Tips & advice
More and more people are starting to think about motor homes as an alternative, especially as a retirement option. The problem is you’re going to be spoiled for choice. Like yachts, they vary from two berth 12 footers to 35 foot gin palaces, and you’ll pay accordingly.
The choice is split between the traditional large motorhome for retired people who enjoy the space they offer, and are perhaps looking for home comforts whilst they are away, and the more practical small family- oriented vehicle campervan at a more budget price.
“Motorhomes are a big investment, so you need to take your time deciding what is right for you regarding size and layout.” say Ian Hewlett, Technical Manager at The Camping and Caravanning Club.
Ideally,hire one first, so you can figure some of this out before you commit. They tend to hold their value well, but it’s all too easy to buy on a whim and have to part exchange for the right layout. Always buy from a local dealer to your home as they are mostly independent agents, so it’s difficult getting any warranty work done if you take it to another agent, and it’s definitely worth speaking to family or friends for a personal recommendation of a dealer.
At the very least when considering buying you should be looking for maximum space and accessibility inside the vehicle. Amenities should include, as standard, cooker, hob & grill, oven, fridge, heater, hot and cold water in the kitchen sink and shower, toilet, mains hook up facilities, ample storage and hanging cupboard space.
Whatever you choose the main problem you’ll have is that this way of life becomes addictive. After all if you can park up in York why not Barcelona?
If your motorhome weighs more than 3.5 tonnes max weight, but does not exceed 7.5 tonnes, you’ll need to hold a driving licence that includes the category C1 entitlement. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you will automatically have C1 on your licence. If your licence doesn’t include category C1 you may not drive a motorhome that exceeds 3.5 tonnes until you have passed the C1 driving test.
For more information, go here.
Please don’t just think you can just park up anywhere for an overnight stay. Check and plan first before you start any journey. A registered site is a much safer bet than getting woken up at 2 in the morning by an irate landowner.
ElddisEncore 255 is a 4-berth vehicle with foldaway travel seats hidden under the front bench-style seats. It has a fully lined separate shower cubicle, rails for a bike rack, 6′ 6” beds, central and water heating system, an opening cab sunroof with blind and high internal headroom.
