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The hunt for a Camper Van or Motorhome 

The Outdoor Life
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After being a tent camper for more than 60 years, and with retirement looming, I want to go touring the UK, Ireland and Europe, so either a camper van or motorhome is the way forward.
I've already had a quote to have a bespoke camper van built but I also wanted to have a look at what I could get for my money in a motorhome. So I headed down to Highbridge Caravan Centre, in Highbridge Somerset.
Here is what I found.
Let me know in the comments which you would prefer, camper van or motorhome, and why?
www.highbridge...

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3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 76   
@vansforthememories
@vansforthememories 6 месяцев назад
We have a campervan with own loo & shower. We love our van 🚐 build quality & how you’re going to use it & therefore heat it, should definitely be up high on your list. Hope you find what you’re looking for. Em 💜
@MadMax-xu7ij
@MadMax-xu7ij 6 месяцев назад
Take a holiday to Spain. Visit many permanent camp van sites and you will find a lot of English campers for sale at half the costs. Some realy good vans for sale .
@MyChannel-di2ho
@MyChannel-di2ho 6 месяцев назад
Buying an older MH or van, be careful about emissions and Euro rating. You may find there are many places you can't go around UK and Europe. Best of luck finding what you like....
@ghunt9146
@ghunt9146 6 месяцев назад
We thought that, but decided not to go Euro6. They have far more associated problems, plus buying add blue. We avoid cities anyway, but paying the odd fine is still cheaper than buying such a new van.
@stuartsimpson7157
@stuartsimpson7157 6 месяцев назад
Looking at nice van’s, Chausson & AutoSleeper are my favourites. We had a Chausson 728eb Welvome for past 9yrs, we are downsizing now to a pannel van, but there are plenty narrow compact coachbuilt too.
@stuartsimpson7157
@stuartsimpson7157 6 месяцев назад
I also like the Chausson mini suite, if I was upsizing in the future would consider that. Try the Autosleeper Kingman, it has a fixed bed, full toilet & separate shower
@vanished8664
@vanished8664 6 месяцев назад
I'm a lucky man with my Swift Bessacarr Hi-Style 599. 14,000 miles, fixed double bed & all the gadgets 😁 Best of luck for your dream machine 👍🏻
@gordonjohnston684
@gordonjohnston684 6 месяцев назад
Westfalia VW Kepler One. Or Ford Nugget. Why they have built in Ceramic Cassette Toilets. They can be parked in normal car parking spaces, as well as drive down the French motorways at 80 mph. They should be able to access nearly every type of road that any car can. The pop up roofs pop up in reverse accessing the upper bunk with ease. You can shower inside the Kepler one if you wish. Another van you should have a look at would be the Wingham Oasis 540.
@linz_in_NZ
@linz_in_NZ 5 месяцев назад
Some of the layouts can look great until you start using them. Friends of mine had a drop down bed in their motorhome, they sold it after a year or so as they had to crawl into bed from the bottom which isn''t very easy. French beds also mean one person has to crawl across to the wall side, and if they want to get up in the night, they have to climb over the other person - both look good, but aren't that practical, especially as you get older. Might be worth looking at some Burstners or similar that have the two singles in the rear over a large garage, they make up into a huge bed and have steps up, not a ladder or crawl along.
@neilmccartney6573
@neilmccartney6573 6 месяцев назад
I looked at that x550 and the 650 ,,, they look great but and I find this on lots of french Van s ,,, I live in Brittany , the seats , bench seats are all really upright , you cannot relax on them , you have to sit bolt upright ! They do not put any angle on the back cushions , this makes them useless for most of the time unless you are eating or travelling ! Relaxing time is a big factor so please take this into consideration , the uk vans are far more comfortable ..
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
I looked at a 620 yesterday, and you will see this in my next video. And you’re right about the bench seat, but I guess it has to be that way when carrying passengers belted in. However, it appears that the back of the bench seat on the 620 can be reclined. But I don’t think this van is for me. Btw, I’m going camping in Brittany in June.
