whitevanwoman
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ha ha, peas in a pod... I can fry a pizza and burn jacket spuds :cheers:
ha ha, peas in a pod... I can fry a pizza and burn jacket spuds :cheers:
Firefox
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I think it was either Mrs Basildog or ourglenard who cooked us baked potatos in an open fire at stonehenge. They were very black outside but delicious within. The baked pototo is very versatile 
There have been some good replies to this thread. I'm convinced if you budget and use it, that the motorhome can work for you. Especially if you spend 2 to 10K and are prepared to put up with some rough edges. You can work round those edges if you are of that persuasion.
If you want to spend more on a newer vehicle, you can still make it work if you use it a lot and look after it for resale. Also, if you look at it from the point of "only vehicle", it can work very well. This is difficult for larger families, but for 1 or 2 (+dogs!) it could be ideal.
There have been some good replies to this thread. I'm convinced if you budget and use it, that the motorhome can work for you. Especially if you spend 2 to 10K and are prepared to put up with some rough edges. You can work round those edges if you are of that persuasion.
If you want to spend more on a newer vehicle, you can still make it work if you use it a lot and look after it for resale. Also, if you look at it from the point of "only vehicle", it can work very well. This is difficult for larger families, but for 1 or 2 (+dogs!) it could be ideal.
oldish hippy
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my little van does me isurvive the worse of winter drive it every day as my only vechile it get there slowly ok it not brillant but it does its job and can be hidden in a bus shelter lol
Northerner
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I can never really see the point of discussions such as this. You may as well complain because the cost of your business-class holiday in Barbados has gone up in price quite a lot. Either you can afford to go to Barbados or you can't, and if you can't, you don't!
It's just the same with motorhomes. From the fabulous RVs that you see wintering in Spain or Portugal it's quite clear that there are plenty of people with plenty of money. If motorhoming becomes expensive and it's a struggle to run your 'van then it's time to sell. I started off camping when I was young and skint. Then I bought a caravan for a while and then, for many years, flew off to places like Japan, the Pacific and yes, even Barbados! My wife then had a health problem that precluded long-haul flights and asked if we could caravan again. In the end we bought our first motorhome a few years ago and liked it so much that three years later we bought a better one. But If I ever had to worry about the cost of running it I'd sell it in a flash and buy a caravan. And then, if I couldn't afford to run a caravan, I'd buy a tent!
So it's really quite simple. No one has a right to a motorhome, just as no one has a right to a private plane. If you can afford it, you buy one and if you can't you don't!
Finally, if people want to put their 'vans away during winter, why shouldn't they? People's lifestyles vary. I can now manage a month in January/February but my business and social commitments in winter simply don't allow me to go away very much in winter. I will use it for a total of four months a year, the majority of which will be from April to October and it then has to be laid up until January. But I didn't buy it as a financial investment and I'm not really bothered if some people see it as money tied up doing nothing, and I couldn't care less that a large sum is invested in a 'van that may only be used for a third of the year because if I couldn't afford it, I obviously wouldn't do it! But I can, so I do!
It's just the same with motorhomes. From the fabulous RVs that you see wintering in Spain or Portugal it's quite clear that there are plenty of people with plenty of money. If motorhoming becomes expensive and it's a struggle to run your 'van then it's time to sell. I started off camping when I was young and skint. Then I bought a caravan for a while and then, for many years, flew off to places like Japan, the Pacific and yes, even Barbados! My wife then had a health problem that precluded long-haul flights and asked if we could caravan again. In the end we bought our first motorhome a few years ago and liked it so much that three years later we bought a better one. But If I ever had to worry about the cost of running it I'd sell it in a flash and buy a caravan. And then, if I couldn't afford to run a caravan, I'd buy a tent!
So it's really quite simple. No one has a right to a motorhome, just as no one has a right to a private plane. If you can afford it, you buy one and if you can't you don't!
