Motorhomes & Campervans off grid Vs Traditional?

[PitaNaanRoti]

Have a chat with Ade at SC Sportshomes.
They’ve been doing this for 20+ years and pretty much guarantee you’ll never lose money on a resale.

[Taipan]

Well, my Sister got one and hasn't stopped banging on about how good owning one is, so now it looks like we're back in the market for one! I quite like the look of this one. I assume it's a home conversion, but it looks like it's well done and has everything in that we'd need/want? Anyone see anything wrong with it? Is there enough solar stuff to be off grid?

"Conversion details - Exterior3.7m Fiamma roof mounted race awning 16" alloy wheels and brand new tyres 230V Hook-up Point (Inlet) Gas BBQ point, Solar panel, Swivel front seat800w inverter supplied and fitted Reverse camera, Layout:- Double bed conversion Sleeps 2. Kitchen area:- Interior Ceiling and walls fully lined and insulated, Cupboard storage space2 x 400x400 Mini-Heki rooflights with blinds and flyscreens (1 above seating/kitchen, 1 in rear toilet / shower) Switches and sockets throughout, Leather cream and grey upholstery Dark Grey effect heavy duty laminate flooring, which is scratch and dent resistant, Removable table, kitchen worktop, Pioneer Bluetooth sound system with dvd and Apple car play, TV bracket & points, WiFi, Electrical:- 2 leisure batteries, Electrical mains hook up point, Roof mounted TV aerial and signal booster, Chrome LED low power consumption spotlights throughout, Heating:- Propex Blown air heater (gas)Kitchen combi sink & under body refillable log tank, compressor fridge with small freezer compartment (no external ugly vents)240V microwave

Vehicle registered: 10/03/2014".

Looks like a factory job from the paintjob: that compass logo is distinctive, but I can't remember the company (Westfalia maybe?)

The internals look factory fit - it's not a home-brew.

What output is the solar panel? Has the solar been wired up so that it charges the leisure batteries and then the vehicle battery? Does the vehicle generator charge the leisure batteries along with the vehicle battery?

What's the gas situation? Does it have an LPG fill point? How many bottles can it carry and how are they accessed? For proper 'off-grid' the LPG mod really makes life easier.

What's the water situation? How big is the clean water tank? How big is the grey water tank? (and where are they?). You want them as big as possible so you're not filling up/emptying every day. (I got into the habit of drinking bottled water, but it's amazing how much water you use dong everything else).

One thing I'd say about that layout..... you're very likely to be needing to put the bed away every time you want access to the shower/loo - which could turn out to be a faff. I think i'd want a layout where the bed was at the very end of the van (also means you can use the rear doors for access which is more useful than you might think), so when you put the bed up it can stay up sometimes.

All good points, thanks. I thought it looked factory, but couldn't see any name on it? Slightly concerned about climbing across each other to get to the bathroom when the bed is made too, which is a shame as I did like that one. I like this one below, but the upholstery in a lot of these looks like something out of Abigails party! If I do got for something like this, I may have to add the solar panels etc myself. Not that expensive I guess, but a consideration for sure.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome- ... 4rr&page=3

I note on the off grid types they often have a lift in and out toilet, which isn't the end of the world I suppose, but the less I have to do, the more I like.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265671416006 ... 1438.l2649

[Rockburner]

Well, my Sister got one and hasn't stopped banging on about how good owning one is, so now it looks like we're back in the market for one! I quite like the look of this one. I assume it's a home conversion, but it looks like it's well done and has everything in that we'd need/want? Anyone see anything wrong with it? Is there enough solar stuff to be off grid?

"Conversion details - Exterior3.7m Fiamma roof mounted race awning 16" alloy wheels and brand new tyres 230V Hook-up Point (Inlet) Gas BBQ point, Solar panel, Swivel front seat800w inverter supplied and fitted Reverse camera, Layout:- Double bed conversion Sleeps 2. Kitchen area:- Interior Ceiling and walls fully lined and insulated, Cupboard storage space2 x 400x400 Mini-Heki rooflights with blinds and flyscreens (1 above seating/kitchen, 1 in rear toilet / shower) Switches and sockets throughout, Leather cream and grey upholstery Dark Grey effect heavy duty laminate flooring, which is scratch and dent resistant, Removable table, kitchen worktop, Pioneer Bluetooth sound system with dvd and Apple car play, TV bracket & points, WiFi, Electrical:- 2 leisure batteries, Electrical mains hook up point, Roof mounted TV aerial and signal booster, Chrome LED low power consumption spotlights throughout, Heating:- Propex Blown air heater (gas)Kitchen combi sink & under body refillable log tank, compressor fridge with small freezer compartment (no external ugly vents)240V microwave

Vehicle registered: 10/03/2014".

