Choosing a motorhome

On the roads of Europe and America, cars with caravans or entire mobile homes are often found. They are still rare in our country, but more and more people are thinking that it would be nice to have a house on wheels. Someone needs it to travel around their native country, someone wants to travel around Europe. About the features and types, the pros and cons of owning, and let's talk further.

Pros and cons

Like every phenomenon or thing, a home on wheels has pros and cons. In order not to be disappointed later, you must first carefully weigh the pros and cons, and then make an informed choice. And there is plenty to choose from. In addition to the type - a trailer for a car or a self-propelled camper - you need to choose a size. After all, there are mobile homes that can carry your car, have a rooftop pool. And there are those made on the basis of a three-wheeled moped.

There is a mobile home that can carry your car))

Advantages

Those who dream of buying a mobile home can be conditionally divided into several groups. The first one - lovers of outdoor recreation, who are tired of the tent life and want a little more comfort. The second are those who like to travel around Europe, who are tired of paying large sums of money for hotels, fooling around with reservations, etc. And the third category is the owners of summer cottages who do not want to bother with construction.

It makes no sense to think too much only for summer residents. It is not a problem to find a suitable used model, which will only have to be transported / brought a couple of times a year. You can invest in a fairly modest budget (from $ 2000). Everyone else will need a much larger amount, so you need to think carefully. In this regard, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of the motorhomes themselves and travel by them. Let's start with the pros:

• Having a mobile home, while traveling, you do not pay for hotels, are not tied to a specific place, date and time, you yourself choose the speed of movement, the duration of the stop, etc.
  

  Here is an example of a mobile home with high traffic))

• You can take with you as many things as will fit in a trailer or salon, you can carry cats and dogs, bicycles, canoes, scooters. Anything that fits in or behind a mobile home.
• There are models that allow you to travel not only on asphalt. You can find a mobile home based on trucks with high traffic.

In general, having a mobile home is your own boss. It is a great degree of freedom and independence with a sufficiently high level of comfort that attracts.

disadvantages

Now about the disadvantages. A little more about them, so that unpleasant moments are not a surprise. So here are the cons of traveling in a RV. It should be said right away that in Russia and the neighboring countries, camping sites with the possibility of replenishing resources are very rare. Yes, you can do this at some gas stations or parking lots. But not at all. And for a fee. A separate problem is the roads. Not everyone and not always travel on the trails. Many people drive off-road. Few of the mobile homes can handle our roads. There are such models, but their prices are….

In a trip to Europe, things are different, and this is the part we will talk about further.

• You need to have a list of parking areas for campers along your route. Those that the navigator sees in cities are for ordinary cars. For the most part, they are underground and have a height limit of 2.2 meters. Not every camper will pass. It is also necessary to restore the life support systems, which is impossible at such parking lots.So having a list of stops along your route will greatly, greatly increase the convenience of your trip.
• Camping sites are usually located not on highways, but on quiet roads, which does not affect the quality of coverage, but you will have to turn off to spend the night, and this is an additional cost.
  

  You can't tell right away that this is a mobile home

• You have to pay for parking. In general, it turns out 10-20 euros for a daily stay, which, of course, is incomparable with the payment for a hotel, but still ... You can, of course, do without them, dropping somewhere to a river, lake, etc. But not everywhere. In Europe, this can be fraught with a fine.
• If you have a motorhome based on a minibus or bus, driving through European cities with their narrow streets is a problem. In this sense, it is easier with a trailer: we left it in the parking lot, drove into the city by car.
• Large trailers and RVs require a special driver's license category.

And one more general problem. If you live in an apartment, you do not have your own plot of land, you need to store your mobile home somewhere. The cost of annual storage is commensurate with the cost of traveling for two for a couple of weeks to not the cheapest country. Like this.

It must be put somewhere

Here are all the pros and cons of owning and traveling in an auto-home in a nutshell. So there is something to think about. Reflections on the feasibility of such an acquisition are given below.