@neilmccartney6573
@neilmccartney6573 6 месяцев назад
@@theoutdoorlife4870 hope the bloody weather changes by then ? It’s been the most dismal winter here in Finistere ( apparently ! We were in Spain for 3 months in the camper lol ). Next year we will stay til April .. it’s not just the bench seats on most newer french vans it’s the side sofa too ,,, just unusable and a waste of space , we looked at all sorts here up to 75k and we are very camper savvy and know our needs but honestly not one , we had a bessacarr in the uk it was just great ,, miss it ,, any way I’ve found an older 22 k euro ,Hymer ,, mint , 45 k miles , one owner , a cc 544 over cab bed ( massive ) great living space light airy everything we need and comfy , only 6 m too , pick it up tomorrow yay ! Good luck again with your search ,,
@TheFlyingdeuces
@TheFlyingdeuces 2 месяца назад
I loved the interior design of the first van with the centre island kitchen. I have an interior plan of my own for the single man and that's the closest I've seen. However I would remove the kitchen entirely and replace it with a gaming chair and curved LCD screen. Never seen a design like it...
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 Месяц назад
Go for it!
@DaVinci368
@DaVinci368 5 месяцев назад
I hope you found the right van to meet your needs. Thank you for this video! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve done a lot of rough and tent camping in western Canada. I am presently enjoying spring in Canada. I have always dreamed of touring Europe so perhaps I will do so by watching your videos. All the best!!
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 5 месяцев назад
Thank you. Canada is my favourite place as I spent my early years growing up there. I’ve been back to Ontario a few times and been to Vancouver island. I’d like to do another trip to explore Newfoundland, Labrador & Quebec. Maybe one day. But keep following as next year is when the European adventures get under way.
@AndyMason-c6k
@AndyMason-c6k 6 месяцев назад
I converted my own panel van during covid. The thing we like best is that you can open the back doors for 180° views. Maybe something to consider with getting one done for you? Best of luck with your search.
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
A bespoke panel conversion is still a possibility for me. I’m going to look at more motorhomes & camper vans this Saturday, so watch this space.
@jonathon5372
@jonathon5372 6 месяцев назад
Wildax! We've had campervans and big coach builds plus an a class and the Wldax we have is perfect.
@JourneyWithJoanne
@JourneyWithJoanne 6 месяцев назад
I like the Chausson models and haven’t seen this (kitchen) layout before … the bonus of having a bed that comes down is that your bed is already set up for night time / afternoon naps and then rises out of the way.
@davidwebb7105
@davidwebb7105 6 месяцев назад
Have. A. Look. At. Lots. Of. Vans. They. Are. All. Different. A. Big. Good. Luck dave. And. Chriss. In. Spain.
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
I have a bunch of vans to look at tomorrow morning. But so far there are two front runners. What this space to see which way I go.
@JohnRolls-sz6jo
@JohnRolls-sz6jo 5 месяцев назад
Have a look at the Auto Trail Imala 615 you may be pleasantly surprised,a double bed or two singles.
@meurigjones2469
@meurigjones2469 6 месяцев назад
Be careful who you go with to convert your van. there's been some vids on RU-vid about bad wiring etc which were deemed to be deathtraps.
@cantstandlazyskanks
@cantstandlazyskanks 5 месяцев назад
If your going to have grand kids travelling, then the most important thing is to have the main door on the curb side of the van.... That would be my main consideration....
@purple4lavender
@purple4lavender 6 месяцев назад
Recommend Somerset Motorhomes just south of Taunton.
@Christopher-sj2sc
@Christopher-sj2sc 6 месяцев назад
Enjoyed your video, don't you think motorhome/camper prices are utterly crazy these days!!!?
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
Bonkers prices. I could buy a low mileage but older Moho at about 2098/2010 for around £30k, but then there could be other issues relating to that age of vehicle. So I’m looking for something younger than 2015. I’m back out this Saturday to look at a few more. I hope you’ll watch that video also?
@Christopher-sj2sc
@Christopher-sj2sc 6 месяцев назад
@@theoutdoorlife4870 Will be just subscribed, I've a larger campervan on order as I found motorhomes too wide for many roads.......