Looks like a factory job from the paintjob: that compass logo is distinctive, but I can't remember the company (Westfalia maybe?)

The internals look factory fit - it's not a home-brew.

What output is the solar panel? Has the solar been wired up so that it charges the leisure batteries and then the vehicle battery? Does the vehicle generator charge the leisure batteries along with the vehicle battery?

What's the gas situation? Does it have an LPG fill point? How many bottles can it carry and how are they accessed? For proper 'off-grid' the LPG mod really makes life easier.

What's the water situation? How big is the clean water tank? How big is the grey water tank? (and where are they?). You want them as big as possible so you're not filling up/emptying every day. (I got into the habit of drinking bottled water, but it's amazing how much water you use dong everything else).

One thing I'd say about that layout..... you're very likely to be needing to put the bed away every time you want access to the shower/loo - which could turn out to be a faff. I think i'd want a layout where the bed was at the very end of the van (also means you can use the rear doors for access which is more useful than you might think), so when you put the bed up it can stay up sometimes.

All good points, thanks. I thought it looked factory, but couldn't see any name on it? Slightly concerned about climbing across each other to get to the bathroom when the bed is made too, which is a shame as I did like that one. I like this one below, but the upholstery in a lot of these looks like something out of Abigails party! If I do got for something like this, I may have to add the solar panels etc myself. Not that expensive I guess, but a consideration for sure.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome- ... 4rr&page=3

I note on the off grid types they often have a lift in and out toilet, which isn't the end of the world I suppose, but the less I have to do, the more I like.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265671416006 ... 1438.l2649

the home-brew ones tend to have lift out toilets because it's a LOT easier than installing the ones the factories can fit (that have externally accessible tanks etc), and the factories will also probably have an easier time installing a 'wet room' to have the shower in.

Mine had the full factory fit toilet/shower : what made it 'off-grid' was the solar, big water tanks, and dual gas bottles that meant I didn't need to be on a campsite at all. (I think I spent a grand total of about 6 days on campsites the entire time I owned it)

[Demannu]

That merc is a bit spendy!
You can buy a base vehicle for £6-7k, which leaves £22+k to do it up!

[Taipan]

That merc is a bit spendy!
You can buy a base vehicle for £6-7k, which leaves £22+k to do it up!

Not as spendy as this one, which I love, but certainly wont be buying!


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome- ... h=2&page=1

[Demannu]

It's alright I s'pose
Not £45k alright though.
My van is half a metre longer than that, 4 berth, proper garage, full height fridge/ freezer etc, etc etc.
Bit left field, but have you thought about a 'classic' hymer thing. A nice 544 would suit you and they go for about £12k, but they do need a degree of fettling as the base fiats are getting on a bit now!

[Taipan]

No deffo not going for anything as big as a A class! We are at least agreeing on a campervan, but that where it ends.

[Demannu]

A 544 is 6m long, which is the same as the sprinter vans iirc.
A bit wider and a bit taller but sometimes purpose built is best.

[Pirahna]

No deffo not going for anything as big as a A class! We are at least agreeing on a campervan, but that where it ends.

When we started thinking about a van I had visions of something like a lwb T6. Kitchen, bed that gets made up evening, that sort of thing. Wifey says it has to have a lengthways fixed bed and proper bathroom. We've ended up with a 7.4m VW Crafter. It's nice but very long.

If van length is an issue, you have to park it after all, then perhaps look at smaller motorhomes rather than campervans. The extra width of a motorhome gives a lot more usable space and shouldn't be ignored.

The best advice I can give is to look at as much stuff as you can to get an idea of what will suit you.

