I have to hold my hand up and say I have a business hiring VW California campervans.
In my opinion hiring a motor home or a campervan isn't ever going to be a cheap option. The vehicles on offer are usually top of the range or quirky conversions. Whoever is hiring them out have often invested a lot of money and time in their business and have a limited season to make a living from them.
To avoid situations described by Greg M, I would advise doing some research into the company you are considering hiring from. I would personally avoid people who are advertising their own personal MH on any of the many directory websites. Check if they belong to a trade association, members of the BVLA (British Vehicle & Leasing Association) sign up to a strict code of conduct and there is a clear route to complain should you be given a dodgy vehicle.
I too have had a customer put diesel into the water system, it is an £800 mistake to rectify as the whole unit is contaminated and has to be replaced. You cant always afford to claim on the insurance as it can increase premiums and eventually make your business unprofitable.
When it comes to damage deposits £2000 is very steep, most VW camper companies charge £750 to £1000. Any reputable company would have a credit card system in place and hold the deposit by pre authorisation (delayed payment) so nothing is taken unless the MH camper is returned damaged. This wold be the same case if you hired a cottage too. in tow years of hiring I have had to take the full £750 deposit twice. Once for putting diesel in the water system and the other for reversing the van into a dry stone wall. I have also had a couple of minor scrapes to the body work which were worked out amicably. The vast majority of our customers have had a great experience in a £50k campervan and come back raving about it.
You would only expect to pay up to £1000 per week at the hight of the summer. Having looked around I would say you would struggle to find a cabin, yurt or other glamping experience, never mind decent holiday cottage for less.
We have hired them in Australia (twice) and Canada once. The Australian hire was about £115 a day with fully comp insurance, it was fully equiped and very comfortable.
The first year it was a VW Crafter van conversion (2 berth), the second a brand new Mercedes Sprinter conversion.(3 berth). Ideal as only 2 of us.
They were both diesel automatics . Good fuel economy -and fuel is cheap!
We used Maui but there are lots of hire companies. We were given a thorough walk through and demonstration both times.
The Canadian was a 25' Ford based beast with a 6 litre petrol engine! Not very economical! Good job gas was cheaper!
We have seen quite a few hire vans here -IMHO a good way to see if you like it! Motorhomes are not cheap so hiring first might prevent an expensive mistake!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by Acornis on 30/1/2017
Thanks all.
Definitely looking to hire something early or late season.
Cant see me buying one, I would sooner stick with the caravan.
Cheers
Hi Acornis,
To be honest, if you have a nice caravan, can't see the point of hiring the motorhome.Unless it was overseas.
The money you spend could pay for some good campsites with the caravan.
Either way, happy camping for 2017.
Regards,
Greg
Hi Greg
Just fancy trying something different, maybe satisfy OHs curiosity. A chance to tour around a bit more maybe. Overseas for us usually starts at Stansted or Gatwick and involves a hotel, more and more these days I prefer the van and blighty.
Must be an age thing.
------------- Just saying
If all is not lost where is it then?
"You would only expect to pay up to £1000 per week at the hight of the summer. Having looked around I would say you would struggle to find a cabin, yurt or other glamping experience, never mind decent holiday cottage for less. "
We have never paid more than £500 for a cottage/glamping, camping pod etc for a week for three of us in July/August.
£1,000 is top end at the 'honeypot' rip off tourist destinations which we avoid.
£1,000 plus fuel, fees etc puts a motorhome outside of what we are willing to pay.
Quote: Originally posted by Acornis on 31/1/2017
Hi Greg
Just fancy trying something different, maybe satisfy OHs curiosity. A chance to tour around a bit more maybe. Overseas for us usually starts at Stansted or Gatwick and involves a hotel, more and more these days I prefer the van and blighty.
Must be an age thing.
Hi Acornis,
Well good luck and if you hire one I would be very interested to hear your views on how you got on.
I did swap briefly to the darkside and had a caravan but
went back to the vans.
I must say I was amazed how many hire vans were about in Scotland in October.
Hope you enjoy it.
Regards,
Greg
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Topic: Hiring a motorhome.
