IS CARAVANNING TOO EXPENSIVE?

This week I discus is caravanning too expensive? Has it lost that ability to provide reasonable holidays for families without breaking the budget. We have been caravanning since 2016 and with the cost of fuel so high it's really starting to pinch beyond the point we are comfortable with financially.
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[@traceytaylor6127]

Yes it has got expensive . We like going to Cornwall but the 400 mile tow there and back put paid to that this year. Also we love to go to our local site for Bank holidays but they want £75 plus £8 for the dog, absolutely crazy prices. Sites are yanking up prices and we all know they will not bring them down again. And it's only the fact the caravan industry introduced PCP schemes that has kept the industry quite buoyant but I fear that will change dramatically in the very near future.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I do feel the pcp is another financial bubble ready to pop when people default and can’t afford them. Then if market is low then they can’t sell them on.

[@Nomorespursy]

Nothing to do with Brexit, inflation is down to Green policies.

[@emyrbrown]

Hi I think everyone is feeling the pinch with the current cost of living going through the roof, so you'r not alone there! These are the options that we would consider in your position, one option could be to site the caravan for season or two to see if prices will even out, therefore you could downsize the car as a temporary measure as you won't need it to tow everywhere. Another option would be to down size both car and caravan and purchase a bigger awning for sleeping quarters. The most appealing for us in your situation is get rid of both car and caravan and purchase a large air tent with a smaller more cost effective car and small trailer to store all relevant camping gear, again saving as this could be stored securely out the back garden saving on storage fees etc. This is exactly what one of our friends have done they have sold their caravan, part exchanged the larger fuel guzzler for a medium sized cost effective family car, and purchased and amazing air tent with huge comfortable air beds, and all the relevant gear and absolutely haven't looked back since. Obviously I can't say if it would suit you and your family but they certainly haven't missed out on any adventures and love it just as much if not more as when they were caravaning. Thanks.

[@Daveindurham]

Having had a tent before we bought the caravan about 12 years ago, the weather is a major problem in the UK. The season is only good from about May to early September, before and after it is too cold. The caravan extends the season all year round, thanks but no thanks to a tent. Comfort is also an issue, when you get a little older who wants to sleep on a camp bed.

[@emyrbrown]

@@Daveindurham Thanks for the reply, I obviously can see that a tent wouldn’t suite everyone’s circumstances and it certainly doesn’t suite our needs and circumstances, as I mentioned in my previous comment. But if we were in the dilemma that this family of 5 finds themselves in then it would definitely be an option that we would have considered in order to get the best for our family situation. The technology in tents has moved on significantly in the past 5 years let alone 12 years. I agree that comfort (or home from home comforts) suite us and our personal circumstances better as we’ve got older but we also know friends in their mid sixties (older than us) who are keen ramblers and often go away rambling to Mid and North Wales in quite hearty conditions and have often due to circumstances happily stayed in their tent overnight or longer. The point is that it should be nothing to do with age but more about personal choice, and personal circumstances. I agree with you that a caravan can used throughout the year, as we go away for every new years and February half term and spend it in the caravan. Whether it’s snowing or not, but it is also more restricted with very few campsites open all year round and some closing from as early as October and not re-opening until March. Whilst others are open until January and then close until March or April. As I mentioned in my original comment our friends have changed from a caravan to an air tent due to personal circumstances and they go away @Easter hols and @October half term hols as they have invested in a tent heater for the very cold weathers, which works for them and therefore opens their season wider, but again that’s down to personal choice and nothing else. Also as I mentioned in my original comment our friends certainly don’t sleep on camp beds, but instead on luxury air beds that are aprox 20 inches off the ground. Neither do they or their children mis out on the luxuries or feel any different to us enjoying in our caravan, but again it’s just down to personal choice and personal circumstances. Everyone’s situation is totally different and totally individual to them, negativity never has positive impacts, but positivity or positive advice always have positive impacts.

[@60degreesnorth26]

What's Brexit got to do with anything?

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Weak pound, higher cost imports, extra paper work. All adds to our costs and inflation over other eu countries.

[@60degreesnorth26]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons the pound has always gone up and down in value. I don't see Brexit has changed that. I also don't see any increase in any imports either. Everything is going up and that's again nothing to do with Brexit. Sorry I just don't see it personally.

