The final motorhome I owned was a Swift 496 Esprit. It’s 7.8m lengthy and weighs a wholesome 4 tonnes, give or take. We owned her for 18 months, which appeared an inexpensive size of time to debate the professionals and cons of proudly owning a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes, as an alternative of a small motorhome like my present camper.
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Why did we purchase a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes?
Again then, we didn’t set out on the lookout for a motorhome over 3.5tonnes, however we DID see a format we beloved however couldn’t afford. (A model new Bailey Autograph, if anybody’s !)
The Bailey motorhome was really lower than 3.5 tonnes (simply!) however there was no method we may afford it, so we got down to discover one thing related in the marketplace. Enter the Swift 496.
She has a incredible format AND we bought her for an excellent worth as she was an ex-hire car and a type of nice used motorhomes on the market. There have been a number of issues, together with the fridge and photo voltaic panel, however we knew we may kind these out with this used camper.
We mentioned whether or not the burden can be an issue, because it meant I couldn’t drive our new motorhome attributable to licence restrictions, however we agreed that Mr WB most popular to drive anyway and I choose to navigate, so it wouldn’t be a difficulty.
Execs of a big motorhome
There are some apparent benefits to a much bigger motorhome.
Let’s undergo these a bit. We intentionally selected a motorhome with an finish lounge space and a separate dinette.
When shopping for a motorhome, it’s at all times a toss-up between value, format and availability- and someplace there must be a compromise.
Higher residing area in a bigger motorhome
We LOVED (and I nonetheless do!) the residing area and it was excellent for us over all our travels, together with 5 weeks in Norway, a number of weeks in Germany, France, Italy, and rather more.
Higher space for storing
We additionally beloved the storage space- the van holds SO. MUCH. KIT and campervan devices and it’s by no means a difficulty as a result of our payload is loopy.
Severely, we put hydraulic legs, kayak, paddleboard, photo voltaic panel, motorhome generator, and one million different issues onto it… and we nonetheless had about 300kg of payload left if we wished it.
We had at all times apply sure motorhome safety fundamentals to make sure all of our gear is safe.
Apart from that although, I really like having a motorhome the place we don’t want to fret about storage if going off for a few months at a time.
Nevertheless, we had employed a small motorhome below 3.5 tonnes and beloved it. It was straightforward to park and beloved how a lot storage there was inside.
Though the van we had again then wasn’t a dream format, we actually loved experiencing a distinct kind of motorhoming with an below 3.5-tonne motorhome rent. It opened our eyes to the opportunity of what you would get with a smaller van.
Which brings us to the cons of a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes.
Cons of a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes
- Pace limits are decrease on roads in Europe
- Toll costs are extra
- Troublesome to get toll passes, vignettes or different such issues for car over 3.5 tonnes
- I can’t drive it
- Longer = tougher to park
We beloved our motorhome, we actually did. However there are some issues about it which simply didn’t work for us- and most of them revolve across the weight/ measurement of proudly owning a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes.
Lowered velocity restrict for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes
One of many greatest issues is the diminished velocity limits for autos over 3.5 tonnes. We did a LOT of driving each within the UK and Europe. So, having to nearly double our journey time throughout a UK street journey could be irritating. You’ll find a record of European velocity limits right here.
And no, it’s not a typo- in case your car weighs over 3.05 tonnes, you may solely do 60mph on UK twin carriageways, 50mph on different roads except a decrease velocity restrict applies.
Vignettes/ Toll passes
Additionally, we LOVED travelling Europe in our motorhome, however toll passes and a few vignettes are solely relevant to autos as much as 3.5 tonnes. After that, you must go to one of many official border crossings and fill in paperwork. In some nations, you must have a field put in which tracks your mileage.
Restrictions on driving licences
All my travelling has made it actually troublesome to get my C1 (that, and a scarcity of motivation!!) However truthfully, it’s foolish having a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes which you could’t drive ought to your associate ever have to. Security first.
Longer = tougher to park
Lastly, this isn’t all the way down to weight, however having an extended car is tougher to park- particularly after we had connected a 3m bike trailer to the again of it! With our van and a trailer, we had been longer than two parking areas, making it robust to pop right into a grocery store or automobile park as we travelled- we had been at all times hanging over the sting someplace!
We additionally needed to keep away from some aires round Europe, as they’re restricted to as much as 8m. With a shorter van, we may squeeze in, even with the trailer!
So, with all that stated, we determined to promote our giant motorhome and get a motorhome below 3.5 tonnes! Individuals usually say the third boat you purchase is the proper one for you- I ponder if the identical applies to purchasing second-hand camper vans?
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Do you have to purchase a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes?
So, must you purchase a motorhome of over 3.5 tonnes? Completely, if it’s best for you!
There are some INCREDIBLE used campers round and in the event you’re not affected/ not bothered by any of the above-mentioned factors, then positively go for it, particularly if in case you have a household and see a incredible motorhome on the market.
We had been ALL over the place in our motorhome and the dimensions/ weight wasn’t an issue in any respect till our daughter stopped travelling with us and we realised we didn’t want a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes. If she had been youthful and nonetheless adventuring with us, we wouldn’t have downsized our motorhome in any respect.
Which is why there are such a lot of sorts of second-hand motorhomes on the market- one measurement most positively does NOT match all and you must choose a motorhome which works for the stage of life you’re in proper now. You may as well do a motorhome below 3.5 tonnes rent first and see if this measurement is best for you.
And in the event you’re selecting a motorhome or camper in the meanwhile, let me know what you choose!
Subsequent steps
When you’d like some extra assist determining what car to get (and methods to purchase the RIGHT one for you), seize a duplicate of our Full Learners information to Motorhome Shopping for right here– a course of movies, downloadable eBook and worksheets that can assist you make the BEST resolution for YOU!
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