Motorhoming off grid : Our first experience

[@jimmccarron1286]

Nice video you two look like you are both getting slowly converted from towing to motorhomes you have to admit they are a lot easier to set up once on site, look forward to more of your adventures in the van take care 👍

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Jim, we are looking forward to further testing when we head off to Devon and Dorset in the coming weeks 😊 Thanks for watching, Karina

[@davecooke914]

Really helpful looking 6 meter motor home so fits on are drive watching your videos made us no want solar like go off grid great video many thanks for sharing with us 👍

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you Dave, personally I would have solar fitted so you are not reliant on electric hook up and you have more opportunities for touring. 😊Karina

[@davecooke914]

@@HereWeTow like idea been off grid aswell your right many thanks look forward to seeing more of your videos good luck with your travels 👍

[@lyndaleedam610]

Only got chance to watch this last night. The motorhome looks loads of fun. Great video thank you xx

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Lynda, nice to see you have been out enjoying yourselves too 😊👍

[@lyndaleedam610]

@@HereWeTow yeah it's lovely to see everyone out and about again isn't it . Lots more good times to come x😊

[@colinrimmer789]

Lovely to hear how your getting on with the Mohome, looking forward to next instalment.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Colin 😊

[@totaltouring9794]

Interesting hearing your thoughts and opinion between the two. One thing I noted is your confidence in what your presenting is making an interesting vlog. Thanks

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you 😊

[@CarrsCaravan]

It does appear you have really taken Motorhome g to heart already. Fantastic to hear how much you are already enjoying it and the difference it makes.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Dan 😊👍

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

Thanks, yes we often had to use ramps when we had the Bailey Compact, nowadays less so.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Bob, we appreciated your advice on that one 😊

[@Itstootsie]

Great video as usual! Lovely to hear you are enjoying the Motorhome, look forward to the next one! 👍

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you 😊

[@dbarber2003]

Great video guys I understand you enjoying the ease of setup and departure when the weather is rough.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks for watching Daryl 😊 Karina

[@jackiemorrison2706]

When we caravanned years ago (when son & daughter were younger) I used to plan nights at a big site to see to all the business (charging/loo emptying etc) then head to CL/CS in between so we always did a mixture of both with no problems with the electric/gas etc and we loved the experienced with both the large sites and the small, more intimate ones. Oh, the memories. Looking forward to getting back to it with just the two of us but still deciding on what size to go for - probably a caravan again but I'm interested in seeing how you are doing with the MH. Cheers.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Jackie, we like CLs and CSs, they offer good value. I hope you enjoy whichever you choose and if our experience helps that is great 😊 Karina

[@NeoVanMan]

Glad to see you are adapting quickly to the motorhome way of life 👍😀 When we switched from a caravan we also found ourselves putting out things like the kettle etc, only to put them away again to drive somewhere! Nowadays everything stays in its place until needed and goes back again once finished with. 👍

[@HereWeTow]

We have been really enjoying it thank you. Im sure we will develop some routines too 😊 Thank for watching, Karina

[@NeoVanMan]

Here we Tow Looking forward to your next episode already! Jim

[@DoctorFish10]

Good to see you are getting on so well with the Motorhome. We decided to go for air suspension on our campervan which we picked up pre lock-down, so we can park up, level and get sorted with minimal effort (just need to crack the doors to allow air in for the roof bellow to inflate).

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks for you comment, I have heard a few owners talk about air suspension. Im very familiar with the self levelling systems such as E&P and Ma-Ve but will read up about the air suspension 😊 Karina

[@DoctorFish10]

@@HereWeTow We went down the VB route on VW - there were other options available but we did not want the heavily modded look, and to keep a balance for comfort and getting over different terrain. Obviously you can;t do that just now with a long term loan, look forward to following how you are all getting along with it.

