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 Go
Motorhoming Europe. The Complete Motorhome Guide
We've done the research so you don't have to.
Go Motorhoming
Europe – the essential motorhome book, a guide
explaining everything from buying a motorhome, touring
Europe in a camper van, enjoying winter sun in Spain
and Portugal with your motorcaravan or RV, to living
in a motorhome and going full timing. Campsites and Aires in France
are the starting point for your motorhome holidays but
there are 30'000 campsites and 10'000 Aires and stopovers in Europe to tour around.
Go Motorhoming Europe and All The Aires France the two
motorhome books you can't holiday without.
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| The Motorhome - a car, a
house, an escape; no wonder you've always wanted
one- the retirement present you worked so hard for,
to see the sights or enjoy Mediterranean winters.
A vehicle suitable for a grand tour or alternative
lifestyle, a practical and economical option for
those with limited budgets or the restraints of
return flights home. The perfect transport to find
a new life abroad, or the enabler for thousands
of hobbyists whilst following their passion. An
extreme vehicle to go where no man has been before,
or simply your day-to-day vehicle used for pleasant
weekends and holidays. Whatever your calling, the
motorhome offers the freedom and spontaneity unrivalled
by any other means of travel, always with that reassuring
home from home feeling, wherever you find yourself.
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from Go Motorhoming Europe |
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Motorhome Monthly magazine April 08,
Go Motorhoming Europe.
"…we thought another chance to learn about this excellent book would be advantageous although, even if you have owned a motorhome for a conciderable time, there are still plenty of things to learn or look up… …We read the book from cover to cover even though we are experienced motorhome owners; we found it an interesting read because there is always something you don’t know."
Caravan, Motorhome & Camping Mart
"…Go Motorhoming Europe… is destined to become the essential travellers’ Bible. Not only is it well researched and quite exhaustive in the topics covered, it is also exceptionally well laid out and is written in a very straightforward and readable style…
Although aimed mainly at motorhome owners, Go Motorhoming Europe, contains a wealth of advice that will be equally relevant to all caravan owners who are intent on travelling abroad."
The Caravan Club Magazine
Go Motorhoming Europe
“…Their buying advice is sound with the sort of advice you can only ever pick up by word of mouth… plus a very balanced view on the sometimes-touchy subject of free-camping… It concludes with a comprehensive chapter of 38 country guides and what the motor caravanner can expect to find and do in each….”
Special thanks goes to Dept Ed George Hinton (a fellow motorhomer).
MMM Motorhome Motorcaravan Monthly magazine
"Motorcaravanning From Every Angle
‘Every conceivable question answered’ is one of the eye-catchers on the cover of this thoroughly practical manual. It is intended for the full spectrum of motorcaravanners, from first timers… all the way through to full timers (who certainly need much of the information and guidance that is offered, and should acquire it before setting off). … a fellow feeling took over as the writers not only drew on their own wide experience but incorporated views and practices gleaned from other full-timers and experienced motorhomers…
Whereas some sections are of the ‘read once and note the general philosophy’ kind, others are packed with reference material from which almost any motorcaravanner will benefit when re-equipping or preparing for a major trip. The notes on each European country are particularly useful… In a nutshell, this book would be of value to every motorcaravanner."
Motorhome Monthly magazine
Go Motorhoming Europe
"No matter whether you are new to the world of motorhomes or have been an owner for
many years, this book is full of interesting information, including contact details for all of the
topics covered. ...a complete reference ...with every aspect of life with a motorhome: buying, selling, living in, using accessories, campsites, free camping, traveling around Europe and much more.
Open the book and you will immediately appreciate that it is easily readable; the pages are clear and the text is interspersed with personal anecdotes and well thought-out cartoons.
As an experienced motorhome user, I particularly found chapter 9 entitled 'Country Guides' extremely useful; it is a list of thirty-eight countries with much of the information that you will require to know before you travel. ...covering accommodation, driving and roads, time of the year to travel, tourist information, ...essential contact details to make the most of your visit...
Go Motorhoming Europe is a great read even if you will never be lucky enough to own a motorhome. If you only want to use it as a reference, then the nine-page in-depth contents will ensure that you will be able to find exactly what you want.
Motorhome Monthly is available free from motorhome dealers. Special thanks goes to Pauline White contributing editor for such a wonderfull, ballenced review.
Practical Motorhome Magazine
… a remarkable new publication, Go Motorhoming Europe…. It is something I am very keen on and very much back up their advice…. Even if you are an experienced motorcaravanner you’ll find out something you didn’t know in the book. …the book also contains 38 country guides, tells you how you should prepare for a long trip and gives advice on communicating with home by various methods."
