Jan 2023
6:19pm, 23 Jan 2023
787 posts
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Cats Whiskers
Thanks, everyone. This is all really helpful.
We'll mainly be using it for folk festivals, so basically long weekends, but don't want to rule out using it for longer trips by skimping on essentials like a fridge and storage. We're not very good at travelling light, so I don't think we'll have your problem of not using lots of the features, Gobi!
I'll definitely check out the Facebook group and also take a look at the Renault Trafic. I'd not considered that one before.
How much difference is there between driving a SWB and a LWB van? I've not been considering a LWB van because I'm only used to driving cars, but if there's not much difference in the handling, perhaps I should take a look at those too.
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Jan 2023
7:26pm, 23 Jan 2023
16,039 posts
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Mandymoo
It's only about 8 inches different says OH
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Jan 2023
7:54pm, 23 Jan 2023
788 posts
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Cats Whiskers
So that shouldn't make much difference. Thanks for finding that out!
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Jan 2023
8:21pm, 23 Jan 2023
78,995 posts
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Gobi
Lwb just drives like a big estate car
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Jan 2023
9:44pm, 23 Jan 2023
9,403 posts
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Northern Exile
I don't really notice the extra few inches of the LWB when I drive one, which is quite often. Definitely not a factor.
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Jan 2023
10:14pm, 23 Jan 2023
10,779 posts
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cathrobinson
Parking can be a bit of a nuisance in LWB compared to SWB, but still much easier than the motorhome.
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Jan 2023
10:21pm, 23 Jan 2023
991 posts
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FunkyPOM
Good discussion. My 2 pence. I have low roof SWB transit custom.
Pros: fits in normal car space, classed as a car on ferries and for tolls (if that's a factor for you). Weight lower so better fuel economy. Really easy to drive being much higher than normal car. Easy to turn around if I go down a not so good idea road (lots over here in the country!), great turning circle. Cons: Can't stand up (ok for weekends and road trips but not when bad weather).
I have an awning but have used it twice in 2 years as generally not static for more than a couple of days. Definitely recommend solar. Fridge is a great idea. I did have a gas bottle cooker but now just use canister cooker as more mobile and safer. Good to have a bed that has the single/double option. Couple of pics on the Tasmania roadtrip showing the setup and parked next to a high roof/lwb.
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Jan 2023
10:26pm, 23 Jan 2023
992 posts
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FunkyPOM
And, this is my daily driver (no other car)
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Jan 2023
6:37am, 24 Jan 2023
789 posts
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Cats Whiskers
Thanks all. I’m starting to put together a really useful checklist here! Definitely going to need one I can stand up in, but I think a pop top might cover that rather than going for a high top. Good to know the SWB and LWB are both fairly easy to drive.
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Jan 2023
11:32am, 24 Jan 2023
2,548 posts
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Running Ronnie
I had long wheel base, now have short. I notice little difference. Old one was slightly better when the bed was out. Take what's available rather than passing up on a good van to get your preference.
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