[lostboy]

The best advice I can give is to look at as much stuff as you can to get an idea of what will suit you.

And drive a few.

It's a real experience driving something that big for "everyday" (which you'll do on a trip away). As well as all the usual stuff like how big it is, where you are/aren't going to be able to take it, park it etc. you will also quickly start thinking "how difficult is it going to be packing this bastard up every time we want to go somewhere?" "How quickly/easily can we get sorted to live in it when we stop?" "Where on earth is that rattle/clang/squeak coming from?" "Can I live with that noise for the next four hours of the journey?"*

*in both the California and the Autograph we worked out very quickly how to pack stuff to avoid cutlery/crockery rattling, where you store the stuff you want during the day, where you store the stuff during the night etc. so it made it a much more pleasureable experience to drive around. If you doubt me, have Mrs T rattle two plates together for a few minutes and see how irritating that is - then multiply that by a millionfold.

[lostboy]

The best advice I can give is to look at as much stuff as you can to get an idea of what will suit you.

And drive a few.

It's a real experience driving something that big for "everyday" (which you'll do on a trip away). As well as all the usual stuff like how big it is, where you are/aren't going to be able to take it, park it etc. you will also quickly start thinking "how difficult is it going to be packing this bastard up every time we want to go somewhere?" "How quickly/easily can we get sorted to live in it when we stop?" "Where on earth is that rattle/clang/squeak coming from?" "Can I live with that noise for the next four hours of the journey?"*

*in both the California and the Autograph we worked out very quickly how to pack stuff to avoid cutlery/crockery rattling, where you store the stuff you want during the day, where you store the stuff during the night etc. so it made it a much more pleasureable experience to drive around. If you doubt me, have Mrs T rattle two plates together for a few minutes and see how irritating that is - then multiply that by a millionfold.

[Taipan]

No deffo not going for anything as big as a A class! We are at least agreeing on a campervan, but that where it ends.

When we started thinking about a van I had visions of something like a lwb T6. Kitchen, bed that gets made up evening, that sort of thing. Wifey says it has to have a lengthways fixed bed and proper bathroom. We've ended up with a 7.4m VW Crafter. It's nice but very long.

If van length is an issue, you have to park it after all, then perhaps look at smaller motorhomes rather than campervans. The extra width of a motorhome gives a lot more usable space and shouldn't be ignored.

The best advice I can give is to look at as much stuff as you can to get an idea of what will suit you.

Thats the rub really. A smaller wider one would be easier to park, but then they stick out when parked up in towns with narrow streets, assuming you could ever get parked up. Wider body makes for a better bed too, which being over 6ft helps. But yes, my initial thoughts were for a shorter wider one like the one below.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203939430478 ... SwZbBiQe-3

Parking at home isn't really a problem; My side driveway takes 3 cars, but I also have parking across the front (private road). We have 3 cars so a longer van means almost filling all our spaces, which makes parking for guests awkward. I thought i'd counter this by extending the driveway into the garden, which brings advantages, from a security point of view as I'd put gates there, and it could be used for its kitchen when we have BBQs, fridge for beers etc? The wife likes this idea too.

The current impasse is because the wife still likes the idea of these scandi type ones with the higher, fixed rear bed. We can get a couple of folding leccy bikes and keep them safely under there, rather than hanging them off a bike rack, which I admit to liking the idea of. In fact, so much so, I contacted the competition organisers of the camper in the OP and said if the winner would prefer a cash alternative to get in touch. Not heard back though. Maybe I should consider commissioning someone to build me one the same. Sadly the people who built that one aren't even taking bookings though! I guess I'll just keep looking until something leaps out for both of us...

[lostboy]

No deffo not going for anything as big as a A class! We are at least agreeing on a campervan, but that where it ends.

When we started thinking about a van I had visions of something like a lwb T6. Kitchen, bed that gets made up evening, that sort of thing. Wifey says it has to have a lengthways fixed bed and proper bathroom. We've ended up with a 7.4m VW Crafter. It's nice but very long.

If van length is an issue, you have to park it after all, then perhaps look at smaller motorhomes rather than campervans. The extra width of a motorhome gives a lot more usable space and shouldn't be ignored.

The best advice I can give is to look at as much stuff as you can to get an idea of what will suit you.

