Hi, we owned coachman caravans for a number of years and generally they are top notch . We have now for last 4 years own an A” Class motorhome . Love it with fixed queen bed 7.4 metres and a front lounge . Yes there are compromises with both and yes running costs are higher but it’s the ease and quickness of set up and everything you need on board especially when touring abroad which is set up for motorhomes. Sure you will enjoy your new adventures and only time will tell if you are happier. But it’s your decision and nobody else’s so enjoy and will continue to follow your travels , congratulations 👍🎉🎉.
Hi guys, a warm welcome to the caravanning community. Your experience is exactly what I perceive as reasons why we don’t use a Motorhome. There are times I think a Motorhome holiday would be great fun. Especially for Scotland, Europe and those times we just feel restless. For us though, a holiday is a down tools time, a time to do not a lot and chill out. I really enjoyed this video, the camp site looks awesome - and I’ve just subscribed too!! Keep up the great work.
We’re first timers too, just over a year now, upgraded our van from a Swift Transverse bed to a Coachman single beds absolutely love the Coachman. We were in Dorset in April too and visited Charmouth beach and West Bay. Lovely area, we’re not as fit as you two with the walking/hiking but we have two small dogs who love a run on a beach. Enjoy your van, we love caravanning wish we could have done it years ago! X
Can't fault your transition, you are bang on when you say a motorhome is for short stay and move on. We love our caravan and have an 8' bologna which is similar to the messina but has a rear wash room and transverse bed like your coachman. I find our outfit easier to tow in bad weather than a motorhome so absolutely the best move.
Hi, Good To hear You've Chosen A Coachman Acadia , Good Spec& Not Over Expensive, We Bought Ours Two Years Ago And Still Love It, We Did Have A Few Niggles From New But All Sorted , Never Considered Buying A Motorhome As We Dont Go Abroad Or Tour To Far North.👍
Hi happy caravaners! You have done exactly what Norma, my wife, and I have very recently done. We have had a Hymermobile for the past 17 years and to be honest she was getting a little long in the tooth (34years) with mechanical things popping up more often. We are both 76 years old and we were getting a bit fed up with the expense and hastle of Tax, M.O.T. Scorning etc.. so we decided Togo for a Caravan. Not our first ever one I might add. We did have one back in the early eighties and used it every weekend travelling around the country participating in a particular sporting event which I won’t go into here. So we have gone full circle so to speak. Your reasons are exactly the same as ours. Longer stays verses short hops due to the luxury of having a separate vehicle and using the caravan as more of a base from which to enjoy a wider range of what an area has to offer. We both wish you a happy and enjoyable time and from your explanation of ‘why’ it is obvious in your case that you have done the right thing We hope to cross paths somewhere in the future. All the very best from Terry and Norma
Great choice in Caravan, the Coachman range, I had two, the first in 2016, the Coachman 560 VIP and the last one in 2018, the Coachman 575, with the same layout as yours. I think Caravan wise the best layout. I sold my caravan in 2022 and am now retired and looking at a motorhome or campervan (larger type), mainly as it's just me and two dogs. The setting up was too much like hard work on your own in the caravan, and I often would see motorhomes just roll up, and within 15 minutes, they would be having a cup of tea. So in the process of working on which will suit me best, I have bought, the tow car, a little Brabus Smart car, which I love, if I decide to tow. What I have learned from my old career is not to rush in to buy and do my homework, as so many people buy a campervan/motorhome and decide it has the wrong layout. It can be an expensive learning experience if you do. I only changed my caravan because the newer shape had just arrived, and the upgrade was very low, as the price on the older shape would have dropped quickly.
You sound like a man who really considers his options! Well done buddy. Motorhomes & caravans are great but each has their pro's and con's that you must consider. Your right though about the layout - We think we picked the best one! Thanks for wathcing and commenting. 😁
Hi lovely looking van quick tip regarding kampa 390 as we have identical awning we swopped are door panels around we found getting of the step to go out the door was a pain much better with door in the middle.
Hi Paul - funny you should say that...we made that same obervation on this 1st trip out. Thanks for the comment though - much appreciated..we will be swapping it around.
The joys of having a car. We had a Motorhome for a while and I agree with everything you've said. No point in buying a caravan you know has damp, so good move not getting it IMHO.. We love West Bay!
Hi buddy - thanks for the comment, yes West bay if gorgeous. Thanks for your vlogs - they have proved really helpful for us. Been following you for a while.
We have just bought ours, we were looking for a motor home first and what we got for the money we could buy a stunning caravan. So we went away for a week last year to get used to it and fell in love with her; so we will be going everywhere this year so excited. You have made and make good memories. A fantastic choice have fun ❤
Just found your channel and really enjoyed it .We have a Coachman VIP 575 and love it .We borrowed a motorhome a couple of years ago to tour the Hebrides, which was ideal for that , but certainly didn’t persuade us to swap ,We found it just didn’t have the space or comfort as the caravan has .Hope you really enjoy the van , they are brilliant.