Finally, if people want to put their 'vans away during winter, why shouldn't they? People's lifestyles vary. I can now manage a month in January/February but my business and social commitments in winter simply don't allow me to go away very much in winter. I will use it for a total of four months a year, the majority of which will be from April to October and it then has to be laid up until January. But I didn't buy it as a financial investment and I'm not really bothered if some people see it as money tied up doing nothing, and I couldn't care less that a large sum is invested in a 'van that may only be used for a third of the year because if I couldn't afford it, I obviously wouldn't do it! But I can, so I do!
whitevanwoman
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Surely the whole point of such a discussion, is to have a discussion. Some posters may not have anyone else in the know with whom they can discuss such subjects. Or perhaps they are new to MHs and are wondering how other people manage. We all have different circumstances and different MHs and different experiences, and perhaps the OP was hoping to get some tips and advice on how to manage the costs, so that instead of looking to sell, they could reduce overheads or find cheaper ways of doing things. My experiences as someone in a 10 year old unconverted Tranny are very different to someone in a newish MH and obviously the overheads and costs reflect that.
I don't see it as a right to be able to go off and camp in my Tranny - I took a considerable risk blowing my meagre savings on it, but I did so after considerable reflection and research, and in the full knowledge that I would struggle financially to cover the cost of conversion and repairs. But it was a calculated risk and so far, the risk has paid off but that doesn't mean to say that it always will and naturally if I find that I can't afford to keep 2 vehicles, then I will have to consider getting rid of the Tranny as it's my "luxury" vehicle. But for me at present, that luxury is worth sacrificing other things for.
Certainly fuel costs are impacting on us all - in my case, I've decided to limit my trips away to reasonably local locations as there are plenty of POIs locally that I could afford to visit. A more distant location is a treat which I am saving up for - pennies in the jar. Hopefully that will not always be the case for me, but if my circumstances remain as they are at present, at least I will have my luxury of being able to get away somewhere quiet and beautiful for a short break every now and again, without major cost involved. For others, putting their MH away over winter and saving on tax and insurance (although don't vehicles now have to be insured even if they are SORN?) may be what enables them to be able to afford to keep their MH. For others it may be important to recoup their investment in the long term by maintaining the vehicle well or improving it, so that whilst they may not make a huge financial gain, they have had the benefit of enjoying a MH whilst still being able to look forward to getting back their financial nest egg in the future when they decide the time is right to sell.
I wouldn't look at someone else's MH and think that it's money tied up doing nothing, I would perhaps envy them a little but would be more likely to wonder where they'd been with it and where they were going with it. I don't suppose people look at my Tranny and think "What a stupid woman, investing her savings in that heap of rust", I'm sure most people have plenty of things in their own life to occupy their thoughts. But like Northerner, I don't really care what other people think because I know what its value is to me, and I can't put a price on that.
I hope that this discussion has given the OP some ideas of what other people do to be able to afford to keep their MH, and how much non-financial value people put on the freedom and pleasure it gives them, rather than focusing purely on the financial aspect.
I don't see it as a right to be able to go off and camp in my Tranny - I took a considerable risk blowing my meagre savings on it, but I did so after considerable reflection and research, and in the full knowledge that I would struggle financially to cover the cost of conversion and repairs. But it was a calculated risk and so far, the risk has paid off but that doesn't mean to say that it always will and naturally if I find that I can't afford to keep 2 vehicles, then I will have to consider getting rid of the Tranny as it's my "luxury" vehicle. But for me at present, that luxury is worth sacrificing other things for.
Certainly fuel costs are impacting on us all - in my case, I've decided to limit my trips away to reasonably local locations as there are plenty of POIs locally that I could afford to visit. A more distant location is a treat which I am saving up for - pennies in the jar. Hopefully that will not always be the case for me, but if my circumstances remain as they are at present, at least I will have my luxury of being able to get away somewhere quiet and beautiful for a short break every now and again, without major cost involved. For others, putting their MH away over winter and saving on tax and insurance (although don't vehicles now have to be insured even if they are SORN?) may be what enables them to be able to afford to keep their MH. For others it may be important to recoup their investment in the long term by maintaining the vehicle well or improving it, so that whilst they may not make a huge financial gain, they have had the benefit of enjoying a MH whilst still being able to look forward to getting back their financial nest egg in the future when they decide the time is right to sell.
I wouldn't look at someone else's MH and think that it's money tied up doing nothing, I would perhaps envy them a little but would be more likely to wonder where they'd been with it and where they were going with it. I don't suppose people look at my Tranny and think "What a stupid woman, investing her savings in that heap of rust", I'm sure most people have plenty of things in their own life to occupy their thoughts. But like Northerner, I don't really care what other people think because I know what its value is to me, and I can't put a price on that.