Types of mobile homes

A mobile home can be of two types:

• trailer;
• on the basis of a minibus or bus.

The second option is also called a motorhome or camper (or auto-home). They are not very large - based on minibuses. The same Mercedes Sprinter, Fiat, Gazelles, UAZ-Pickup and Cargo are specially produced by various European and domestic firms. There are whole liners in which cars can fit.

This is also a camper)))

The trailer house can be stationary or folding. There are also tent trailers. The first type is transported in a "residential" form, the second and third - folded. The folding trailer can only be folded out in the parking lot. Its advantages are less loosening on the way, less height, which means there are no travel restrictions. Cons - it takes time to unfold / fold. The whole procedure takes about five minutes, but you won't be able to rest immediately after stopping.

Tent trailer - a combination of a trailer with an "attached" tent. Since the size of mobile trailers is usually small, there is little space and it will not work for a large campaign. The trailer tent usually has a dining area in the center in the part that is on wheels, two sleeping areas at the edges in the same place and a fairly spacious tent, the edges of which are attached to the body of the van. Often there is also a canopy in front of the tent so that you can spend time outdoors.

Difference between RV (background) and tent trailer (front)

In terms of comfort, bus-based RVs provide more comfort than any type of trailer. The camper can have a toilet with a shower, a small kitchenette. The trailer can only have berths, some models have a gas stove, and even then it is usually attached outside. If necessary, the bed can be transformed into a dining area - a small table and two sofas. This is all that mobile homes in trailers have to offer.

To have or not to have

First, what type of mobile home is better to choose - a trailer or a campervan. For traveling in Russia and the countries of the post-Soviet space, if you have a car of sufficient power and maneuverability, you should think about purchasing a mobile tent house. They have less weight and dimensions, and are easier to pull than a full-fledged caravan. If you don't want a trailer and need a greater level of comfort, you can take both a trailer and a motorhome. But models based on trucks and semi-trucks are more suitable. Particular attention should then be paid to the suspension and clearing, as well as to the strength and reliability of the cabin / trailer assembly.This is if you like to drive in the outback and dirt roads are nothing new to you. If you plan to drive only on highways, you can look at less passable models.

Mobile home in a trailer

It should be said that traveling in a motorhome in Russia is not very convenient, since there is no infrastructure. There are, of course, organizations that organize such tours and provide refueling points. But this is no longer a solitary journey and there is no talk of any autonomy and independence.

This is with regard to the use of a mobile home in Russia. If you need it to travel around Europe, then there are no restrictions on "passability", since the roads are excellent everywhere. But again the question arises about the expediency of ownership. You still have to get to the border, but the motorhome “eats” decently in any modification. So the cost of gasoline is more than ... Many come to a decision - to reach a certain point, and then take a motor home for rent. This option is not at all more expensive, but much more convenient.

This model was developed for the pampas - German Bimobil

In any case, if you have no experience of traveling in a caravan yet, but really want to have one, rent a car or trailer, spend a couple of weeks traveling. Here your decision will take shape. At the same time, decide exactly on the characteristics and options that you would like to have.

Campers - a set of possible amenities and service on the road

To begin with, such a mobile home is large. Length - from 6 meters, width - 220-230 cm, height - at least three. If you have never driven such a car before, it will take time to get used to driving such a large and heavy vehicle. Difficulties can arise when parking - two parking spaces are required, as well as free space for maneuver. Campers can be “summer” - without insulation and “winter” - with insulated walls. With equal parameters, the width of the latter is 5-10 cm larger - due to the greater thickness of the walls.

A travel van can have different "stuffing" and a complete set

Inside, a mobile home based on a bus or minibus can have the following support systems:

• interior battery;
• external network for 230 V;
• water supply;
• gas cylinders (usually 2 pcs) to ensure the operation of a small stove, water heating and some other systems.

