Choosing is losing

So many formats and options to choose from. Mobilehome, campervan, van.  When you start thinking about it, and visiting dealers, you simply get crazy.

Some advise: continue your exploration - travel with one, before buying - don't close options permanently.

Why ?

• At first, I wanted a short 5,99m with a rooftop pop-up tent, with a full size bed to travel with 2 adults and 2 small children, day trips with 4 adults.  But soon I discovered, it's simply not possible to take all the gear (max. 3,5T). The roof tent adds 170kg for occasional use. With kids we hit a camping anyway, so an extra tent of 25kg will do.

• You are about to invest 60 to 100K€.  Second hand quickly above 40K€.  Yes, buy, try and sell is an option.  The market is good, but some models are less popular.

Some considerations I had:

Drivers license and weight limitations

I have a Belgium B driver's license, allowing me to drive anything up to 3,5T in Europe.  In the America's you can drive big RV's, but the roads are bigger too.  I could go for a C driver's license (bigger tonnage), but I also want my wife and kids to enjoy on their own.

A Belgium B+ driver's license, allowing 3,5T + trailer up to 750kg could be an option.

Weight

How much do you want to carry ? 

4 adults could be 320kg. Some campers are limited to 320kg (due to a 170kg rooftop tent), so what do you do with your clothes, kitchen, tools, ... ?

The bigger the rig, the more weight you can take ? 

That is true, but you might need a different driver's license.  And you might not be allowed in city centers.  Also, the heavier the rig, the higher the fuel consumption.

We opted for a short chassis, but 3,5T (not 3,3T) and allowed to tow 750kg.  Main focus, vacation travel with 2 (+ 2 children in a separate tent) & day trips with 4 adults.

Off Road or not ?

I have a Landrover Defender with roof tent, fully equipped for 2.  No luxury like a mobilehome, but you go almost anywhere.

A 4x4 campervan won't get you everywhere.  And 4x4 campers don't come cheap.

All-Terrain tires will help, but your rig is big, heavy and only has front wheel drive.

So we keep the defender for the off-road adventures, for now.

Options

Every options has its price and weight.  Have a look what we selected.

Campsides

The bigger the rig, the less options you have.

Don't know yet what you want, rent one and try it out.

Or learn from the experts.