[@vitogiaccone9218]

Early stages but we're looking at Motor homing next year, loved your insight especially off grid confidence. I suppose like anything one's experience only gets better. Thanks

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you and yes, we have been off grid many times now and have no worries. Good luck if you do decide to go for a Motorhome 😊 Karina

[@2bods1van18]

Great video, have subbed. Converted my first van in 1976, since then have had two trailer tents, one caravan, and since moving to Spain almost 15 years ago, two more vans, one self built stealth and the other (our latest) an ex-rental, purpose build. Have to say towing the caravan was the least enjoyable experience out of all of them, but that was possibly due the the car we had. Love our new van but haven't managed an overnight stopover yet, we got it in February, but Covid stopped us going anywhere. then Marion, (wife) badly broke her ankle and has been 14 weeks in a wheelchair, she's having another small op on Monday, having a large screw holding the tibia and fibia together removed, and hopefully she can start the rehabilitation and put some weight on it. Can't wait to get back on the road and start filming again. *Stay safe.*

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks for watching 😊 I am sorry to hear about your wifes injury, that must be very painful. Hopefully you will be able to get back out touring soon. We hope to visit Spain in the MH as we enjoyed Europe last year with the caravan. I agree that a camper or MH is much easier compared to a caravan. We are just heading off now for a weekend in south Devon. Stay safe and all the best for your wife’s recovery. Karina 😊

[@sambaker1221]

This is really interesting. I’m waiting to see more of your trips now. The freedom seems appealing. For me it’s the cost, but I guess if you bought a new caravan and tow car you’re in Motorhome money. I’ve heard many people say they like safefill. Enjoy yourselves and nice to see you so enthusiastic as always!

[@kenmckerral532]

Still have our 8 year old 7m motorhome but just bought a new Navara (loved your review) to replace our car as it will be more useful for two German shepherds in the backbox. The Navara will give us the option to tow. So still considering replacing the motorhome with a twin axle caravan as we are finding day space more important to us than drive and go - We have a three year old. We are lucky enough to have a caravan space on our drive where the motorhome goes if we go down this route. Following your blogs will help guide us.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Sam, the cost is a serious factor, they do seem to hold their value though. Our main consideration will be the cost of one, the Rexton would have to go I think. Thanks for watching, Karina

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Ken, good choice on the Navara, I really enjoyed driving that Pickup. It will tow very well too if you do get a caravan. I must say Fudge our GSD is the biggest consideration in the whole thing. He takes up so much room laid out on the floor like a huge child! 😂🐾 People have different needs at different times. With a young child you may want to stay longer on family friendly sites and a caravan would work well. Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Keith, Scotland is an amazingly beautiful country and very popular for touring. If you are on Facebook there are some great groups for Motorhomes and touring the NC500 in Scotland. I hope you find some inspiration from us all. Andrew Ditton has some good content too on the Islands. Thanks for watching 😊Karina

[@johnmatthews3990]

Such lovely people and very informative video again. I've subscribed.

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you John 😊

[@janeconnors1807]

The places you'll be free to go without being tethered to the grid is endless. Happy motorhoming

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you Jane 😊

[@CaravanningwithourWesties]

Great Vlog guys and nice to see you enjoying the Motorhome. We look forward to seeing more of your Vlogs to come! Take care. Sue, Brian & Westies👍🐶🐾😀

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks you Sue and Brian. Your new caravan stickers look great too 👍 Karina

[@Motorhoming_Fun]

Thanks for sharing lovely update glad you’re enjoying motorhoming life.