Great video and content. We’ve got same caravan, got back into it 2 years ago. Had some great caravan holidays when the children were young. Just a tip.. noticed you still have the paint on the tow ball of your new towbar. We was advised to totally remove the paint off the towball with a sander as can possibly do damage to the coupling. Happy caravanning! Deb n Rob😊
Wow, what a suprise. We were just talking that we hadnt seen any of your videos in a long time. We nearly flirted with the idea of a caravan, but not yet 😂. Happy travels and looking forward to your future vlogs 😊
Just found you .. we always had caravans & tents then for 7 years we had a motorhome which was Awesome..but we stayed on site until less walking ..then we brought a VW T4 campervan we had that 14 months which was Awesome camping in it but it’s getting cold now so we brought a 2 berth caravan & we luvit .plus we still use the T4 for towing it so best of both worlds now .. we have subscribed to you as well .. cheers Chris & Sammy
Hi, Just watching you in your new caravan, we have done the same thing. We had a moho for 4 years but have changed back to a caravan, we went for a swift exact layout as yours. We are a year in now and are confident we've made the right disission. It let's us get further out away from the busy spots knowing we still have the car to get around. Enjoy your new van hope it works for you. Steve & Kerry Eric & Maggie (dogs)
Very nice caravan, and you have the same air awning as we have - it was recently thoroughly tested in biblical downpours and strong winds.......we always go on fully serviced hard standing pitches, and I use marquee tent pegs with a lump hammer - that holds it down very well. Enjoy your new caravan both. Steve n Jeanette.
Flipping ek, thanks for this video, we have a 9 mtr kontiki and tow a car, BUT we are just in the middle of selling both vehicles and now buying a caravan and large car , one lot of insurance, one tax, one mot etc, we also love the coachman 8 ft wide with L shape lounge. What a coincidence I have come across your video just now. We've never had a caravan either but really looking forward to the change over, perhaps we'll see you out one day, good luck and enjoy your holidays take care both x
Hi both. Been watching your vlogs for some time for site ideas. Congratulations on your getting your lovely caravan. We have a Coachman Lazer 575 Extra and love the layout too. We have always had a caravan for all the reasons that you mentioned but did try a motor home (Bailey Autograph) a couple of years ago. For us it turned out to be an expensive mistake due to the reasons that you mentioned. After just three months we soon got fed up with relying on public transport to get further afield from the sites, and found it very difficult to find car parks suitable if we did try to get around in it. We love the freedom of the caravan and think that both of you will too. HAPPY CARAVANNING. Regards Amanda and Paul.
Oooh absolutely. Sorry for the late reply.We have just returned home from a 3 week holiday (mostly in Scotland). We love the Morton in Marsh CAMC site in the Cotswolds as it’s only a short walk to the little town and different food vans visit the site on a daily basis. The other Cotswold villages are all lovely to explore with plenty of National Trust places to visit. Pennine View in Kirkby Stephen is fab. It has The Engine Shed which is a bar and serves lovely food from different local businesses with some lovely walks directly from a gate at the end of the site. Dayton Village CAMC is lovely with a dog friendly beach a 10 minute walk from the site. The village is lovely too and a gate from the site leads directly there. Troutbeck Head CAMC near Keswick is a lovely site. It’s great for caravanners as you can explore the Lake District to your heart’s content. Llanberris Touring Park (Morris Leisure) is wonderful with lots of lovely walks in Snowdonia directly from the site. Llanberris itself is accessed from a gate and then really nice little woodland walk directly into the village. Also Riverside Touring Park (Morris Leisure) in Betws-y-Coed is wonderful with walks from the site including Swallow Falls. The village can be reached in a couple of minutes by crossing over the railway line via a bridge. South Meadows Caravan Park in Northumberland is one of our favourites. It’s a really beautifully kept site on the edge of Belford village with a very nice farm shop and café a few minutes walk away. The Northumberland beaches are all stunning places to walk. Finally Winchester CAMC is a lovely site too. All sites have easy access with lovely facility blocks. Hope you find the suggestions useful and enjoy the locations and sites as much as we have if you choose to visit. Looking forward to seeing you on your adventures. Regards Amanda and Paul.😊
Welcome back. We have a few friends that have swapped. Same reasons as you guys. Adore your choice of Caravan. Looking forward to seeing more of you "4".
Nice to see you back again 😀. you mentioned that it was a cheaper option to have the caravan, did you already have the van to tow it with ? This is my journey -- had children so got a tent to take them on holiday, they grew up, so packed up camping, got grandchildren so got another tent to go with them, too small, bought a bigger tent, hard work, so bought a folding camper, still hard work, bought a caravan, then got a cheap motorhome, changed for a better one, then went back to a caravan, had a big leak in the middle of the night, repair took ages so part exchanged for a motorhome, sold that just after lockdown, missed having it so have now put a deposit on another motorhome------ watch this space !!!
Great video, welcome to caravanning, we’re fairly new to it. It’s really good to see a site review that isn’t too far from us here in Somerset. So many are up north or the east coast which is great for longer trips. This site looks great and so near the beach.