[@thehoggmeister]

Taking the caravan away is still cheaper than a holiday home or air bnb. It is definitely cheaper than a package holiday. If you work out the true cost to change your car or caravan you will find that it is thousands cheaper to stick with what you have rather than get something new.

[@outaboutwithmikedonna305]

It is so difficult at the moment with the cost of petrol and also food, everyone is feeling the pinch. It’s not just caravanning that is becoming to expensive, life is feeling that way. I hope you find a way of keeping your caravan and just enjoying what you can. Best wishes Mike and Donna

[@Bunce1949]

Interesting video, and food for thought. I guess the answer to the question is it depends on your circumstances? We have caravanned on and off for 40 years and its certainly not as cheap as it was. Fortunately we paid cash for both our car and caravan so we owe nothing on them. We store the van at home in our driveway from March until November, then indoor storage for the winter. We only have a small 2 berth as the children are grown up and flown the nest. We changed insurers this year to save money. We use more local sites to cut down on fuel costs. We use Camping Club Temporary Holiday sites in peak season ( Hunstanton Norfolk in August this year £11-50 per night!) Although we are Caravan Club members, we find the Camping Club and even commercial sites are cheaper, and if we want to go abroad its cheaper for us two to take a package deal and fly there. Looked at a late deal with TUi last night for a week in Spain for £225pp from our local airport, which personally I find much more relaxing than the expense of towing abroad. Obviously your circumstances are totally different and having 3 kids adds to the bill, but there is no easy answer for any of us really and I can't see things improving in the near future.

[@markjeffries874]

Just paid £4000 package week Hols this year .Average caravan cost local CL site £20 per night incl hook up .The £4000 for my holiday is gone after holiday😀. Caravan paid for ,£250 year storage,£200 service and misc and insurance £40. Keep van until kids don’t want to come away then use as weekend get away from your to be teenagers in the future with their girl/boyfriends.wants you get out of van you can’t afford to get back in. Cheap van are ok but cost in the long run trust me. Fridge repair can cost nearly the price of new second hand

[@tommytp85]

All very pertinent points. We as a family (Of 4) are on the other side, ready to make our jump INTO Caravaning, and the barrier to entry is SO high at the moment with the cost of New and even 2nd Hand caravans! The only things you can do, is reduce your outgoings or earn more. And both of those are getting more and more difficult! Wish you all the best in whatever you do, your honest and family outlook to caravaning is great!

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yes I agree. The "getting in" is really hard. We have a recession coming and I forsee price corrections big time coming. If you can wait till next year both tow cars and vans will start to struggle and drop back in price. Thanks very much for the comment.

[@GoldingsGoExploring]

I think it's defiantly a trade off. Going away in the caravan for us, is about making memories as a family... To us, that's priceless.

[@angelamartin5109]

We have just pick up our caravan, took me 30 years to convince my husband for us to get our caravan. I am very concerned about the cost of fuel. We didn’t change our car we made sure the caravan we pick our car could tow. I have took to where possible during the week I walk. I think I am worried that we have gotten into caravanning at the wrong time 😞. Thanks for your videos they really are help me as a complete novice

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

No problem here to help. Not sure it's the worst time to buy one just suddenly we all have to be a great deal more frugal with money and to be fair the caravan lifestyle is a luxury.

[@googlethename]

Instantly disliked and stopped watching the moment you mentioned the cost is due to brexit 🙄

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

That’s fine but we know it’s true

[@alandray5282]

I would just not go so far. ..there are a lot of places to go in the UK. .I would also look at a cheaper way to get to work. .maybe small motorcycle. .good luck. Happy caravaning.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for comment Alan. I work 14 miles away so 28 miles round trip. The boss won't let me have a motorbike tried that. Wouldn't mind electric bike so on good days could use that but to have that range they are a bit expensive at the moment.

[@alandray5282]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons we also have a small car the sort you tow behind campervan ,could try that alot cheaper to run. .

