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
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Motorhome or Caravan?
Page:  1  2  3 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 1:11pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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 there - I need some honest opinions please! We have owned a Swift Suntor 4 berth MH (2008) for a couple of years. The reason we got it was because I have a chronic illness and long journeys/exploring was becoming impossible for me. The MH has made such a difference. BUT! We recently fell foul of the old "soggy floor syndrome", which I believe has affected many Swift owners. It's going to cost a good deal to repair. We are now in the difficult position of wondering whether we can actually afford to keep our MH.

It's very important to me to be able to stay mobile - I'm able-bodied, but I basically need access to somewhere to rest and, more importantly, a toilet!

Would we be mad to sell our MH and get a compact 2 berth caravan to take about with us? I know there can't be anything as convenient as an MH, but needs must and I need to look at alternatives.

What do you guys think? Is day-tripping etc possible with a compact 2 berth caravan (like Elddis Xplore 302/Eriba?Lunar VEnus 320/2)?

Thanks!


-------------
Gillian


PersonJasonr01
04/9/2013 at 1:21pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: swift ace courier View Jasonr01's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jasonr01 Reply   Quote Jasonr01 Quote  
Joined: 06/1/2012

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   97
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

personally for me it would be a caravan you it has to be what is right for you.

everyone will have their own opinions

i guess with caravan you could also add a proper size  awning which will give you more room.

I have never been in a motorhome but see them on caravan channel makes make think unless you get a big one there is not much space.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 2:22pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
Thanks - it's not going to be easy. I could do with a break financially lol! MH's are a big commitment. This might seem a dumb question, but do you ever take your caravan out for the day? My hubby is a keen photographer, so he likes to have days out to get the right photo. We have taken the MH in the past and parked in lay-bys, visitor spots etc. What do you reckon to doing the same with a compact caravan?

-------------
Gillian


Personblueexpo97
04/9/2013 at 2:50pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
Joined: 07/2/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9851
Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
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: 2
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Don't think it would be worth it just for a day.

-------------
XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


Personevenstephen
04/9/2013 at 3:15pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Wellhouse Atrai Dandy Dart Quechua B View evenstephen's Profile View Profile   Reply to evenstephen Reply   Quote evenstephen Quote  
Joined: 05/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   605
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
If you're used to doing this in your motorhome I can't see any reason why taking a compact caravan out similarly shouldn't work for you. I would have thought you could get anywhere with a car+small caravan that you can get to in a motorhome. The only issue I can think of is that some busy visitor spots that are manned might take a bit more of a dim view of a caravan turning up than a motorhome?
I say go for it - the caravan will be a lot more cost effective than getting a new motorhome (both in purchase and in running costs).
As an alternative, if you are mainly looking at day trips, how about a much smaller campervan? I wouldn't suggest you need to go quite as small as our Wellhouse Atrai (smaller footprint than most cars!) but we can use it as a dayvan - it has toilet, cooking etc and beds if you need to rest, even in a van this small.


Advertisement



Personmickeyb
04/9/2013 at 3:19pm
 Location: Kent Coast
 Outfit: Adria Action + Xtrail View mickeyb's Profile View Profile   Reply to mickeyb Reply   Quote mickeyb Quote  
Joined: 08/6/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1702
Site Reviews Total: 17
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
It would be a caravan for me every time. BUT, it would be impractical for days out as although ok in laybyes not really welcome in viewpoint car parks, picnic areas etc. That's the beauty of a van, you can leave it on your pitch and go around sightseeing in the car. However, fully understand your prob with that. Could suggest a compact 2 berth and something like a VW Transporter or similar as a tow vehicle, in which a Porta Potti could be installed.
Have a look at my compact 2 berth, pics on profile. We use it in two separate bunks configuration with the beds left made up and just take the seat back rest off at night.......Mick


PersonJack+Jon
04/9/2013 at 3:36pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Jack+Jon's Profile View Profile   Reply to Jack+Jon Reply   Quote Jack+Jon Quote  
Joined: 24/1/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1224
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
Taking a caravan, even a 2 berth out sightseeing for a day would not work because you could not park it, even a large motorhome would be easier to park. Motorhomes & caravans serve 2 different purposes really. Caravanners like to set up on site for a while & go out in the car. Motorhomers usualy spend less time on campsites even if they take bikes for local trips/shopping etc.

