888dee, you can only say it as you find it. Lots of people find it different and I don't mind towing, whether caravan or horse trailer. last year we towed down to the med in France and still found it enjoyable. Some of the hills there are make hills in this country look small beer, but a well set up outfit should have no problems. If a MH overturns it can end up in as many bits as a caravan - just like this 28 foot one. At least in a car kids have protection of a steel shell.
Each to his own, but millions do have pleasant times towing.
We have a motorhome and have never had a caravan but we have discussed the pros and cons ourselves when we decided to opt for MH instead of van, because of convenience and not having to tow or own a 'large' car to tow.
We are a family of 4 but have a 6 berth for that extra bit of room and are just about to purchase a freestanding awning to give us extra 'living' space. The only down side we have found is the lack of transport at destination so we opt for campsites that have s/pool, playground, walkable to beach etc. You could hire bikes or even a car at the destination for example.
We are going to Devon in August and have decided to take my car as well so that we have some transport. Hubby will drive van I will drive car, so extra cost of fuel but we have factored that into holiday cost if that makes sense.
So much more convenient and because space is restricted we both ensure things are tidied away as used any way, so there is no 'packing up' really if you want to go off the day as it is already done. We also like being able to stop on route and have all the amenities available.
How about making a list of pros down one side, cons down other and see if one out weighs the other or could you hire a van for a short break to see how you feel?
We love our MH and can't see ourselves ever owning a van, we would get another MH if and when we ever change.
I think Big Brian has summed it up well, the secret is research and planning. I would hate to think you got it wrong and the experience put you off motorhoming forever.
As has already been noted, you choose the combination that suits your needs.
Sadly here in the Untied Kingdom the local councils are MH unfriendly, the car parks often have goal posts that prevent MH entering, and as in Newquay you find yourself directed to the truck park miles from the town centre. When you can actually get into the car park the parking bays are too small, compare this with driving on the continent, where free overnight parking, often with all the facilities you might need, is available in most towns.
If you're like me and can't sit still for a moment, you'll want to be on the move all the time, so the free overnight parking is just the job, it allows you to visit a town, have a meal and a drink before walking back to your MH, compare this to the UK where you're treated like a social pariah, and every obstacle prevents you spending your money in their town.
I find it is possible, with a few adjustments to my modus operandi, to manage in the UK, but my best experience has been over the Channel. I stayed in Barcelona, admittedly in a truck park, but with electricity, washroom, and all the facilities you'd need, and who needs a pretty campsite when you have the delights of Gaudi architecture to keep you amused.
I toured the Atlantic coast of France to see the D-day landing sites, the facilities for MH's was excellent, all the facilities were sign posted, with water top up, and disposal (Black and gey.) and sometimes electricity on slot meter to top up batteries if required. Add this to the convenience of being in the town centre and you don't need to pack up or have a car on tow.
When I stopped over on a camp site for several days I had no need to pack up to drive to town, everything I needed was right there. I used naturist camp sites and they have all I wanted.
Just adjust your lifestyle to the facilities available, either tour and overnight in a different place, or stay a while at a camp site that has everything you could need for a prolonged stay, just be ready for the culture shock when you return to blighty.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: motorhomes - advantages & reality ?????