[@stephenhoyle2241]

Use CL and farm sites instead of the larger full facility ones. For example we’re going to Cornwall which will be expensive on fuel so we have booked two CAMC CL sites. Two weeks on a larger CAMC site around £500, two weeks on a CL fully serviced £300. So the £200 saving will more than compensate for the extra fuel costs. We like the full facility sites but we’ll use those when we don’t have to travel far.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for the comment and suggestion Stephen. We pretty much always use cls and smaller sites never used the big camc sites made a vlog saying they are too expensive.

[@Jennyo8xx]

Here's a big tip. You dint need a brand new car on finance. You can purchase a decent car for 2 to 3 k. Then again, with caravan you can grab a really decent 2008 for 3 to 4 k. Probably less.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

We could have but needed a reliable car for work each day. Do over 13K a year in the car.

[@mattsummersgill7597]

I bought my caravan 2 years ago for me and my 3 boys, we absolutely love it. We would go away a few times a month even if it was a local "1 nighter". Since fuel and not forgetting electricity has hone through the roof making hook up stays more expensive we have only been away once this year.. albeit for a 10 day stint. But the whole point of the caravan was for cheap weekends away. The cheap now no longer exists 😪

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yes, totally agree we try two weekends a month in summer time but very challenging with cost of fuel. We only do cls as can’t afford club sites or commercial sites. The rich people arent affected enough so won’t change until that happens.

[@deanhempshall1335]

Could you not extend your loan/finance deal to reduce your monthly payments? We're finding the cost of campsites are going up, however as a family of 7 it is still much cheaper than an air BnB or hotel etc...

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

It's a possibility Dean. We are already extending the mortgage by a year to try and cope but looks like payments will rise another 40 pounds a month at present. It's just never ending.

[@nagohneb1]

It's a no brainer mate. If you've only got just over a year to pay for the caravan stick with it and pay it off then enjoy it. Anyone thats flown out of Manchester airport lately will tell you its nightmare and extortionate and you could be on site in your caravan before your planes taken off. That's the beauty of holidays over here now airports just treat you like cattle

[@MegaVinny73]

You lost me at "because of brexit" You realise everything we are going through is happening not just in the UK, but Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and well, globally. Is Brexit to blame. Sigh...

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

No not only answer but accounts for just under 2% of our inflation issues compared to other big countries around us.

[@darrendonnelly9012]

I would of bought a cheap caravan & upgraded every year with the money i was saving by not buying on finance. you can get a nice 4 - 5 berth caravan for 4k and the same with your car. that would be saving you 6k a year to spend on upgrades - car & caravan. if you are unable to cut down your costs, then look at earning extra money to subsidize your lifestyle, like offering online tuition as you are a teacher. Always live within your means.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for the comment Darren. Yeah we always use a loan as opposed to finance. I might at some point look at online tuition the thing is finding the time as often teaching is a 50 hours a week job at present. I think that is our problem we do attempt these days to live within our means. One of reasons bought different vans as like GRP outsides and inside as got sick of aluminum dings and damp issues.

[@fenland_paddler]

One thing we started to do was to look carefully at where we go. When the kids were with us (years ago) we had a thing about we must visit virtually whole county we were in, looking back that’s what it felt like. Now, we very rarely touch the car when we are away. Everything we want to do is with in walking distance or cycling. Plus it gives somewhere to come back to that area because we haven’t tried to pack it all in.

[@pauljohnson2430]

I can accept Covid and the war in Ukraine has fuelled inflation as well as Unions making unreasonable pay demands . But fuel in Europe is cheaper, food slightly more expensive, ferries prices and site fees have increased across the U.K and Europe, so please qualify how Brexit has increased the cost of you and your family going caravanning ?

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

The pound is weak against other currencies in particular the usd and jp yen. This has been attributed quite a bit to brexit therefore things we import partly fuel has gone up more than should. We still have to buy gas in again issue weak pound. Now food has always been more expensive in Europe for years before brexit anyway. Lots of businesses have said brexit has been real issue with rising costs due to extra red tape.

[@Paulrodgers1975]

Brexit is definitely not the 1st reason on the list for increasing prices!