I hope that this discussion has given the OP some ideas of what other people do to be able to afford to keep their MH, and how much non-financial value people put on the freedom and pleasure it gives them, rather than focusing purely on the financial aspect.
Northerner
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Aw, diddums! I'll admit to a certain arrogance occasionally but petulant? Anyway, you may be confusing me with someone who gives a damn about what you think. Bugger, have I just been arrogant again? :lol-053:
maingate
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Some members seem to think that if you are not doing it on the cheap and you are maybe using campsites, or you maybe have a better motorhome than they have, then you are not a true wilder and you are doing it wrong:sad: They are wrong!
One size does NOT fit all and you must do what is comfortable, both socially and financially for YOU
And as long as you are happy with that then I can see no problem.
On our travels, we have met some very nice people, some with really rough M/Hs, not worth much financially and we have met some with very expensive vans and both have been equally nice people to socialize with. We have also met some arse holes:sad:
Wild , camp, spend £1 or £100000. Enjoy your hobby!
edit. It is not the vans, it is the people!
Is that why you have not mentioned that you have just bought a brand new hymer A class ***** ? :lol-049:
:lol-049:
n brown
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just looking at the thread about first job after school and think it worth mentioning that we should appreciate the fact that we are possibly in the heyday of motoring,where nearly everyone has a car and even comparitively poor people can afford a van as well.couldn't have dreamed of this when i left school,a secondhand car was way outside most aspirations. as for driving and flying all over the world,that's only for the seriously wealthy! enjoy your vans,posh or scrapper,i think these times will be looked back on with disbelief that the average person could be so affluent as to afford vehicles and fuel,and had the leisure time to enjoy them.
Firefox
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Well hopefully we can get over the fuel issues with electric power, hydrogen, or biofuel, and even the less well off can enjoy their mobile homes for some centuries to come!
But your point is a good one, we have had comparatively affordable travel for a while. It is something we take too much for granted.
But your point is a good one, we have had comparatively affordable travel for a while. It is something we take too much for granted.
jamesmarshall
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Petulant? I found nothing childish in Northener's post.
Arrogant? I didn't read anything self important or unpleasantly proud in it either. I did read a couple of strong, reasoned points with which I agree. But hey.. I am petulant
Robmac
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Some members seem to think that if you are not doing it on the cheap and you are maybe using campsites, or you maybe have a better motorhome than they have, then you are not a true wilder and you are doing it wrong:sad: They are wrong!
One size does NOT fit all and you must do what is comfortable, both socially and financially for YOU
And as long as you are happy with that then I can see no problem.
On our travels, we have met some very nice people, some with really rough M/Hs, not worth much financially and we have met some with very expensive vans and both have been equally nice people to socialize with. We have also met some arse holes:sad:
Wild , camp, spend £1 or £100000. Enjoy your hobby!
edit. It is not the vans, it is the people!
About 20 years ago I trailered a 16 ft boat up to Windermere where the missus and I spent a week generally pottering about. On our first night we moored at a marina next to a huge flybridge yacht worth about a quarter of a million quid on which the owner was sitting enjoying a glass of champagne. he nodded to us.
In the morning we sat on the quay with a camping stove and cooked breakfast and noticed the yacht owner looking over at us and again he nodded at us. An hour later I walked up to the shower block, as I arrived the yacht owner passed me going the other way, he said "you know, I have been watching you and your wife with great envy and thinking what great fun you are having in your little boat, and me withh all this luxury around me could not possibly match it". The man in question turned out to be Roy Walker of 'Catchphrase' fame.
I offered to swap boats but he declined!
Firefox
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It's all part of the debate on MH costs though.
New MH or old, lay up or not, sole vehicle, demountable, self-build, or taking care of a valuable asset.
All of these concepts may help someone keep on their motorhome in some shape or form. Be it their existing vehicle or another one. There are obviously some people here who have got it nailed down one way or the other. But I guarantee there are 10 times as many lurkers who don't post, yet want ideas so they can make a decision for themselves.
Channa
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I think we perceive motorhomes in different ways in our own little world.
Some people "need" the £ 100,000 Concorde to appease their egos,( or they can simply afford it and fair do,s their money) Others see a motorhome simply as a tool that allows them to discover, or in the most simplistic terms a gaff for the night.
It will always be the case, and this diversity factor I believe makes the hobby more interesting if you enjoy observing peoples behaviour and motives which I do.
