Caravans: What's the Point?
Discussion
I was perfectly happy with a tent but my wife wanted a caravan, and bought our first caravan as a real bargain for £400!
You cant compare a caravan with a static as the caravan allows you to go to a different site every day or weekend or whatever.
Advantage of a caravan are that you dont need to pack it up every time you want to go out for the day, its dog friendly, its yours no strangers been sleeping in it, and if you have kids there are plenty of other kids for yours to play with!
You cant compare a caravan with a static as the caravan allows you to go to a different site every day or weekend or whatever.
Advantage of a caravan are that you dont need to pack it up every time you want to go out for the day, its dog friendly, its yours no strangers been sleeping in it, and if you have kids there are plenty of other kids for yours to play with!
at the memories.Personally I don't get the people that buy new or nearly new caravans that they use only once or twice a year then trade it in for another, then repeat every couple of years. The depreciation must be far more than they would spend on a decent 5* holiday, especially when many of these same people go to the same site year after year. What I do get & try to enjoy to the max is the freedom to just go pretty much where & when you want, although you do have to book in advance to get some sites at certain times of the year. I actually have 2 caravans, one for work & one for pleasure (no I'm not a 3.142key) I work all over the country & sometimes abroad installing specialised crop drying & storage solutions & we work long hours for 6-8 months of the year, so it makes sense to stay on site, get the job done & have long weekends off. Then we have the other one for weekends away & travelling to warmer places in the winter.
I stay in a lot of "decent" hotels through work, they're all inferior to my caravan. They also don't build many hotels in the middle of nowhere, we often stay on remote sites with only a water supply and can go a whole night without seeing another person. Not the sort of experience you get in a noisy, smelly, busy hotel.
Other than motorways a lot of roads are now signposted at a specific speed so caravans will travel at the same speed as other traffic, I often find myself stuck behind somebody dawdling along below the posted speed.
Other than motorways a lot of roads are now signposted at a specific speed so caravans will travel at the same speed as other traffic, I often find myself stuck behind somebody dawdling along below the posted speed.
We have a (Smallish) motorhome bought new in 2011. It's not a particularly expensive one, (as motorhomes go)....around 30k.
So far we have driven 9,000 miles, in fact we have just come back from three (wet) days near Kendal over Easter...prior to that it hadn't been used since last July....(We do not use it in Winter)
Running costs are cheap, diesel 40 to a gallon, and insurance around £350.
Depreciation on Motorhomes is not too bad.
However, decent camp sites are getting on for £30pn, and you could stay in a Premier Inn/Travelodge for not that much more.
So, the economic argument doesn't make much sense, but it is a lifestyle thing, you can literally go anywhere you fancy, we have been right round the coast from Berwick on Tweed up to Carlise, plus plenty of inland places as well, Cotswolds, Norfolk, Kent, Exmoor...(We had a larger six berth one between 2008-11).
I certainly would not like to be without it, but a caravan does not really appeal to me...too much messing about.
Don't knock it until you've tried it.
So far we have driven 9,000 miles, in fact we have just come back from three (wet) days near Kendal over Easter...prior to that it hadn't been used since last July....(We do not use it in Winter)
Running costs are cheap, diesel 40 to a gallon, and insurance around £350.
Depreciation on Motorhomes is not too bad.
However, decent camp sites are getting on for £30pn, and you could stay in a Premier Inn/Travelodge for not that much more.
So, the economic argument doesn't make much sense, but it is a lifestyle thing, you can literally go anywhere you fancy, we have been right round the coast from Berwick on Tweed up to Carlise, plus plenty of inland places as well, Cotswolds, Norfolk, Kent, Exmoor...(We had a larger six berth one between 2008-11).
I certainly would not like to be without it, but a caravan does not really appeal to me...too much messing about.
Don't knock it until you've tried it.
If it's on a site in our motorhome or in a Travelodge with both at £30pn I'd take the van any day. We've just come back from a couple of nights in Combe Martin in North Devon that cost us £80 for two nights. For that we got a truly massive pitch - you could easily have got two fair sized vans on it - that had a hardstanding area for the van, electric and water hook-ups plus the best washroom facilities I've ever seen, and that was for two nights, four adults, one dog and a car too.
For me that's a no brainier over a B&B any day of the week.
For me that's a no brainier over a B&B any day of the week.
I rather like hotels. I mean, a decent one will have a large comfy bed and a nice en-suite and nice furnishing. And the restaurant and bar will serve great food and good wine and have some nice single malts.
What's not to like?
Well, the price of them. And finding a room or rooms for a family can become expensive. And good food and good wine and good malt is never cheap. And it can become even more expensive if you do this really regularly and often at short notice.