Welcome to caravaning. We bought our first one last year and really enjoying it. I have to say a fully serviced pitch is the way to go. If not so long as there is electric and on site facilities it good for us. Not sure where abouts you are but we stayed on a beautiful site last year and are going back soon. It called Bridgehouse Marina Garstang. They have about 11 fully serviced pitches I think but you do have to buy your electric separately. You get a card and can purchase as much as you want and you do get refunded for anything left on the card.
We love having the freedom of the car plus we wouldn’t be able to get away at the drop of a hat so a motorhome wouldn’t make any financial sense to us. The caravan is outside in the shed not costing anything so it’s great. We love it 🥰 best of luck in your new van 🙌
You made the right choice, road tax, expensive repairs, mot and then you have tp put everything away when going shopping, if you dont then youve no transport, caravan is more comfortable and better value, only down side of a caravan is the towing but to be honest I enjoy that part.
I was initially thinking about a motor home. After considering all the pros and cons of caravans and motor homes, decided that the motor home wouldn’t be a good option for me. Also,,, there’s a hell of a lot to go wrong with a motor home , mechanically that is. I’m now moving so have had to put those thoughts on hold for now, but will get there one day. Great video btw xx
Lovely van, Coachman really know their stuff. We came the other way as we wanted to do more long weekends as we're semi retired. We found that trying to do it with a caravan was too much hassle. Like the speed of set up and break down with the motorhome but do miss the space as the caravan was so much wider. Good luck, we were wondering what had happened to you!
Hi guys. Best decision for the UK is a caravan. Been caravanning since the 80s loved the great adventures. Have heard some horror stories with motorhomers as you probably know about especially in Scotland. Love that part of Dorset. Stayed at Highlands End a couple of times. Bit to commercial for us now and to many tents. West Bay is great. Brilliant walking everywhere. Bridport is a nice town as well. Just walk out of your caravan to your car and go anywhere you like, even Tesco and not worry about the height barrier.😉 Hope you love it guys as we have. Stay safe and enjoy. Thumbs up thumped 👍 ....Pete and Su....
Well i would say you both made the right choice, just found you and enjoyed all your content , we have stayed not that far from your camp site called Bagwell Farm near Weymouth . Have a great time this year in your new caravan .
Sold our Carthago last year,you are right a huge amount tied up in a motorhome. I can get a top of the range van,top of the range tow car and still have money left. Plus our van was 4.5t,and the amount of people who can drive that ( I’ve got class 2) will get smaller and smaller.
Cracking van. We've done the reverse, and we're still not sure.🤔 There's loads of benefits from both vehicles, and you work with what you've got, I'm sure. You're right about the outlay on the motorhome, though it does play on your mind and make you want to get away more often to justify it. We're off to Cotswold Wildlife Park soon staying in the park opposite....because we saw you vid!!😉👍
You guys are killing me here, we're caravaners but what we do really means we should be motorhomers (like to do 3,500 mile road trips) so we found your channel yesterday and really enjoyed your videos inspiring us and thought "go on then let's watch one more before bed" it was your 'we've bought a caravan' video...couldn't believe it😅 we are so on the fence it actually hurts my head. Idea of selling the caravan makes me feel sick but all those miles towing aint fun. Hope u enjoy your new setup and really enjoyed the vids
Hi We have just subscribed to your channel, we just sold our camper van for the exact reasons you have changed just looking for our caravan now, will be watching your journeys, great looking van.
Motorhomes are good for people who like to travel and enjoy the outdoors far too much. They, as you say are your only means of transport so you have to move to visit different places or use public transport. Caravans are a different breed and a different lifestyle altogether.. realx and enjoy the site and potter off to view your surroundings in the car. Also you have much more space in a caravan (unless you have a large Motorhome). so you can make it more 'homely'.Adding an awning doubles your space too. We looked at buying a Motorhome within our budget but space-wise, it was a no brainer. Caravans have much more to offer in terms of layout and space. It's all 'horses for courses' of course, It all depends on your ideals and the lifestyle you want to follow. Good luck your with your new venture and enjoy it all.
Nice set up, just a point the bĺack paint on your tow ball needs to come off. Bit of wet n dry sand paper then the paint wont stop your alko brake pads from working and getting clogged up with paint.
Great video. Hi I'm a new subscriber I'm from the UK. X x Oh my goodness I couldn't have walked through that wind, I'm asthmatic and that would have took my breath. Xx
I nearly did the same with a Bailey. I love the styling and that beautiful front window. I was just about to do the deal with the salesman and asked if I could just do my own damp check to be sure? On finding damp readings of over 60% in 2 places, I walked away.
great to see you back. Can see your point in changing to a caravan. We sometimes take our car so we can get about a bit more.Like our weekends away though so easier with van. Do think though if we dont make it to Europe soon a caravan may be a idea though
Ive just done the same, got rid of my campervan and bought a new coachman vip 460. Love it. We just pitch up and then go and tour around in the car, alot easier. Was a little bit scared towing it for the first time, and trying to get the hang of reversing with the caravan, which i think ive got the hang of it now. How have you found it towing?