Many of us dream of enjoying periods of European culture and climate From annual holidays to grand tours, winter pilgrimage to the sun or seeking a long-term full time solution. Whether you intend to Camper van, Motorcaravan, Recreational Vehicle (RV), Camping Car, or Motorhome, Go Motorhoming will tell you how.
Motorhomes appeal in as many different ways as there are people wanting one, therefore no 'one fits all' option is possible. While some motorhomers want a 34 foot RV others want a VW camper van. Some want to go full time Rving in Spain , other people full time living in motorhomes want to stay in the UK or go campervanning in Europe . When the motorhome and situation are compatible they are an excellent tool, providing unrivalled freedom and excellent after purchase economy. Identifying what type(s) of motorhomer you are will enable you to take full advantage of these wonderful recreational vehicles. Failing to identify your motorhoming requirements could lead to a stressful, un-enjoyable and expensive experience. When it comes to buying a motorhome the saying ‘buy in haste repent in leisure' could not be more accurate. |
Knowledge is power and Go Motorhoming has always aimed to provide practical motorhome advice to empower its readers, enabling them to enjoy the best motorhoming experience possible.
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| Europe is the playground of motorhomes. Campsites are everywhere, suitable for every budget, from small un-commercialised camping sites to large sites with swimming pools and entertainment. There are thousands of campsites in France ideal for motorhomes. Municipal campsites in France are run by local authorities and are often the affordable option, especially for full timing motorhomers on tour. There are many campsites in Spain that are open all winter, catering well for motorhomers wanting to enjoy some winter sun. Campsites in Portugal are also open for winter motorhoming sun seekers. In addition to campsites many countries in Europe have camper-stops, known as Aires de services in France, stellplatz in Germany also called stopovers and night halts Europe generically calls them camper stops. These are specific motorhome parking places available across Europe. CamperStop Europe gives full details written in English, of these often free, motorhome night halt ‘camping' areas. Camper-stops are only available to motorhomes and camper vans allowing affordable European touring. Finally motorhomers can free-park, also called wild camping or free camping. Many of these are all detailed in the CamperStop Europe book. Some European countries allow overnight stopping by the side in both motor homes and caravans but not technically free, wild camping off the road. Wild camping for free in remote locations out of season can sometimes be your only option. Free parking in your camper is especially convenient way to overnight, especially if you are waiting to board a ferry or on a long journey with your motorhome. |
The world of motorhomes can be daunting, exciting and maybe a little scary.
Whether you want to go 'full time', make the most of your summer holidays, join an organised tour or go over landing, you first have to choose a motorhome within your budget. This could be frustrating and disappointing, you're bound to want something you either cant find or can't afford. |
- How big does a camper need to be?
- Should you buy a European imported motorhome, an American RV or a British camper van?
- Are you considering buying a motorhome from a motorcaravan dealer or privately from classified motorhome adverts?
- Where can you find motorhome dealers and what if the motorhome dealer is far away?
- Should I import a motorhome from Europe - Is importing a motorhome from Germany easy or should I import an RV from America ?
- You may even think: do I need a motorhome at all, will a caravan do? Motorhome or Caravan
Once you have chosen your motorhome there are even more questions:
- How will you exchange your motorhomes gas bottles, should you buy refillable gas bottles or have a fixed gas tank fitted?
- Have you wondered how long your motorcaravan leisure battery should last, will you need a generator or solar panels or is your existing 12v capacity enough?
- What size satellite dish do you need in Spain or whether you can use it whilst free wild camping?
- Will you need to tow a car behind your motorhome, are A frames legal or will you have to take a moped?
- Have you heard of camping card international, European health card, and international driving permit do you need them or will they be a huge advantage?
- Who provides personal and motorhome insurance for drivers with existing medical conditions or 365 days European travel?
- Can I go full timing?
| Where do you go to get answers? You've tried the motorhome and motorcaravan magazines, read the web forums but often you only get half an answer, or worst still more questions. Don't worry it only took us five years and thousands of hours of research to get all the answers but because you've found this web site, it will take you about five minutes. |
There is an answer
| Go Motorhoming Europe is a comprehensive guide and reference book that answers every conceivable camper van question about the realities of buying and using a motorhome in the UK and continental Europe. |
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Whatever your questions they will be answered, you will be given the facts and real life examples as well as further contact details were appropriate. There is advice on buying a motorhome, touring, and full time motorhoming. Details about campsites, camper-stops and free-parking plus what to do and where to go with your camper in every European country including France, Norway, Eastern Europe, and a guide to motorhome wintering in Spain and Portugal.
