As a lifelong camper I very much appreciate being able to make an impromptu visit to virtually anywhere in the
country. Camping though is rather seasonal and although I have camped in the snow when I was young, these days I am a bit more of a fair weather camper. This is one of the reasons I have often thought that a motorhome would be great.
Despite having tried out camping, glamping, and caravanning (both static and touring) it was only this year that I finally tried a motorhome.
Sponsorship
Vaaroom, the UK’s number 1 motorhome hire company sponsored the PHHPA to go on our road trip and Bradley Chapman took a meandering trip through Yorkshire followed by another in Dorset.
During the weekend in between, however, it was my turn. I decided to stay closer to PHHPA home turf in Essex as I had limited time and so nipped over the QE2 bridge to Kent. You can see some of my trip on Facebook.
Features
It was really great fun to try out the Vaaroom Motorhome. As with the rest of their fleet it was very new with less than 30,000 miles on the clock and great to drive. It was a six berth model although they also have 2 berth vans available.
It had a seating area with benches either side of a table which was designed to lower into a second double bed, the first being above the driving compartment. There are also bunks at the rear.
It has a cooker complete with a stove, a sink with running water, a shower and toilet compartment and plenty of storage.
Benefits
It had several benefits over a tent. Firstly, we arrived on site, pulled up and were able to put the kettle straight on. It was lovely weather on the day we had it but having spent many hours fighting with wet canvas in the rain this was great. It felt like a real luxury to arrive and be able to relax straight away.
Secondly, we didn’t have to spend time inflating airbeds that would inevitably leak air during the night leaving us sleeping on the floor. Instead, we took up residence on the soft double mattress, which had USB ports available to charge our phones. This is bonus number three and the electric lights at the touch of a button are number four.
The stove is bonus number five, as although I am well used to, and even rather fond of, cooking on a camping stove the cooker in the van also boasts an oven.
Finally, my favourite bonus was not having to wander across the field before for a toilet break. The bathroom was therefore a great favourite with me. As the campsites were open, I had not realised that there were still restrictions in place and so was surprised when I was told that they were unable to open the showers. I was therefore all the happier to have my very own clean bright facilities.
All Mod Cons
So, my very first experience of a motorhome was one I can highly recommend. The van was clean and had plenty of space for all of our luggage. We enjoyed a game of cards at the table but could have tuned into the TV if the desire had taken us. The vehicle was equipped with pans so we were able to cook ourselves a tasty dinner and have a nice cuppa.
While I suspect that I have not made my final foray under canvas, I definitely appreciated having all mod cons.
See more at PHHPA Magazine.
