The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Showing you another European motorhome

There are a lot of differences between European motorhomes and American motorhomes.

Last month we showed you a short tour of what we're driving over here. Yesterday, our friends Glen and Steve opened their doors for us to be able to show you their motorhome. Instead of taking a bunch of pictures, I figured we'd do a couple of video clips.

They are driving a 2013 Dethleffs Esprit T7150 EB. It's a German made motorhome, currently worth about  €60,000 ($83,000 CAD, $64,000 USD).

Yes, they are pretty expensive to begin with, but they also keep their value better than they do in North America. One glaring difference with European motorhomes is that they are typically much smaller than their American counterparts, and they don't have slideouts.

Here's the interior...


They also seem to be much better quality than most American built units. A lot more thought seems to go into things...like the blinds, and the skylights, and of course making the most use of the space since they don't have slideouts.

Here's the exterior...


Other big differences...they almost always have diesel engines, and standard shift transmissions. And they don't have a black water holding tank! Only a small cassette that slides out from a compartment beneath the toilet. There are varying sizes, but they usually hold no more than three gallons. So most people try and use public facilities when they can to avoid having to empty the cassette very often.

And there's no such thing as a "full hookup" campsite. It's only electrical, or non electrical. Also, most people over here carry very long extension cords. Most campsites don't have electrical hookups located right at the site.

Interesting stuff. I wish we could go to an RV show over here!

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50 ft RV drinking water hose is on sale...






12 comments:

  1. I'm disappointed that you are not travelling through Portugal and crossing over in the North. My favorite country.

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    Replies
    1. So are we! But, at this time of year it's a lot cooler up north. And, we only have two months...it's not much time you know... :-)

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  2. Replies
    1. The Europeans have some cool ideas when it comes to RVing!

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  3. Nice rig, would be great to get one here like that, though they are making some now close to that style here now.

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    Replies
    1. Some of the style might be closer to European models but they don't have the fuel economy that the European ones do and they still have slideouts which you don't find here.

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  4. Very interesting especially the cost for the size! Quality makes a big difference as well as the Diesel engine which cause a lot over here. Surprised there are no slides I see European products on line that show compact Motorhomes that open up like a slide but better! Probably very costly however! Enjoy your travels and travel safe!

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    Replies
    1. We think in general the European models are definitely better made but they do still have cheaper ones just like back home. RV's here don't have slideouts because the campgrounds just don't have room for them. Most places we have seen are packed in like sardines, sometimes even on the "aires"/boondocking areas. We haven't seen any since we have been here that open up like a slide.

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  5. How big are the grey tanks, and how do they empty? Do you just let loose over a concrete apron, or is there a hose?

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    Replies
    1. Only guessing, but I think our grey tank is about 30 gallons. No, there is no hose. You simply park with the opening over the grate, and open the valve.

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