Actually I’m pretty excited to announce the purchase of Cyril. I pick him up first week of October. He was imported from France, is 5 years old but only has 14000kms on the clock which is less than 10000 miles. I had a drive this morning which was scary at first but I soon got used to him. He was built in Germany by Burstner. So I’ll be saying good bye to my posh BMW which is being traded in.
They are great, bank holiday weekend went off "wild" camping for a few days in out of the way places. We had the places to ourselves and a real sense of freedom. The expense on purchasing is a bit eye watering and the running costs aren't cheap but they are a great thing. One problem is do you want/need a smaller length i.e. cheaper ferries, easier to find a suitable parking space, less intimidating to drive.... Or A bigger one with fixed bed, loads of storage etc. Best advice before considering purchasing would be to hire one first, for at least a week, to see if it suits and ticks your box
Well I actually am already an old Gimmer. I’ve wanted one for years and I want to do even more travelling and having the van gives me enormous flexibility. Just got to persuade the cats it was a good idea !!!
It’s on a Fiat Ducato 130 with manual transmission. Steering is lovely and light and it drives like a new one. It has leather seats inside, a solar panel and satellite dish. First trip in it will be either Germany or South Western France.
Is it a 5 or 6 speed box? If a 5 then dont slug fifth gear down to low revs as the box is a known weakness. All will be fine if you keep the revs up
Congrats on the camper, driving takes a bit to get used to. My first 40-50 miles was through Los Angeles. Then I pulled over and had a cigarette. Whew. Weight is your enemy. Mine only has a four speed automatic.
BonnieCat Two many wheels on that bike. You know you only get lazy now. Soon see the bikes up for sale. Regards Joe.
Congrats on the camper Nikki, looks very nice indeed. Friend of mine has had campers for years, seems to get them just how he wants them then moves up a notch! Thing is you got to use them otherwise it’s just an expensive drive ornament. He’s got a natty little trailer so he can take his Bonneville with him. It lowers to the ground via a hydraulic jack making loading an easy one person operation and the wheels rotate like shopping trolley wheels so that when he reverses it follows the van and doesn’t act like a traditional trailer.
[QUOTE="Old phart phred, post: 343145, member: Whew. Weight is your enemy. Mine only has a four speed automatic.[/QUOTE] Not sure weight is but the wind can be interesting at times, especially gusting from the side ..... and the fuel certainly takes a hit when driving something with the aerodynamics of a shed into a headwind
Unless travelling solo there is one thing you absolutely do not want in a camper/RV....... a snorer. Guilty as charged. It got ours sold.......the shame!