Transition from a fully equipped, off road caravan to a good quality motorhome - transition and comparison issues.
Pradokakadudavid said
07:05 PM Mar 25, 2024
I am interested in the views of people who have actually transitioned from caravan owning to a Motorhome.
Am thinking ahead as, as we all get older, have been thinking a Motorhome might be easier to manage than my current 24 foot van (cab only drawbar extra).
Whilst the major pros and cons are fairly obvious, I would be interested in people's personal experiences either with this transition or from the point of view of Motorhome ownership only.
We are thinking about a good quality Motorhome (e.g. Winnebago) mainly because the backing of the caravan is getting more difficult (probably for my wife and marriage more than me!)
Obviously we have thought of things like mobility (once we have set up) accessories, fuel consumption etc.
As we currently have a very well equipped, off road caravan we are never going to get the same power generation and storage capabilities that we currently have but as we get older this might not matter so much as we are increasingly using caravan parks but backing the space to reverse into sites is currently an issue, although I do try to pre-plan sites.
Have people found that if you wish to add extra solar panels (currently have 6) and batteries (currently have 500 amps), this can be easily achieved?
We have been looking at Motorhomes at caravan shows and can see they offer some mobility (e.g. for Spirit of Tasmania) advantages.
So if you have made this transition, I would be interested in some honest feedback.
Cheers.
David
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:55 PM Mar 25, 2024
Pradokakadudavid wrote:
As we currently have a very well equipped, off road caravan we are never going to get the same power generation and storage capabilities that we currently have
You don't actually tell us what PV you have, but of course you can have at least as much or more.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 02:33:37 PM
Possum3 said
11:20 PM Mar 25, 2024
G'day David, we haven't made the switch yet, but the child-bride is looking at some of the smaller MH's. I'm not convinced at this stage.
Pradokakadudavid said
02:02 PM Mar 26, 2024
Just an answer to your query, I currently have 6, 200w solar panels (basically the entire roof), 4000w Redarc Inverter, 500a batteries.
Hope this is enough extra info or you.
Cheers.
David
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:29 PM Mar 26, 2024
I have 1,160W of PV on the OKA without any on the pop top, because I don't need more. That does include 200W as an awning over the rear window.
I am currently building another OKA motorhome. That will have no gas and will have an induction cook top.
It will have 2,150W of solar and almost 500Ah of CALB lithium batteries and a 3,000W (continuous) main inverter (plus another smaller one to run the domestic 220L fridge freezer). I will also be able to run the HWS from solar. That vehicle will be 6.2m long total overall.
(ps... your Redarc inverter might be 2,000W continuous, not 4,000W, which is a very short term capability?)
Depending on your budget and the vehicle you choose, a motorhome can have much greater weight capacity than most caravans which allows more fuel, more water, longer in remote areas and far less limitations on where you can and can not travel.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 02:43:41 PM
Pradokakadudavid said
09:48 PM Mar 26, 2024
Great info and pics thanks.
I will try to limit myself to 25 feet max as I don't wish to repeat the mistake I made with my caravan which is too big (25 feet plus drawbar).
I have looked at several allegedly good quality models but then read terrible customer reviews, mostly of the dealers who won't honour their warranties or continue to pass the buck.
Glad to hear you have been able to put so much PV power into your van but it does look like a big rig so plenty of roof top space.
I have found that newer panels have a much higher capacity than the older ones meaning fewer panels can produce the same output or more than the older panels.
I have just recently found this when I replaced all of my 10 year old Sunpower solar panels on my house with the latest models of Sunpower.
The difference in power output compared to my older panels is staggering.
In my last billing cycle the bill for power only was $8.41 for my house which is pretty impressive for three months (note I am away a lot also).
Note I have a Tesla battery as well so plenty of scope for free power.
Cheers.
David
Pradokakadudavid said
09:50 PM Mar 26, 2024
Great info and pics thanks.
I don't think the Motorhome that I might buy will go to the places your OKA does?
Cheers.
David
-- Edited by Pradokakadudavid on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 09:52:32 PM
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:04 PM Mar 26, 2024
Pradokakadudavid wrote:
I don't think the Motorhome that I might buy will go to the places your OKA does?
There are plenty of others that will go where no caravans go though.
My friend built his Canter, then drove it to Scotland and back. We crossed the Simpson together a few years back and this year we are planning the Canning and some other areas. It also has lots of solar and no gas.