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
Well that’s what I’m also thinking about, but as long as I can get into park ups, Aires & campsites I should be ok. I’m planning on carrying bikes so I can get out & about locally once I’m parked up. But I do know how narrow some of the lanes are, particularly in Cornwall. And my satnav has guided me down some lanes that have ended up having grass growing down the middle of the lane. I wouldn’t want to have to reverse a mojo down one of those. 😱
@Bobtheguilder
@Bobtheguilder 6 месяцев назад
Went through same process as you 8 years ago, in end decided on small campervan. Thought after 50 years in a tent would like a comfy bed, a toilet and a cupboard/drawer for clothes plus storage. The attraction of bigger unit was strong but decided that being able to park in towns and go down tiny lanes just swung it. We decided we would probably stay on campsites so shower/water wouldn't be an issue. Decided to scratch wild camp or lay-by stays, there are far too many toe rags out there looking for easy pickings, even in some of the rural areas. It is a dangerous world and not getting better. My advice is decide how you would see your ideal trip away and choose accordingly. It's each to his own, just keep your stress level down, that's what retirement is about
@ghunt9146
@ghunt9146 6 месяцев назад
@@Bobtheguilder spot on! We love our tiny, go anywhere, van.
@Greggspies
@Greggspies 6 месяцев назад
Fiat Ducato clutch slave cylinder is inside the Gbox my friends just paid £1200 for engine removal to fit a new one on less miles on the one your looking at
@davidhall8745
@davidhall8745 6 месяцев назад
Interesting walk round. We are looking to downsize from our Autotrail Apache to a panel van conversion. However we full time so need to consider carefully! Thanks for the information. Dave n Jo
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
Why do you want to down size?
@davidhall8745
@davidhall8745 6 месяцев назад
@@theoutdoorlife4870just wondering if 7.4 metres is too long especially if we are wild camping. Still unsure at the moment
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
@@davidhall8745 Those thoughts are still in my head also. 7.2m is long and a converted LWB van would be easier for smaller roads & park ups etc.
@davidhall8745
@davidhall8745 6 месяцев назад
@@theoutdoorlife4870 that is our thoughts too. Plus motorhomes are vulnerable to big damage from a minor bump. We know from experience!
@Jabber-ig3iw
@Jabber-ig3iw 6 месяцев назад
Number 1 piece of advice I was given by a dealer was never ever ever buy a British made van, they are built so badly they are always damp, buy German.
@JamieHarding5
@JamieHarding5 6 месяцев назад
Hi. Nice vid. I've been subscribed to you since your Blyn Y Glyn Uchaf vid. I went after you. I've been on quite a lot since then. Sounds good getting a camper or motorhome. Looks like you getting camper. I went in my cousin one in Oct to Ben nevis. It's really good. It was converted by a garage, a former Rac van. It's on one of my vids in Oct. Not the best vid but might be worth a look. All the best with your adventures. Sounds really good.👋
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
Thanks for following me. There will be more adventures to come, but I’ve had some family things to take care of.
@JamieHarding5
@JamieHarding5 6 месяцев назад
No worries. It will be great travelling in a van. Looking forward to seeing it.👍
@thinkingoutofthebox.9421
@thinkingoutofthebox.9421 6 месяцев назад
The good thing about single beds is you don't have to disturb your partner when getting out of bed in the night for the loo. Also instead of getting out of your bed at home at the side try shuffling to the end for a week, then your know why double is a pain unless it's an island bed.
@rosscraddock6241
@rosscraddock6241 6 месяцев назад
Can’t get a chausson serviced for ages when something breaks. 3 months!
@terryhere3889
@terryhere3889 6 месяцев назад
Unfortunately there is always a compromise in the van world 😢
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
Tell me about it. I just have to weigh up the pros and cons of each and make the best choice I can.
@JsJourney-nz7ci
@JsJourney-nz7ci 6 месяцев назад
Vans that are converted by small builders don't hold their value unfortunately, if you want a van that retains it's value then you are far better off buying one of the bigger makes.
@bethzolin6046
@bethzolin6046 2 месяца назад
I Think it depends on the conversion. I was buying a motorhome from a large dealer and wanted to put my campervan in in part exchange. It’s got 150,000 miles on the clock so definitely not the sort of thing a main dealer is interested in, nor were they - until they saw it! Two of the largest motorhome dealers in the south west then offered me an excellent part exchange deal on it last summer, purely because of the quality of the conversion.