I bought an 'antique' motorhome. A really well-built one that was hideously expensive when new back in 1992 and was rather more affordable 22 years later in 2013. Mine has a truly comfortable bed and a lovely shower and bathroom area. It has space for our children. And it has a bar area (drinks cabinet) for bottles of splendidly good single malt, gin and wine. I can cook pretty well, too, so the food is never an issue. And it's stocked with excellent filter coffee.
And I can park this wonderful vehicle in any number of scenic spots across the country for not-a-lot. I can sit outside with my children happily asleep a mere few metres away and gaze at stars, or share this with my children. The single malt isn't anywhere near as expensive by the bottle as it is by the glass, though we don't drink too much of it.
Depreciation? None. Mine seems to have risen in value a little.
I do love nice hotels, but I adore my motorhome.
Like some, I struggle to see the benefits of a caravan, though a 70's Airstream appeals an awful lot.
What's not to like?
Well, the price of them. And finding a room or rooms for a family can become expensive. And good food and good wine and good malt is never cheap. And it can become even more expensive if you do this really regularly and often at short notice.
I bought an 'antique' motorhome. A really well-built one that was hideously expensive when new back in 1992 and was rather more affordable 22 years later in 2013. Mine has a truly comfortable bed and a lovely shower and bathroom area. It has space for our children. And it has a bar area (drinks cabinet) for bottles of splendidly good single malt, gin and wine. I can cook pretty well, too, so the food is never an issue. And it's stocked with excellent filter coffee.
And I can park this wonderful vehicle in any number of scenic spots across the country for not-a-lot. I can sit outside with my children happily asleep a mere few metres away and gaze at stars, or share this with my children. The single malt isn't anywhere near as expensive by the bottle as it is by the glass, though we don't drink too much of it.
Depreciation? None. Mine seems to have risen in value a little.
I do love nice hotels, but I adore my motorhome.
Like some, I struggle to see the benefits of a caravan, though a 70's Airstream appeals an awful lot.
Antony Moxey said:
We've just come back from a couple of nights in Combe Martin in North Devon that cost us £80 for two nights. For that we got a truly massive pitch - you could easily have got two fair sized vans on it - that had a hardstanding area for the van, electric and water hook-ups plus the best washroom facilities I've ever seen, and that was for two nights, four adults, one dog and a car too.
Stowford by any chance? Went there last July, and we'll be back this year, if we get round to booking it anyway!Chrisgr31 said:
Antony Moxey said:
We've just come back from a couple of nights in Combe Martin in North Devon that cost us £80 for two nights. For that we got a truly massive pitch - you could easily have got two fair sized vans on it - that had a hardstanding area for the van, electric and water hook-ups plus the best washroom facilities I've ever seen, and that was for two nights, four adults, one dog and a car too.
Stowford by any chance? Went there last July, and we'll be back this year, if we get round to booking it anyway!SimesJH said:
I rather like hotels. I mean, a decent one will have a large comfy bed and a nice en-suite and nice furnishing. And the restaurant and bar will serve great food and good wine and have some nice single malts.
What's not to like?
Well, the price of them. And finding a room or rooms for a family can become expensive. And good food and good wine and good malt is never cheap. And it can become even more expensive if you do this really regularly and often at short notice.
I bought an 'antique' motorhome. A really well-built one that was hideously expensive when new back in 1992 and was rather more affordable 22 years later in 2013. Mine has a truly comfortable bed and a lovely shower and bathroom area. It has space for our children. And it has a bar area (drinks cabinet) for bottles of splendidly good single malt, gin and wine. I can cook pretty well, too, so the food is never an issue. And it's stocked with excellent filter coffee.
And I can park this wonderful vehicle in any number of scenic spots across the country for not-a-lot. I can sit outside with my children happily asleep a mere few metres away and gaze at stars, or share this with my children. The single malt isn't anywhere near as expensive by the bottle as it is by the glass, though we don't drink too much of it.
Depreciation? None. Mine seems to have risen in value a little.
I do love nice hotels, but I adore my motorhome.
Like some, I struggle to see the benefits of a caravan, though a 70's Airstream appeals an awful lot.
Great post!What's not to like?
Well, the price of them. And finding a room or rooms for a family can become expensive. And good food and good wine and good malt is never cheap. And it can become even more expensive if you do this really regularly and often at short notice.
I bought an 'antique' motorhome. A really well-built one that was hideously expensive when new back in 1992 and was rather more affordable 22 years later in 2013. Mine has a truly comfortable bed and a lovely shower and bathroom area. It has space for our children. And it has a bar area (drinks cabinet) for bottles of splendidly good single malt, gin and wine. I can cook pretty well, too, so the food is never an issue. And it's stocked with excellent filter coffee.
And I can park this wonderful vehicle in any number of scenic spots across the country for not-a-lot. I can sit outside with my children happily asleep a mere few metres away and gaze at stars, or share this with my children. The single malt isn't anywhere near as expensive by the bottle as it is by the glass, though we don't drink too much of it.