Thats the rub really. A smaller wider one would be easier to park, but then they stick out when parked up in towns with narrow streets, assuming you could ever get parked up. Wider body makes for a better bed too, which being over 6ft helps. But yes, my initial thoughts were for a shorter wider one like the one below.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203939430478 ... SwZbBiQe-3

My side driveway takes 3 cars, but I also have parking across the front (private road). We have 3 cars so a longer van means filling all our spaces, which makes parking for guests awkward. I thought i'd counter this by extending the driveway into the garden, which brings advantages, from a security point of view as I'd put gates there, and it could be used for its kitchen when we have BBQs, fridge for beers etc?

The current impasse is because the wife still likes the idea of these scandi type ones with the higher, fixed rear bed. We can get a couple of folding leccy bikes and keep them safely under there, rather than hanging them off a bike rack, which I admit to liking the idea of. In fact, so much so, I contacted the competition organisers of the camper in the OP and said if the winner would prefer a cash alternative to get in touch. Not heard back though. Maybe I should consider commissioning someone to build me one the same. Sadly the people who built that one aren't even taking bookings though! I guess I'll just keep looking until something leaps out for both of us...

That's nice. But again, a bit of thinking for you.......(sorry!)

When we got the Autograph we looked at a lot of motorhomes. It was just for the two of us, we knew pretty much exactly what we wanted it for (having used the California for three years) so knew what facilities and storage we wanted. That then meant that it was a case of sorting what layout that meant we could have. The reason we ended up with the Autograph was that it had the kitchen and bathroom in the middle of the van and the living room/bedroom at the rear and still had a decent sized (for what we wanted) "garage" and it was super easy to store everything quietly and have it quickly and easily accessible. The main reason for the "end lounge" layout, however, was the fantastic seating/sleeping with a 270 deg panorama whenever you were parked up. The "mid lounge" models - like the one you've linked to - don't offer anything like the same comfort and visibility out of them. It's something we didn't think we'd be too bothered about initially but having test driven a few, parked them up, we quickly realised that you're buying this thing to go and stay somewhere nice - you might as well enjoy the view during the day and then have the biggest bed during the night!

[Taipan]

I've always liked the mid kitchen layout, as in, say, Spain we''d be outside more than in, so the idea of the roll out awning and cold beverages just the sliding door inside suits. My Father-in-Laws Citroen Relay set up is that and it works well. I suppose a bike rack and chucking the foldable bikes in the cab at night would work, albeit an added hassle, which when touring might be a pita? But, I guess I'm going to have to compromise somewhere!

[Demannu]

Ooooow that eldis, a motorised caravan.
From 40 years experience, British mohos are usually built by caravan manufacturers, so you get a self propelled caravan.
The Europeans on the other hand, start with a clean sheet of paper, and that's why 20-30yo German/french vans go for nearly that much.

[KungFooBob]

The coach built Germans are the bestest.

My Sunlight is actually a budget Deffleths. It's fully winterised and has blown central heating, not just a silly gas fire in the middle.

She's going today

[lostboy]

Ooooow that eldis, a motorised caravan.
From 40 years experience, British mohos are usually built by caravan manufacturers, so you get a self propelled caravan.
The Europeans on the other hand, start with a clean sheet of paper, and that's why 20-30yo German/french vans go for nearly that much.

Harsh but fair. My Autograph was essentially a Bailey caravan on a Peugeot chassis.

[Taipan]

Well, I guess I want a driveable caravan lol! Its the chintzy trim on them the wife hates, but I still reckon they are better at resale time than the scandi types?

[KungFooBob]

I bought mine 5 years ago for £27000.

It's just sold for £28000.

I did use a broker tho' (saved me a shit load of hassle) and they take quite a large cut.

It's essentially cost me £1500 to own it for five years (not including servicing, tax, etc..)

[weeksy]

I bought mine 5 years ago for £27000.

It's just sold for £28000.

I did use a broker tho' (saved me a shit load of hassle) and they take quite a large cut.

It's essentially cost me £1500 to own it for five years (not including servicing, tax, etc..)

A chunk of that is luck due to the previous couple of years though i guess.... but still, a cracking result.

What you buying today ?