Is a demountable the right choice for me?
Posted: November 21st, 2016, 10:53 pm
Hi all,
I initially looked at "expedition" type vehicles thinking that I could use it for wild camping up in Scotland / Wales and then maybe in a couple of years time look at doing an overland trip through Europe and onto Africa. However I think one of these trucks would be overkill for the UK and the novelty would soon wear off. Slow, uncomfortable, low MPG, and too big for the small single track roads in Scotland are just a few of the downsides.
Campervans would be no good as although I wouldn't be doing anything too extreme, some off road ability would be useful. My modest 15-20k budget wouldn't get me very far either, even in the winter months it's uprising to see how much they go for second hand! People asking 10k+ for a clapped out 90's Transit!
So, this brings me to the demountable units which in theory sound perfect. Having a pickup as the base vehicle in comparison to the expedition vehicles offers advantages such as they're more modern and comfortable inside, parts will be easier to get (and probably cheaper), better MPG, plus the ability to leave the camper unit behind whilst exploring in the pickup. I also wouldn't have to do my HGV test although this isn't a huge issue.
I'm just wondering if they'd be big enough for 2 people to go off and live comfortably in for a few weeks at a time? I've not actually been in one, although I've stopped in an old army communications trailer and whilst it was a great experience, I think more than a couple of nights would start to get annoying. Looking at photos, this is probably similar or maybe even bigger compared to a demountable?
So, onto a few questions:
1. Do you ever find yourselves cramped? I guess an awning (and / or safari room) would help as it allows you to eat outside of the unit. This brings me onto my second question....
2. Awnings / Safari Rooms. Are there any manufacturers that officially support the demountables as from a quick look on here it seems members sort of "bodge" them on?
3. Is there a model that stands out as being bigger than the rest? Or are they all a similar size with slightly different internal layouts?
4. I haven't found a demountable with an oven which I would prefer, gives much more scope for meal options. I could get an electric slow cooker but would prefer an actual oven / grill.
5. Are suspension upgrades (airbags?) a must-have or does it depend on the choice of pickup? If it helps I'll be going for a double cab version - the plan is to replace the current car with a pickup, so I might as well go with 5 seats. I can always remove them for extra storage too on longer trips.
That's it for now, I'm sure I'll be back with more....
Thanks,
Rob.
I initially looked at "expedition" type vehicles thinking that I could use it for wild camping up in Scotland / Wales and then maybe in a couple of years time look at doing an overland trip through Europe and onto Africa. However I think one of these trucks would be overkill for the UK and the novelty would soon wear off. Slow, uncomfortable, low MPG, and too big for the small single track roads in Scotland are just a few of the downsides.
Campervans would be no good as although I wouldn't be doing anything too extreme, some off road ability would be useful. My modest 15-20k budget wouldn't get me very far either, even in the winter months it's uprising to see how much they go for second hand! People asking 10k+ for a clapped out 90's Transit!
So, this brings me to the demountable units which in theory sound perfect. Having a pickup as the base vehicle in comparison to the expedition vehicles offers advantages such as they're more modern and comfortable inside, parts will be easier to get (and probably cheaper), better MPG, plus the ability to leave the camper unit behind whilst exploring in the pickup. I also wouldn't have to do my HGV test although this isn't a huge issue.
I'm just wondering if they'd be big enough for 2 people to go off and live comfortably in for a few weeks at a time? I've not actually been in one, although I've stopped in an old army communications trailer and whilst it was a great experience, I think more than a couple of nights would start to get annoying. Looking at photos, this is probably similar or maybe even bigger compared to a demountable?
So, onto a few questions:
1. Do you ever find yourselves cramped? I guess an awning (and / or safari room) would help as it allows you to eat outside of the unit. This brings me onto my second question....
2. Awnings / Safari Rooms. Are there any manufacturers that officially support the demountables as from a quick look on here it seems members sort of "bodge" them on?
3. Is there a model that stands out as being bigger than the rest? Or are they all a similar size with slightly different internal layouts?
4. I haven't found a demountable with an oven which I would prefer, gives much more scope for meal options. I could get an electric slow cooker but would prefer an actual oven / grill.
5. Are suspension upgrades (airbags?) a must-have or does it depend on the choice of pickup? If it helps I'll be going for a double cab version - the plan is to replace the current car with a pickup, so I might as well go with 5 seats. I can always remove them for extra storage too on longer trips.
That's it for now, I'm sure I'll be back with more....
Thanks,
Rob.