[Dibbles1]

TY Geoff :lol:

I think you've just hit the nail on the head! It's because of my accident, and being a biker! The lotus elise hiding?

That's what's making him a bit nervous, don't you think? That and the thought of damaging an expensive new toy.

Well he did always say he would go shelf stacking at Tesco for me if he had to ...... bit of part time delivery driving not a stretch.

 

[Dibbles1]

Thanx Dave

It is,

That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, mainly because I can't afford to make expensive mistakes. Also because it does 'hurt' if things aren't right.

The seat and suspension were really important when we bought our last car. Couldn't go out anywhere in the previous one, it was all too harsh.

Even sitting in a coffee shop we have to make sure they've got the big saggy sofas. It's things other people don't notice that make the difference to me.

It's so nice to talk to someone who realises these things.

I'm going to do the three columns now.

Copy that link and then go see the dealer.

Debs 8)

 

[raynipper]

Yes as Dave said LAYOUT is vitally important. Go through the motions so to speak.
We stayed in friends luxury RV some years ago that was 'awesome' but brushing your teeth was almost impossible due to the cabinet preventing getting ones head over the basin.

Overhead cabinets and microwave height, water capacities, etc. etc.

Ray.

 

[barryd]

Take no notice of that loon from Normandy (Raynipper) Debs! Ill have him know my late night music videos are a YouTube sensation!

Welcome by the way.

On a serious (ish) note I'm glad that Geoff mentioned payload as if your scooter is 105kg that's pretty much the same weight as a lightweight 100 or 125 two wheeled scooter.

There are loads of threads about fitting them or carrying them on motorhomes and a hell of a lot of vans just do not have the available free payload weight to take one. You will face this same issue so you may find the ideal van but It may not be up to the job of carrying the scooter.

The other thing to watch out for is manufacturers and dealers claims of what the payload "should" be. Never take their word for it. The only true way to calculate it is to take the prospective van to a weigh bridge and weigh the whole van with you both in it and then the front and rear axle independently.

Any dealer worth his salt or private seller should let you do this and there are plenty of weigh stations all over.

There is a handy calculator on the web and I think on here but I can't direct you to it right now as I'm on my mobile sunbathing (at last) by the van.

A rack on the back for the scooter or even a small trailer would allow you freedom of layout inside but the further back the weight from the rear axle the more it adds to the weight on the back axle. A garaged scooter means a raised rear bed.

Another option could be a lightweight Motorhome scooter or electric chair for the van and leave the heavy one at home. I know nothing about them but presumably you do.

There was a bloke here the other day that had a small one on a rack behind his van.

As for worrying about the size. Al will be chucking it around in no time like the proverbial white van man!

Ours is 7.5 metres and gets chucked around mountain roads and all sorts on single tracks. Anyway you only need to look out the front and the rest will follow.

If you fit a solid chassis mounted rack on the back like we have they are great for punting out of the way wheelie bins, lamp posts and Frenchmen.

Good luck

 

[Westkirby01]

Can I make a suggestion that when you go to visit a van, any van, use your video camera on your, or your partners, phone, if you have one. Then you will have a record that you can refer to when trying to remember which one? and what one? what it did and had what.

We used photographs and video combined when we were looking. Our travel to look each time was a 500 mile round trip. It saved us a few unwarranted miles.

Hope this helps

Regards

 

[rosalan]

What a lot of lovely people there are about! By now, if you have not already gone out to have a look at Motorhomes, your head must be spinning with advice and I must say, all of it well meaning and based upon personal experience.
May I move forward a little to things you may wish to enjoy.
You mentioned the problems of staying in accommodation, well even campsites are no longer an essential if you have a Motorhome. In the UK you can, if you so wish, use Britstops to stay almost anywhere for the price of a drink or meal. Outside of the UK the world of Aires opens up. These are very cheap or often free places to stay all over Europe. Sometimes with free electricity included for topping up your batteries.
So not just the new van to look forward to but the freedom it can bring with it.
I too side with those who say not to worry about the length, if you have the space to park it. If the mirrors go through, the rest of the van will. It is only on corners you need to consider the swing of the overhang and the back wheels making a slightly tighter corner. After the first ten miles you will already have adapted.

Alan

 

[peedee]

Hi Debs welcome to the site, you have received a lot of sound advice, one item in particular I would also like to stress and that is to make sure you get a model with the a good payload especially over the rear wheels. Disabled people have to carry much more weight around than the average motorhome owner. I personally would not touch any motorhome with less than 700Kg payload and would prefer more it possible. You are unlikely to get that on any motorhome built on a 3.5 ton chassis. I recommend you seriously look at one on a 4.25 ton chassis.

Two other points which might help you.

1. Don't rule out the possibility of using a trailer to carry some of your weight. They are inconvenient but it is an option if you need it to carry a scooter for instance.

2. Have you seen >this website< They are people who know what they are doing and are certainly at least worth talking to. Jeff Bull is the head honcho.

It is a pity you have just missed the Disability Road Show or did you mange to go? This is the best place to go for ideas and they very often have adapted motorhomes and caravans on show.

Finally have a look at >my web site< Feel free to email me or PM me and I will try and help if I can.