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you, we certainly are, and the Facebook groups are helpful too 😊 Karina

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Wow it looks like you both are taking to this MH thing. I am glad you have a great few days. Take Care Phil👍🙂

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Phil 😊👍

[@louisewild4149]

I’m loving seeing what you think to the Motorhome. I think I’ve been put off by big ones and getting to places as I don’t want to uses buses. Glad you’re enjoying it.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Louise, the size is great for getting about 😊 Karina

[@berniebne8243]

Building a caravan pad at the front of our house was our best home improvement last year. Caravan storage was painful, having to remove the leisure battery for charging. All the other stuff that we had to move in and out, A used to go back the next day to put the cover on. Now the mains are permanently connected & all we have to do is fire up the fridge the night before hook up & off we go. Yes raising the stabilizers is a chore, I don't bend like I used to I only put the rear ones down for storage the heavy-duty jockey wheel is adequate for the front. In Australia, you can often get drive-through sites for one-night stays, you don't have to unhitch. You've still got to put those pesky stabilizers down. If we did the grand loop of Oz a motor home would work well, but we tend to go somewhere & have a base camp, I don't think I'd convert.

[@HereWeTow]

Its much easier when you have your caravan or motorhome at home isn’t it. Our caravan was at a storage place but we have been able to keep our Motorhome at home 😊

[@Venomator.]

Sounds like you are enjoying the new found freedom the Motorhome is currently affording you... ✅ 👍🏻

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Rog, yes we are loving it, it fits in really well with our new life down here in the south. We are very pleased to have been able to have the loan Motorhome as we have learnt so much already. Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@stevetaylor5844]

Love your video's looking forward to seeing more soon of your motorhome experiences. We have a caravan and are going to Cornwall in Sept then we are thinking of selling the caravan. After watching your experience with a motorhome it has got me thinking this might be right for us

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Steve, we are planning on Cornwall in September for a week in the Motorhome so it might be interesting for you. Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@stevetaylor5844]

Great stuff will watch out for the video.

[@Mike-ip8hg]

Looks like your now trying real caravan an motorhoming ...keep it 👍 just come back from Cornwall 3 weeks off grid.Once your set up right its lovely getting of those busy site.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Mike, I hope you enjoyed Cornwall 😊 Karina

[@andypdq]

Having started my camping career with a motorcycle, a two man ridge tent and a petrol stove, I don't find the prospect of off grid camping in a modern motorhome to be particularly daunting, it's all relative!

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Andy, it has been a few years since I went away in a tent 😊 My main concern was killing the leisure battery and having to replace it, not actually being without the luxuries of a fridge, flushing toilet and hot water 😊 Thanks for watching and enjoy your travels, Karina

[@andypdq]

I always go away at least once a year, for a short break with the tent, really basic living, it keeps you grounded.

[@markhill1353]

Oh I like the sound of the leveling system on the Moho can you do a vlog on the control panel Please Karina, glad all is going well I bet your both seeing a big difference in setting up and setting down so to say, hope your enjoying it.xxx

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Mark, we are good thanks and I hope you are too. The levelling on the panel indicates electronically the tilt you are at. It has been handy to have and saves getting out my little spirit level. Take care and stay positive 😊 Karina

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Mark, we are good thanks and I hope you are too. The levelling on the panel indicates electronically the tilt you are at. It has been handy to have and saves getting out my little spirit level. Take care and stay positive 😊 Karina

[@johnpennington2142]

Watching your MH vlogs with interest. Had caravan for 12 years and now considering MH for reasons similar to yours. Thinking about a drop down bed. Can you please demonstrate your sleeping arrangement in the Adria, giving rough measurements/ comfort etc. Thank you. JP

[@HereWeTow]

Good Morning John, I will include it in a vlog for you soon and it will be in the full review at the end of October. I hope the vlogs help you makr a decision around a Motorhome. 😊 Karina

[@Brooksontour]

Interesting to see how you are getting on, solar panel makes the difference, off grid is fun. Ps there are two USB’s in the Adria caravan plus one on the radio if you have one fitted 👍😉

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Ann 😊 Yes we love the solar!

