After 25 years of tenting, and 15 years of caravanning it is now time to move on.
We have really enjoyed it, but my partner struggles in helping, and does not enjoy it as much, so time to move on to touring, and stopping in a static, doing BnB, or hotels.
Our Challenger Sport 442 is up for sale on here.
I will still enjoy reading the posts on here and offering advice where I can.
It's shame, however, good to hear you are continuing with your camping/enjoying the great outdoors in different formats.
Good luck!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Shame when it comes time to move on from touring, but I think many of us have that to face, and for some of us that may not be too far off either!
It's a great life and sounds like you have plenty of good memories. Perhaps the time is right when future touring becomes too challenging and becomes tiresome and degrades memories of past good times. Go out on a high as they say!
Caravanning is no where near as cheap as it superficially appears, the saying "caravanning is an expensive way of taking a cheap holiday" are very true words when all the investment and ongoing running costs are taking into account with a newish van, so hopefully that leaves scope for continued travels using alternative accommodation.
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.
For what it's worth (and this may not be of interest to you) you can get ridiculously cheap mobile homes in France out of season, eg June or September from 200 per week.
You can also fly to the likes of Interlaken or Lake Garda that have great bus, rail and lake ferry networks, and use their public transport to get around for a more relaxing holiday.
I appreciate how you feel. I realise that I may not be able to drive many more years, so must make the most of the next year or two.
We were hoping to get away early this year, but for various reasons that has not been possible. We do have a trip to London planned for a show, but have booked an overnight stop at an hotel to save a panic crossing London late night to catch the last train home.
We made the same decision in May last year. Had Margaret not been suffering so much with her hip we probably would have carried on for a year or two. Hopefully her operation will be soon and when she has recovered we can start thinking about what we do but it won't be as easy as going away in the motorhome.
Friend and neighbour of ours gave up at 79, but then regretted doing it. 12 months later bought another tow car and caravan and did another 3 years. We are in our 80’s and intend to carry in as long as my faculties are working and eyesight fine to drive, Have carried 2 Mobility scooters in back of car for last 6 years. We are away now and every month until end of November, cramming all in as much as possible as never know if it could be our last.
Many thanks to everyone for your kind words and advice.
Arthritis has been the curtailing factor in our decision David K.
We have even considered something similar to Euro camp, as we both like being outdoors in the warmth. Just need to take chairs, sun shade, cool box etc.
Oh, here we go again making lists.
Jim,
have you thought about storing a caravan abroad? Many campsites provide storage and will put the caravan onto a pitch for you, removing it when you leave.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 13/3/2025
Jim,
have you thought about storing a caravan abroad? Many campsites provide storage and will put the caravan onto a pitch for you, removing it when you leave.
We currently store in France but still tour at the moment.
However, we are considering the "store and camp' solution for when we are no longer up to touring, so that we can still get our extended France fix and enjoy campsite life but with less hassle.
Some of these sites (often British owned) have second hand UK vans up for sale and are visited by an excellent mobile service engineer, or you can take your existing van over there.
Have a look at the Caravan Help Abroad website if this is something you might be interested in.
Quote: Originally posted by JoannaLesley on 13/3/2025
Jim,
have you thought about storing a caravan abroad? Many campsites provide storage and will put the caravan onto a pitch for you, removing it when you leave.
Thanks for the ideas Joanna, and bofs, but, on balance, we have decided to end our mobile caravanning, but still enjoy touring.
Our tow car is 19 years old, and, although still reliable, it would need replacing at some point, but we only need that size of car for a small % of the time. The money we will save, buying a smaller car, maintenance costs storage fees, and insurance will be put to car touring.
Just got to sell all the paraphernalia we have collected over the years.
Good wishes to those retiring or considering it. But when I read the title, I thought it was the prediction of the slow run in to the demise of the touring caravan.
I see more and more campervans (or whatever you chose to call them) on sites and usually outnumbering the good old tin tents.
We bought a new one last year so hope to have a few more miles in the caravaning tank. The problem for manufacturers is that fewer and fewer cars are capable of towing a caravan. I have a Honda CRV (1.6 diesel) which is a good tug, but the main dealer salesman told me that the maximum capacity of any new CRV is 750kg!
Our caravan is relatively light but those with large outfits may find it more and more difficult to find a suitable tow car.
We have a 23 Hyundai,Tucson self charging hybrid which can tow 1650kg. Our Bailey is around 1400kg max so,fine.
The latest version of the car has a lower limit (and horsepower!)
We were looking at other cars several makers still do diesels or powerful petrol. Eg Kia , Mazda, VW group LR.
EVs can't tow much unless you pay out for the bigger expensive ones.
As we arecin our 70s we hope to caravan for a bit longer,health allowing!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
We are keeping our old 2l mondeo estate on the road basically just for towing the caravan. It is excellent for that purpose, but at 10 years old it is starting to cost on maintenance. Last year needed to replace the ecm as water had crept along the wire from the windscreen wash pump. (Warning to all mondeo mk4 owners here as it is a common problem) This year new cam chain/water pump. Still less than buying a replacement car with all the problems that could involve. Also have to bear in mind I may not be driving many more years.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: End of mobile caravanning.
via mobile 12/3/2025 at 1:07pm
