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Post by stevieb on Jan 19, 2008 18:54:29 GMT
Hello Everyone
We have just joined the forum. We have just ordered our first motorhome - a new Romahome Dimension which we will collect at the end of March. We have talked about getting one for a long time and, after much research and falling in love with the Dimension at the Shepton Mallet show last year, have finally taken the plunge. We are really looking forward to touring in it.
I work away from home during the week and am planning to live in the motorhome up to 4 nights a week. Is there anybody out there who does similar? I know of guys who live in caravans and even boats, but not a motorhome. I would like to hear from anyone who does and any helpful tips they might have.
Stevieb.
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Post by Graham on Jan 19, 2008 19:48:19 GMT
Hi Steve
A big welcome to the forum and congratulations on purchasing your Dimension, we love ours and can't wait for the better weather so we can make use of it a bit more.
We've not lived in it though so can't give you any tips but I am sure someone will be able to help.
Regards
Graham
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Post by wendy on Jan 20, 2008 9:50:10 GMT
Hello and welcome from another Dimension owner. We've been away for 4 weeks in ours and it was fine with 2 of us in it. It's got everything that you could want to live a comfortable life, so I think that you'll be fine.
We love ours and wouldn't swop it for anything bigger. We use it all year round and have been warm and comfy at minus temperatures.
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Post by viv on Jan 20, 2008 10:06:34 GMT
Hi stevieb
We manage to be comfortable in our OUtlook which is smaller than a dimension, Not sure about living in it, I suppose it depends on how organised you can be and if you will have access to showers and electric etc. I assume you will be staying on a site so should be fine.
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Post by lunnie on Jan 20, 2008 10:24:53 GMT
Stayed in my little C15 with my husband for 6 weeks, no problems.
Congratulations on your Romahome, you will never regret it.
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 20, 2008 13:33:09 GMT
Gongratulations on the Dimension - good choice. I'm hoping to have extended trips this year which will involve working from the van - I'm thinking of getting a drive-away awning to provide more room but otherwise, after using ours frequently since buying it in August, I'm sure that it'll do the job.
Let us know how you get on.
Doug
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Post by stevieb on Jan 20, 2008 17:06:00 GMT
Thanks to all who replied to my first post re New Motorhome Owner. I am encouraged by the responses, especially wendy who says she has been comfortable at minus temperatures. I have found a couple of sites near where I am working and plan to try them out before committing myself. I'll let you know how I get on.
Snobbyafghan - the drive away awning sounds interesting. Can you tell me anymore about it?
Stevieb
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Post by jacquie on Jan 20, 2008 17:35:47 GMT
Hi Steve,
I'm a chef and I freelance all over the UK. I virtually lived in my Romahome Outlook along with my two small dogs last year. I loved it but missed not having a proper shower, especially in the off season when sites were few and far between. I just remedied that and upgraded to a Trigano Tribute. Slightly longer than the Dimension, but I love it! I think my best advice through experience is 'a tidy van is a happy van'. I took way too much stuff with me at the beginning - justifying it by the time spent on the road. Always digging around for stuff gets really tedious when spending extended time in it. Go minimalist! I also found that an awning was a bore and I just didn't use it, especially as it was so often wet. Where do you dry the thing if you're away from home for a spell? The big sliding door should take care of claustrophobia on a decent day.
I need a laptop and internet connection for work, so I got a G3 phone and with bluetooth, can deal with all my emails etc. from almost anywhere. Total bonus! A good tele on long, dark nights is imperative when working away from home. I've got a 10.4 in flat screen with freeview etc. It's all you need in a small van.
Basically I love using my van as home/office. At the end of an assignment I usually treat myself and the hounds to a hike up a local beauty spot wherever I am. A great way to see the country.
Good luck and congratulations on your Dimension.
