Tuscany Trip to collect brand new Roller Team...
Discussion
WRT to motorbikes, couldn't you have a trailer? You see plenty of motorhomes towing Smarts and the like, I wouldn't have thought a couple of motorbikes would take up that much more room.
Going back to costs, yes a £38k MH might now be £42 or £43k but I would guess that drops proportionately as you go down the second hand market. Like I said previously ours cost less than £20k and has been faultless (other than failing the MOT yesterday due to iffy electrics in one of the rear light clusters) - we got it as a ten year old van with about 30k miles on it. I'd love to be able to spend £40k on a shiny new van but the truth is I'm more than happy with the one I've got. There's good affordable stuff out there if you're prepared to look for it :-)
Going back to costs, yes a £38k MH might now be £42 or £43k but I would guess that drops proportionately as you go down the second hand market. Like I said previously ours cost less than £20k and has been faultless (other than failing the MOT yesterday due to iffy electrics in one of the rear light clusters) - we got it as a ten year old van with about 30k miles on it. I'd love to be able to spend £40k on a shiny new van but the truth is I'm more than happy with the one I've got. There's good affordable stuff out there if you're prepared to look for it :-)
I found this company and have decided to do this next year, so booked for late March, run up to Easter! Can't wait, went for a 4 berth low profile model with drop down front bed, for me missus and our youngest daughter. Booked for 9 days so far, but may do an extra couple, it is only £33 per day!
poo at Paul's said:
I found this company and have decided to do this next year, so booked for late March, run up to Easter! Can't wait, went for a 4 berth low profile model with drop down front bed, for me missus and our youngest daughter. Booked for 9 days so far, but may do an extra couple, it is only £33 per day!
Nice one 
Can you come back on here and update us when you have done the trip?
oblio said:
poo at Paul's said:
I found this company and have decided to do this next year, so booked for late March, run up to Easter! Can't wait, went for a 4 berth low profile model with drop down front bed, for me missus and our youngest daughter. Booked for 9 days so far, but may do an extra couple, it is only £33 per day!
Nice one Can you come back on here and update us when you have done the trip?
All paid up now ready for our trip to Italy and back next month.
I think we have a Roller team 740 and our friends have the 690G. Looking forward to it, so long as the snow melts by then! 11 days now we are off for.
And we are going to do some family bobsleigh running en route at La Plagne!!!
I think we have a Roller team 740 and our friends have the 690G. Looking forward to it, so long as the snow melts by then! 11 days now we are off for.
And we are going to do some family bobsleigh running en route at La Plagne!!!
Edited by poo at Paul's on Friday 2nd March 16:21
Carbonio said:
Has anyone managed to get the online booking to work?
Not sure if it's because I'm using Apple products but doesn't seem to let me select the dates even though they seem available.
I cant recall exactly, but I think we called them about it and booked it over the phone. The deal was called the "Eurolease" I think, which is where you make your own way out to the factory. Not sure if it's because I'm using Apple products but doesn't seem to let me select the dates even though they seem available.
They ten do an fully organised trip (flights transfers etc) but that (I think) is fully booked up aged ago, and is due to leave I think next week? or maybe week after.
There's quite of lot of paperwork to fill in and get back to them, via scanner etc. So maybe call them to start the ball rolling?
Dinky camping fan heater turned up today in post as I think it may be cold at night and i know there is debate as to whether you should use gas heating at night in campers.
poo at Paul's said:
Carbonio said:
Has anyone managed to get the online booking to work?
Not sure if it's because I'm using Apple products but doesn't seem to let me select the dates even though they seem available.
I cant recall exactly, but I think we called them about it and booked it over the phone. The deal was called the "Eurolease" I think, which is where you make your own way out to the factory. Not sure if it's because I'm using Apple products but doesn't seem to let me select the dates even though they seem available.
They ten do an fully organised trip (flights transfers etc) but that (I think) is fully booked up aged ago, and is due to leave I think next week? or maybe week after.
There's quite of lot of paperwork to fill in and get back to them, via scanner etc. So maybe call them to start the ball rolling?