[@johnm2871]

Correct, it was a stupid sheep comment

[@lindakirk698]

I think staying local ish is a good idea. We are OAPs 70+ & not in a position to change our diesel car (which we purchased brand new with a pension payout 5yrs ago). We only purchased our s/hand caravan 3yrs ago & pay for storage too. Our car is v light, so we only have a very light van. Not much choice available for us. We are just limiting ourselves to 1 holiday of 12 days, & the odd 2 or 3 nighter. We'd love to go to South West Coast but when parks charge around £800+ for our own van, they are starting to price themselves out of the market. So we are cutting our fuel & other costs by just travelling for an hour or so to an independent campsite - costs £300. We went last year & it's perfect for us for now. Our daughter& her family of 5 have their own van & are joining us - we dont see them often due to distance of home so its a win win. They cannot afford to travel to SW & pay stupid costs either. There is plenty to see in the area - we haven't seen much of East Anglia so there's at least 3 or 4 holidays there! I am disabled so our time left caravanning is shortening. Let's hope we can all get through these difficult times.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yes, agree. We are going to have to be like you are saying trying to stay close. We do have France booked but that was before everything started to go up in price. Take care and hope you can continue to see plenty of East Anglia.

[@lindakirk698]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons we paid cash for the car cash for tge van & bought a much bigger house 6 yrs ago.so depleted our ready cash. Fortunately we have no mortgage, but heating costs will go through the roof fir us & no govt rebates not in Grp a- d. So we just have pension & disability payments. We have already modified our house this summer moving rooms around to make a smaller comfy snug room to sit & watch TV. Much easier & cheaper to heat than a very large lounge. Penny pinching where we can. At least other hols can be out of school hol time.

[@hairywol]

Caravanning hasn't ever been inexpensive, but I do get where you're coming from, having just spent £104!! to fill up my Volvo V90. But if you can hang on for a year your van will be owned outright so you will save the £200+ finance payments and have an asset that is, in these times, increasing in value.And caravans seem to last, with TLC, for ever, so no real pressure to ever change if you don't want to. In 2014 we bought our first caravan after 20+ years as tenters, and after a lot of haggling we ended up with a new Swift for £15,300. In February 2022 we changed vans and this time had to pay the full ticket price (though they did knock off the delivery fee). But we sold the Swift privately for £14K. The way I look at this is that we did seven years of touring, round the UK and as far afield as Spain and Portugal for £1,300 in accommodation costs. A bargain by any standards. Obviously it's not as simple as that, but £1,300 depreciation over seven and a half years! I do enjoy your channel with its focus on keeping costs down and getting value, especially for families with kids. So many other Vloggers seem to think we're all some sort of millionaires and can spend thousands on accessories without a second thought.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Great comment. I would guess some people would probably complain about us being tight but the less we spend the more trips we can have. Thank you for supporting the channel.

[@annirvin6555]

We have season pitched our caravan now.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yes, I think that is a sensible idea given fuel costs.

[@annirvin6555]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons A 6 berth camper can weigh 750kg. So you could get away with a smaller car too.

[@robinbouwmeester4303]

We have a family of 5 and sold the folding camper (which we had for about 10 years) for a second hand caravan. We want to go more abroad and are tired of building up 4 hours, and breaking off a folding camper when chance is high it could rain. I must admit a caravan is a lot more expensive than a folding camper in every way. Higher initial cost, higher insurance, higher maintenance, fuel, etc. I even had to get my BE trailer license. We payed cash for the caravan. But as long we need to take vacations in high season, the caravan is cheaper and flexible than renting a vacation home.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I agree with that Robin. I kind of wish ours was paid off. It's not a million miles away from paid off about a year away but that won't happen till this money crisis stops. Time to continue to plod on.

[@CaliCamperFamily]

Hi guys! Thanks for the shout-out, very cool! It is an interesting debate and one which also regularly discuss. The cost of decent campsites in summer (in places we want to go) can be anything between 40 to 75 euros's a night. Next week we head off on a 3 week tour so this adds up; with the Nugget we have started doing a lot more 'free' camping and we have already noticed the difference to the overall costs. Last week we went to the Dolomites, covering over 1000km in 4 days...a big fuel cost for only 3 nights away but didn't spend anything on campsites. You're right; a big difference these days compared to when my mum and dad used to take us away in their Europa caravan...not a budget hobby anymore! We've subbed and are enjoying your content...I'll put a link to your channel from ours. Have a good day from us all in Italy!