Jacquie
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 21, 2008 6:00:42 GMT
Stevie Most of the info I have on drive-away awnings came courtesy of Derek and hopefully, this is a link to the topic. If it doessn't work, you can find iit on the Romahome board on this forum: smallmotorhome.proboards105.com/index.cgi?board=romahomes&action=display&thread=1200304945The jury seems to be out on these things. A lot of people agree with the previous poster that they are just a nuisance. However, the lightweight ones still interest me I'm sure they don't take long to dry if they get wet and they would provide an extra room. I'm assuming that I'd only use it if we were parked in one spot for several days - it certainly would be a bore if you were moving every day..! Doug |
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Post by jacquie on Jan 21, 2008 17:42:11 GMT
Stevie Most of the info I have on drive-away awnings came courtesy of Derek and hopefully, this is a link to the topic. If it doessn't work, you can find iit on the Romahome board on this forum: smallmotorhome.proboards105.com/index.cgi?board=romahomes&action=display&thread=1200304945The jury seems to be out on these things. A lot of people agree with the previous poster that they are just a nuisance. However, the lightweight ones still interest me I'm sure they don't take long to dry if they get wet and they would provide an extra room. I'm assuming that I'd only use it if we were parked in one spot for several days - it certainly would be a bore if you were moving every day..! Doug Yikes! Certainly didn't want to offend anyone who chooses awnings. They're great on vacations, but as it pertains to work and staying in the van, I find I'm too knackered to worry about them. |
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Post by Derek on Jan 21, 2008 18:17:48 GMT
Yikes! Certainly didn't want to offend anyone who chooses awnings. They're great on vacations, but as it pertains to work and staying in the van, I find I'm too knackered to worry about them. Sure didn't offend me Jacquie, all of what you say makes perfect sense. Derek |
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Post by jacquie on Jan 21, 2008 18:30:42 GMT
Yikes! Certainly didn't want to offend anyone who chooses awnings. They're great on vacations, but as it pertains to work and staying in the van, I find I'm too knackered to worry about them. Sure didn't offend me Jacquie, all of what you say makes perfect sense. Derek Thanks Derek, you are a gentleman! |
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Post by barry5933 on Jan 21, 2008 20:52:43 GMT
Awnings Absolutely right, they can be the most useful thing you have, or, a right pain in the wotsit. We have a lightweight Movelite which goes on the back of the HyLo, with a flap to bridge the gap. i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee150/barry5933/Romahome/DSCN4728.jpgIt is brilliant for - 1. as a porch to take off wet coats & boots before going into the van 2. storage for bulky items that have only intermittent use, e.g. table, bikes, etc 3. outside washroom and night-time home for the portaloo 4. leaving behind un-necessary clobber when going out for the day in the van 5. reserving your pitch when away in the van 6. outside shady area for sitting and relaxing on those scorching hot days (I think I remember one or two from last year) It is a pain when a) having to fit the bagged up awning into the van for moving on b) erecting it in the wind and rain c) taking it down in the wind and rain d) trying to knock the pegs into site hardstandings (grass pitches tend to be roped off in winter and more and more sites see hardstandings as a "good thing") e) lying awake during windy nights wondering whether the awning will still be there in the morning So, you pays your money and takes your choice - of most value if staying in one place for several days at a time, not worth it if moving on each day. |
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Post by snobbyafghan on Jan 21, 2008 22:18:55 GMT
Yikes! Certainly didn't want to offend anyone who chooses awnings. They're great on vacations, but as it pertains to work and staying in the van, I find I'm too knackered to worry about them. You certainly didn't offend me, Jacquie - I just referred to your post to point out that there are differing opinions. And since you've actually got one of these and I haven't, your opinion is definitely more valid than mine ;D Doug |
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Post by stevieb on Jan 27, 2008 14:14:24 GMT
Wow
Didn't realise I would start off such a discussion over the drive away awning. Thanks to all. I think we will defer judgement until we have had the van for a while. We are havinging a built on awning so that may sufice.
Jacquie - thanks for your comments. They are very encouraging. I think you are right about tidiness being the key to living in the van. The TV sounds a good idea too. We have already thought about that and saw a nice flat screen one in Marks & Spencer recently. We are also getting a microwave put in replacing one of the overhead cupboards. I tend to eat a lot of microwave meals when I am away.
Stevieb.
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