Depreciation? None. Mine seems to have risen in value a little.
I do love nice hotels, but I adore my motorhome.
Like some, I struggle to see the benefits of a caravan, though a 70's Airstream appeals an awful lot.
Although I seem to find the opposite and think motorhomes are expensive and more hassle
Caravans are cheap, and cost very little to service/run. Motorhomes are expensive to buy, more expensive to service, tax, MOT, insure, etc.
And when you're set up on a site for a week or two it's much more convenient to have the car to use during the day.
That said, for 'proper' touring where you stay maybe a night or two before heading off, I can see the appeal of the motorhome.
Rosscow said:
Although I seem to find the opposite and think motorhomes are expensive and more hassle
Not my experience as I look out of my window, feet up having a nice cup of tea.Old duffer pulls up to the plot next to mine in his 4x4 and spends 30 minutes trying to reverse into his space, whilst his big fat wife attempts to give him "instructions"....."right a bit STOP...no I mean left"...
Then, proceeds to knock the wooden pitch number peg over with the back of his "outfit"...
After an hour, it's time to set the aquaroll up..
, then another hour an hour levelling the caravan and fitting all the anti-theft devices....
Then, don't get me started on the awning and the satellite TV.....
No,.... motorhome, drive up, electric on, tea up... five minutes tops.....
. I am yet to experience the pleasures of a touring caravan. However after camping it is a progression that my wife was keen to make, so I am along for the ride so to speak. I do the paying and sorting whilst she has the 'ideas'.
If we don't like it we will have lost a few thousand pounds which would probably equate to a typical summer holiday in the sun if we sell up and go back to tenting.
I will be able to say better in a couple of weeks when we have the caravan and have hopefully managed to have a few days away in it. Better to try it and decide if we like or dislike it than her resent me for not getting one in the first place.
Our holidays are always UK based and we spend at least £2000 a year on a combination of lodges, cottages, camping and hotels. I am sure I will miss the luxury side of it, but it will hopefully be something we as a family can enjoy together.
If we don't like it we will have lost a few thousand pounds which would probably equate to a typical summer holiday in the sun if we sell up and go back to tenting.
I will be able to say better in a couple of weeks when we have the caravan and have hopefully managed to have a few days away in it. Better to try it and decide if we like or dislike it than her resent me for not getting one in the first place.
Our holidays are always UK based and we spend at least £2000 a year on a combination of lodges, cottages, camping and hotels. I am sure I will miss the luxury side of it, but it will hopefully be something we as a family can enjoy together.
Edited by PH5121 on Wednesday 30th March 16:58
This time a serious reply to the op, as opposed to my earlier bad taste quip.
I enjoy my vintage caravan and tow it with my vintage car. It's a bit slow so I keep a careful eye on my mirror. Most weekends I am attending steam rallies and country shows. Display my outfit during the day and then turn it into my accomadation for evening.
When the show closes to the public I can cook my evening meal and open a bottle of wine, no driving duties for me at this point. Then off to the marquee to enjoy the entertainment, usually live local band, and enjoy some beers with old friends and meet new.
Hotels? boring and staid imo but sometimes I have to comply !
I enjoy my vintage caravan and tow it with my vintage car. It's a bit slow so I keep a careful eye on my mirror. Most weekends I am attending steam rallies and country shows. Display my outfit during the day and then turn it into my accomadation for evening.
When the show closes to the public I can cook my evening meal and open a bottle of wine, no driving duties for me at this point. Then off to the marquee to enjoy the entertainment, usually live local band, and enjoy some beers with old friends and meet new.
Hotels? boring and staid imo but sometimes I have to comply !
Edited by crankedup on Wednesday 30th March 19:46
Simple really
Going to different places , but always sleeping in a bed that no one else has used , so no stained sheets , bugs , or other noxious substances , if the view is crap being able to relocate or move on , not being tied to always having to pay full price for breakfast/lunch/dinner .
With fully serviced pitches now days , water and drainage are plumbed in , hot and cold running water, full sized shower ,blown air central heating & A/C switched at OUR convenience and not some hotel manager .OK the chemical loo may be a bit of a contentious subject , but with modern chemicals , no bad smells , just the job of disposing of the jobbies , and reloading with Elsan , no big deal
The cost per night including capital outlay, deprecation , fees etc , is well below hotels .
Going to different places , but always sleeping in a bed that no one else has used , so no stained sheets , bugs , or other noxious substances , if the view is crap being able to relocate or move on , not being tied to always having to pay full price for breakfast/lunch/dinner .
With fully serviced pitches now days , water and drainage are plumbed in , hot and cold running water, full sized shower ,blown air central heating & A/C switched at OUR convenience and not some hotel manager .OK the chemical loo may be a bit of a contentious subject , but with modern chemicals , no bad smells , just the job of disposing of the jobbies , and reloading with Elsan , no big deal
The cost per night including capital outlay, deprecation , fees etc , is well below hotels .