Cheers,
Peter
woolman said
08:34 AM Mar 27, 2024
We did the change in 2017, and would not go back to the caravan. We do flat tow a Suzuki with A frame.
The main reason for the change was carrying capacity and much more comfortable seating. Our Motor Home has a towing capacity of 1600kg and load capacity of 2000kg (wife set this as a target it appeared) . The only way to tow a car was without a trailer due to towing restiction was to flat tow. The Suzuki gives us good off road ability when we need, although ground clearance can be a challenge in sand. Having the car makes shopping and touring easy. Motor home is much less tiring to drive than towing.
fuel consumption is less with motor home than towing van even though we now carry 500l water.
Bottom line, before selecting a motor home check load capacity, especially if it is drivable on a car licence. I need a light rigid licence for ours. Also towing capacity can vary considerably. Make sure the car you tow can legally be towed. As far as I know the Suzuki Grand Vitara is / was only option. Many people flat tow other cars, but not legal.
Some motor homes are derated on load capacity to be driven on car licence, this gives you minimal load capacity. Upgrading licence is only a simple driving test if you need to.
Good luck
Neil
Roy E said
10:16 AM Mar 27, 2024
David,
I don't know if my comments will be of use to you but I hope so. After owning from new, 3 caravans, the last of which had everything and was so comfortable, due to fact we are aging and my partner was not willing to drive tug with van-in-tow but was happy to drive a motorhome (she had previously owned and driven one), we ordered a new motorhome. I kept promising myself I would never buy another brand-new van but, here we go again.
Several problems with new motorhome but all promptly and happily fixed by agent.
How do they compare? Our 8m overall motorhome is so comfortable, I wouldn't readily go back to a caravan. Fuel consumption, much less with motorhome. Ease of driving on roads/motorways, much better with motorhome. Off-road or rough-road, better with caravan. Convenience for in town shopping, easier with motorhome than tug with van attached but far easier with tug, no-van.
Overall, are happy with choice of large motorhome, so far.
We have 2 folding electric bikes which are handy but have put a deposit on a Suzuki Jimny and we're hoping this will be the best set-up.
Cheers,
Roy.
granite53 said
03:04 PM Mar 27, 2024
David
My experiences.
Had a Windsor ensuite van for 8 years, 21'6" long, towed with 3.0l Nissan Patrol manual.
Wife passed away in 2019, still kept the van and Patrol but relocated to ACT for family support.
Went on a number of short trips with van, was worried about memories in the van but all OK.
Found backing, setting up and demobilising van was onerous and time consuming for me on my own.
In 2020, sold van and Patrol and purchased a second hand 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on Iveco chassis, 3.0l diesel with 8 speed auto box.
Driving is very easy, travel at 95Kmph on freeway on cruise control. Setting up very easy, can sleep in bed east/west or west/east depending on lay of land. Have had to use levelling ramps a couple of times north/south for fridge and shower drainage.
Set up consists of 2 hoses (water/sullage) and one power cord.
Fully self contained with 100l of water and 50l of grey water. Shower/toilet ensuite is a bit tight (can't get two people in there together) but surfices when amenities are too far away or raining.
I flat tow a manual Suzuki Grand Vitara behind. Makes day trips and shopping much easier. There are quite a number of suitable towed vehicles available, not only Zuks. See Northcoach RV for more info re flat towing and suitable vehicles.
Fuel consumption - Patrol towing 20l/100km, Iveco not towing 12l/100km, Iveco towing Zuk 15l/100km. Just did 3,000kms around lower SA and Vic in sometimes 44 degree heat, no problems with Iveco overheating, even on long uphill climbs into Truro in SA from Hay plains. Can get about 450km out of 100l fuel.
Comments on motorhome V caravan.
Motorhome more friendly to set up.
Fuel consumption for MH much better even when towing.
MH much easier to park and reverse.
Need to watch camber of road surface when parking on suburban streets as side of MH can impact poles, signs due to height of MH (has a very near miss with this once).
Did have a ebike on MH but fell off (no bad injury) but being 70 made me realise if I broke something, long recovery so bought Zuk.
Setting up Zuk to flat tow cost just on $7,000 (tow gear plus fitting plus engineers report).
New partner loves the MH (she's never RV'd before and loves the convenience of bed up/down without having to make the bed each day).
Can drive my MH on normal Class C licence as MH weighs less than 4,499kgs.