Neither slant I believe is wrong
Channa
Some people "need" the £ 100,000 Concorde to appease their egos,( or they can simply afford it and fair do,s their money) Others see a motorhome simply as a tool that allows them to discover, or in the most simplistic terms a gaff for the night.
It will always be the case, and this diversity factor I believe makes the hobby more interesting if you enjoy observing peoples behaviour and motives which I do.
Neither slant I believe is wrong
Channa
coventrycraig
Guest
were at a funny stage in life too. Cost of fuel is the main thing and having money to spend whilst away.
Really noticed the rise in cost of living, The wife and I both run vans for our work - but not enough work around. Would love to get another camper, but its just not right until things improve.
we are missing going away, but I dont want to go back to towing caravans around.
all the best
Craig
Really noticed the rise in cost of living, The wife and I both run vans for our work - but not enough work around. Would love to get another camper, but its just not right until things improve.
we are missing going away, but I dont want to go back to towing caravans around.
all the best
Craig
beserk
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Boat v motorhome? We are in Almerimar for another winter on our boat 5.5 euros per night compared to 11 euros per night for motorhomes. I have just completed a conversion of a vw t30 which is sorned and was thinking of driving down here so we could use it to see the interior but with diesel prices etc it is becoming prohibitive. We are thinking maybe using ryanair to commute and sail and anchor is actually cheaper than motorhoming. Decisions? We cruise the balearics in summer at anchor every night at no cost compared to silly money at Marjal which seems to be a magnet for motorhomers in these parts. Would love to use the van but costs are ruling it out at present. What do you think.
Channa
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Personally I am full timing and nil pounds per night since December.....( mainly due to a peeep here who remains nameless) Since Feb 3rd Leeds, Barnsley and currently Sheffield all for the cost of road tax.......and earning a few quid tooo...just a sad fact Yorkshire doesnt enjoy the climes of the med
Channa
Channa
Firefox
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I haven't been abroad recently in a van, but everyone eulogises how it easy it is to park up for free in France. Spain is reportedly more difficult but it can't be more difficult than the UK. It seems you haven't found the free places yet.
I'm pretty sure mooring a boat in the UK will cost many thousands per year whereas parking can be had for free and overnighting is likewise.
caspar
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We had ours up for sale on here a little while ago for the exact reason asked about in post 1. Rising cost on a small income - technically we should never have been able to afford one, but we have, and have had a good few years.
Sadly the time came last year where we decided that due to a health problem (which did not materialise) and the expense, it was time for the motorhome and us to part. Fortunately, our next door neighbour has always wanted a motorhome and never been able to afford one. We came to an agreement with him that we pay the insurance, he pays the road tax and we use it between us. If there's a clash of dates we compromise if we can, one way or another, but at the end of the day, it's ours so we take precedence.
It has cut the cost sufficiently for us to be able to keep it for as long as this arrangement works out. As it's in both our interests for it to do so, I see no reason why it won't continue for a good while.
Also, as our MH is worth around £5-6K, it will go down to £2500 or so over time, but as long as it runs, we have everything we need and run it all year round.
For anyone struggling, if you can find someone as we did, it can make all the difference.
Sadly the time came last year where we decided that due to a health problem (which did not materialise) and the expense, it was time for the motorhome and us to part. Fortunately, our next door neighbour has always wanted a motorhome and never been able to afford one. We came to an agreement with him that we pay the insurance, he pays the road tax and we use it between us. If there's a clash of dates we compromise if we can, one way or another, but at the end of the day, it's ours so we take precedence.
It has cut the cost sufficiently for us to be able to keep it for as long as this arrangement works out. As it's in both our interests for it to do so, I see no reason why it won't continue for a good while.
Also, as our MH is worth around £5-6K, it will go down to £2500 or so over time, but as long as it runs, we have everything we need and run it all year round.
For anyone struggling, if you can find someone as we did, it can make all the difference.
barryd
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We have had our van nearly four years now. Yes its cost a lot of money but the way I see it, its been worth every penny. We have been lucky enough to enjoy some long trips and pretty much spend half our lives in the van. Last year we did a five month tour of Europe. I cant think of any other way no matter how much money you have to see Europe and so many places like we did in five months other than with a motorhome. Even if you can afford hotels every night you cant always just turf up or find a hotel where you want to be. So for me its been worth it. Those memories are priceless really.
I cant ever imagine being without it now.
I cant ever imagine being without it now.