@paulgwilliam4985
@paulgwilliam4985 6 месяцев назад
Ive noticed alot of th3se vans are using peugout boxers. Avoid at all costs, 9ur company had a fleet of them 67 plate onwards to 20 plates. Awful vans with lots of issues 2hen reaching 60000 miles. M3ssage for more details.
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
The majority of vans are Boxers, Ducato’s or Transits. So many people warn about all of these models. But as these make up the majority of vans, what are the alternatives? 🤷🏻‍♂️
@paulgwilliam4985
@paulgwilliam4985 6 месяцев назад
@@theoutdoorlife4870 just my advice, transit tried and tested👍. Maybe buy a older Mercedes which are good for 400000😊
@lowersaxon
@lowersaxon 6 месяцев назад
Conversion doesnt pay. If at all than by DIY. Can you do that? What exactly is a Motorhome? Hmm?
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
If I converted a panel van myself, I would have to rent a workshop as I have no off road space with access to electricity. And then I estimate it would take me 10-12 months ish, whereas I can get a professional conversion done in 5-6 weeks. Yes it is expensive but for me the pros outweighs the cons.
@erics9754
@erics9754 5 месяцев назад
Tents are doggie bags for bears lol. If they can not eat all of you the tent keeps you fresh so they can enjoy you later. Get a van and be safe!! For 40 grand these days you can get a 20-year-old used one. Camper vans in Canada start at 100 grand and go up to 400 grand.
@paulstarr6818
@paulstarr6818 6 месяцев назад
Autosleeper are ok but they seem old fashioned and dated inside.
@martinjones1930
@martinjones1930 6 месяцев назад
A lot of car parks now a day's have height barriers so really those vans not really any good if you're going wild camping best off with a pop top
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
I definitely don’t want a pop top! I know the advantages & disadvantages of larger vans, but regardless, a pop top LWB van is outside of my budget.
@marcandsebe
@marcandsebe 5 месяцев назад
I have had 2 pop tops. My current one is 5m long. Just cold water and ok in summer but not so much in winter. I’m now going to get a motorhome with shower and toilet.
@rthompson938
@rthompson938 6 месяцев назад
I would stay away from anything french or Italian powered.
@rockinginafreeworld3256
@rockinginafreeworld3256 6 месяцев назад
Stay away from Grantham’s caravan & motorhomes.
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
I’m not planning on traveling that far to look for a van.
@jonathon5372
@jonathon5372 6 месяцев назад
Don't do a self build as they've much less resale value and unlikely to meet NCC standards and safety
@10triumphs
@10triumphs 6 месяцев назад
Don’t buy anything Ford you’ll regret it they cannot do any mileage
@theoutdoorlife4870
@theoutdoorlife4870 6 месяцев назад
And yet there are some RU-vid content creators who believe the current Ford transit base unit is the best unit available for today’s motorhomes. However, the vehicles I’m most interested in are either Fiat or Peugeot based.
@ghunt9146
@ghunt9146 6 месяцев назад
It seems that most new base vehicles have their problems. The Ford wet belt issuse & Stelantis group engine management fault lights. Euro6 has added problems, reliability wise.
@rodcarter4502
@rodcarter4502 6 месяцев назад
Don’t buy British you’ll regret it ,
@mariataif
@mariataif 6 месяцев назад
agreed especially Swift they used to be good in the 90s BUT really poor workmanship these days German built is the way to go will be a premium on price BUT worth the peace of mind
@oddball7483
@oddball7483 13 дней назад
TOO MUCH TAX TO BUY TOO MUCH TAX ON RUNNING COST TOO MUCH TAX IF YOU STOP. TOO MUCH TAX ON MY EARNINGS THE PRICE OF THE VAN TAKES IT OVER THE INHERITANCE TAX THRESHOLD IF INCLUDED WITH YOUR AVERAGE HOUSE. 40% TAX ON THE AMOUNT THAT'S OVER! BLOOD FROM A STONE ? IS WHY DEALERS ARE GOING DECLINING 🤔 WHO WANTS TO PAY 32% TAX WHEN YOU INSURE.?
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