Dinky camping fan heater turned up today in post as I think it may be cold at night and i know there is debate as to whether you should use gas heating at night in campers.
poo at Paul's said:
I cant recall exactly, but I think we called them about it and booked it over the phone. The deal was called the "Eurolease" I think, which is where you make your own way out to the factory.
They ten do an fully organised trip (flights transfers etc) but that (I think) is fully booked up aged ago, and is due to leave I think next week? or maybe week after.
There's quite of lot of paperwork to fill in and get back to them, via scanner etc. So maybe call them to start the ball rolling?
Dinky camping fan heater turned up today in post as I think it may be cold at night and i know there is debate as to whether you should use gas heating at night in campers.
Gas heating fibe over night, they have leak detecting shut off valves They ten do an fully organised trip (flights transfers etc) but that (I think) is fully booked up aged ago, and is due to leave I think next week? or maybe week after.
There's quite of lot of paperwork to fill in and get back to them, via scanner etc. So maybe call them to start the ball rolling?
Dinky camping fan heater turned up today in post as I think it may be cold at night and i know there is debate as to whether you should use gas heating at night in campers.
We're back!!
Good trip, 10 nights, all went pretty well.
Trip out was ok, made our own way to factory, a bit mixed. Flights ok, even train across to Pogiobonsi was ok, but the cabs we got to hotel then to Trigano factory in the morning were a f
king rip off. About 21km and cost 80 Euros!
Welcome to Italy. Lots of things quite expensive and a bit crap, but charming enough.
Small problem with motorhomes meant we had a delay on the getting going, nail in the tyre of one, and problem with the dashboard on the other meant some guy stuck a plug in the tyre (brand new 50k MH!) and some guys came from the Fiat factory to change some dashboard parts over. The "half an hour" was an Italian half hour, and whilst we arrived bob on 9amm, we only left factory at 2.30pm!
We had a transit based 6 berth and ducato 4 berth; Both pretty good, the Ducato had legs top speed wise on the flat, but the transit was better on the hills. Also the transit was surprisingly about 2mpg (10%) better despite being 6 berth with the bulbous overcab bed.
A couple of issues getting everything working. Particulalry the 3 way fridge on one of the vehicles, was a bit of a pain, but we managed ok.
We did a route up NW coast of Italy, round toward Cote D'Azure, and weekend at Ramatuelle. Then up to Chamberry for a night, Switzerland and Lake Murten for a night, into Germany and Baden Baden, then over to France toward Metz and stayed there for a few days but some lakes. Then back via Belgium to avoid tolls to Calais, then one night in Kent on way home.
Good points were the weather. One night of light rain, one very windy night, but glorious the rest of it. The 4 berth was pretty good, rear island bed excellent. But 6 berth far more practical with kids. Some of the places we stayed were "aires" etc and we used Camperstop app on iPhone which was excellent and very accurate. All except one were spot on, there was one that looked well dodgy when we got there and had lots of dubious looking people in dubious looking ropey campers there, so we moved on, 20 mins away, found best place we stayed, for €7 too!
Not very economical, about 20mpg max. Tolls hideous, about 200 quid all in. Fuel was about £550 for 1700 miles approx.. Fuel in Europe seemed more pricey than UK at the mo with fx rate. Bit cheaper in Switzerland.
Some good tips on this thread, eg, hairdryers, we took a minvac dustbsuter for the sand, and hose adaptors / Electircal hook up adapter. Just Go said everywhere uses the 3 pin adapters, i think only two places we went did! So take the 2pin to 3pin adapter. Also we took a set of hose adapters from Screwfix that cost 2 quid, we needed them EVERWHERE to fill up the water.
Would definitely do it again if we can find time. But whilst good value, the costs really add up. I reckon it was over £2700 all in for the three of us in our van. Not bad, but at full season, full price hire, paying for ferry and more expensive campsites, and it would be bloody pricey trip.
Bloody good laugh though. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Good trip, 10 nights, all went pretty well.