We like the caravan because of that freedom to set up the van then we are free to travel around and then come back open the door and put the kettle on. We have friends who have a campervan who we go away with and they benefit from once pitched up they jump in our car to go out and about
We love our caravan, lucky to have a 6.1 sleeper too for the best of both worlds. You must have a city water connection on that? Saves using water barrels.
Hi just found Ur site..and subscribed.. I'm a caravan owner wouldn't change..much better than a motorhome unless U want to move every day having a car more room and cheaper than a motorhome..a caravan is better
Hi stewart - we have the 170psi model but be sure to get the manual version as the towing capacity of the automatic is much lower - about 1 tonne from memory. Hope that helps mate.
Did you find you had difficulty parking your motor home? We currently have a caravan and are considering buying a small motor home 6 metre or less in length. I am interested to hear your thoughts on the parking concerns.
We had no trouble at all parking with our first 6m van (auto trail f60). We could park in even smaller carparks. It was brilliant for that. It wasn't as easy with our 7m burstner. But we always managed. Much preferred the 6m van for parking issues though. We loved that auto trail👍 In hind sight, because we wanted a ready made bed but loved the 6m length; a 6m van with an over cab bed would have suited us really well👍
Thanks for the comment - Who needs a shower when you have a perfectly good river nearby? Just kidding! We always make sure to utilize all the amenities in the price of the campsite.
We have just bought our first 2nd hand caravan (coachman, after lots of research) so exited, had a few days away to test everything out. Love it.
Hi, we owned coachman caravans for a number of years and generally they are top notch . We have now for last 4 years own an A” Class motorhome . Love it with fixed queen bed 7.4 metres and a front lounge . Yes there are compromises with both and yes running costs are higher but it’s the ease and quickness of set up and everything you need on board especially when touring abroad which is set up for motorhomes. Sure you will enjoy your new adventures and only time will tell if you are happier. But it’s your decision and nobody else’s so enjoy and will continue to follow your travels , congratulations 👍🎉🎉.
Wow - love the A Class vans..bit out of our price range though..but your absolutely right there are compromises with whatever set up you choose. 😁
Hi guys, a warm welcome to the caravanning community.
Your experience is exactly what I perceive as reasons why we don’t use a Motorhome. There are times I think a Motorhome holiday would be great fun. Especially for Scotland, Europe and those times we just feel restless.
For us though, a holiday is a down tools time, a time to do not a lot and chill out.
I really enjoyed this video, the camp site looks awesome - and I’ve just subscribed too!!
Keep up the great work.
Oh thanks guys! we've been watching your vlogs for years now so really chuffed that your enjoying our little channel. 👌
We’re first timers too, just over a year now, upgraded our van from a Swift Transverse bed to a Coachman single beds absolutely love the Coachman. We were in Dorset in April too and visited Charmouth beach and West Bay. Lovely area, we’re not as fit as you two with the walking/hiking but we have two small dogs who love a run on a beach. Enjoy your van, we love caravanning wish we could have done it years ago! X
Can't fault your transition, you are bang on when you say a motorhome is for short stay and move on. We love our caravan and have an 8' bologna which is similar to the messina but has a rear wash room and transverse bed like your coachman. I find our outfit easier to tow in bad weather than a motorhome so absolutely the best move.
Thanks for your comment - By the way the 8' Bologna is a beatiful caravan 😁
Thank you, we love it. Happy caravaning.
Hi, Good To hear You've Chosen A Coachman Acadia , Good Spec& Not Over Expensive, We Bought Ours Two Years Ago And Still Love It, We Did Have A Few Niggles From New But All Sorted , Never Considered Buying A Motorhome As We Dont Go Abroad Or Tour To Far North.👍
Hi happy caravaners!
You have done exactly what Norma, my wife, and I have very recently done.
We have had a Hymermobile for the past 17 years and to be honest she was getting a little long in the tooth (34years) with mechanical things popping up more often. We are both 76 years old and we were getting a bit fed up with the expense and hastle of Tax, M.O.T. Scorning etc.. so we decided Togo for a Caravan. Not our first ever one I might add. We did have one back in the early eighties and used it every weekend travelling around the country participating in a particular sporting event which I won’t go into here.
So we have gone full circle so to speak. Your reasons are exactly the same as ours.
Longer stays verses short hops due to the luxury of having a separate vehicle and using the caravan as more of a base from which to enjoy a wider range of what an area has to offer.
We both wish you a happy and enjoyable time and from your explanation of ‘why’ it is obvious in your case that you have done the right thing
We hope to cross paths somewhere in the future.
All the very best from Terry and Norma
Great choice in Caravan, the Coachman range, I had two, the first in 2016, the Coachman 560 VIP and the last one in 2018, the Coachman 575, with the same layout as yours. I think Caravan wise the best layout. I sold my caravan in 2022 and am now retired and looking at a motorhome or campervan (larger type), mainly as it's just me and two dogs. The setting up was too much like hard work on your own in the caravan, and I often would see motorhomes just roll up, and within 15 minutes, they would be having a cup of tea. So in the process of working on which will suit me best, I have bought, the tow car, a little Brabus Smart car, which I love, if I decide to tow. What I have learned from my old career is not to rush in to buy and do my homework, as so many people buy a campervan/motorhome and decide it has the wrong layout. It can be an expensive learning experience if you do. I only changed my caravan because the newer shape had just arrived, and the upgrade was very low, as the price on the older shape would have dropped quickly.