[@jackiesmithsmetaldetecting]

Love your videos, once lived in a static caravan in the local park when i was 6 that was fun at school not i was 6:) always had caravan holidays ,at the mo we have a old transit mark 6 converted we were happy with untill some new driver (trainee doctor lol) decided to pull out on us everyone trying to write us off but no not having it. We dont have no electric , Travel trolls seem to be doing well living in their motor home full time :)

[@HereWeTow]

Hi Jackie, sorry to hear about your conversion being damaged 😕 I watch the TT and follow their adventures. We are enjoying the Motorhome, its great! Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@brucepeppinck9988]

Like motor home great 👍

[@markjubb3888]

Welcome to are world guys 👍👍

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Mark! It would be nice to meet up with you guys at some point 😊

[@steveweaver3020]

Great vlog 👍 have you missed the space of the caravan? We are still on the fence as we have 8 metre caravan. Many thanks 🙏

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Steve, coming from our huge Isonzo we haven’t found the space limiting at all. The lounge area and Captains chairs offer more day time space we have found. The kitchen is very usable too. The only space we miss is the full bathroom and shower. We dont have a fixed bed in this but the drop down bed works well for us. We would definitely want a garage as that has been very useful for storage. 😊 Thanks for watching, Karina

[@paulwatson5030]

Great channel. Very useful, as we're looking for our first motorhome. Thanks. You mentioned the Safefill - any chance of a review (or have you already)? Also - steering lock - any you'd recommend?

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Paul, we would certainly recommend Safefill, just make sure you get one that’s not too big for your Motorhome. Ours is 3 years old now and we have found it good value for money and easy to fill. Steering wheel lock, ours is from Maypole but there are plenty on the market with various levels of protection. You can also get pedal locks that seem quite popular. Karina and Jules

[@paulwatson5030]

@@HereWeTow Thanks - I'll take a look at it as soon as we finally settle on which van to get!

[@andrewjditton]

Amen to all of that! A good solar panel and refillable gas is all you need. That CS looks awesome. Great vlog as ever folks :)

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Andrew and Dougal 😊

[@nidge2822]

Good morning karina, well a 6mtr van is what we dream off but so far we can only find the pilote 650c evidence or sensation that suites our needs but it is 6.4 mtr x 2.3 mtr .that's ok but can't go longer due to room to reverse as we live in a tight cauldisack..does your adria have fixed bed ? Love your channel to just need time to watch them all lol .

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Nidge, yes is does have a fixed bed. Roller Team do some shorter models and the Adria Compact SP is 6 metres but you cannot have an over which is a deal breaker for me personally. The February show at the NEC will be a good place to see lots of models on show. 😊 Karina

[@nidge2822]

@@HereWeTow many thanks carina will have a look 😀

[@nwguyuk]

Great video, both. Great to see your transition to motor home life. I believe you pronounce Bishops Lydeard - “lidd-y-urd”. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@HereWeTow]

Brilliant! Thanks I am glad someone knows, I have kept wondering about that since we stayed there. Thanks for watching, Karina 😊

[@paulmartin1094]

Couple of good pub stops on Sidmouth road from M5 junction,or couple of park ups in and around the town.On the off grid subject,its quite easy to adapt manufacturers "standard" m.home set into full off grid mode.I've installed extra water tanks and solar array/leisure batteries along with refillable lpg tank in my 2016 Swift,now have the ability to off grid for couple of weeks without a problem,including daily showers,cooking and heating Summer and winter.I've had many years of vanning and caravaning but not much prefer freedom and comfort of motorhome👍Paulo

[@HereWeTow]

Hi Paul, your modifications sound great! It makes for economical trips and like you say, the feeling of freedom. I would definitely install solar after this experience and have enjoyed not having to worry about the battery. Thanks for watching and enjoy your Swift 😊 Karina

[@paulmartin1094]

Here we Tow hope you enjoy Sidmouth,I live nearby,try a walk from the observatory to the coast path if you get the chance,glorious views

[@pittarak1]

"half an hour down the road" for a long trip - just so British, and it's even raining! Motorhoming sure suits the UK; no facilities - just come and set up in a farmer's field - no power, no water, no dump sites, as indeed many are! :)

[@HereWeTow]

Wow you absolutely nailed it in one 👍

[@davidprotheroe1091]

Our is 9+ metres long and all leveling is done on the front, but you may find it will sink in wet ground.

