Caravan or motorhome?..that is the question

We are eventually looking to buy a motorhome...well in about 8 years time.
In this clip I share my thoughts on this well discussed topic!
Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
THANKS FOR WATCHING, PLEASE HIT LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE
Martin

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

As you know we tow a small car behind a motorhome, which, when we want to stay more than a couple of nights turns our Motorcaravan into a caravan. When we go on tour without the car, we plan to stop near towns or stop at a large supermarket to stock up. We do go out for day trips in our motorhome, and if we plan properly we can usually find parking places. Admittedly there is more space in a caravan and it is certainly cheaper than a motorhome and small car. The motorhome suits us as an older couple, but probably wouldn't if we were a young family. I think we have the flexibility we need with a motorhome.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Bob, some good points. I think what we will eventually be looking for is being able to tour and stop where we want. I think a Motorhome will give us that. We have only one daughter coming with us at the moment and she needs 3 changes of clothes a day, which will probably get worse as she gets older! After watching you Highlands tour my wife and talked about how easy is seemed to move around. On reflection the Motorhome in this clip would not be our choice, but we have about another 8 years of research to do!! Thanks for comments and watching. Martin 👍

[@hettysmotorhomeadventures4860]

The never ending debate, we changed from a caravan to a MH last November, I loved our van, but I have a prolapsed disc in my lower back, so by the time we were all hooked up and ready to go my back was aching off. Your right the MH is much easier to get in and go, I also find the high seat position makes for a more relaxed journey than towing a van. We do do go out and about in the van when away but try now to use park and rides, or public transport. Our shopping gets planned in our routes. One big thing we do with the MH is use it just for day trips, something I would have never done with a caravan. My biggest tip would to get a van with rear garage storage.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Top advice, we gave looked at a few and the difference in garage space has been a talking point for us. Need to road test one 👍

[@leecalvert5295]

Take note how many people are buying converted VW t5 & also towing a caravan. Best of both worlds for a long or short stay.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Yes I’ve seen loads, but VW not for me. 👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

We were looking to change our caravan and go to a fixed bed. We both had bad backs so were looking at things from the less to set up (steadies, water, waste etc.) So we started looking at motorhomes and the rest is history. We stopped using sites long before we had Desmond and mostly used the CL and CS of the two major clubs. We have only had Desmond on a site once and that was only for the afternoon to meet up with friends. That of course is personal choice. We do not find going shopping or visiting places a problem and do not tow a car or carry bikes prefering to walk. We loved camping in our tents (when we were much younger), we changed to caravans for over 30 yrs and loved that but we have found the 3yrs of having a motorhome the best so far. Easy of getting away and on top of that not having to arrive and leave at the times laid down by the clubs means we can runaway whenever we want not when they can take us :-) Take you time looking and getting a feel for what you want. We pretty much knew by the time we went looking and found exactly what we wanted.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Dave, I’ve got a lot of research to do. Due to the cost we want to make sure we get the right one when we eventually change. Thanks for the feedback 👍

[@CaravanChitChat]

Really great video that Martin, and the points you raise are very much at the forefront of our minds at the moment. We find ourselves in that exact line of thinking currently following our trip as we have now experienced the positives of a motorhome that you raise! 👍🏻

[@TheCaravanNut]

Lots to think about, main one for us was justifying the cost. Thanks for watching 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We changed from caravan to motorhome in 2017 after caravanning from 1984. A big learning curve but main benefits of a motorhome are the ease of set up and pack up without all the work necessary when caravanning. The big downside is the size and space you may needs in your motorhome and then going out for the day to explore. Parking your car is bound to be easier. Horses for courses 👍🏻😄

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Trev, there are pros and cons but think it’s the way we will go. We love our caravan but eventually I want the ease of setting up. 👍

[@PoshcatsCamping]

We changed with thought that if we don’t like it we can change back. After over a year I think we have settled with the Motorhome and we have added enthusiasm for touring again 👍🏻😁

[@kevandrews4699]

Hi Martin good video of the cons and pro of caravan and motor home I think it boils down to how much u can use them really is it really worth spending all that money on a motor home if u can't find the time to keep using it to make it worth while u can still pull over on road side and use toilet in van make a drink and chill out the same as a motor home I'll probably look at motor home when me and the wife retire where we could get the use out of it I think that is a time of life where u can just get up and go when u please cheers .kev

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Kev, the cost is a big issue, I think I have a lot more research to do! 👍

[@phillipreynolds5129]

Great video Martin,that was a question we asked ourselves we changed from a caravan to a motorhome when I retired. Best move we made the ease of set up,and long trips seem more relaxing. Our grandchildren love it also,we tend to go to sites where we can get a bus or train for further trips or walk into a town or village. Motorhome for us.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Phillip, it’s the big question! We have thought about it and discussed it so many times. I can see the appeal of a MH, easy to set up, just get in & drive etc We were not looking to change until we retire but again have had second thoughts about it. Who knows what we will do, we have about 12 years to go yet and will be sticking to the caravan until then. Thanks for comments, watching and enjoy your MH travels. Martin 😊

[@firstmotorhome8024]

I like this video .We always felt guilty taking the car off site when we towed as there were so many kids playing etc .We got a Motorhome and tend to just stay on the site or walk to local places . If we forget something we just make do or beg from the neighbours 😁. I agree that having the Motorhome is great as you can just stop and have a nice break .Also much better for days out and things like fireworks nights etc .

[@TheCaravanNut]

There are pros and cons for both, we love the ability to leave site in a car but also like to do nothing and sit around the site. Sounds like you have got it sorted, we are going to stay with the caravan for now but who knows what the future will hold. Thanks for watching 😊

[@MrPWalden]

With regards to your comment about payloads, it’s not really a fair comparison to compare caravan to Motorhomes, you should be comparing Motorhomes payload to caravan payload plus car payload. I bet the difference would be much smaller/ none existent if you took the car into consideration too!

[@TheCaravanNut]

There’s not much in it to be fair, 👍

[@steveelliott6581]

I changed from a mh to a caravan as it was a lot of hard work for my wife and I to have to keep packing up every time we wonted to go some where and when we got there we could not park my wife had a triple heart bypass in November last year and now finds it easier with the caravan

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Steve, good to hear the caravan is better. We have had this discussion again this week and so far the caravan is still winning. Thanks for comments and watching, Martin 👍

[@Cryten100]

Caravan all the way for me. We pull over in lay bys and service stations and make a cuppa. Just drop the back legs, keep a bottle of water in the fridge, turn on the gas, and away you go.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Steve, don’t get me wrong we love caravanning and will do for many years to come. It’s a pipe dream at the moment and I have a few years to ponder the decision. 👍

[@julieiliffe4846]

exactly

[@gavinstreetie1473]

Not sure really (says me collecting soon) still like the idea of a motorhome and like you have stated it’s all self contained and so easy we’ve rented one twice now , but as you we went the other route , no easy decision but I think it depends a lot on how you are going to use the caravan/motorhome anyhow both options are better than none

[@TheCaravanNut]

There is a lot to consider, we are more than happy with our caravan for a few years to come. I do know people that have changed to a Motorhome then after a couple of years gone back to caravanning. Will keep on with my research for now. Cheers Martin 👍

[@NatSatFat]

Nice vid again, I think I will stick to my Caravan because of money issues? 30000 would buy a nice car & van (exactly like mine?) But it would NOT get you a Motorhome? except a cronky one?. Can I ask you what Awing you got? air? and how wide and long is it please (looks wider than 2.5m?)

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Bryn, yes I’m staying with my caravan for a while, might look at Motorhomes in about 10 years. The awning is a Vango Kalari 420 air, 3m out from van 4m wide. I’ve done a vid on it. Thanks for comments, have a good Christmas, cheers Martin 👍

[@cruiznforabruizntravelaust6141]

We always get to camp about 4 pm out all day no issues dont need to tow a car love my motorhome never go back to a caravan

[@TheCaravanNut]

Everyone has there own way of using their vehicle, we are thinking of a MH when we retire 🤔

[@highwayman149]

Twenty years caravanning motorhoming for two now back to caravanning. This idea of stopping where you like in a MH never materialised with us it always seemed you had to pay once you had navigated past no camping signs and height barriers of which there are many. Setting up on site is marginally longer but you only do it once not every time you move. You can go out for the day in car comfort without putting everything away or strapping it down and you can leave Fido in the caravan thus allowing entry to museums galleries exhibitions etc. I admit waste and fresh water provision is better with a MH. Could it be though that the trend towards MHs in recent years is something to do with the perceived superiority of their owners by some ?

[@TheCaravanNut]

Lots to think about when Changing to a MH or Camper, for the moment like you we like the ability to leave everything set up and go out in the car! Thanks for comments and watching

[@lesleyleese8035]

Hi there, I very much enjoy your vlogs, very informative and well crafted...……..Caravan or (in our case} folding camper every time!.....It seems a huge expense to have a sizable vehicle standing idle on the driveway for weeks, if not months at a time...and as it happens, I really enjoy the whole process of hitching up and towing. My wife and I both enjoy the freedom an 'unhitched' vehicle offers......Cheers, Steve

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Steve, thanks for your comments and feedback. That’s one thing that would bug me about a Motorhome, for the cost I would need to be away every weekend! We are more than happy with our caravan for a few years yet, I used to have a Conway Crusader many years age, loads of room in that. I also like towing for the moment, so caravan wins....for now! Cheers Martin 👍

[@paulskidmore9987]