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for the comment. We love your content probably having three girls like us. That sounds exciting a 3 week adventure ours starts mid august for three weeks in France. Yes I can imagine as Europe’s is more geared io for not staying at campsites. Yes also offsetting the fuel costs with free or low cost overnight accommodation.

[@maureenelliott2683]

Stick with the caravan,fuel prices are astronomically at the minute . Staying local is the answer, loads of fabulous places in the north to visit All the best Andy & Maureen

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

We are at present sticking with the caravan at present and maybe conisder what we do end of the summer.

[@scottward8771]

We got a caravan in February after years of wanting one but with price of fuel I’d say it’s cheaper to go abroad but think the caravan COVID prices will drop when or if we get flying without problems and back to normal but of to Bridlington next week again for the second trip then Cornwall in September but not looking forward to cost of fuel towing 350 miles

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yes agree. We also have a big recession coming so that often gives bit price corrections. People are running out of money so over priced caravans and cars will have to go first.

[@kukichik2553]

Increased fuel costs are a global effect including here in NZ. Diesel can set us back $2.65 at best, up to $3.09 at worst per litre. Would freedom camping (off grid) help reduce costs? Do you have caravanning membership associations that provide discounted parks?

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

We don't do fully off grid much. Best you get is rally's that are 10 pounds a night. We pretty much only use Cls in the uk which are small 5 pitch sites that charge 15 to 20 a night as the caravan clubs over here want 45 a night.

[@caravanstuff2827]

Caravaning is no longer the preserve of the working class... it's becoming the preserve of the middle class...if it cost in my country what it cost in the UK we couldn't do it...35/40 pound a night for a pitch is outrageous... insurance , storage and fuel expenses it's becoming an expensive holiday in deed !!!🤔💕🇳🇿🇺🇦

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I totally agree. Went around the NEC in Feb and thought exactly that. The prices of most things was insane in my opinion. It's one of reasons we are considering getting out.

[@matty9007]

Very interesting video, I think we are all feeling the pinch and having to think about things more carefully. I have a family of 5 and have been looking to upgrade to a larger twin axle van from our 5 berth abbey but with the current fuel costs can’t see that happening as with the extra weight the more our car would drink so have changed to looking at something like the sprite major 6 with a different layout to help with our growing family is that something possible for yourself.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks Matthew. We had the Sprite 6TD layout before and it was ok but we never fully got on with it due to getting from front to back issue. I think if it was a bit wider possibly. I think we all may have to start downsizing again and then can get a more efficent car. I have been looking but the Skoda Superb which is a great tow car is very light. Will keep thinking about it.

[@horsesarebetterthanpeople]

We recently bought a caravan. We have been sat around waiting for the Covid effect to drop but it hasn’t. It seems prices for vans are getting higher and higher, so we jumped in and bought a van. Fuel is the killer, we have decided that we stay closer to home for most trips. I think site fees of £225 for 5 nights with the caravan club is a lot of money, so we are looking for cheaper sites and they are out there.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Congratulations. Yes staying closer is the key. In terms of sites lookup cls and cs sites if don’t mind less facilities. Often 15 a night.

[@horsesarebetterthanpeople]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons thank you for that ☺️ I will have a look.

[@Bunce1949]

The Caravan Club have really hiked their prices up. We are Members but are using them less as even their out of season prices are getting ridiculous. We normally go to their Burford site in the Cotswolds in June this year they wanted around £35 per night. Camping Club Chipping Norton site nearby was £23 per night, guess which one we stayed at?

[@andrewphillips9027]

Its the same for us, we have a ferry voucher that we have to use by September 2022. I will loose nearly £ 300 but I am not going to spend £ 2,500 to save £ 300. We are staying localish and using CL sites. Not eating out when we go away so much and look cook more in the caravan. Look for things to do that are free using the internet to see what is free in the local area. Like you I only have the large vehicle to tow our caravan, I work from home so it sits there but I like the space of twin axle. We did have a trailer tent when the kids were growing up and it was great, but a lot of work to put up but loads of room. I still miss the noise on the canvas not the same as on a tin roof. Sadly at 60 I am too old for that now. The caravan and car I love and would be upset to have to give them up. We went on a all inclusive holiday in May to Greece, after three days i said I would much prefere a large field with the caravan and walking the dogs and watch the stars at night ! Yes it is more expensive but you are making some great memories with your kids, and both our kids are now doing camping. Its a joy to see what they have learnt from us. A great life skill.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I get your point. We are still going as had two years in uk and yes a lot cheaper but weather both years been poor. Last year two weeks in Norfolk that is meant to be a warm part of county. Three different sites and was sunny one day out of 19 days. All the rest overcast and windy.

