning so taking the motorhome out wasn't an option.

We love the motorhome, very little setting up etc. to do, easy to overnight, but a caravan is more practical if you stay on sites for any length of time. Cheaper too, no MoT, cheaper insurance, no second road tax. I'd happily change back to a caravan but my husband says he's had enough of towing.

Nora


Advertisement



Personclf86ha
22/3/2017 at 6:43pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: None Entered View clf86ha's Profile View Profile   Reply to clf86ha Reply   Quote clf86ha Quote  
Joined: 08/9/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   374
Site Reviews Total: 16
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Was a carvanner and now have a 6.3m motorhome. As others have said, just look for parking bays to overhang grass etc. or use park and rides. Once you start using it, you'll become familiar to looking out for parking options.
I have electric bikes and a dog trailer for the bikes too for my two dogs. but we also walk or use buses too.
There are a few Aires in the UK/Scotland, hopefully more will come.
Holidaying abroad though is excellent in a motorhome, as the continent is geared up for motorhomes and offer parking with easy access to tourist areas.


PersonShrimpdragon
23/3/2017 at 8:22am
 Location: Anywhere & Everywher
 Outfit: Hymer 584 View Shrimpdragon's Profile View Profile   Reply to Shrimpdragon Reply   Quote Shrimpdragon Quote  
Joined: 04/4/2012

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   110
Site Reviews Total: 8
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 38
Site Nights 2020: 31
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have a 6 mtr Hymer and we 'A frame' a car.
We have a dog and like to travel, but what probably makes the difference is-we live in our van so a car is very useful to us, not only is it transport it is also a trailer carrying all the bits & bobs whilst on the move!


PersonDavid Klyne
23/3/2017 at 9:21pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome View David Klyne's Profile View Profile   Reply to David Klyne Reply   Quote David Klyne Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2004

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9601
Site Reviews Total: 257
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 15 
Site Reviews 2021: 7  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 16 
Site Reviews 2018: 15 
Site Nights 2024: 3
Site Nights 2023: 22
Site Nights 2022: 62
Site Nights 2021: 33
Site Nights 2020: 4
Site Nights 2019: 56
Site Nights 2018: 15
We have a 7.5 metre long motorhome and once on site we it stays there. We always look for sites that are near towns and villages or are on bus or train routes. We make use of our Bus Pass which is useful in England and saves a lot of money. There are a surprising number of campsites near to transport or walking distance. Obviously UKCampsites is a good resource that coupled with Google Earth can give you a pretty accurate indication of what is around the site. Even bus stops can be clicked on to show the bus numbers and a google will bring up the timetables.

David



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

9947 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder