Hello I'm Debbie, a disabled newbie needing help please
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Tell Al, driving a big vehicle is not a problem. The secret is to watch your mirror on the side that you are turning. Watch to see how close the curb is to the rear wheel. Take corners slowly until you are able to judge.
My bride and I drive either our car or motorhome. 10' or 24'. we've downsized to 18' but the big van was LHD. No problem for her or me. She actually misses the LHD now.
The depth and knowledge of members is astounding. We all love Motorhoming, and Motorhomers. Take your time and always ask. We have 38 years of Motorhoming but still seek answers. Members = knowledge, and friendship.
Regards
My bride and I drive either our car or motorhome. 10' or 24'. we've downsized to 18' but the big van was LHD. No problem for her or me. She actually misses the LHD now.
The depth and knowledge of members is astounding. We all love Motorhoming, and Motorhomers. Take your time and always ask. We have 38 years of Motorhoming but still seek answers. Members = knowledge, and friendship.
Regards
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11,928 Posts
Debbie
Only just read your post about the Lotus Elite - I mentioned it as an example of a low sports car, which if alongside one's own vehicle can easily be below the view of a standard mirror which is mounted higher on a MH than a car. However the parabolic mirrors I mentioned would show the low car.
Same applies to low walls/bollards etc.
Geoff
Only just read your post about the Lotus Elite - I mentioned it as an example of a low sports car, which if alongside one's own vehicle can easily be below the view of a standard mirror which is mounted higher on a MH than a car. However the parabolic mirrors I mentioned would show the low car.
Same applies to low walls/bollards etc.
Geoff
WestKirkby: Tell Al, driving a big vehicle is not a problem.
Thanks
He read your posts last night and is much more reassured than he was.
We've decided a longer van is back on the cards now. Thank Westkirkby01 and Thank you everyone!
Having taken all the advice, we've decided to go with what we wanted a Dethleffs I4 or a Hymer i578, whether new or secondhand from a private sale. Or something similar, bearing all the advice in mind.
HAPPY
Now we just have to go in search of it and the right deal.
Debs
PS Al says a LHD wouldn't bother him, he'd quite like it too. He thought I might get a bit nervous being out there in the middle of the road, considering what happened to me. But I'm fine with that! :lol:
I've this warped sense of humour, in that, What else can happen to me? :wink:
Thanks
He read your posts last night and is much more reassured than he was.
We've decided a longer van is back on the cards now. Thank Westkirkby01 and Thank you everyone!
Having taken all the advice, we've decided to go with what we wanted a Dethleffs I4 or a Hymer i578, whether new or secondhand from a private sale. Or something similar, bearing all the advice in mind.
HAPPY
Now we just have to go in search of it and the right deal.
Debs
PS Al says a LHD wouldn't bother him, he'd quite like it too. He thought I might get a bit nervous being out there in the middle of the road, considering what happened to me. But I'm fine with that! :lol:
I've this warped sense of humour, in that, What else can happen to me? :wink:
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3,500 Posts
Hi Debs, welcome to MHF a bit late as so many have beaten me to it.
Tell Al not to worry about the driving too much, Our 6.9M van has a better turning circle than my C3.
Don't know if it has been suggested yet, but when you do think you have decided on the right van for you, try to hire one, even if only for a weekend.
Trying out everything you would normally do when looking is a great idea, but you only get to know what they are really like when you 'try it for size'. preferably on a cold wet windy day in the middle of nowhere.
It's a great life and we have seen many people with disabilities/mobility problems having a whale of a time because of their vans.
Enjoy the hunt it is so much fun, hope you find something suitable soon.
sue
Tell Al not to worry about the driving too much, Our 6.9M van has a better turning circle than my C3.
Don't know if it has been suggested yet, but when you do think you have decided on the right van for you, try to hire one, even if only for a weekend.
Trying out everything you would normally do when looking is a great idea, but you only get to know what they are really like when you 'try it for size'. preferably on a cold wet windy day in the middle of nowhere.
It's a great life and we have seen many people with disabilities/mobility problems having a whale of a time because of their vans.
Enjoy the hunt it is so much fun, hope you find something suitable soon.
sue
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11,928 Posts
Debbie
Sorry to come in with dribs and drabs.
Others have mentioned weak bathroom plastic shower-tray mouldings.
If you do need to use your crutches in the bathroom they might create more of a problem with floor-loading per sq cm.
It will be the same with all MHs - just factor in the cost of re-inforcing.
'Bookmark' all this stuff for later'
Geoff
Sorry to come in with dribs and drabs.
Others have mentioned weak bathroom plastic shower-tray mouldings.
If you do need to use your crutches in the bathroom they might create more of a problem with floor-loading per sq cm.
It will be the same with all MHs - just factor in the cost of re-inforcing.
'Bookmark' all this stuff for later'
Geoff
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587 Posts
Welcome to the forum
You seem to be in good hands with our resident experts.
I just wanted to add that when we bought Gus (our MH) 2 years ago we had a list of essentials things - eg shower. But then we came across him in a motorhome show (he's 2nd hand), fell in love and bought him! So, our MH is not perfect, but neither are we :wink:
Be prepared to sweep a few things out the door.
We joined the caravan club and camping and caravan club in our first year - kinda safety net if something doesn't go right - lots of people round to help. These orgs have formal camping grounds, but also small private sites. We like to stay with them in winter, when we can use their electricity and lovely hot showers for a reasonable price; with less people around. So, plenty of options for you, once you've got the MH.
I also had noticed your location - beautiful part of the country.
Simone
You seem to be in good hands with our resident experts.
I just wanted to add that when we bought Gus (our MH) 2 years ago we had a list of essentials things - eg shower. But then we came across him in a motorhome show (he's 2nd hand), fell in love and bought him! So, our MH is not perfect, but neither are we :wink:
Be prepared to sweep a few things out the door.
We joined the caravan club and camping and caravan club in our first year - kinda safety net if something doesn't go right - lots of people round to help. These orgs have formal camping grounds, but also small private sites. We like to stay with them in winter, when we can use their electricity and lovely hot showers for a reasonable price; with less people around. So, plenty of options for you, once you've got the MH.
I also had noticed your location - beautiful part of the country.
Simone
Suedew: Hi Debs, welcome to MHF a bit late as so many have beaten me to it.
Thanks Sue
The turning circle is reassuring.
I never thought about hiring one, didn't know you could.
There's a lot of wisdom in that, especially the cold wet windy in the middle of nowhere!
I feel like I might just get my life back
I'm definitely starting to enjoy the searching too.
Debs
Thanks Sue
The turning circle is reassuring.
I never thought about hiring one, didn't know you could.
There's a lot of wisdom in that, especially the cold wet windy in the middle of nowhere!
I feel like I might just get my life back
I'm definitely starting to enjoy the searching too.
Debs
Geoff: Sorry to come in with dribs and drabs.
No sorry's required :wink:
Thank you's are in order tho', so a BIG Thank you.
Another thing I'd not thought of!
I've got one of those walker thingy's with mmm four big rubber feet, it's quite narrow, so I was thinking of using that to get about inside. Not supposed to be walking using crutches at all, and rarely do. But for the little bit of moving about inside, and to be free! I think it's worth the risk, plus Al's pretty nifty at catching me :lol:
I wouldn't use the crutches in the shower. Al would lower me onto a seat. He's fitted a wall one for our shower at home, and since looking was thinking of making me one out of wood slats for whatever we buy. To sit on wood slats in the shower?
Debs
No sorry's required :wink:
Thank you's are in order tho', so a BIG Thank you.
Another thing I'd not thought of!
I've got one of those walker thingy's with mmm four big rubber feet, it's quite narrow, so I was thinking of using that to get about inside. Not supposed to be walking using crutches at all, and rarely do. But for the little bit of moving about inside, and to be free! I think it's worth the risk, plus Al's pretty nifty at catching me :lol:
I wouldn't use the crutches in the shower. Al would lower me onto a seat. He's fitted a wall one for our shower at home, and since looking was thinking of making me one out of wood slats for whatever we buy. To sit on wood slats in the shower?
Debs
simandme: You seem to be in good hands with our resident experts.
Hi Simone
Thank you. Can't believe how wonderful and helpful everyone is being! It's great.
I'm liking the Globebus more and more, the I4 is a def contender, even though it's a bit longer than the others in that range.
I think you do walk in somewhere unexpectedly and go 'That's the one', and you can't reason why.
I used to do it with my bikes.
Debs
Hi Simone
Thank you. Can't believe how wonderful and helpful everyone is being! It's great.
I'm liking the Globebus more and more, the I4 is a def contender, even though it's a bit longer than the others in that range.
I think you do walk in somewhere unexpectedly and go 'That's the one', and you can't reason why.
I used to do it with my bikes.
Debs
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587 Posts
We have a globebus - but an old style, not quite the posh one that you're looking at. The thing we've liked about owning a dethleffs is the attention to detail. We've had ours for 2 years and no problems yet (touch wood). Plus you can tell that customers have inputed - just silly little things that suddenly make sense when you've spent some time in it. Don't worry too much about size - it is surprising how quickly you'll get used to it...befor you know it, you'll have an 8m MH and be towing a smartcar :wink:Dibbles1 said:I'm liking the Globebus more and more, the I4 is a def contender, even though it's a bit longer than the others in that range.
I think you do walk in somewhere unexpectedly and go 'That's the one', and you can't reason why.
I used to do it with my bikes.
Debs
As to bikes...you're welcome to start up a separate thread about them - plenty of petrolheads on the forum (my OH included!).
Glad to see you're enjoying the search. In some ways, having specific requirements helps to narrow the choices - which is great - there are far too many otherwise. The OH is 6'5 so finding a bed long enough, but in a short vehicle was lots of fun!! Still lots of fun - he bangs his head sometimes getting in and out of the MH :lol: :lol:
SimandMe: We have a globebus
Thanks
I loved the look of it. We've been searching again today, which has eliminated the Globebus, unfortunately
The garage wasn't strong enough and wouldn't hold the weight of a heavy powerchair and my buggy that Al built me.
Essential to go on hols with as it goes off road.
So back to the drawing board and looking again.
I'm learning a lot tho' and if it wasn't for all the help I got on here over the last few days, I'd have bought the wrong MH today and made an expensive mistake 8O
So thank you Geoff, Alan, Zebedee and everyone :wink:
Thanks
I loved the look of it. We've been searching again today, which has eliminated the Globebus, unfortunately
The garage wasn't strong enough and wouldn't hold the weight of a heavy powerchair and my buggy that Al built me.
Essential to go on hols with as it goes off road.
So back to the drawing board and looking again.
I'm learning a lot tho'
and if it wasn't for all the help I got on here over the last few days, I'd have bought the wrong MH today and made an expensive mistake 8OSo thank you Geoff, Alan, Zebedee and everyone :wink:
I'm afraid I haven't read all pages of this thread so apologies if this has been mentioned before.
If you are carrying a heavy mobility scooter you might have difficulty with axle limits and overall weight limits etc in a sub 3.5kg motorhome.
A motorhome in excess of 3.5 kgs has certain licensing requirements depending on when your driving test was passed and age so be aware of these before you buy. Some sub 3.5 kgs large motorhomes have a notoriously small payload allowance so be careful what you buy.
Also as you are disabled will you qualify for a new vehicle and servicing VAT free?
If you are carrying a heavy mobility scooter you might have difficulty with axle limits and overall weight limits etc in a sub 3.5kg motorhome.
A motorhome in excess of 3.5 kgs has certain licensing requirements depending on when your driving test was passed and age so be aware of these before you buy. Some sub 3.5 kgs large motorhomes have a notoriously small payload allowance so be careful what you buy.
Also as you are disabled will you qualify for a new vehicle and servicing VAT free?
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Just read your enthusiastic post from last evening and was about to advise you to curb your enthusiasm, but then saw your post today.Dibbles1 said:SimandMe: We have a globebus
Thanks
I loved the look of it. We've been searching again today, which has eliminated the Globebus, unfortunately
The garage wasn't strong enough and wouldn't hold the weight of a heavy powerchair and my buggy that Al built me.
Essential to go on hols with as it goes off road.
So back to the drawing board and looking again.
I'm learning a lot tho'
So thank you Geoff, Alan, Zebedee and everyone :wink:
I really think more and wider search is necessary - it will pay dividends and you will not be saying 'if only we had...'
I consider you have had enough advice on here to enable you to put 40% of your spec together, but that is only part-way and your requirements are quite specific and possibly less easy to overcome with a wrong choice.
Slowly, Slowly Catchee Monkey - it is there at the right price
Geoff
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3,665 Posts
Hi Debs and Al
I hope this new adventure is bringing some long-forgotten anticipation and pleasure into your lives. Lord knows, you deserve it!
I bought my (LHD) MH 5 years ago and I felt less than competent at driving a 6.3m van when I got it. The Caravan Club MH driving course sent that batch of fears on its way and since then I have driven 25 000+ km by myself all over Europe and UK. No problem.
Whenever a crisis presents itself, I've got on the website and our generous resident experts have calmed my anxieties and suggested solutions.
Your future is indeed rosier than its been for years and I join the posters in wishing you a speedy and perfect purchase and many happy hours on the road.
My van's been parked up in France for 10 days while I've been staying with my sister and I can feel the yearning to get back into it again. It really gets under your skin!
Good luck!
I hope this new adventure is bringing some long-forgotten anticipation and pleasure into your lives. Lord knows, you deserve it!
I bought my (LHD) MH 5 years ago and I felt less than competent at driving a 6.3m van when I got it. The Caravan Club MH driving course sent that batch of fears on its way and since then I have driven 25 000+ km by myself all over Europe and UK. No problem.
Whenever a crisis presents itself, I've got on the website and our generous resident experts have calmed my anxieties and suggested solutions.
Your future is indeed rosier than its been for years and I join the posters in wishing you a speedy and perfect purchase and many happy hours on the road.
My van's been parked up in France for 10 days while I've been staying with my sister and I can feel the yearning to get back into it again. It really gets under your skin!
Good luck!
Mike48: I'm afraid I haven't read all pages of this thread so apologies if this has been mentioned before.
No worries Mike
I was starting to wonder about the axle limits just this very minute. Trying to take it all in and understand something that's a home on four wheels!:lol:
If it says it has a Garage weight limit of 250kg will that cover it? Or is there still a need for checking it, knowing that big business is apt to fib just a bit
Yes I do get the VAT free, full time wheelchair user. Although I'm finding dealers like to replace any thoughts of a dealer discount with the VAT free.
Either that or they try charging full price = no deal, or even discount a bit and then add a 3% surcharge if ordering now as the price is going up in a few months! That was a new one on me! Perhaps they'd like my disability
Debs
No worries Mike
I was starting to wonder about the axle limits just this very minute. Trying to take it all in and understand something that's a home on four wheels!:lol:
If it says it has a Garage weight limit of 250kg will that cover it? Or is there still a need for checking it, knowing that big business is apt to fib just a bit
Yes I do get the VAT free, full time wheelchair user. Although I'm finding dealers like to replace any thoughts of a dealer discount with the VAT free.
Either that or they try charging full price = no deal, or even discount a bit and then add a 3% surcharge if ordering now as the price is going up in a few months! That was a new one on me! Perhaps they'd like my disability
Debs
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16,297 Posts
Geoff is right Debbie - don't rush into it.
You really need to go to a show or two - the Malvern one is not too far in the future and there will be an MHF rally there. Lots of MHF members who would be more than willing to chat and give you plenty of ideas - not to mention the hundreds of vans on show.
I know it would not be easy in your chair, but it's the only way to get a complete picture, and not end up saying "If only . . . "
You have waited this long - another few weeks or a couple of months won't hurt.
Dave
P.S. Having said all that, I freely confess that I would be just the same as you. If I get an idea in my head I can't rest until it is resolved one way or another. We are going to look at trikes on Monday . . . . . :roll:
You really need to go to a show or two - the Malvern one is not too far in the future and there will be an MHF rally there. Lots of MHF members who would be more than willing to chat and give you plenty of ideas - not to mention the hundreds of vans on show.
I know it would not be easy in your chair, but it's the only way to get a complete picture, and not end up saying "If only . . . "
You have waited this long - another few weeks or a couple of months won't hurt.
Dave
P.S. Having said all that, I freely confess that I would be just the same as you. If I get an idea in my head I can't rest until it is resolved one way or another. We are going to look at trikes on Monday . . . . . :roll:
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