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks David, your MH looks fantastic! We did find when we reversed off the ramps they had dropped about a centimetre on the wet ground. Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@HitchUpAndTow]

We love going off grid, if you want a peaceful weekend away

[@HereWeTow]

It is nice to find a site to yourself, I hope you and Coral will be away soon too 😊 Karina

[@johnriordan288]

Hi what levelling Ramos are you used

[@HereWeTow]

These are Fiamma but we have found then not to be high enough. We would get Milenco Quattro having seen others using them.

[@annclarke9458]

Guess you didn’t put up the awning. We’re newbies to motor-homing, under 6meters also, and maybe putting up an awning defeats the whole concept of motor homing. Enjoying your videos and all the tips.

[@HereWeTow]

We did put the awning up Ann, we filmed a separate vlog for that 😊 I think an awning suits people who may on a site for several days or need more room for family or pets. We have been using the Thule canopy on our short trips which has been great. Thanks for watching 😊 Karina

[@TM-ht6id]

Motorhoming or caravaning. Which ones which not sure? Water pumps, gas, shelter. Currently slicing an apple. Electric hob or gas. Dobjè tak

[@andrewburr7613]

Hello..What make of steering wheel lock and do you rate it?...have fun

[@HereWeTow]

Hi Andrew, it is the Maypole Dashboard steering wheel lock and it seems very good. We have previously tested the steering wheel cover lock and that was very good. To remove these a thief would have to saw through the wheel itself. They are a good visual deterrent in combination with other devices, such as pedal locks. Heres the link to Maypole www.maypoleltd.com/product-category/security-products/maypole-security-products/steering-wheel-locks/. Thanks for watching, Karina 😊

[@lgx2410]

Does the motorhome feel a lot smaller than your caravan?

[@HereWeTow]

Yes, a lot smaller.. our caravan was huge so this has been a big change. 😊

[@marklittler784]

Car parks increase door dings to bodywork best choose far end of supermarket and retail car parks where the more caring drivers and staff usually park. Its upsetting spotting dings in the bodywork.

[@tonks1968]

Great video guys. How are you getting on with sleeping in a drop down bed? Torn between 6m vans, spacious interior due to space saving drop down beds v longer vans, less space/perhaps comfort (?) with fixed bed and garage. Quandary! Do you think age is a factor (as you get older climbing up to the drop down with a ladder) or does the Adria drop right down to seat level? And love Sidmouth (and the folk festival)

[@HereWeTow]

Hi Tony, Yes, Sidmouth is a lovely place indeed. The drop down goes all the way down and so far we are enjoying it. I have wondered if the novelty would wear off. We think the same as you after using this. Do you stick 6m or go a bit bigger for a fixed bed and full garage. Our other top choice is the Adria Compact Supreme DL. Let’s see how we get on with this one over the next few months 😊 Karina

[@tonks1968]

@@HereWeTow I remember you reviewed the Compact Supreme DL last year Karina and loved the value and usability of the van. I’m also looking at the same van but would you have got to the chippy and parked with a 7m van? Take care x

[@HereWeTow]

I think 7 metres is the maximum we would find practical before having to put more thought in to where we were going. The 6 metres is an excellent size. Thankfully the site we are on has a fish and chip van coming to site. I’m looking forward to that 😋 Karina

[@hywel3143]

Thanks Katrina for the interesting comparisons. We are currently caravanning but it looks like the future for us will be more short breaks of 4 nights or so rather than settling down for a whole week somewhere. So I will be watching your series with interest. Are you on a 5.99 m Ducato chassis? And how wide is the Motorhome please? I’m interested in whether it’s possible to use wider car parking bays or whether you need to park elsewhere? I’m trying to find a Motorhome that is a genuine (ie third bed suitable for a teenager) three berth with two longitudinal beds at the rear on a 6 metre. Would anything in the Adria line up suit do you think? I could go for a short 6 metre A class - several of them have drop down beds over cab but I would probably need to sell the house to afford one!