Inside there can be a shower with a water heater, a toilet (with a dry closet), a kitchen with a gas stove and a refrigerator, an air heater and several sleeping places - from two to six. With the rational use of resources, a mobile home can autonomously exist for two or three days. The water supply is consumed the fastest. In the basic configuration, the supply of liquid is calculated for a day, while saving it can be enough for a day and a half. Therefore, when choosing a parking place, pay attention to the possibility of replenishing the supply of water or carry an additional container with you. The second resource that is quickly depleted is the battery charge. The problem is solved by the presence of a generator (gasoline or diesel).

There are models with this layout (Dethleffs Evan)

There are parking areas for campers where the camper van can be connected to the network using a carry. On such sites, columns with rosettes stick out. A mobile home is connected to them (for a fee).

Travel service

When traveling in a motorhome, you have to monitor the availability of water. The stock needs to be replenished, and the used water must be drained (there is a special container that is emptied through the drain hole). The water level is usually monitored on the driver's panel (indicators) and on a panel in the passenger compartment.

Another maintenance operation - cleaning and refueling dry closet... The container must be emptied (in Europe there are designated areas on campsites) and filled with funds depending on the type. So, on the road, we also need means for a dry closet and should not be forgotten.How often should this operation be performed? Once every two days if used regularly and once a week if used only if absolutely necessary.

Filling with water

The kitchen compartment usually contains two gas cylinders. One worker, the second is a backup. Gas cylinders are connected not only to the stove. They still supply gas to heat the water in the shower, to the air heater. Also, gas ensures the operation of the refrigerator. If the cylinders are fully filled, they are enough for two weeks of moderate use.

The state of the electrical network of the RV interior is displayed on a special panel, which is usually located above the entrance door. Sometimes water level indicators are immediately displayed. This panel turns on / off the power of the passenger compartment. There is an opportunity to check the battery level of the car and the passenger compartment (there are two of them). When the battery is low, the warning light turns on (red light). There is light in the kitchen compartment, at the entrance to the bathroom, there are several lamps in the cabin, each berth has separate lamps with switches.

General arrangement and operation

The centerpiece of the salon is a table with benches. The number of seats depends on the "human capacity" of the model. A gas stove and a sink are usually located opposite the table. Both the stove and the sink are closed with lids - you get a work surface. There are two or three 230 V sockets next to the stove.They work only if the camper is connected to the mains through a carrier. There is also a refrigerator. Usually it runs on battery or mains power, but in some models it can also run on gas. There is a switch to select the power source. You can put a certain one or choose the "auto" mode, in which the unit decides for itself which network to feed it from.

The kitchen compartment is often located next to the door

If there is an air heater. There are two options - gas and diesel. The heater can operate in two modes: summer and winter. In summer mode, only water heating is turned on (from 40 ° to 60 °), in winter mode, the air is still heated. The air temperature in the passenger compartment is regulated by a separate knob. The number of modes depends on the model, but usually there are at least five of them. The air is heated using a convector that heats up a small volume in a matter of minutes. The convector is switched off and on automatically - according to the readings of the temperature sensors located in the passenger compartment.

If the mobile home has a toilet and shower, this compartment is fenced off. In the normal state, a toilet and a washbasin, a cabinet for small things are available. To take a shower, you need to "take out" the shower cabinets. At the same time, they will close the door, the sink will sink into the wall, there will be a little more space, but still not too spacious. Since the water supply is very limited, showers are usually rarely used.

Beds, windows and wardrobes

Camper is the most comfortable mobile home. There is enough space for a good rest. The number of berths depends on the model. There is a motorhome for two people, there are six, respectively, the number of beds is different. But, in any case, you can relax with a sufficient level of comfort. Sleeping places can be located:

• Above the driver's seat is a double full-size bed. It is necessary to climb on to it by a ladder, it will not work to sit on such a bed, but in size it is suitable even for large people. The length is usually about 2 meters or slightly more (depending on the camper model).
• Several berths can be arranged in the cabin - up to 4:
  

  This is an inside view. The sleeping places are just visible

  • at the rear, across to the direction of travel, there can be two single beds, one above the other;
  • the table and benches are transformed into a one-and-a-half bed, which can be expanded into a double bed, but then the passage under the salon turns out to be barred.