[@andrewphillips9027]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons ya I know we have had those types of holidays. We will go to France next year but another thing you can do to save money is when traveling is pack lunches and coffee In a flask. Cost a fortune in the service stations. My kids thought I was being tight but grown up they know why and still do it travelling. Enjoy your time out and hope the sun shines on you all

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks Andrew. You must have watched my "How to save money in caravanning series" as that is one of the suggestions. My parents used to do it and thought they were tight so over time I have started doing it as it's easish way to save money. Use Chilly water bottles for keeping water cold when we go out and often take a pinic to save money.

[@totaltouring829]

Average price for any site now is getting out of hand. That said, club sites have offers on various sites but their offers only reflect on weekdays and not weekends which I feel is unfair. We have chosen to stick with a 60 mile radius to campsites and we have also looked into seasonal too if things don’t improve .. at least then less fuel, less wear and tear on the caravan, and also come and go when you want and not be dictated by weather forecasts.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks for the comment TotalTouring. Yes you have to stick close and as you say the sites are also taking the opportunity with the boom to put prices up. I hope then when the demand comes down they feel the pinch as loyal customers will have moved away from them. We generally use CLs but even then it's getting silly. We did have a motorhome temporarily but can easily find cheaper sites with a motorhome than you can caravan at present.

[@mwffoto7698]

What about getting a loan to consolidate the car and van and hopefully lower costs? I’m sure you’d be gutted if u got rid of the van and as u say if you went camper can route the space then is the problem and you’ll end up sleeping outside or in an awning. If electric cars were cheaper that would be a way to go but I reckon we’re 10/15 years from that! Good luck… always dreamed of towing to France but starting to think the ship has sailed!

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I am looking at that possibility. The caravan still has 2.8K to go on it. So we might put them both together. It would save us money in the short term but obviously pay more interest long term.

[@johntolson5425]

If it is bothering you that much. The path you need to go down is to sell the car and caravan, which will reduce your monthly outgoings, PS you missed servicing of the cost of owning, and if you still want weekends away get a tent and then take the plane to france and go in ready camps there .

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

It's a possibility. Thing is when you look at "ready camps" on sites the prices are crazy and ends up being a lot more than 1.7K for three weeks.

[@Daveindurham]

As you are in education I guess you must have a Costco card, fuel is a bit cheaper there than anywhere else. However you will probably spend more waiting in the queue.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

No we don't but that is a valid point. We have one nearish but still a bit out of way to drive to and back. Will consider it though.

[@andrew-karens-adventures]

Unfortunately most people are on a very tight budget at the moment, costs of everything has risen, Caravanning is still the cheapest way to get away, even with a tent you have to have a large car big enough for the family & equipment or a trailer you would also probably pay in excess of £18 + per night per pitch (kids extra) on a cheap site, even the cheapest hotels for a family of 5 would probably be on excess of £100 Per night then there's fuel on top & food on top

[@simonissott7506]

Was interested until the misinformation comments re Brexit so turned off

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

No problem. It’s proven why our inflation is worse due to extra tariffs and access to goods. I voted for it but showing to be costing us more.

[@simonissott7506]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons most of the current inflation is being caused by gas and oil. Absolutely nothing to do with Brexit. The US and Europe are all suffering a cost of living crisis. There are shortages out there. It’s all about supply and demand so even goods that are made in uk are more expensive to us because of the increased production costs because of energy prices plus the demand from the rest of the world means the price goes up. A big cause if this is the lag effect from covid where factories around the world were stood for months. Lack of production means supply issues down the line which results eventually in price increases. And now we have the war in Ukraine. It’s a perfect storm of which Brexit is only a few drops of rain in my opinion.

[@raymondporter2094]

Someone replied about the cost of fuel and they come from New Zealand which has not, so far as I know, had any form of Exit from any organisation The real reason is the massive shock to the economy as a result of the Covid Pandemic and the shock to fuel prices as a result of a major war in Europe. Brexit as an issue, is fairly minor. Look at inflation in other EU countries and in the USA ....

