Living in a campervan

I would find the space too limited.

@sprite1950 It's fine for a few days, but you cannot live in such a limited space, is less than one (small) bedroom apartment.

@LadyDuck I've just added an article about a woman who converted a Renault Kangoo van and travelled with her dog round the world. Brave lady.

I envy you travelling around in a campervan! I have always wanted one but they are a little expensive. Never say never though!

@JudyEv You seem to like to travel around. Did you go far in your bus?

@sprite1950 We bought ours second-hand in Ireland and compared to what we'd pay in Australia, it wasn't that expensive - 10,000 euros. We intended to sell it after our last trip but did a bit of damage to it in the Pyrenees although we were still able to use it. In the end, the insurance company wrote the vehicle off and paid us back the full amount so we were very lucky. In Australia we did our own conversion on a big bus but we're now putting it up for sale and bought a second-hand caravan instead.

You mean like the Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo? I have looked at those and they are easily converted. I like the Mazda Bongo vans which are nearly all automatic.

@sprite1950 When In was about 10 I remember seeing one that was like a little Vauxhall Viva van in the car park of the Beaulieu Motor Museum. I think I spent more time looking at that than any of the exhibits!

@sprite1950 The Vauxhall Viva van was called the Bedford Beagle. They were obviously big on alliteration.

I have always longed for one though. I think if I actually did get one the novelty would probably wear off pretty quickly and I would long to be back in my own bed,

@Hannihar Yes I might especially in the nice weather.

@sprite1950 Or you may fall in love with it.

I like the idea but would miss my home comforts. It would be great for a road trip though.

@spiderdust Yes I've always liked the idea but I think I'm a little too old now, just day trips for me!

@sprite1950 I'd miss my shower and easy access to hot and cold running water. I've kept the idea in mind though, in case the economy gets too bad around here and it becomes impossible to afford to stay... but only after the kids are grown, which is going to be a while.

I've always had a slight campervan obsession and writing this discussion has got me searching for fully converted vans. I really would like one but probably just for overnight stays and day trips.

@morgoodie They are expensive to buy and to convert but I love to dream that one day I will have one. Who knows? Maybe I will one day.

@sprite1950 Yes, I agree. Unless I had a motor home that was big enough to accommodate everyone then only a day or two would be tolerable. I would love to have the freedom of the open road and be able to travel around to different scenic places that I haven't seen. Of course, I have to have money as well but that is my dream. Or I should say fantasy because that will never come true.

@sprite1950 true.

Yes I think they are better for short term stays like holidays.

@sprite1950 I think it is not the culture here.

@allknowing It's quite popular here and there are some very sophisticated motor homes that can be bought. Very expensive though.

Why is that?

I think I'm a bit old to do it now although I have good health so I wouldn't rule it out if for any reason I lost my home and had no other way.

I think I might be too scared to be in a campervan on my own unless I was parked on a secure campsite. I would be afraid of a break in.

@cmoneyspinner Well maybe one day! I still haven't give up on the idea altogether but it would only be a temporary thing as I like my home comforts too much.

@sprite1950 - Oh! Yes! Well, I was thinking the campervan might be parked at a house owned by one of my kids. Some retired people do that. That way they don't have to pay for the campsite, they're close to their kids and possibly grandkids, but still, have a little bit of privacy by staying in the campervan. Yeah. Uuhhh ... I sort of have all this sorted out in my mind already. Problem is that none of my kids own a home yet and I can't convince my husband that it's a good idea. It seems very reasonable to me though.

My dad had a caravan when he was alive and it became detached when he was towing it along the road. That always put me off having one unless it was sited somewhere.

@nela13 A campervan or motorhome, that's what I would like.

@sprite1950 ohh, I mean a drive caravan, those that don't need a car to push them.

Yes, what I wouldn't give to own a van like in the picture.

I often toy with the idea. There are plenty of smaller vans that could be converted for a temporary road trip.

@lynnief How lovely. I wish I had done something like that when I was younger.

@sprite1950 My younger son has just bought a bus, which he is currently gutting ready for a new fit out.

It's better than not having a roof over your head,

@sprite1950 yes that's right.. very well said

That would be amazing wouldn't it!

Yes maybe do a road trip with someone you don't mind spending time with.

Probably better than being homeless though.

I've always fancied getting away from it all and just taking to the open road.

That's true although some people do it.