Have installed tyre pressure monitors and Ivenco and Zuk (Masten brand) and can monitor all tyres from MH drivers seat.
Weighed MH on council weighbridge before my last trip - loaded ready to travel, 100l water, 100l fuel, only me in cab - 4,140kgs, so still plenty of payload available (max weight 4,995kgs).
Would not go back to a van.
Les
-- Edited by granite53 on Wednesday 27th of March 2024 03:15:01 PM
Pradokakadudavid said
05:52 PM Mar 27, 2024
I am interested in the views of people who have actually transitioned from caravan owning to a Motorhome.
Am thinking ahead as, as we all get older, have been thinking a Motorhome might be easier to manage than my current 24 foot van (cab only drawbar extra).
Whilst the major pros and cons are fairly obvious, I would be interested in people's personal experiences either with this transition or from the point of view of Motorhome ownership only.
We are thinking about a good quality Motorhome (e.g. Winnebago) mainly because the backing of the caravan is getting more difficult (probably for my wife and marriage more than me!)
Obviously we have thought of things like mobility (once we have set up) accessories, fuel consumption etc.
As we currently have a very well equipped, off road caravan we are never going to get the same power generation and storage capabilities that we currently have but as we get older this might not matter so much as we are increasingly using caravan parks but reverse into sites is currently an issue, although I do try to pre-plan sites.
Have people found that if you wish to add extra solar panels (currently have 6) and batteries (currently have 500 amps), this can be easily achieved?
We have been looking at Motorhomes at caravan shows and can see they offer some mobility (e.g. for Spirit of Tasmania) advantages.
So if you have made this transition, I would be interested in some honest feedback.
Cheers.
David
Pradokakadudavid said
06:06 PM Mar 27, 2024
Thanks everyone for your advice and views on the Motorhome transition issue.
As I expected, most of the comments support what I assumed would be the case with a Motorhome which are:
1. Better fuel consumption.
2. Greater load carrying capacity (subject to GVM of Motorhome).
3. Ease of driving and setup.
4. A marriage saver!
Interested to hear the your comments on GVM but as I have a HR licence, this should not be a problem.
Some concern with being able to sell a Motorhome that requires a LR and above licence as most people don't have these.
I would be interested to know what types of Motorhomes people recommend.
As said below, I have read some horror stories on You Tube and reviews re peoples' experiences with manufacturers and dealers.
I note below someone said they had a Sunliner Motorhome.
These look very good on You Tube and according to specs and I was really keen on these but there have been some appalling reviews of Sunliners related to warranty claims.
Obviously to some extent it comes down to what you wish to spend on your rig.
Part of me thinks that as "they are all crap", maybe it's a better idea to spend less and then upgrade with better quality fittings.
Thanks everyone again and I will keep researching as I always do and the next time I back into something with my caravan, I will return to these comments.
As I live in Perth, we do not have access to the huge range of Motorhomes available on the east coast which of course presents other issues.
It will be interesting to see what prices I can get for my Y62 Patrol (2018 TIL) and 2019 Retreat Fraser (Highly modified) when I come to the trade in.
I saw that at a recent caravan show, the base price of the Retreat Fraser had increased nearly $40,000 on the new price I paid early 2019!!!!!!
I am interested in the views of people who have actually transitioned from caravan owning to a Motorhome.
Am thinking ahead as, as we all get older, have been thinking a Motorhome might be easier to manage than my current 24 foot van (cab only drawbar extra).
Whilst the major pros and cons are fairly obvious, I would be interested in people's personal experiences either with this transition or from the point of view of Motorhome ownership only.
We are thinking about a good quality Motorhome (e.g. Winnebago) mainly because the backing of the caravan is getting more difficult (probably for my wife and marriage more than me!)
Obviously we have thought of things like mobility (once we have set up) accessories, fuel consumption etc.
As we currently have a very well equipped, off road caravan we are never going to get the same power generation and storage capabilities that we currently have but as we get older this might not matter so much as we are increasingly using caravan parks but backing the space to reverse into sites is currently an issue, although I do try to pre-plan sites.
Have people found that if you wish to add extra solar panels (currently have 6) and batteries (currently have 500 amps), this can be easily achieved?
We have been looking at Motorhomes at caravan shows and can see they offer some mobility (e.g. for Spirit of Tasmania) advantages.
So if you have made this transition, I would be interested in some honest feedback.
Cheers.