The Go Motorhoming Europe guide book is aimed at everyone, whether new to motorhoming or regular camper van rally goers, no matter what their budget or dream. Although aimed at motor caravanners, the book has equally relevant information for caravanners. |
Chapter two of Go Motorhoming Europe has a comprehensive buyers guide including importing motorhomes from Europe and America . Of the thousand or so new motorcaravans on sale in the UK just over 60 motorhomes have passed the 'go motorhoming' criteria. These camper vans are listed in the book with their calculated approval. Each camper van has sufficient payload for passengers, necessary equipment, luggage and some luxury items. All of these motor caravans will be suitable for long term use and will be able to get just about anywhere, there is a road surface.
The necessities of motorhome payloads, insurance, driving licence restrictions and motorhome recovery are fully explained. A 28-point checklist is included to ensure you ask the right questions when buying a new or second hand either privately or from a motor home dealer.
| With these motorhome books campers on a budget will be able to do so much more, those with a dream will be able to live it, everyone will be able to save thousands of pounds but most of all you will become an experienced motorhomer without even needing to set foot in one. |
The Go Motorhoming book has full details about caravan and camping sites, and the alternatives, camper-stops, and free wild camping for motorhomes. You may have heard of 'aire de services', camper-stops in France , these are special places where motorhomes can stop for a few nights, dump and replenish water tanks often for free. There are camper-stops all over Europe, known as Stellplatz in Germany , area de services in Italy and French aires. Across Europe everybody knows them as camper stops. These are a brilliant resource often in fantastic locations but are only available to motorhomes and camper vans. See the CamperStop Europe guide book which details over 7000 camper stops in 16 countries.
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Most European countries have small farm camping sites, which are difficult to find without the correct guidebook. These farm camping site guides are detailed in the Go Motorhoming Europe book providing contact details.
Go Motorhoming Europe's final chapter provides information on every European country, explaining the best time visit, what you can expect and which allow or tolerate 'wild camping' known as free-parking. Every country has its own farm camping guide and Go Motorhoming Europe provides contact details for these and country specific camper-stop guides. Read our where to stay article for full details. |
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Campanalia
There are so many thing you could by for your camper we have provided evaluations to help you understand their usefulness. They include satellite TV options, solar panels, reversing cameras, air conditioning, awnings and air assisted suspension 'air rides' generators, inverters to name a few. Communicating whilst abroad is a necessity explained, including internet phone calls, mobile phones, receiving post and emails.
Style of the Go Motorhoming book
When we first wrote the book we were aiming it firmly at people thinking of buying a motorhome and intending to long term tour or go full timing. Later we realised that the information was so valuable to anyone considering buying a motor home that we completely revised it, taking another six months. There is still an underlying long-term theme, which is important because the longer you are thinking of going away the more important things become. The consequences of opening up to a greater audience had an amazing outcome as the content became much richer and provided a more rounded discussion.
The writing style is concise, accurate and provides definitive answers, we also slipped in a bit of humour along the way. Our personalities make us thorough by nature. We have been frustrated so many times by books and magazines on many differing subjects that simply fail to provide any answers, our aim was to provide a motorhome book of answers not questions. |
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There are over 200 contact details for useful information, companies and products.
