Motorhome Misconceptions

Motorhome Misconceptions

We’ve had our motorhome for nine months which is long enough to address some of the misconceptions of the caravan versus motorhome debate. As a former owner of a folding camper for many years, then a caravan, here are some of my previous thoughts and, in some cases, my modified responses:

·      Motorhomes are expensive to buy and run – Surely this is a bit of a ‘no-brainer’ with the obvious fact that it’s difficult to find a new motorhome or campervan for much under £40,000. They then need taxing, insuring, servicing, MOTing, in fact all of the cost associated with running an extra vehicle. Caravans can be purchased for about a third of the cost and although they need insuring, and servicing is recommended, they are definitely cheaper to run. Sorted.

o   But not quite. As motorhomes do relatively few miles and are often lovingly maintained, there are some really good second-hand buys out there. And owning a caravan doesn’t just involve purchasing the leisure vehicle, there’s the towing car to consider. Many caravan owners have to buy vehicles that are way in excess of their daily requirements in order to service their recreational needs, paying more tax, fuel costs, insurance and maintenance on a day-to-day basis than they would otherwise pay.

·      Once you’ve set up on site, motorhomers are reluctant to leave their pitch due to having to disconnect and pack up each time, plus motorhomes are unwieldy vehicles for narrow lanes and small car parks.

o   True, to a point! Our motorhome is 5.75 metres long so does fit, just about, into a regular car park space, and packing up takes all of ten minutes. Also, when we’re out and about, we have everything with us. Picnic? No problem! Need the loo? Sorted! Just want to sit for half an hour and put your feet up? Easy! We do go off-site in it less than we did when he had a tow car at our disposal but it encourages an alternative holiday lifestyle: walking, cycling, and using public transport. Driving a car is what you do everyday, to work, to the shops and to rush off here there and everywhere. On holiday things are different.

·      Motorhomes are easier to set up than caravans and much easier than folding campers and tents.

o   Very true! When we first arrived on site with our motorhome, we filled up with water on the way to our pitch, drove on, checked it was level, connected the electricity supply, removed the kettle from the cupboard then sat and looked at each other! On one occasion, we arrived in heavy rain so we didn’t even get out, we just moved from the cab onto the sofas, ran things off the battery and put our feet up until it stopped. Touring, with short stops at different places, is a much more viable option in a motorhome than a caravan.

·      Motorhomes are easier to drive than towing.

o   Now I’ve never actually towed a caravan, I left that to my husband, but I guess that alone says something, as I have driven the motorhome. Once you’ve adjusted to its size it really isn’t difficult and as an everyday Mini driver, it’s nice to have a bit more road presence. It’s less affected by high winds than a caravan and is legally allowed to go a bit faster.

·      Motorhomes are heavy so you are less likely to pitch on grass or go wild camping.

o   For us, that just isn’t true. You have to be aware of the weight, but then the likelihood of getting stuck is a consideration for caravans too. As we have onboard water, waste and gas tanks, we are more likely to go off-piste in our motorhome than in our caravan and as our folding camper had a loo but no shower, we never went anywhere that didn’t have a shower block. We also find our motorhome a better year-round vehicle. It’s solid in bad weather and well-insulated in the cold.

In fairness, we’ve enjoyed holidaying in all three of our leisure outfits. When we had the folding camper we were young with small children and we had more energy and sense of adventure. The folding camper fitted in our garage, was easy to tow, and gave generous living space for a small footprint. The caravan was less successful as, by the point we bought it, we really wanted something easier to tow and set up. The motorhome is suiting us just fine and it has overturned many of our preconceptions. I guess, like many things in life, it’s not until you try it that you truly know.

The dog likes it too

Our caravanning days...

Easier motorhoming