Good hunting.

peedee

 

[Dibbles1]

Yes as Dave said LAYOUT is vitally important. Go through the motions so to speak.
We stayed in friends luxury RV some years ago that was 'awesome' but brushing your teeth was almost impossible due to the cabinet preventing getting ones head over the basin.

:lol: Thanks Ray

I think my head's been bashed enough.

I've just been and had a look at the little MH and that's out. Took all the advice and it was the layout, getting into bed not possible

Yes! microwave and oven height are going to be important too. See I never would've thought about that!

I'd be calling poor old Al in to open it. On second thoughts maybe just let him cook Mmmm

Debs

 

[Dibbles1]

Ahh Barry! LOL

Thank you. Never thought of getting a little disability scooter for using when MH'ing.

Brilliant idea!

That would be lighter, and easier to get into the garage.

As for the weighbridge, we have one up the road at the Ashley Heath roundabout.

Lots to think about there.

I trust you didn't burn in the sun.'8)

Debs

 

[raynipper]

My son lives in Ashley Heath Debs. But sadly he is not into Motorhomes and we only get there two or three times a year.

Ray.

 

[GROUNDHOG]

Nah Barry doesn't burn he is fireproof.

 

[Dibbles1]

Can I make a suggestion that when you go to visit a van, any van, use your video camera on your, or your partners, phone, if you have one. Then you will have a record that you can refer to when trying to remember which one? and what one? what it did and had what.

Hi Westkirkby

Another brilliant idea

Never thought of video or photos when looking.

That's an awful long way! 8O

Debs

 

[Dibbles1]

What a lot of lovely people there are about! By now, if you have not already gone out to have a look at Motorhomes, your head must be spinning with advice and I must say, all of it well meaning and based upon personal experience.

Thanks Alan
I like the MH community already, it's like being back in my biking days with lovely people willing to help. I've missed that.

The Britstops and Aires sound wonderful. I was wondering how you got on outside of a campsite.

I look forward to those.

Debs

 

[Dibbles1]

Thanks peedee

I met Jeff, at the NEC last year when we were thinking we might have to be a caravan. Seems forever ago now!

I missed the disability roadshow, so annoyed about that. I would've loved to have known about it and gone.

I go to NAIDEX each year, love that!

I think the ability to carry weight in the garage is going to be an important one for me as you say.

I'll bear the 700 in mind.

Thanks

Debs

 

[Dibbles1]

raynipper My son lives in Ashley Heath Debs.

What are the chances of that! It is lovely here.

We're surrounded by campsites too.

Debs

 

[raynipper]

Oh boy Debs.
Just tried to read your blog. Can't do it all in one go. Will try again later when I can absorb the details.

I thought I was badly treated but you put it all into perspective.

Ray.

 

[Brian-the-Snail]

Hi Debbie and Al and welcome,
If Al is still concerned about driving there are 2 relatively cheap alternatives to experience a larger vehicle:-
1) Hire a Luton style van, they are similar in width to a M/h, and scoot around in it for a few hours. You have probably heard this before but not in this context but Length wasn’t the issue for me as much as width it took much longer to get used to the extra width than length. Road signs are a particular danger as they often overlap into the road, not an issue in a low car but !!!
2) Do a Caravan club M/h driving course.
Cannot comment on Johns Cross as I haven’t used them but I do know Premier and they are a very helpful and friendly organisation, didn’t buy the van there but because of the proximity I use them a lot for bits and bobs and nothing has been a problem to them and advise and tips are freely given.
Look closely at the washroom as many are flimsy in construction and suprise suprise not designed with mobility issues in mind, some would be difficult to use if you are a 20 year old limbo dancer never mind in advancing years with or without mobility problems, shower trays are particularly flimsy and you may need to consider getting some strengthening done. Being able to rely on your own facilities reduces your need for sites and widens your freedom.
Good luck in your search and don’t worry the headache and fear you have (we did as well ) will ease as you firm up your requirements and options.
Once you have experienced the freedom that a M/h gives you will never regret joining the “club”

Clive

 

[Tucano]

Debs,
Welcome to the show, you have had lots of good advice here already and there is nothing I can personally add.
Enjoy your new freedom, just don't get hooked on the forum :lol:
Norman.

 

[Dibbles1]

raynipper - Oh boy Debs.
Just tried to read your blog. Can't do it all in one go. Will try again later when I can absorb the details.

I thought I was badly treated but you put it all into perspective.

Thanks Ray

Yes, the corrupt & greedy of this world and me, well we don't get on at all :wink:

No, it's very hard to read, even harder to write.

I put it out there to help people.
I think it does.

Debs

 

[Dibbles1]

Brian-The-Snail: Hi Debbie and Al and welcome,
If Al is still concerned about driving there are 2 relatively cheap alternatives to experience a larger vehicle:-

Thanks Clive

Good idea, to send him out in a van. I didn't know about the courses, will look into that.

Funny you should say that, Al's dismissed a few brands because the washrooms were flimsy, broken before they were sold.

We're not sure whether we'll buy new or get a second hand (private sale) van yet , I think it'll depend on what van turns up at the right deal.

Debs