[@TicketyBoo.]

I think selling the car and caravan would be a mistake as i'd never recover what I paid. My tactic is to stick with what I have and make it more affordable. For some reason caravaners feel the urge for a new van too often. I've chosen to keep my immaculate 5 year old Elddis and add the things it's missing myself. Yes I had to spend money but a new lithium battery, solar panels and an inverter mean electrical hookups are no longer necessary (big saving). The lithium battery is 3 times the capacity of my old lead acid battery but half the weight and will last way longer! I also invested in an induction cooker hob that runs off the inverter and did away with gas completely saving me the obvious refill costs and about 60Kg in bottle weight. As the hob can be used outside, no Cadac or BBQ needed so again a saving on weight. With the van being so much lighter, it's not so costly to tow. The big change however will be when I eventually change to an EV that can also be charged free from solar and will always be cheaper than petrol or diesel. Indeed an EV can even power the caravan itself. In short, I still see a bright future for caravaning , even if the world is a mess at the moment. Have a look at Andrew Ditton's excellent EV videos - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKCYc6Rspax5haM

[@jamesfoote8916]

I have caravaner for over 30 years and seen people leave and almost all what to come back a few years later but some could not afford the new prices. Right now the most simple thing to do is stay close to home if fuel is a problem on expenses then don’t travel far. It will all come back even just let the caravan just site there for a year if you must. We have been hit Brexit has not hit us that hard but Covid-19 and now the war are the main problems and in time these will settle. If you don’t do massive mileage then keep your car once paid for. I teach car detailing for fun and my 10 year old Jag XF bought new looks amazing and is well looked after also keeping cars for a long time is better for the planet. Put simple my advice has always been the same over the 30 years of caravanning. Stick with it once sold getting back will be even harder. But I do understand if people can not put food on the table or heat there home hard decisions have to be made.

[@kevinwilliams2913]

We are trying just to go an hour away save Wasting fuel more money for beer 🍺

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yeah. We are now down to 30 minutes we are that skint.

[@turboman6680]

We're in the exact same position and I've been thinking about this lots. Most of the time, I just think, it's hard just now but push through the financial pain and keep the van (also a Palermo) and keep going. As many folk our age (we're 42 and 46), this is the tightest time financially of our lives. We've got the mortgage, the car loan, the home repairs, the kids activities, the holidays etc. We're not 21 when all the money you earn is you're own and you have lots of disposable and we're not retired where there's no mortgage, we've downsized and perhaps there's some inherited wealth behind us too. It's very tricky. Our Palermo costs us £190 pcm, the car is £404, insurance is around £26, servicing over the months is around £30, the car does around 24mpg and we like to use the caravan a lot. I'm considering just paying it but leaving it on the driveway for 2023. Looking at Centre Parcs in Germany for next year in the summer and then Eurocamp in Holland in October holidays. The money that we would spend doing caravaning every 2nd weekend between may and September can be used (around half of it) for family activities from home and they'll still get 2 good abroad family holidays. Centre Parcs looks likely to cost only £1000 for ferry and a week at CP minus activities and Eurocamp around a grand all in. Dunno. It's a thought and possibility certainly. Other option for us is to downsize car and caravan. Less costly on insurance, no 'big' tax on the car, better on fuel, better still if van is a lot lighter, less ££ for caravan servicing, etc etc but I too am reluctant to change the caravan as I'm also fussy and wouldn't want any issues with damp, no warranty etc. One thing is certain, the cost of fuel is massively prohibitive and also, site fees at £37 circa a night is crazy. Using CLs is an option but a lot of the attraction for us is for the kids to meet other kids which obviously happens more easily on bigger sights. Whatever we choose, this year, we still have York for a week in the summer, 2 long weekends and 3 x 2 nighters too. ❤️

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thank you for the detailed comment I read it a few times as all resonates with us. Just been to next to asda petrol and now 193 a litre. We do use cls quite a bit but feel like you it’s stopping kids being with other kids but we just can’t afford it at present. All options still no table but if fuel continues to rise might have our hand shoved behind our back to sell it all up.