The mobile home has several windows that are closed with blinds. Can be opened for ventilation.When driving, they should be closed, but in the parking lot in daylight they give enough light, and by opening all the windows, you can quickly ventilate the interior.

In the upper part there are cabinets with shelves for things and dishes. All doors have locks so that things do not fly out when moving. So that the dishes do not rumble during maneuvers, it is advisable to put something soft and elastic in such cabinets before starting the movement (terry towels, for example).

Trailer Houses at a Glance

Trailer houses are also called a cottage on wheels. Because there are models with all the amenities. Such a mobile home can be placed in those areas where construction is not allowed. It will be registered as a caravan, so it does not fall under the scope of the monitoring organizations. There are models of mobile homes in a trailer with only a minimum - sleeping places and a dining area. Here everyone chooses according to their requirements. There are several types of trailers.

This is also a mobile home in a trailer ... Futuria with pool, garage for a sports car, living room and bedroom

Stationary trailer with rigid walls

There are such trailers for a different number of berths - from 2 to 6. Length - from 3.6 meters, height - from 2.5 meters, width - from 2.2 m. Can be with or without insulation. In terms of a set of amenities, it may not be inferior to a motorhome: a kitchen with a sink and a refrigerator, a bathroom with a shower and a dry closet, and heating. But such a set can only be in a rather big trailer.

Mobile home in a trailer - section and one of the possible layouts

The simplest models can only provide a place to eat and sleep. And keep in mind that you cannot be in the trailer during transportation. When choosing, in addition to a set of amenities, pay attention to the mass (loaded with water, gas, etc.). You need to assess whether your car can move such a mass.

Trailer tent

This type of folding mobile home. Almost all of them are for summer use, since there is no insulation. When folded, the height of the trailer is just over a meter. According to the number of "rooms" and sleeping places, they are different. Sleeping places are usually organized in the trailer itself, and the rest of the rooms are under an awning, which is located on the ground. Such a mobile home is usually completed with a small gas stove and a sink. The stove is connected to a gas cylinder, water is supplied to the sink using a small submersible pump, which is lowered into a container of water. There are three varieties:

• With rigid walls and a roof.
• With rigid walls and an awning roof.
• The upper part of the walls is made of fabric, the roof is plastic.
  

  Trailer tent with soft walls and ceiling

This category has its own price hierarchy. Not only do they differ in size and number of beds, there is also a significant difference in material consumption, which invariably affects the price. The most expensive are trailers-tents with rigid walls and a roof. The other two categories are roughly equal in cost.

Semi-truck trailer

This mobile home is called "blotch". This is because it is installed in a semi-trailer of certain car models - with an open trunk. Part of it hangs over the cab, part is in the body, and a small "tail" hangs down from behind.

Such a caravan for cars with a solid lifting capacity and an open trunk

Such models are still rare in our country, and there are not so many of them abroad. A very good solution for semi-truck owners.

And what to choose?

A trailer-mounted mobile home is a good choice if you have a vehicle with a powerful engine that can pull a lot of weight. Such a unit costs two or three times less than a camper (travel van). But when selecting, pay attention to the total weight and length of the caravan. If the standards are exceeded, another category of driver's license is required. And keep in mind that most trailers are not designed for off-road driving. There are models for bad roads, but their price tag is much higher.

And this is with hard walls, and even with a telescopic roof

A tent trailer is already a less comfortable rest, but a larger number of models that can be pulled off-road. They are a great replacement for a regular tent. It is better to sleep in a trailer, not on the ground. And to have a rest, cook, swim, you can also under an awning.