Trip out was ok, made our own way to factory, a bit mixed. Flights ok, even train across to Pogiobonsi was ok, but the cabs we got to hotel then to Trigano factory in the morning were a f
king rip off. About 21km and cost 80 Euros!Welcome to Italy. Lots of things quite expensive and a bit crap, but charming enough.
Small problem with motorhomes meant we had a delay on the getting going, nail in the tyre of one, and problem with the dashboard on the other meant some guy stuck a plug in the tyre (brand new 50k MH!) and some guys came from the Fiat factory to change some dashboard parts over. The "half an hour" was an Italian half hour, and whilst we arrived bob on 9amm, we only left factory at 2.30pm!
We had a transit based 6 berth and ducato 4 berth; Both pretty good, the Ducato had legs top speed wise on the flat, but the transit was better on the hills. Also the transit was surprisingly about 2mpg (10%) better despite being 6 berth with the bulbous overcab bed.
A couple of issues getting everything working. Particulalry the 3 way fridge on one of the vehicles, was a bit of a pain, but we managed ok.
We did a route up NW coast of Italy, round toward Cote D'Azure, and weekend at Ramatuelle. Then up to Chamberry for a night, Switzerland and Lake Murten for a night, into Germany and Baden Baden, then over to France toward Metz and stayed there for a few days but some lakes. Then back via Belgium to avoid tolls to Calais, then one night in Kent on way home.
Good points were the weather. One night of light rain, one very windy night, but glorious the rest of it. The 4 berth was pretty good, rear island bed excellent. But 6 berth far more practical with kids. Some of the places we stayed were "aires" etc and we used Camperstop app on iPhone which was excellent and very accurate. All except one were spot on, there was one that looked well dodgy when we got there and had lots of dubious looking people in dubious looking ropey campers there, so we moved on, 20 mins away, found best place we stayed, for €7 too!
Not very economical, about 20mpg max. Tolls hideous, about 200 quid all in. Fuel was about £550 for 1700 miles approx.. Fuel in Europe seemed more pricey than UK at the mo with fx rate. Bit cheaper in Switzerland.
Some good tips on this thread, eg, hairdryers, we took a minvac dustbsuter for the sand, and hose adaptors / Electircal hook up adapter. Just Go said everywhere uses the 3 pin adapters, i think only two places we went did! So take the 2pin to 3pin adapter. Also we took a set of hose adapters from Screwfix that cost 2 quid, we needed them EVERWHERE to fill up the water.
Would definitely do it again if we can find time. But whilst good value, the costs really add up. I reckon it was over £2700 all in for the three of us in our van. Not bad, but at full season, full price hire, paying for ferry and more expensive campsites, and it would be bloody pricey trip.
Bloody good laugh though. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Thanks for taking the time to writeup. Enjoyed reading that.
Not sure what speeds you were going at, but I've always found that sticking around 100kmh, regardless of van type, tends to yield the best fuel economy and doesn't really loose you too much in the way of time either.
I'm surprised it cost you so much; would be interesting to know how much of that was transport getting there, since I tend to find that once you either own a motorhome (or in your case you're getting it roughly for free by doing them a favour bringing it back), the incremental costs like fuel, tolls and overnighting are pretty darned cheap and once averaged out over a Family, it's actually a very cheap way of holidaying.
Even though my rig gulps down fuel at a rate of c. 17mpg, leading to huge fuel bills, they are more than offset by the fact you're getting your accomodation almost for free. That was one of the ways I initially justified buying my own motorhome.
Glad you enjoyed it though. It is indeed great craic!
Not sure what speeds you were going at, but I've always found that sticking around 100kmh, regardless of van type, tends to yield the best fuel economy and doesn't really loose you too much in the way of time either.
I'm surprised it cost you so much; would be interesting to know how much of that was transport getting there, since I tend to find that once you either own a motorhome (or in your case you're getting it roughly for free by doing them a favour bringing it back), the incremental costs like fuel, tolls and overnighting are pretty darned cheap and once averaged out over a Family, it's actually a very cheap way of holidaying.
