We are finally in apposition to purchase a motorhome. We have both fallen for the Swift Kontiki 650 (2005 ish) with the rear bathroom.
Our only concern is that at 22ft long this could limit our enjoyment by making us site bound. do other users of this size vehicles have any suggestions or experiences of getting into and parking in towns or other attractions. also does the size put people off using the vehicle ae regularly as they may otherwise do. we hope to use it for many weekends away during the year if possible.
Please bear with us as we are likely to have many stupid questions as we search and decide. actually any advice for newbies would be appreciated, no matter how obvious it may appear to yourselves.
Use public transport as we do and get yourself a couple of electric bike's for local short trips to the shops .
Also pick your sites close to Public transport , train stations , or cycle and walk
Agree with Neil & Lena re choosing sites near public transport; whether a large van or a car I prefer not to drive once 'there' anyway - possibly something to do with the need to relax ... glass of red wine perhaps?! We often get free bus journeys also I enjoy walking/jogging any distance - usually trying to keep up with my wife on her mobility scooter!
The main problem you will have to contend with is parking on say supermarket car parks.( ... We rarely see vans longer than ours on car parks in the UK.)
Our van is 19'7" long and we sometimes struggle to stay within the 'white lines', but can often find a space where we can overhang the rear over the kerb in an outside space. Our rear view camera angled down to see the rear corners of van is very useful.
However on some car parks you may be able to use two spaces - as some commercial vehicles often do. Read signs carefully to avoid being caught by the nice uniformed gentlemen!
Post last edited on 27/07/2014 13:34:03
------------- The older I get the better I used to be.
Choosing sites near to public transport is a good idea. Equally choose sites near to local attractions where you can either walk or cycle.
Never had a problem with parking at large supermarkets in the UK, just need to make sure you park at the back of the car park somewhere. You know how everyone wants to park outside the main doors anyway.
Lastly, you could always get friendly with someone parked nearby with a caravan. They will have a car ......
Friends of mine have a Kontiki with fixed double and it's huge. He drives it everywhere and just seems to find places to park. I think its a confidence thing. It would make me nervous but he just does it.
He recently took it to a junior football tournament and they found him somewhere to park it!
Quote: Originally posted by neil and lena on 27/7/2014
Use public transport as we do and get yourself a couple of electric bike's for local short trips to the shops . Also pick your sites close to Public transport , train stations , or cycle and walk
Spot on Neil & Lena, no need to move anywhere then until you have to!!! Welcome to our motorhome lives!
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Topic: New buy - advice and help please?
Welcome to our motorhome lives!