You sound like a man who really considers his options! Well done buddy. Motorhomes & caravans are great but each has their pro's and con's that you must consider. Your right though about the layout - We think we picked the best one! Thanks for wathcing and commenting. 😁
Hi lovely looking van quick tip regarding kampa 390 as we have identical awning we swopped are door panels around we found getting of the step to go out the door was a pain much better with door in the middle.
Hi Paul - funny you should say that...we made that same obervation on this 1st trip out. Thanks for the comment though - much appreciated..we will be swapping it around.
The joys of having a car. We had a Motorhome for a while and I agree with everything you've said.
No point in buying a caravan you know has damp, so good move not getting it IMHO..
We love West Bay!
Hi buddy - thanks for the comment, yes West bay if gorgeous. Thanks for your vlogs - they have proved really helpful for us. Been following you for a while.
We have just bought ours, we were looking for a motor home first and what we got for the money we could buy a stunning caravan. So we went away for a week last year to get used to it and fell in love with her; so we will be going everywhere this year so excited. You have made and make good memories. A fantastic choice have fun ❤
You need to polish the towball to remove all the paint else it can contaminate your hitch. Lots of videos on RUclips showing you how to do this.
Hi Chris & Rachel - really appreciate your advice. Its been mentioned a couple of times so thats a job to do before the next trip...👍
We love our Coachman VIP 565 🤗
I am looking forward to seeing all your new adventures.😉
Thanks Amanda - we'll try and get a few vlogs out in the the next month or so...👍
Just found your channel and loving your latest vlog! Looking forward to seeing more adventures in your new caravan. Take care x
Thank you Alan - so glad your enjoying the channel. All the best for now!
Just found your channel and really enjoyed it .We have a Coachman VIP 575 and love it .We borrowed a motorhome a couple of years ago to tour the Hebrides, which was ideal for that , but certainly didn’t persuade us to swap ,We found it just didn’t have the space or comfort as the caravan has .Hope you really enjoy the van , they are brilliant.
Hi Gillian - So glad your enjoying the channel. The 575 are a gorgeous layout and specification and we so glad we made the swap. ❤
Great video and content. We’ve got same caravan, got back into it 2 years ago. Had some great caravan holidays when the children were young. Just a tip.. noticed you still have the paint on the tow ball of your new towbar. We was advised to totally remove the paint off the towball with a sander as can possibly do damage to the coupling. Happy caravanning! Deb n Rob😊
Hi Deb & Rob, really glad you enjoyed the content. Ill go out on remove the paint off the towball this afternoon. Well spotted & thank you..
Wow, what a suprise. We were just talking that we hadnt seen any of your videos in a long time. We nearly flirted with the idea of a caravan, but not yet 😂. Happy travels and looking forward to your future vlogs 😊
Thanks for the comment...its been almost 10 months since we last posted. How time flies! 😁
Good choice, Coachman I think are a bit better built. We have 545 but next time would be a 575, 675 or 875, all same layout. 😊😊😊
Just found you .. we always had caravans & tents then for 7 years we had a motorhome which was Awesome..but we stayed on site until less walking ..then we brought a VW T4 campervan we had that 14 months which was Awesome camping in it but it’s getting cold now so we brought a 2 berth caravan & we luvit .plus we still use the T4 for towing it so best of both worlds now .. we have subscribed to you as well .. cheers Chris & Sammy
Hi, Just watching you in your new caravan, we have done the same thing. We had a moho for 4 years but have changed back to a caravan, we went for a swift exact layout as yours. We are a year in now and are confident we've made the right disission. It let's us get further out away from the busy spots knowing we still have the car to get around. Enjoy your new van hope it works for you.
Steve & Kerry
Eric & Maggie (dogs)
Very nice caravan, and you have the same air awning as we have - it was recently thoroughly tested in biblical downpours and strong winds.......we always go on fully serviced hard standing pitches, and I use marquee tent pegs with a lump hammer - that holds it down very well.
Enjoy your new caravan both.
Steve n Jeanette.
We did the same, I agree with everything you said. We are on our 3rd year with Caravan. Love it ❤
Hi Linda & Richard - glad your enjoying your caravan - it was definitely the right move for us..❤
Flipping ek, thanks for this video, we have a 9 mtr kontiki and tow a car, BUT we are just in the middle of selling both vehicles and now buying a caravan and large car , one lot of insurance, one tax, one mot etc, we also love the coachman 8 ft wide with L shape lounge.
What a coincidence I have come across your video just now.
We've never had a caravan either but really looking forward to the change over, perhaps we'll see you out one day, good luck and enjoy your holidays take care both x
One less insurance, tax, and mot to worry about - sounds like a win-win with the new caravan and car combo!