Even though my rig gulps down fuel at a rate of c. 17mpg, leading to huge fuel bills, they are more than offset by the fact you're getting your accomodation almost for free. That was one of the ways I initially justified buying my own motorhome.
Glad you enjoyed it though. It is indeed great craic!
poo at Paul's said:
I reckon it was over £2700 all in for the three of us in our van. Not bad, but at full season, full price hire, paying for ferry and more expensive campsites, and it would be bloody pricey trip.
Thanks for the write-up. Very surprised by the costs - what's the break down of that?Roughly £300 flights out. £100 taxis / trains, night before in hotel, £100, fuel £550, tolls £200, campervan was £350, extras (bedding, table and chairs) about £120, Shopping, food, toilet cleaner, cleaning stuff etc, £300 (incl beer and wine), campsites / aires, £300, excess / CDW ins £110, recreation en route, swimming, hired some bikes, treetop walk for kids etc, £100. Meals out, cafes etc £150.
It all soon adds up, in school holidays the flights are always steep, some things like shopping and restaurants can be very expensive in some countries, even McDs is pricey in Switzerland. As there were two campervans, to get adjacent pitches in some popular places, we had to pay admin fees of like 30 euro each van, which when you are only staying 2 nights for 30 euro a night +taxes, does make it more pricey.
It all soon adds up, in school holidays the flights are always steep, some things like shopping and restaurants can be very expensive in some countries, even McDs is pricey in Switzerland. As there were two campervans, to get adjacent pitches in some popular places, we had to pay admin fees of like 30 euro each van, which when you are only staying 2 nights for 30 euro a night +taxes, does make it more pricey.
That makes sense.
My costs would only ever be counted as fuel, tolls and overnighting costs at campsites or Aires. I tend not to eat out much when I’m motorhoming and view food costs as something I have to cover whether I’m in the van or not. Also, given I own the thing, the costs and kit are already paid for. After the initial outlay, in spite of dolling a couple of k out of the door on maintenance etc, it’s actually a very cheap form of holidaying.
My costs would only ever be counted as fuel, tolls and overnighting costs at campsites or Aires. I tend not to eat out much when I’m motorhoming and view food costs as something I have to cover whether I’m in the van or not. Also, given I own the thing, the costs and kit are already paid for. After the initial outlay, in spite of dolling a couple of k out of the door on maintenance etc, it’s actually a very cheap form of holidaying.
Spuffington said:
That makes sense.
My costs would only ever be counted as fuel, tolls and overnighting costs at campsites or Aires. I tend not to eat out much when I’m motorhoming and view food costs as something I have to cover whether I’m in the van or not. Also, given I own the thing, the costs and kit are already paid for. After the initial outlay, in spite of dolling a couple of k out of the door on maintenance etc, it’s actually a very cheap form of holidaying.
Oh yes, we did accept that we "lived" for 11 days in that. But worth remembering that since you fly out to a new van on this trip, you definitely have to buy things that you need, you cant take everything out with you. Rental place told us some people tank sleeping bags and do without pillows etc, to save renting the bedding etc. I see them as a necessity, otherwise it is just like tenting IMHO!! My costs would only ever be counted as fuel, tolls and overnighting costs at campsites or Aires. I tend not to eat out much when I’m motorhoming and view food costs as something I have to cover whether I’m in the van or not. Also, given I own the thing, the costs and kit are already paid for. After the initial outlay, in spite of dolling a couple of k out of the door on maintenance etc, it’s actually a very cheap form of holidaying.
We could trim it down, earlier flight bookings, avoid bank holiday flight, don't eat out in Switzerland!! And also final leg to Calais was planned as more up through Germany / Belgium, which would save £50 to £100 on tolls, (few more miles though).
We didn't go hungry, or get cold, and we drank shed loads!!! Had some ace days out and great stuff for kids to do. So no complaints at all.
But when you add it all up, it did cost near £3k to poo in a cupboard for 10 days! lol
Thread Resurrection!
