MHomeVagabond
Guest
Hi,
Thought I would post on my current dilemma in case others had any insights or thoughts that I may have missed so I can make the right choice this time.
Some background. My first motorhome was a Hymer B564 which I purchased in early 2010 and lived in until selling in late 2013. In many ways it was the perfect choice for fulltiming. I then went without a camper with the exception of hiring one overseas a couple of times for road trips. Then late in 2017 we purchased an Adria Twin 2007 model which we planned to use for weekends and the odd week long tour. We have only used it a few times for various reasons and I've not really warmed to the vehicle and now looking to sell it before deciding on next move.
We purchased it because partner wanted the fixed bed at the back. The bed is comfortable. The van is 6 metres long but does not feel as roomy as my old Hymer which was similar length but had pull down overcab double bed. I want to get something smaller or adapt my daily driver to part time camper. For some trips it will be my partner, myself and our Border Collie but there will also be some trips where it will be just me. My options as I see them are as follows:
1. Buy something like Romahome R30. All the same facilities in sub 5 metre vehicle but need to make beds each night. Downside is they are about same price as Adria Twin so no cash saving.
2. Get some mid sized van conversion. VW Transporters have good choice of engines etc but I feel are overpriced. Mazda Bongo is too old and not fuel efficient.
3. Adapt my Citroen Berlingo Multispace. I use this for my dog walking business. The cage system easily comes out and I can then fit something like a used Amdro Boot Jump. I also like the look of their new rear window cabinets and power pack. This would seem to be the sensible option cost wise and if I get one of those tents that attach to tailgate it might be big enough for dog too.
We are not the sort of people to plan our trips away. We prefer to wait until end of week to check weather forecast and then pick somewhere. To my mind even the Adria Twin is a shitty 6 metre tin tent when it's pissing down outside. I've found campsites are often full when trying to book last minute so prefer the option of mostly wild camping. Again the Berlingo might be the most stealthy in this regard.
Ideally I like to get away even in winter. The Adria has a heater, the Berlingo doesn't. However the savings the Berlingo makes means I could rent dog friendly cottage in winter when rates are often low season anyway. Like everything it's always a compromise. For those times when it's just me the Berlingo will probably be fine, even without the shower but is it big enough I wonder for 2 and a dog. If I go this route and find it's too small nothing lost as I'm using the vehicle Monday to Friday and the boot jump will be handy for the times I do want to get away solo.
What I like about Berlingo option is the fact the camping kit can be removed to turn back to day vehicle. They still make the Berlingo and I'm likely to buy another when the time comes to replace current one. Spending money on permanent fixtures like solar panels, webasto heaters etc on a vehicle you might only keep 3 years seems to make less sense that the camping kits that come out and will be used in next vehicle.
On topic of heating what options are the best for small vans which are not permanently installed?
If anyone has any comments on other options I've not considered feel free to reply. I don't have any objection to owning 2 vehicles I don't want another 6 metre campervan so it's either the next size down or adapt my daily driver.
Thanks
Gary
Thought I would post on my current dilemma in case others had any insights or thoughts that I may have missed so I can make the right choice this time.
Some background. My first motorhome was a Hymer B564 which I purchased in early 2010 and lived in until selling in late 2013. In many ways it was the perfect choice for fulltiming. I then went without a camper with the exception of hiring one overseas a couple of times for road trips. Then late in 2017 we purchased an Adria Twin 2007 model which we planned to use for weekends and the odd week long tour. We have only used it a few times for various reasons and I've not really warmed to the vehicle and now looking to sell it before deciding on next move.
We purchased it because partner wanted the fixed bed at the back. The bed is comfortable. The van is 6 metres long but does not feel as roomy as my old Hymer which was similar length but had pull down overcab double bed. I want to get something smaller or adapt my daily driver to part time camper. For some trips it will be my partner, myself and our Border Collie but there will also be some trips where it will be just me. My options as I see them are as follows:
1. Buy something like Romahome R30. All the same facilities in sub 5 metre vehicle but need to make beds each night. Downside is they are about same price as Adria Twin so no cash saving.
2. Get some mid sized van conversion. VW Transporters have good choice of engines etc but I feel are overpriced. Mazda Bongo is too old and not fuel efficient.
3. Adapt my Citroen Berlingo Multispace. I use this for my dog walking business. The cage system easily comes out and I can then fit something like a used Amdro Boot Jump. I also like the look of their new rear window cabinets and power pack. This would seem to be the sensible option cost wise and if I get one of those tents that attach to tailgate it might be big enough for dog too.
We are not the sort of people to plan our trips away. We prefer to wait until end of week to check weather forecast and then pick somewhere. To my mind even the Adria Twin is a shitty 6 metre tin tent when it's pissing down outside. I've found campsites are often full when trying to book last minute so prefer the option of mostly wild camping. Again the Berlingo might be the most stealthy in this regard.
Ideally I like to get away even in winter. The Adria has a heater, the Berlingo doesn't. However the savings the Berlingo makes means I could rent dog friendly cottage in winter when rates are often low season anyway. Like everything it's always a compromise. For those times when it's just me the Berlingo will probably be fine, even without the shower but is it big enough I wonder for 2 and a dog. If I go this route and find it's too small nothing lost as I'm using the vehicle Monday to Friday and the boot jump will be handy for the times I do want to get away solo.
What I like about Berlingo option is the fact the camping kit can be removed to turn back to day vehicle. They still make the Berlingo and I'm likely to buy another when the time comes to replace current one. Spending money on permanent fixtures like solar panels, webasto heaters etc on a vehicle you might only keep 3 years seems to make less sense that the camping kits that come out and will be used in next vehicle.
On topic of heating what options are the best for small vans which are not permanently installed?
If anyone has any comments on other options I've not considered feel free to reply. I don't have any objection to owning 2 vehicles I don't want another 6 metre campervan so it's either the next size down or adapt my daily driver.
Thanks
Gary