I'm a tourer rather than a stayer so rarely stop more than a couple of nights maximum in one place so the faf of having a set up and take down routine would be just that - something I wouldn't value. I spend a couple of months a year in France touring round and the free motorhome aires mean that apart from my ferry costs (cheaper for just the van rather than a vehicle and trailer) the rest of the time it is the same cost as home - just drive into the local supermarkets and stock up. There are 1000s of aires throughout France in some lovely spots, very many of them are free have electric and often wifi. There is often a 3 day max stay but I rarely stay more than 2 days so it's perfect for me. I also stop on the mountains to watch the Tour de France and having a base to stay with all the facilities for around 4 days up in the Alps or Pyrenees is fabulous. For the activities I want to do it's a no brainer. I also use it as day van in the UK - again after doing a sporting event and getting back to base with the shower etc waiting is just great - something I've never seen anyone using a caravan for. It I had a family it may be different but for a couple the space is easy to live in. I love the high driving position and I'm far more relaxed driving now than when I previously towed my power boat with a car. The van cruises comfortably and legally at 70 mph on the motorway / autoroutes.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Paul, sounds like you have got it sussed. The aires is a great idea which enables you to travel with a relatively low cost. I would love to travel round like that but will be sticking to the caravan for a few years. I sometimes think when setting up that I could do without all the messing but when it’s done I’m happy. I think we will eventually do away with the awning and get a canopy which will be easier! Thanks for your comments and watching, Martin 😊

[@Caravannery]

For us it’s a caravan, the freedom to travel around in the car, the cost and the greater size living space make up for the set up time. Great video!

[@TheCaravanNut]

I agree, at the moment for us it’s caravan all the way. Our youngest still comes with us so we need to get out and find things to do when on site, plus we like exploring. Not sure I will feel the same in 10 years time though! 👍

[@fedaykeen]

I have had both and i would say caravan makes better sense, i am lucky as i can put a caravan or motorhome at the front of my property. If i spent 44k+ i would not be putting it in storage... anyhow from what we found lot to justify price on motorhome when you work full time as you need to use it a lot to justify cost, plus Road tax and insurance... I look more for central area where we are thinking of staying for days out or chilling if we have caravan.. We hired motorhomes before we bought... just sold our Autotrail apache and are loooking at a caravan for above reasons.. Anyhow choice is yours if your retired when you buy if you can afford to tour in it all the time, good luck to you.. but not cheap to run... Not meaning to put you off they both have pro's n cons....

[@TheCaravanNut]

There’s lots to think about, for the cost of a Motorhome you have to use it regularly to justify it. It’s a second vehicle that needs looking after with all it’s normal running costs. Good job I’ve got a few years to ponder the decision 👍

[@alanpostma5861]

We got a caravan and we stop at service on motorway and make a cuppa no problem

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Alan, think that’s something we should do more often. We have stayed overnight at services before when on long trips. 👍

[@alanpostma5861]

To me motor home is only for stopping on site for 1 or 2 nights and move on and stop at others site

[@TheCaravanNut]

Great for touring but maybe not a long stay. Lots to think about 😏😏

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

The Caravan Nut We do long stays too, as I said we often go out for the day from the site and return later. Big benefit is you have everything with you, bed, toilet, fridge, cooker. National Trust places are great for a day out.

[@TheCaravanNut]

More food for thought there Bob, cheers 👍

[@timleaning6695]

Errr why can't you use your caravan en route ? We do. Tea & toilet breaks are easy. Motor home to give us same space started at about 3 times the price. & as you said it depends what you are doing . Motorhomes are gorgeous but not the answer to the meaning of life and everything.. Cheers

[@TheCaravanNut]

Hi Tim, We have used it this year on our way to and from Devon. Both have there advantages and disadvantages however we will be staying with the caravan for a while. Thanks for comments and watching 👍

[@johneaston4963]

A lickle bit,,,,you say it a lot,lol,the word I'd little,,😂

[@TheCaravanNut]

Every time I do a video my wife says the same thing! 😂 I going to do it more now!! Cheers Martin 👍

[@Chriswoodworker]

Caravan or motorhome? Where is the caravan park of the question?

[@TheCaravanNut]

I am a caravanner so the idea of this is me comparing it to a motorhome, cheers

[@Venomator.]

Oh dear!... 🤢 We have neither, have had neither and are nearing retirement whilst convincing ourselves (myself) I need an Airstream! And now you lot start to sow seeds of the dark side, just STOP!... 🧐 🤪 🐍

[@TheCaravanNut]

Just buy one of each then you can if you don’t fancy towing you can just drive the Motorhome! 😏🤔👍

[@Venomator.]

The Caravan Nut 🥜 < just out of interest, this is the emoji that shows up against your name when I reply... 🤪 And > 😂😂😂 - I wish... 🤑 🐍

[@TheCaravanNut]

Ha ha, our daughters picked the name for the channel cos they think I’m nuts 🥜!