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks for your question Hywel, yes we are 5.99 metres on the Fiat and 2.3 metres wide including the wingmirrors. We fit in normal parking bays fine, we have been to a retail park and a car dealership and parked with no issue. They layout you want on a 6 metre will be tricky to find withouth costing quite a bit. The A Class motorhomes will give you the beds and the drop down. It might be worth looking at Knaus and Roller Team as they have A class motorhomes in that length in an A class that are not as expensive as other manufacturers. I hope you find something for your family 😊 Karina

[@hywel3143]

@@HereWeTow Thank you, the Knaus (and maybe by extension their budget Weinsberg) brand and Roller Team are really useful leads. I guess an Alcove style would be another way forward, but the relatively poor fuel consumption might prove costly over the years. Alternatively, I could get something nice, compact and fuel efficient like a Carado V337 and someone would be sleeping in my Vau De expedition "pup" tent. Only problem is that someone might be me ;-)

[@HereWeTow]

😂 Yes, I think you would draw the short straw!

[@robjamessolo]

Fridge normally runs off vehicle battery , gas or hook up - not leisure battery

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks Rob, yes you are right, I mean the 12v system, it was the wrong term to use. 😊 Karina

[@robjamessolo]

Here we Tow - well your van may be special heheeh - hope the travels go well

[@HereWeTow]

Thank you 😊

[@dogferocious8927]

@@HereWeTowFridge runs off vehicle alternator not the battery hence the fridge will only operate on 12v system while engine is in motion. Detects change in voltage, 12 volts engine idle fridge off, 14 volts engine in motion fridge on. This system is used on motor-homes and caravans to prevent fridge from draining an idle vehicle battery.

[@shottostravels]

Nice to see you staying off grid, I've never done it but clearly it's no real problem. Bet you missed the car though for nipping down the chippy in the rain? 1-0 to Caravans me thinks! 😉

[@HereWeTow]

Thanks for watching and commenting 😊 No setting up in the rain 1-1 😂👍 Karina

[@shottostravels]

Don’t start! I can here that can of worms opening! To be honest it’s a fair comment. You stayed dry, but I like chips! 😉

[@HereWeTow]

😂Im going to write a Fish and Chip Guide 😊

[@lh7501]

Or be like us and tow a small car

[@shottostravels]

@@lh7501 Doesn't that make it it pretty pointless to have a Motorhome in the fist place? Wouldn't you be better off with a caravan? 🤔

[@bernardscott1783]

Great insight to the dark side.!!👍

[@HereWeTow]

The Force is strong Bernard 😊 Thanks for watching, Karina

[@royhullah9468]

Tried a couple of Coffee’s Smithy but dont no how to put pics on here 🥴

[@HereWeTow]

I don’t think you can Roy but you can send them to us through our Facebook page if you’re on there 😊 Karina

[@jimbolollipop2971]

..but oh for the luxury of 8ft wide caravans

[@HereWeTow]

😂 Thanks for watching Jimbo 😊

[@steven5018]

What with Jules flashing his white bits on the last one and you getting your bits and bobs out on this one; it's all getting very racy! 😳

[@HereWeTow]

😂 Its all going on Steven!

[@chrislee1701]

It sounds like you're becoming motorhome converts.

[@HereWeTow]

We have been surprised at how much we have enjoyed it so far Chris. Thanks for watching 😊Karina

[@marklittler784]

Yeah get up and go so to speak, less stress because your not towing.

[@robertwsrwick398]

Sounds like your cooking a fry up .👅

[@HereWeTow]

🍳 🥓 Sadly no, just a downpour 😂 Thanks for watching, Karina

[@victorkent768]

Mmmmm not your best.