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We also have done both - with our children I think the caravan was best, but for us now retired I vote for the motorhome.
I know lots of people do it, but I personally cannot see the point in towing a car behind a motorhome. Rather than giving the best of both worlds, I would say it gives you the worst, ie the drawbacks of towing (difficulty parking en route, speed and lane limits, manoeverability, need to stay on site, ferry costs etc) with many of the drawbacks of motorhomes (smaller living accomodation). If I really felt the need for car transport whilst away I would return to caravanning and get the benefits of more substantial space for a fraction of the cost (Car plus caravan is much cheaper than car plus motorhome).
As it is I thoroughly enjoy the extra speed and manoeverability that I have with the motorhome and would not want to diminish this - we use bikes to get around when we cannot take the motorhome, much better for you!
But each to their own.....
Have to say, having been a caravaner for a number of years, mainly around Europe,and a Motorhomer for a few months, that Sailor has it spot on. However, whilst in France in particular, as a "Vanner" we often looked on in envy at the MH's parked in the best coastal spots, often for free, whilst we as caravaners had to find a proper site, usually nowhere near the best spots. That's just one of the reasons why I am a "Homer" now.
Pete
______________________________________________________________ So much to learn and so little time.
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re Sonesta's comments, one of the things about our hobby that I like is that we are all different, and what is best for one is not necessarily for another.
Our van is 7m long, 3500mgw. This means I can drive on most roads, and I am not subject to speed or lane restrictions in most countries. If the van was larger / heavier I would need go boxes in Austria, be restricted to 50 in many countries, no outside lane in the UK, and dearer tolls. At 7m the van is smaller inside than our last caravan, but for us now the compromise is exactly right. Some others would say 7m is too big, others prefer much larger.
There is certainly some merit in having a car whilst away, but whether you achieve this by towing a car, or having a car to tow a caravan, or like us using our van where possible and bikes otherwise, really doesn't matter - all these are fine if they suit you!
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re Sonesta's comments, one of the things about our hobby that I like is that we are all different, and what is best for one is not necessarily for another.
Our van is 7m long, 3500mgw. This means I can drive on most roads, and I am not subject to speed or lane restrictions in most countries. If the van was larger / heavier I would need go boxes in Austria, be restricted to 50 in many countries, no outside lane in the UK, and dearer tolls. At 7m the van is smaller inside than our last caravan, but for us now the compromise is exactly right. Some others would say 7m is too big, others prefer much larger.
There is certainly some merit in having a car whilst away, but whether you achieve this by towing a car, or having a car to tow a caravan, or like us using our van where possible and bikes otherwise, really doesn't matter - all these are fine if they suit you!
Exactly Sailor - those are my sentiments entirely and that is why we all conduct our lives and do whatever suits us and our lifestyles the best! We are all different as you quite rightly say and I for one just love the whole diversity of life!
To be frank I don't think there are many who would say your van is too big or too small Sailor as I think most folk would appreciate that there is a demand for all sizes and styles and anyone who did make such a ridiculous comment would in my opinion be a bit self opinionated if you ask me? Personally, such ludicrous comments are probably best ignored!
I am so pleased that at least now your query in your previous post stating that you could not see the point of anyone towing a car behind their motorhome has now changed to a slightly less puzzled one and it is nice to know that you respect and appreciate that we all do what suits us best and what another person prefers really doesn't matter one iota. I think as long as we are all happy with our choices then that's all that counts and how we spend our time or what we spend our money on is no-one's business but our own!
I wish you many happy hours of continued enjoyment in your motorhome Sailor and if I ever see you whizzing past us on the motorway I will give you a wave but watch out cos although our van is longer and bigger than yours the new fiat multi jet engine goes like s**t off a shovel and we might just overtake you! Well that's if we aren't towing the Smart car behind us! LOL
Sue
______________________________________________________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you - cry and you cry alone!
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This is a good example of comments from others modifying one's own opinions - there was/is a recent thread on just this issue.
I was like Sailor, and couldn't see the point of having the car at the back unless it was pushing ( ) but Sue's patient explanation of the pro's and con's has me almost convinced.
Some people can't see the point in having a dog, Sue. Now they really are missing out aren't they
This is a good example of comments from others modifying one's own opinions - there was/is a recent thread on just this issue.
I was like Sailor, and couldn't see the point of having the car at the back unless it was pushing ( ) but Sue's patient explanation of the pro's and con's has me almost convinced.
Some people can't see the point in having a dog, Sue. Now they really are missing out aren't they
Aw Zebedee - I just could not imagine life without our little doggy and believe it or not (ask my best friend Briarose) I didn't use to be a dog lover, I didn't hate dogs or anything like that but I couldn't quite understand peoples fascination with them! In fact I could never understand how people could get so attached to their pets and treat them as members of the family! Now since we had Angel and now Candy we are well and truly obsessed and one of my suprise christmas presents from my husband was tickets to Crufts in March! I suppose this just goes to prove that age old adage .......... "Don't knock it till you've tried it?"
With reference to towing a car - I am certainly not out to convince anyone to tow one but simply trying to put forward the reasons why some of us choose to do so from time to time and also to perhaps help others who are contemplating doing so but are still undecided!
By the way, Candy Kisses has started to let us know she wants to go outside now and although she is still not quite got the hang of all this toilet business - it's certainly a step in the right direction (Oops sorry for going slightly off topic!)
Sue
______________________________________________________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you - cry and you cry alone!
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I've realised that I need some sort of vehicle that fits in a parking space because I've got a dog! If I didn't have to take him almost everywhere with me I'd get a bigger van, cycle everywhere and be a lot fitter! It seems a bit pointless towing a car just as a dog transporter, so I have to stick to a small van. I've been moving around so much, spending a day or two in one place, that I think a caravan would be a real hassle, and I couldn't stop during a journey and put the kettle on or cook a meal.
______________________________________________________________ John
and Charlie the dog, but he canīt read, write or use a computer!
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) but Sue's patient explanation of the pro's and con's has me almost convinced.