Hi both. Been watching your vlogs for some time for site ideas. Congratulations on your getting your lovely caravan. We have a Coachman Lazer 575 Extra and love the layout too. We have always had a caravan for all the reasons that you mentioned but did try a motor home (Bailey Autograph) a couple of years ago. For us it turned out to be an expensive mistake due to the reasons that you mentioned. After just three months we soon got fed up with relying on public transport to get further afield from the sites, and found it very difficult to find car parks suitable if we did try to get around in it. We love the freedom of the caravan and think that both of you will too. HAPPY CARAVANNING. Regards Amanda and Paul.
Wow - the laser extra is what we aspire too! Thanks for watching and glad you're enjoying the content. Any suggestions on campsites for us to visit?
Oooh absolutely. Sorry for the late reply.We have just returned home from a 3 week holiday (mostly in Scotland). We love the Morton in Marsh CAMC site in the Cotswolds as it’s only a short walk to the little town and different food vans visit the site on a daily basis. The other Cotswold villages are all lovely to explore with plenty of National Trust places to visit. Pennine View in Kirkby Stephen is fab. It has The Engine Shed which is a bar and serves lovely food from different local businesses with some lovely walks directly from a gate at the end of the site. Dayton Village CAMC is lovely with a dog friendly beach a 10 minute walk from the site. The village is lovely too and a gate from the site leads directly there. Troutbeck Head CAMC near Keswick is a lovely site. It’s great for caravanners as you can explore the Lake District to your heart’s content. Llanberris Touring Park (Morris Leisure) is wonderful with lots of lovely walks in Snowdonia directly from the site. Llanberris itself is accessed from a gate and then really nice little woodland walk directly into the village. Also Riverside Touring Park (Morris Leisure) in Betws-y-Coed is wonderful with walks from the site including Swallow Falls. The village can be reached in a couple of minutes by crossing over the railway line via a bridge. South Meadows Caravan Park in Northumberland is one of our favourites. It’s a really beautifully kept site on the edge of Belford village with a very nice farm shop and café a few minutes walk away. The Northumberland beaches are all stunning places to walk. Finally Winchester CAMC is a lovely site too. All sites have easy access with lovely facility blocks. Hope you find the suggestions useful and enjoy the locations and sites as much as we have if you choose to visit. Looking forward to seeing you on your adventures. Regards Amanda and Paul.😊
Oh, it should have said Clayton Village CAMC.👍
Welcome back. We have a few friends that have swapped. Same reasons as you guys. Adore your choice of Caravan. Looking forward to seeing more of you "4".
Thanks Jude - really apprecaite your comment.
Nice to see you back again 😀. you mentioned that it was a cheaper option to have the caravan, did you already have the van to tow it with ?
This is my journey -- had children so got a tent to take them on holiday, they grew up, so packed up camping, got grandchildren so got another tent to go with them, too small, bought a bigger tent, hard work, so bought a folding camper, still hard work, bought a caravan, then got a cheap motorhome, changed for a better one, then went back to a caravan, had a big leak in the middle of the night, repair took ages so part exchanged for a motorhome, sold that just after lockdown, missed having it so have now put a deposit on another motorhome------ watch this space !!!
Wow - what a story - sounds like you've had some fun though!! You should start a channel - people would love your content..😁
Great video, welcome to caravanning, we’re fairly new to it. It’s really good to see a site review that isn’t too far from us here in Somerset. So many are up north or the east coast which is great for longer trips. This site looks great and so near the beach.
Welcome to caravaning. We bought our first one last year and really enjoying it. I have to say a fully serviced pitch is the way to go. If not so long as there is electric and on site facilities it good for us. Not sure where abouts you are but we stayed on a beautiful site last year and are going back soon. It called Bridgehouse Marina Garstang. They have about 11 fully serviced pitches I think but you do have to buy your electric separately. You get a card and can purchase as much as you want and you do get refunded for anything left on the card.
Great video we’ve just got a caravan
We love having the freedom of the car plus we wouldn’t be able to get away at the drop of a hat so a motorhome wouldn’t make any financial sense to us. The caravan is outside in the shed not costing anything so it’s great. We love it 🥰 best of luck in your new van 🙌
Totally agree with your points - Thanks for the comment and so glad your enjoying the channel content. All the best Bernie. 😁
What a stunning caravan, congratulations
You made the right choice, road tax, expensive repairs, mot and then you have tp put everything away when going shopping, if you dont then youve no transport, caravan is more comfortable and better value, only down side of a caravan is the towing but to be honest I enjoy that part.
Lovely van. Good to see you all back
Nice to see you guys back, looks a lovely van and also a great review of the site.
Thanks for the feedback Keith - much appreciated.
Welcome to the dark side 😂 we love our coachman as does our little Frenchie, Belle. They are great vans . Hope you guys have a great time in yours!
I was initially thinking about a motor home. After considering all the pros and cons of caravans and motor homes, decided that the motor home wouldn’t be a good option for me.