David
You don't actually tell us what PV you have, but of course you can have at least as much or more.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 02:33:37 PM
Just an answer to your query, I currently have 6, 200w solar panels (basically the entire roof), 4000w Redarc Inverter, 500a batteries.
Hope this is enough extra info or you.
Cheers.
David
I have 1,160W of PV on the OKA without any on the pop top, because I don't need more.
That does include 200W as an awning over the rear window.
I am currently building another OKA motorhome. That will have no gas and will have an induction cook top.
It will have 2,150W of solar and almost 500Ah of CALB lithium batteries and a 3,000W (continuous) main inverter (plus another smaller one to run the domestic 220L fridge freezer). I will also be able to run the HWS from solar. That vehicle will be 6.2m long total overall.
(ps... your Redarc inverter might be 2,000W continuous, not 4,000W, which is a very short term capability?)
Depending on your budget and the vehicle you choose, a motorhome can have much greater weight capacity than most caravans which allows more fuel, more water, longer in remote areas and far less limitations on where you can and can not travel.
Cheers,
Peter
-- Edited by Peter_n_Margaret on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 02:43:41 PM
Great info and pics thanks.
I will try to limit myself to 25 feet max as I don't wish to repeat the mistake I made with my caravan which is too big (25 feet plus drawbar).
I have looked at several allegedly good quality models but then read terrible customer reviews, mostly of the dealers who won't honour their warranties or continue to pass the buck.
Glad to hear you have been able to put so much PV power into your van but it does look like a big rig so plenty of roof top space.
I have found that newer panels have a much higher capacity than the older ones meaning fewer panels can produce the same output or more than the older panels.
I have just recently found this when I replaced all of my 10 year old Sunpower solar panels on my house with the latest models of Sunpower.
The difference in power output compared to my older panels is staggering.
In my last billing cycle the bill for power only was $8.41 for my house which is pretty impressive for three months (note I am away a lot also).
Note I have a Tesla battery as well so plenty of scope for free power.
Cheers.
David
Great info and pics thanks.
I don't think the Motorhome that I might buy will go to the places your OKA does?
Cheers.
David
-- Edited by Pradokakadudavid on Tuesday 26th of March 2024 09:52:32 PM
There are plenty of others that will go where no caravans go though.
My friend built his Canter, then drove it to Scotland and back. We crossed the Simpson together a few years back and this year we are planning the Canning and some other areas. It also has lots of solar and no gas.
Cheers,
Peter
We did the change in 2017, and would not go back to the caravan. We do flat tow a Suzuki with A frame.
The main reason for the change was carrying capacity and much more comfortable seating. Our Motor Home has a towing capacity of 1600kg and load capacity of 2000kg (wife set this as a target it appeared) . The only way to tow a car was without a trailer due to towing restiction was to flat tow. The Suzuki gives us good off road ability when we need, although ground clearance can be a challenge in sand. Having the car makes shopping and touring easy. Motor home is much less tiring to drive than towing.
fuel consumption is less with motor home than towing van even though we now carry 500l water.
Bottom line, before selecting a motor home check load capacity, especially if it is drivable on a car licence. I need a light rigid licence for ours. Also towing capacity can vary considerably. Make sure the car you tow can legally be towed. As far as I know the Suzuki Grand Vitara is / was only option. Many people flat tow other cars, but not legal.
Some motor homes are derated on load capacity to be driven on car licence, this gives you minimal load capacity. Upgrading licence is only a simple driving test if you need to.
Good luck
Neil
I don't know if my comments will be of use to you but I hope so. After owning from new, 3 caravans, the last of which had everything and was so comfortable, due to fact we are aging and my partner was not willing to drive tug with van-in-tow but was happy to drive a motorhome (she had previously owned and driven one), we ordered a new motorhome. I kept promising myself I would never buy another brand-new van but, here we go again.
Several problems with new motorhome but all promptly and happily fixed by agent.
How do they compare? Our 8m overall motorhome is so comfortable, I wouldn't readily go back to a caravan. Fuel consumption, much less with motorhome. Ease of driving on roads/motorways, much better with motorhome. Off-road or rough-road, better with caravan. Convenience for in town shopping, easier with motorhome than tug with van attached but far easier with tug, no-van.
Overall, are happy with choice of large motorhome, so far.
We have 2 folding electric bikes which are handy but have put a deposit on a Suzuki Jimny and we're hoping this will be the best set-up.
