We're half thinking of selling our caravan and towcar and investing in a motorhome. The question is, do they suffer the same damp problems as caravans? I've been caught out once with a damp caravan and don't want a repetition.
Whats behind the notion to want to switch, out of interest? As inferred, a coachbuilt is essentially a caravan on the back of a truck - so share the same 'damp' possibilities.
Thanks for the replies, I would have thought that coach built types wouldn't be as bad for damp as a standard caravan due to being built on a van chassis and so having less body flex and less chance of joints opening up and leaking. If we do go ahead it's out with the damp meter then.
Mick S, we may well not switch, I was looking into the advantages and disadvantages of caravans and motorhomes. If I'm honest I don't like towing the caravan, it's not that I'm useless at towing but rather I find the experience of towing to somewhere I'm not familiar with extremely stressful. My O.H. can't read a map to save her life so before we go anywhere I've got to plan a route like a military operation. I've got to check the route on a map and on the sat-nav to make sure it's not going to take me down any roads which unsuitable. Basically I've got to memorise the route, if I make any mistakes my O.H. isn't able to point this out and, towing a caravan, it's difficult to turn round. With a motorhome turning round should be easier and she could do some of the driving.
Unless you get a very small motorhome you will have the same problems re finding a route. Turning a big motorhome round in a narrow lane is not to be recommended!
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Depends what you call 'very small'? A 20 footer will easily do a couple on their own, and can still be spun round in all but the narrowest of lanes. Though id have to ask what you were doing down somewhere that was touching the wing-mirrors to start with.
Taxator. I understand what you mean about towing. I regularly tow a 12 foot trailer for work. It isnt usually a problem, and i can 'turn it on a tanner' if need be. But, its not as wide or high as a caravan, so narrow lanes and bridges arent an issue.
Also, my mrs shares the same map skills as yours, so i am basically 'on my own' when it comes to navigating anywhere. But once on site, the caravanners have te advantage of transport for the area, whereas we have to either cycle, walk or use PT. (its usually the middle option!)
It's as much the width and height as the length that can give problems in narrow lanes etc.
By very small I was thinking Romahome, or a short or medium wheel base van conversion.
Used to have a 20 foot coachbuilt motorhome and the turning circle was horrendous, plus it didn't have power steering.
But it's best not to get into a situation where you need to turn, whether with a caravan or a motorhome - so watch out for signs saying "Unsuitable for large vehicles" or this sort of thing;
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Quote: Originally posted by Taxater on 29/1/2012Mick S, we may well not switch, I was looking into the advantages and disadvantages of caravans and motorhomes. If I'm honest I don't like towing the caravan, it's not that I'm useless at towing but rather I find the experience of towing to somewhere I'm not familiar with extremely stressful. My O.H. can't read a map to save her life so before we go anywhere I've got to plan a route like a military operation. I've got to check the route on a map and on the sat-nav to make sure it's not going to take me down any roads which unsuitable. Basically I've got to memorise the route, if I make any mistakes my O.H. isn't able to point this out and, towing a caravan, it's difficult to turn round. With a motorhome turning round should be easier and she could do some of the driving.
And have you thought about transport when on site ? or the lack of .
There are many who think they can do without a car and learn the expensive way when changing to a Motor Home only to realize 6 months later that a car is essential to get about unless you want to pack up your motorhome to go anywhere .
We hired one for a week and found that we couldn't get into some car parks because of height restrictions which was a real drawback
A car isnt an 'essential' depending on the sites you choose. Once our MH is pitched, it stays there till we leave. We always choose sites within walking distance of a pub/shop etc. or access to PT, or has roads that are cycleable.
I will conceed its handy having a car sometimes, but its horses for courses. I couldnt be bothered packing up the van just to 'get around' though, although i know there are plenty who do.
Neil and Lena, yes we have thought about transport when on site and the lack of it is a big downside especially as my O.H. can't ride a bike..
Another big downside is the initial cost of a motorhome, our very comfortable caravan is worth about five grand and our car about the same. For that kind of money we'd be looking at some elderly motorhomes. Yes I know owners of older vehicles will come on here and tell me their's has never let them down but there's always a risk buying secondhand and that risk increases with age. So I'd need to find extra cash to buy something newer, something I'm reluctant to do when we my well not like it.
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: Damp?
The first two and youd struggle at over 7 foot wide.