As per previous posts I collect a new 4 or 6 berth Etrusco or Roller Team motorhome on 1st April from Tuscany and then have to deliver it to Edinburgh 10 days later.....
Very aware that the post is 7 years old and the world has changed a little so I thought I would share my rough plans on here to see if they get a Pistonheads ThumbsUp?!
Fly to Pisa, train to depot collect motorhome. Book somewhere local for 1st night. Then onto Venice maybe via Florence. Travel to Dolomites maybe stay a few days.
Then South Germany for Castles and Eagles Nest.
I'm quite interested in war stuff, so I then want to go looking for interesting places in Germany/Belgium and France travelling in the general direction of the Uk. I've been to Ypres, Flanders, Atlantic wall before but would go again.
Cross the channel at Calais and head oop Norf!
Keen to hear about must do places (Pistonheads came up absolute trumps on my Canada trip!)
Thank you
Ian
As per previous posts I collect a new 4 or 6 berth Etrusco or Roller Team motorhome on 1st April from Tuscany and then have to deliver it to Edinburgh 10 days later.....
Very aware that the post is 7 years old and the world has changed a little so I thought I would share my rough plans on here to see if they get a Pistonheads ThumbsUp?!
Fly to Pisa, train to depot collect motorhome. Book somewhere local for 1st night. Then onto Venice maybe via Florence. Travel to Dolomites maybe stay a few days.
Then South Germany for Castles and Eagles Nest.
I'm quite interested in war stuff, so I then want to go looking for interesting places in Germany/Belgium and France travelling in the general direction of the Uk. I've been to Ypres, Flanders, Atlantic wall before but would go again.
Cross the channel at Calais and head oop Norf!
Keen to hear about must do places (Pistonheads came up absolute trumps on my Canada trip!)
Thank you
Ian
We found the blockhaus at Eperlecques fascinating. It's only 1.5km from a really nice campsite (plenty of parking for the MH if you don't fancy walking it) as well plus 45 mins to the tunnel/port in Calais.
https://www.leblockhaus.com/
Campsite...
https://www.chateau-gandspette.com/
Failing that there is also la Coupole, which was also a good place to visit
https://lacoupole-france.com/en/
Lastly from me, maybe visit the Maginot Line?
https://www.lignemaginot.com/accueil/indexen.htm
I went 38 years ago and found it fascinating but I cant remember which fort I went to. I can remember that it involved an underground train ride between forts though.
https://www.leblockhaus.com/
Campsite...
https://www.chateau-gandspette.com/
Failing that there is also la Coupole, which was also a good place to visit
https://lacoupole-france.com/en/
Lastly from me, maybe visit the Maginot Line?
https://www.lignemaginot.com/accueil/indexen.htm
I went 38 years ago and found it fascinating but I cant remember which fort I went to. I can remember that it involved an underground train ride between forts though.
Edited by oblio on Sunday 11th February 07:21
Colditz Castle - fascinating place - the tour guide was excellent. May not fit in with your route though, a bit too 'east'
There isn't a lot at Berchtesgaden, the Americans destroyed most of it, other than a cafe at the Eagles Nest.
Campsite in Nürnberg was right next to the Große Straße - the Nazi rally ground from the 1930s and close to the documentation centre.
The memorial to the concentration camp at Dachau is 'good'
Oradour sur Glane may well be in the wrong direction but it's worth a visit
Excellent military collection at Arnhem here : https://www.arnhemsoorlogsmuseum.com/
(Yes modern history, especially WW2 is an interest of mine too)
There isn't a lot at Berchtesgaden, the Americans destroyed most of it, other than a cafe at the Eagles Nest.
Campsite in Nürnberg was right next to the Große Straße - the Nazi rally ground from the 1930s and close to the documentation centre.
The memorial to the concentration camp at Dachau is 'good'
Oradour sur Glane may well be in the wrong direction but it's worth a visit
Excellent military collection at Arnhem here : https://www.arnhemsoorlogsmuseum.com/
(Yes modern history, especially WW2 is an interest of mine too)
Edited by chopper602 on Monday 12th February 13:38
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