Also,,, there’s a hell of a lot to go wrong with a motor home , mechanically that is.
I’m now moving so have had to put those thoughts on hold for now, but will get there one day. Great video btw xx
Lovely van, Coachman really know their stuff. We came the other way as we wanted to do more long weekends as we're semi retired. We found that trying to do it with a caravan was too much hassle. Like the speed of set up and break down with the motorhome but do miss the space as the caravan was so much wider.
Good luck, we were wondering what had happened to you!
Hi guys.
Best decision for the UK is a caravan.
Been caravanning since the 80s loved the great adventures.
Have heard some horror stories with motorhomers as you probably know about especially in Scotland.
Love that part of Dorset. Stayed at Highlands End a couple of times. Bit to commercial for us now and to many tents.
West Bay is great. Brilliant walking everywhere.
Bridport is a nice town as well.
Just walk out of your caravan to your car and go anywhere you like, even Tesco and not worry about the height barrier.😉
Hope you love it guys as we have.
Stay safe and enjoy.
Thumbs up thumped 👍
....Pete and Su....
I think it all depends on what type of touring you want to do, I prefer a night here and a night there and that’s a lot of hard work with a caravan
Well i would say you both made the right choice, just found you and enjoyed all your content , we have stayed not that far from your camp site called Bagwell Farm near Weymouth . Have a great time this year in your new caravan .
Sold our Carthago last year,you are right a huge amount tied up in a motorhome. I can get a top of the range van,top of the range tow car and still have money left. Plus our van was 4.5t,and the amount of people who can drive that ( I’ve got class 2) will get smaller and smaller.
All excellent points - hadnt thought about the diminishing numbers of people who can drive 4.5t vans.
Love your channel and have been visiting sites you have visited based on your reviews. Keep them coming 🙂
Cracking van. We've done the reverse, and we're still not sure.🤔 There's loads of benefits from both vehicles, and you work with what you've got, I'm sure. You're right about the outlay on the motorhome, though it does play on your mind and make you want to get away more often to justify it. We're off to Cotswold Wildlife Park soon staying in the park opposite....because we saw you vid!!😉👍
Only 20 mins from where we live - loads to see and do in the area too.
Steve n Jeanette
Get a permanent tow bar fitted as detachable ones can come off and fail sometimes. 😊
You guys are killing me here, we're caravaners but what we do really means we should be motorhomers (like to do 3,500 mile road trips) so we found your channel yesterday and really enjoyed your videos inspiring us and thought "go on then let's watch one more before bed" it was your 'we've bought a caravan' video...couldn't believe it😅 we are so on the fence it actually hurts my head. Idea of selling the caravan makes me feel sick but all those miles towing aint fun. Hope u enjoy your new setup and really enjoyed the vids
Hi
We have just subscribed to your channel, we just sold our camper van for the exact reasons you have changed just looking for our caravan now, will be watching your journeys, great looking van.
Awesome! Thank you!
Hi, great to see you back vlogging again and interesting that you have swapped to a caravan. Also my wife Debbie says hello 👍
New sub here. Our van a lot older but has been kept in superb condition - just making new curtains at mo as interior very “brown” 😂
Motorhomes are good for people who like to travel and enjoy the outdoors far too much. They, as you say are your only means of transport so you have to move to visit different places or use public transport. Caravans are a different breed and a different lifestyle altogether.. realx and enjoy the site and potter off to view your surroundings in the car. Also you have much more space in a caravan (unless you have a large Motorhome). so you can make it more 'homely'.Adding an awning doubles your space too. We looked at buying a Motorhome within our budget but space-wise, it was a no brainer. Caravans have much more to offer in terms of layout and space. It's all 'horses for courses' of course, It all depends on your ideals and the lifestyle you want to follow. Good luck your with your new venture and enjoy it all.
Hi guys sorry to hear you fell out of love with your motorhome but caravanning is as good it’s what suites you good to see you back 👍
Great choice we love our caravan..❤❤❤enjoy
We do too..any recommendations on campsites to visit?👍
Nice set up, just a point the bĺack paint on your tow ball needs to come off. Bit of wet n dry sand paper then the paint wont stop your alko brake pads from working and getting clogged up with paint.
Thanks for the tip Shaun. Appreciated.
I've not even watched it yet but well pleased that ur back.
Thats so kind Lenpin... always appreciate your comments.
Beautiful van, we have a coachman laser 620 and love the space we have, but we would love a fixed bed eventually. Loved watching this vlog.
Thanks so much!
Great video. Hi I'm a new subscriber I'm from the UK. X x Oh my goodness I couldn't have walked through that wind, I'm asthmatic and that would have took my breath. Xx
Where are you? Hope you are both ok 😊 been watching your videos, you are both great, but nothing for 5 months? How is it going with the caravan? ❤
I nearly did the same with a Bailey. I love the styling and that beautiful front window. I was just about to do the deal with the salesman and asked if I could just do my own damp check to be sure? On finding damp readings of over 60% in 2 places, I walked away.
See ur walk omg.
U best get a cab/taxie back to caravan site… haha. I’m only jokeing with u pair.