Contents Page
The book is laid out in 10 chapters over 250 pages and the contents pages are as follows:
- First Time or Full Time
First time, The motorhome for holidays, The motorhome as an aid (tool), Self build, The motorhome as a lifestyle, Full-timing, Where to stay, Campsites, Small camping sites, Camper-stops, Free-parking, Types of motorhome travel, Touring, Solo destination, Escorted, Independent
- Buying your Motorhome
Motorhome classes A, B and C, Buying considerations, Budget, Availability of parts, Fuel, Condition, Left or right hand drive, The living accommodation, Extras/add-ons, Legal considerations, Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass, motorhome Payload, Mass in Running Order, Axle weights and weighbridges, Chassis up-grades, Second Hand Motorhomes, Licence restrictions UK licence holders, Disabled motorhomers, Where to buy, The buyers checklist, Selling, Importing a camper van from Europe and beyond, European motorhomes, American motorhomes, Japanese/ New Zealand Imports
- Utilities (consumable)
Electricity, Motorhome leisure battery selection, Inverters (12v to 230v), 12 volt electricity, consumption the reality, Reversed polarity, Getting the most from mains electricity, Solar panels, wind generators, Generators, fuel cells, Gas, How many bottles, When to exchange, Refillable bottles, LPG availability, Water systems, Purification, Dumping grey and black waste, Dumping (whilst free-parking)
- Preparing your motorhome
Security, Alarms, Gas alarms, Trackers, Safety, Extras and add-ons, Awnings, Fiamma/Omni vent top vent fan and all weather cover, Fly screens, Reversing camera, Cab window screens, Assisted suspension (air rides), External storage (top box), Satellite navigation, Solar panels and generators, Air conditioning/cooling, Satellite dish/television, Additional modes of transport, Bicycle, scooter/motorcycle, cars
- Paperwork
Keeping legal, MOT, Road vehicle licence (tax disc), Motorhome insurance, Recovery, Personal insurance, The Foreign Office, Medical, Identification, Passports, Camping Card International (CCI), The International Driving Permit, Head Quarters, Money, Bank accounts, credit cards, Cash and cash machines, Staying in budget, Receiving post, Communication by phone and email, Phone, email and internet, Languages, Travelling with pets
- Accommodation; from campsites to free-parks
Campsites, Costs and discounts, Small campsites (mini camping), Naturist, Campsite guidebooks, Camper-stops, Types of camper-stop, TIR parks, Camper-stop guide books, Free-parking, Reality, Location, Golden rules and safety, Everyday Essentials, Laundry, Shopping, Cooking, Tips and tricks, Travelogues
- Life on the Road
When and where to go, Spring, Summer, Heat management, Autumn, Winter, Hot wintering (sun seeking), Cold wintering, Skiing, Heating, Snow chains, Getting to your destination, Maps, Driving distances, Legal requirements, Alcohol, Speed traps, Road conditions, Toll Roads, Mountain Roads, Towing, Ferries, Across the channel, Europe, Repairs, Hitchhikers, Cons and tricks, Personal Security, Isolation, Brit hunting, Socialising, International relations, Information sharing
- Entertainment
Books, Entertainment from electrical items, Television, Satellite TV, Dish options, Laptop computers, Radio, Water sports, Ball games, Arts and Crafts, Outdoor pursuits, Fauna and flora (free food), Food and drink, Beach combing, Tourism, Guidebooks, Driving guides Cards/board games/jigsaws, Games while driving
- Country Guides
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Netherlands ( Holland ), Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Belarus ,Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Former Yugoslavia : Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania
- Directory
Government departments, Organisations, Motorhome product companies, Dealers/Manufacturers, Travel companies, Clubs, Insurance, Websites
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Motorhomes appeal in as many different ways as there are people wanting one, therefore no 'one fits all' option is possible. When the motorhome and situation are compatible they are an excellent tool, providing unrivalled freedom and excellent after purchase economy. Identifying what type(s) of motorhomer you are will enable you to take full advantage of this wonderful resource. Failing to identify your motorhoming requirements could lead to a stressful, un-enjoyable and expensive experience. |
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This motorhome book provides qualified answers for everyone, detailing, how, when and where to take your motorhome in Europe.
First time
You would not purchase a car without test driving it and you are unlikely to test drive a car you know is unsuitable. After all you already know the concept, so you know whether you want a Porsche or a Panda. The old adage 'buy in haste repent at leisure' could not be more accurate when it comes to motorhomes. |
Book Extract
Chapter 1 - First Time or Full Time
…hiring or better still borrowing a motorhome, especially if you have not owned a touring caravan, is highly recommended. Many escorted holidays provide a hire option so all the hard work is done. These holidays have experienced people on hand to show you the ropes and give advice on all your questions. Hire costs may seem expensive but will almost certainly save you money in the long run, and the experience will probably cause you to choose a completely different motorhome than you originally thought. Some hire companies offer special purchase deals post hire.
As with any luxury purchase it takes time to find out how frequently you use it, if at all, and whether a sensible purchase was made. An equally viable option is to buy a budget motorhome, which has reached the point where depreciation is entirely down to condition. Therefore if used sympathetically for a short time there should be little difference between purchase and sale price. This is a great way to find out what you must have but more importantly what you can do without. Buy carefully and you will have no problem reselling. See Chapter Two for a full explanation.
We eventually took our own advice and hired a narrow boat whilst writing the Go Motorhoming Europe book. Having had a fantastic fortnight we can definitely say that we are not going to own one, but will "navigate the cut" again one day. If you too have enjoyed boating on the inland waterways then you are likely to enjoy the freedom of continental motorhome travel. Boaters predominantly stop overnight anywhere they fancy as long as there's no restriction, this is just like free-parking or using camper-stops and a good way to get over any nerves you may have.
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Publisher: Vicarious
Books LLP
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