PW_2_2021

Article

Staycations: Caravan or Motorhome? Kevin Hullah , Section UK Caravan & Camping SIG The COVID-19 pandemic brought a 20% increase in sales of caravans and motorhomes during 2020. With foreign holidays restricted, people began to look at other holiday options. I was often asked which was best: a touring caravan or a motorhome / campervan. (There is an official distinction: a campervan is a commercial goods vehicle that has been converted for simple habitation. A motorhome, or officially a motor caravan, is a coach-built caravan - with an engine.)

Rainbow at Woodhall Spa 1940s Rally in July 2016

Take care in considering any driving licence restrictions, for driver’s age, towing and gross weight limits. To help your choice, it may be useful to come up with a list of features you are looking for: Must Have, Like to Have and Nice to Have. A great tip is to rent or borrow a unit, to find what is best to suit your needs. Above all, avoid impulse buying. There are two main organisations catering for this leisure pursuit – the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravan Club. Both have a network of sites available across the UK and Ireland and in Europe. They offer wide-ranging insurance policies and discounts on sea crossings. They also have technical departments to provide advice on purchasing, mechanical issues, and both Clubs offer towing courses. There is also a wealth of knowledge to be gained on YouTube. The greatest merit of this lifestyle is the freedom to go virtually anywhere at any time. Then comes flexibility; you can change your travelling plans at will, and make your own choices as to how you do things. There is nothing like enjoying the outdoors in some outstanding locations, while travelling in your own home. The IPA Section UK Caravan and Camping SIG has over 50 members, with a half and half blend of caravans and motorhomes. We are always looking for kindred spirits to join us. We meet on a regular basis, holding events around the UK. Most of our Rallies are on established caravan sites, however, a few are held on sports fields, showgrounds, racecourses and stately homes. Our members also tour throughout Europe, and some stay over winter in southern Europe. (I am grateful to Group members Eddie Downs, Jack Dobbie, Steve Palmer, John Shand and Danny Kaye for their input.)

The starting point for your decision is to decide how you will use it. Will you make regular, extended trips, or just do the odd weekend? Will you be making regular stops, or staying put on a campsite? Also think long term; is this just a quick fix until you can fly again? If you intend to stay on sites for long periods, a caravan will suit you better. However, for shorter and more regular overnight stops, a motorhome fits the bill. Your next consideration is budget. Retail prices for new caravans range from £15k to over £30k. Motorhomes are much more expensive, at £47k to over £80k. Obviously you can spend much less buying second-hand. Whether new or used the safest method is through a dealership. They will include a warranty to afford you some comeback if there are aftersales problems. Private sales can be a nightmare in terms of maintenance history, maintenance records, potentially stolen vehicles and outright scams. Storage brings other hidden costs, if you do not have enough space at home. A caravan will be cheaper in most respects, but it can be daunting to the beginner, hitting the road with something just slightly smaller than an Eddie Stobart truck. There is the big advantage of being able to use the car to get around during awaydays. Caravans are also less expensive to maintain in terms of running costs, servicing and insurance. Suitable towing vehicles must also be considered though, because the larger the caravan, the more powerful your tow-car must be. Motorhomes are easier to drive than a car and caravan, which bends in the middle. They are undoubtedly easier to set up on site; a bonus to those of advancing years. Informal sites such as pubs and farm shops are increasingly becoming available for motorhomers, which are not generally available to caravans. On the downside, everything must be packed away before you can drive your motorhome away. Parking a motorhome can be challenging in town, leading to many choosing sites close to public transport. Motorhomes are exceptionally well catered for in Europe with places to stay. For instance, there are areas for them to stay on motorways and in cities in France, Spain and Germany at very low cost.

Norfolk Broads Rally, Ludham 2019

AGM Rally Stratford Racecourse May 2019

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POLICE WORLD Vol 66 No.2, 2021