Trying to use a motorhome as a caravan or vice versa does not really work. If you can afford it, as pointed out your best best might be a van based camper, either lwb VW which can be had with a toilet or larger Fiat Ducato/Citroen Relay.

What about this for example?

Post last edited on 04/09/2013 15:42:05

-------------
Regards, Jack+Jon.


Personbnmuk
04/9/2013 at 3:48pm
 Location: n.yorks
 Outfit:  Audi Q5 lunar Clubm View bnmuk's Profile View Profile   Reply to bnmuk Reply   Quote bnmuk Quote  
Joined: 08/2/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   433
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
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: 0
Site Nights 2020: 3
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Your mh is 2008 model,   isnt it still covered by bodywork warranty, the floor is part of the body, or is the warranty only for the first owner,

-------------
alan


Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 3:57pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
Jack + Jon - that looks a good idea thanks! I need 4 seats though, but it's a starting point.

MickeyB - I love your Adria! I've been looking around for one of them for a few months - they appear to be like gold-dust!

Evenstephen - you hit the nail on the head there. I really need a dayvan. As long as it has a toilet, I'm happy. I had assumed that they didn't have room for a loo. So I'll take a look at Wellhouse. I suppose I could use that as my car too?




-------------
Gillian


Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 4:07pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
Alan - sadly none of the above! I've been having a bit of an argument with Swift and the dealer who sold me it. Turns out NO-ONE is interested in helping, so after months of phone calls and emails, we're just getting it fixed ourselves. It's still a great MH - it's just the cost of its repair is going to dent our finances somewhat.



-------------
Gillian


Advertisement



Personevenstephen
04/9/2013 at 5:06pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Wellhouse Atrai Dandy Dart Quechua B View evenstephen's Profile View Profile   Reply to evenstephen Reply   Quote evenstephen Quote  
Joined: 05/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   605
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
I should add that most small campervans/dayvans will only have a portapotti in a cupboard and to use it you will need to pull it out into the "living space" and then draw all the curtains (which we have found is not a problem). To get a separate toilet compartment is possible but not many smaller vans (ie VW and smaller) do this. If this is important for you I did answer a thread on this a while back and I could look out the options I found then.


Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 5:13pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
I would really appreciate it if you would look them out evenstephen. That would be a great help! Thanks!

-------------
Gillian


Personevenstephen
04/9/2013 at 5:46pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Wellhouse Atrai Dandy Dart Quechua B View evenstephen's Profile View Profile   Reply to evenstephen Reply   Quote evenstephen Quote  
Joined: 05/5/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   605
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
Quote: Originally posted by weegmack on 04/9/2013
I would really appreciate it if you would look them out evenstephen. That would be a great help! Thanks!


This was the thread. Hope there is something of use to you in it.


Personweegmack
04/9/2013 at 6:21pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
Very helpful - thanks so much.

-------------
Gillian


PersonJohnnie Boy
05/9/2013 at 5:44am
 Location: Cleveland
 Outfit: Swift select 164 View Johnnie Boy's Profile View Profile   Reply to Johnnie Boy Reply   Quote Johnnie Boy Quote  
Joined: 07/4/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   760
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
Have a look on the sbmcc website for ideas, you can get all you need in a small van for daily use, buy a small caravan for your longer stays and you end up with the best of both worlds.

I converted my own and found it to be too small for comfortable overnighting, bought an elddis 302, doddle to tow and a lot more user friendly than a big motor home.

Unfortunately I've had to convert the van back to a work horse.


Personweegmack
05/9/2013 at 9:39am
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Trigano Tribute 669 View weegmack's Profile View Profile   Reply to weegmack Reply   Quote weegmack Quote  
Joined: 24/3/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   291
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
Johnnie - we were looking at the Xplore 302 - it looks really dinky. I might have a job getting one though as they seem to have been snapped up last year. I see Elddis are not doing another run of them.

Shame about your van!! I will check out the website you recommend. Many thanks..

-------------
Gillian



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

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2  3

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

7493 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