[@mostyn03]

I feel your pain, but even with the additional costs what price do you put on the memories made

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I agree with you there but debt can hurt if you need that as well.

[@heyholetstow]

Well, we’ve just got our first caravan, and had to get a better car, so it’s been quite expensive so far 😀

[@remitremblay2091]

Hi. You are almost at the end of paying it off...maybe simply travel closer this summer, as it will be more expensive, here in Canada as well, and then things will settle down - and the camper will be paid off...freeing the funds to travel abroad (so interesting for kids!!!)? Just an idea for you. Remember, a campervan may be a great financial idea...but kids grow older...will they keep following you then? If not, then you may have to pay for that situation... Money to us is the same: tight. But we think long term...

[@davespeedy2409]

Good topical video.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks Dave for the comment.

[@617539]

Everything is on the increase, except what comes in to the household, so eating out is one of the ways we can cut down,

[@scotchegg6422]

£1700 for a 3 week holiday in France for a family of 5 is cheap.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

I agree very cheap.

[@ionutd1702]

I think you’re just scared. The fuel is about 30% increase and are there so many CL s . Just stop buying so many craps and go caravaning. My grandad used to fight in the war and my grandmother has suffered from mass hunger, I don’t think our times are so bad, you’re just to worried for no serious reasons.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Well diesel was just over £1 a litre and now it's nearly 2% so not far short of 100% Would love to spend less on craps but not sure bar stopping girls going dancing that we can do. I agree our times are nothing compared to past generations and we are lucky. I think the issue is that we got used to a decent life and now it's been removed.

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

sell the caravan and buy a big tent. x

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Have considered this but I have horrendous allergies and then can only use it in the summer. It's a possibility though.

[@jacquesafe7235]

Have you considered a tent? We have 4 children and when they were young we ended up selling the caravan as young families are expensive, we bought a huge tent and had many great holidays and weekends. We are now back caravanning as our youngest is 21, but camping suited our young family well.

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks I originally wanted an air tent but vetoed it saying about my hayfever and asthma. She is normally right. Good job she doesn’t read our comments.

[@annirvin6555]

Folding camper

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks Ann. I think if we were going to do that might as well get a tent.

[@annirvin6555]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons a folding camper is off the ground, so much warmer, plus the kitchen is inside. Some now, also have the cassette toilet. We started with a tent, then trailer tent, folding camper, then caravan. I still fancy a Dandy folding camper. Him indoors isn’t giving in yet, but he might😊 We have had five Dandies

[@two4wheels]

Another fantastic video with some really good points and I'd like to add my perspective if I may. In life, it's always easier not to do something, eg, not enough time, the cost, the distance, whatever the reason ('excuse') there is always one there that we can select from if we choose. Life is all about the now, the 'journey' if you like, and whatever crisis there is on the go (and there will always be one) - cost of living, fuel shortages, price of fuel, inflation, we should try our best to overcome it and live for the now. We really do have a limited time on this earth and whilst we'd all like to think we will get to old age in decent shape, the reality isn't like that so my advice to everyone, is to continue doing what you enjoy, just accept things that you can't control and don't overthink it. As parents, we are making wonderful memories for our children and as childhood is only relatively a short period of any persons life, it's the period that really does shape us all. Keep having those adventures and making those memories, because who knows what the rest of life has in store.

[@harrysmith275]

Gone political within seconds. Unsubbed

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Yet you know it's true though. Worst EU country at present for inflation.

[@harrysmith275]

@@RollingwithTheRobsons true or not, not what I come to KZbin for

[@drbdrb113]

You are spot on with brexit being the main problem. Those who voted for it have done a great job ruening our country. I'm like you? I'm lucky I can cushion the rising costs for now but you can only do that for so long. I hope you decide to keep your caravan as the kids love it as do yourselves. We're like you decided to head across the water this year Belgium and Germany and cut the cloth in other ways. So have a great time and look forward to you vlogs. Cheers

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thanks, I have had quite a bit of grief with a few harsh words. I ignored them, not sure it's the main issue but it means our inflation is much worse than other big european countries at this point in time. We had vouchers so not paying full price for most things but the prices of the things we booked originally have gone up. As I say 1700 for 3 weeks away is nothing compared to most other places. We will enjoy it.