Love to see more videos from use ❤
great to see you back. Can see your point in changing to a caravan. We sometimes take our car so we can get about a bit more.Like our weekends away though so easier with van. Do think though if we dont make it to Europe soon a caravan may be a idea though
Ive just done the same, got rid of my campervan and bought a new coachman vip 460. Love it. We just pitch up and then go and tour around in the car, alot easier. Was a little bit scared towing it for the first time, and trying to get the hang of reversing with the caravan, which i think ive got the hang of it now. How have you found it towing?
I was a bit apprehensive about it for the 1st 100 miles but Ive soon got used to towing it. I believe the double axles are more stable.
We like the caravan because of that freedom to set up the van then we are free to travel around and then come back open the door and put the kettle on. We have friends who have a campervan who we go away with and they benefit from once pitched up they jump in our car to go out and about
We love our caravan, lucky to have a 6.1 sleeper too for the best of both worlds.
You must have a city water connection on that? Saves using water barrels.
Whats a city water connection?
@@littlebigvanadventures a hose pipe connector so you can hook up to a tap instead of a water barrel or onboard tank.
Great to see you back... 👍 Did you lose any money am on you gorgeous Burstner MH 😍🍾 and did the aluminium skin cause you any issues?
And you just them new wheels on the motorhome 😩 great vlog again 👊🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I know - they'll be on ebay soon enough..
been quiet since you had the caravan any upcoming blogs coming
Thanks for information very useful in our decision py
hi guys great video , love your new caravan looks great im new to your channel
Thanks and welcome
Makes me want to do it again! just got windows fitted in my transit van....
Hi just found Ur site..and subscribed.. I'm a caravan owner wouldn't change..much better than a motorhome unless U want to move every day having a car more room and cheaper than a motorhome..a caravan is better
Totally agree - thanks for your comment - Im definitely moving over to the caravan camp!
Hello guys
Welcome to the caravan world
Lovely van
William
Thanks guys - appreciate your feedback.
Hi, great video - lovely area of Dorset. Re your van, what BHP please, as looking for Kombi van for towing. TIA
Hi stewart - we have the 170psi model but be sure to get the manual version as the towing capacity of the automatic is much lower - about 1 tonne from memory. Hope that helps mate.
@@littlebigvanadventures thank you that’s most helpful 👍
Get a Jaid designs draft stoppa to cover your wheel, they are simple, cheap and excellent
What did you end up selling the F60 for in the end if you don't mind me asking?
We bought a mororhome and regret it and miss our caravan. So much more flexibility with a caravan in the uk!
Friend of mine had a coachman nothing but leak problems so he sold it and gave up caravaning.😊
Oh no - how old was it when he bought it?
Your reasons for switching to a caravan are exactly why we considered switching to a motorhome but stuck with our caravan.
I think you made the right choice! We are really loving ours! ❤
We bought one 2 days ago!
Hi guys glad too see u back on
Did you find you had difficulty parking your motor home? We currently have a caravan and are considering buying a small motor home 6 metre or less in length. I am interested to hear your thoughts on the parking concerns.
We had no trouble at all parking with our first 6m van (auto trail f60).
We could park in even smaller carparks. It was brilliant for that. It wasn't as easy with our 7m burstner. But we always managed. Much preferred the 6m van for parking issues though. We loved that auto trail👍
In hind sight, because we wanted a ready made bed but loved the 6m length; a 6m van with an over cab bed would have suited us really well👍
Are you still make content for the channel ?.
About time too, I love your vids , you must have a back log of motorhome vids that need editing and posting ? 😬🍷
Yes I do! And Im working on them slowing!
Yes you both have made the right decision to move sale your motor home and buy yourself a caravan 🚐
Your tow ball needs sanding. You may have contaminated your Alko pads with paint already.
I wouldn't of left that lovely caravan lol
This is agood way in europe you can use it just the same as you doing in the UK . That is what we did when we did europe (6months traveling) GOOD LUCK
Good to know - thanks for the comment
Aww 🥹😍
Hey Afzal! glad you enjoyed the vlog.
With a caravan, you always have to book a pitch.
Yes that's true, a caravan trip Def takes a bit more planning.
You have a lovely bathroom, but don’t use the shower?
I know! Bek wont let me - I have to use the facilities on site..🤣
Er why don't you use the shower?? Bit of a waste and not sure how you wash 🤔 nice caravan 😊
Thanks for the comment - Who needs a shower when you have a perfectly good river nearby? Just kidding! We always make sure to utilize all the amenities in the price of the campsite.
I've just subscribed to your channel 😀 😊 ☺️ 😅I love caravan 🚐
Love ur little caravan.
Look forward to sea ur travels around 😊😊
Why don’t you use your shower, we always using are shower
Dont know really - I suppose its because we pay for the service on site.
Same as us plus no cleaning 😜
oooh God people with Caravans are so insufferable……. 😂 Just use a Hotel FFS 🤦♂️
Thanks for the comment - I feel you, some people really love the caravan life, but hotels are definitely more convenient!