Cheers,
Roy.
David
My experiences.
Had a Windsor ensuite van for 8 years, 21'6" long, towed with 3.0l Nissan Patrol manual.
Wife passed away in 2019, still kept the van and Patrol but relocated to ACT for family support.
Went on a number of short trips with van, was worried about memories in the van but all OK.
Found backing, setting up and demobilising van was onerous and time consuming for me on my own.
In 2020, sold van and Patrol and purchased a second hand 2017 Sunliner Switch 441 on Iveco chassis, 3.0l diesel with 8 speed auto box.
Driving is very easy, travel at 95Kmph on freeway on cruise control. Setting up very easy, can sleep in bed east/west or west/east depending on lay of land. Have had to use levelling ramps a couple of times north/south for fridge and shower drainage.
Set up consists of 2 hoses (water/sullage) and one power cord.
Fully self contained with 100l of water and 50l of grey water. Shower/toilet ensuite is a bit tight (can't get two people in there together
) but surfices when amenities are too far away or raining.
I flat tow a manual Suzuki Grand Vitara behind. Makes day trips and shopping much easier. There are quite a number of suitable towed vehicles available, not only Zuks. See Northcoach RV for more info re flat towing and suitable vehicles.
Fuel consumption - Patrol towing 20l/100km, Iveco not towing 12l/100km, Iveco towing Zuk 15l/100km. Just did 3,000kms around lower SA and Vic in sometimes 44 degree heat, no problems with Iveco overheating, even on long uphill climbs into Truro in SA from Hay plains. Can get about 450km out of 100l fuel.
Comments on motorhome V caravan.
Would not go back to a van.
Les
-- Edited by granite53 on Wednesday 27th of March 2024 03:15:01 PM
I am interested in the views of people who have actually transitioned from caravan owning to a Motorhome.
Am thinking ahead as, as we all get older, have been thinking a Motorhome might be easier to manage than my current 24 foot van (cab only drawbar extra).
Whilst the major pros and cons are fairly obvious, I would be interested in people's personal experiences either with this transition or from the point of view of Motorhome ownership only.
We are thinking about a good quality Motorhome (e.g. Winnebago) mainly because the backing of the caravan is getting more difficult (probably for my wife and marriage more than me!)
Obviously we have thought of things like mobility (once we have set up) accessories, fuel consumption etc.
As we currently have a very well equipped, off road caravan we are never going to get the same power generation and storage capabilities that we currently have but as we get older this might not matter so much as we are increasingly using caravan parks but reverse into sites is currently an issue, although I do try to pre-plan sites.
Have people found that if you wish to add extra solar panels (currently have 6) and batteries (currently have 500 amps), this can be easily achieved?
We have been looking at Motorhomes at caravan shows and can see they offer some mobility (e.g. for Spirit of Tasmania) advantages.
So if you have made this transition, I would be interested in some honest feedback.
Cheers.
David
Thanks everyone for your advice and views on the Motorhome transition issue.
As I expected, most of the comments support what I assumed would be the case with a Motorhome which are:
1. Better fuel consumption.
2. Greater load carrying capacity (subject to GVM of Motorhome).
3. Ease of driving and setup.
4. A marriage saver!
Interested to hear the your comments on GVM but as I have a HR licence, this should not be a problem.
Some concern with being able to sell a Motorhome that requires a LR and above licence as most people don't have these.
I would be interested to know what types of Motorhomes people recommend.
As said below, I have read some horror stories on You Tube and reviews re peoples' experiences with manufacturers and dealers.
I note below someone said they had a Sunliner Motorhome.
These look very good on You Tube and according to specs and I was really keen on these but there have been some appalling reviews of Sunliners related to warranty claims.
Obviously to some extent it comes down to what you wish to spend on your rig.
Part of me thinks that as "they are all crap", maybe it's a better idea to spend less and then upgrade with better quality fittings.
Thanks everyone again and I will keep researching as I always do and the next time I back into something with my caravan, I will return to these comments.
As I live in Perth, we do not have access to the huge range of Motorhomes available on the east coast which of course presents other issues.
It will be interesting to see what prices I can get for my Y62 Patrol (2018 TIL) and 2019 Retreat Fraser (Highly modified) when I come to the trade in.
I saw that at a recent caravan show, the base price of the Retreat Fraser had increased nearly $40,000 on the new price I paid early 2019!!!!!!
Cheers.
David