Pistom said:
If you have to ask the question then you would probably never understand.
As an avid hater of caravans, I reluctantly found myself forced to accept one on my life (don't ask but it involved kinky sex so I went for it).
Anyway, I now love caravans, they are cosy, comfortable and like pulling a perfectly set up mini version of your own home.
Perfect if you don't mind s
tting in a chemical loo next to the kitchen but even that's not as bad as it sounds.
Given a choice of staying in a static that all and sundry have stayed in or my little haven on wheels, the static doesn't get a look it.
As for hotels, if I wanted to stay in a prison, I'd commit a worthwhile crime.
This. I too have always hated caravans, fulminating at their dawdling presence on the road and their wretched occupants. So until we had our lad I would never have considered one. In fact I would have killed you with a jack handles had you even suggested such a thing. It had never really occurred to me before that I might enjoy cooking a nice meal whilst stood less than a meter away from a plastic box containing various human excrement. As an avid hater of caravans, I reluctantly found myself forced to accept one on my life (don't ask but it involved kinky sex so I went for it).
Anyway, I now love caravans, they are cosy, comfortable and like pulling a perfectly set up mini version of your own home.
Perfect if you don't mind s
tting in a chemical loo next to the kitchen but even that's not as bad as it sounds. Given a choice of staying in a static that all and sundry have stayed in or my little haven on wheels, the static doesn't get a look it.
As for hotels, if I wanted to stay in a prison, I'd commit a worthwhile crime.
But lo! Sixteen grand and one new Bailey later and I am a convert. I have even discovered the joy of trying to get it on one wheel driving hard out of roundabouts.
That said, I do hope it will be back to top international hotels in far flung places once the boy leaves home...
PS If I see your caravan a'rockin' I'll come knockin' (wearing nowt but a strategically placed Caravan Club pennant)
Andy Zarse said:
This. I too have always hated caravans, fulminating at their dawdling presence on the road and their wretched occupants. So until we had our lad I would never have considered one. In fact I would have killed you with a jack handles had you even suggested such a thing. It had never really occurred to me before that I might enjoy cooking a nice meal whilst stood less than a meter away from a plastic box containing various human excrement.
But lo! Sixteen grand and one new Bailey later and I am a convert. I have even discovered the joy of trying to get it on one wheel driving hard out of roundabouts.
That said, I do hope it will be back to top international hotels in far flung places once the boy leaves home...
PS If I see your caravan a'rockin' I'll come knockin' (wearing nowt but a strategically placed Caravan Club pennant)
But lo! Sixteen grand and one new Bailey later and I am a convert. I have even discovered the joy of trying to get it on one wheel driving hard out of roundabouts.
That said, I do hope it will be back to top international hotels in far flung places once the boy leaves home...
PS If I see your caravan a'rockin' I'll come knockin' (wearing nowt but a strategically placed Caravan Club pennant)
Andy Zarse said:
Pistom said:
If you have to ask the question then you would probably never understand.
As an avid hater of caravans, I reluctantly found myself forced to accept one on my life (don't ask but it involved kinky sex so I went for it).
Anyway, I now love caravans, they are cosy, comfortable and like pulling a perfectly set up mini version of your own home.
Perfect if you don't mind stting in a chemical loo next to the kitchen but even that's not as bad as it sounds.
Given a choice of staying in a static that all and sundry have stayed in or my little haven on wheels, the static doesn't get a look it.
As for hotels, if I wanted to stay in a prison, I'd commit a worthwhile crime.
This. I too have always hated caravans, fulminating at their dawdling presence on the road and their wretched occupants. So until we had our lad I would never have considered one. In fact I would have killed you with a jack handles had you even suggested such a thing. It had never really occurred to me before that I might enjoy cooking a nice meal whilst stood less than a meter away from a plastic box containing various human excrement. As an avid hater of caravans, I reluctantly found myself forced to accept one on my life (don't ask but it involved kinky sex so I went for it).
Anyway, I now love caravans, they are cosy, comfortable and like pulling a perfectly set up mini version of your own home.
Perfect if you don't mind s
tting in a chemical loo next to the kitchen but even that's not as bad as it sounds. Given a choice of staying in a static that all and sundry have stayed in or my little haven on wheels, the static doesn't get a look it.
As for hotels, if I wanted to stay in a prison, I'd commit a worthwhile crime.
But lo! Sixteen grand and one new Bailey later and I am a convert. I have even discovered the joy of trying to get it on one wheel driving hard out of roundabouts.
That said, I do hope it will be back to top international hotels in far flung places once the boy leaves home...
PS If I see your caravan a'rockin' I'll come knockin' (wearing nowt but a strategically placed Caravan Club pennant)
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