tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post4857707157477921972..comments2024-03-28T01:19:35.439-04:00Comments on Travel with Kevin and Ruth: Getting our new motorhome readyKevin Readhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-87620048095127229232021-02-28T04:44:44.710-05:002021-02-28T04:44:44.710-05:00Yes, you may have missed it previously either in t...Yes, you may have missed it previously either in the blog or in our comments to others asking the same question. No, we will not be bringing the motorhome back to North America when we are finished touring around Europe in it. We will sell it when we are through with it and then decide our next move. One of our thoughts on that is to buy an old Class B van that runs well but maybe doesn't look so good and drive down to the tip of South America and if it dies before we get there then we would sell it for whatever we could get for it and back fly home.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-44188522814364044852021-02-28T04:40:38.100-05:002021-02-28T04:40:38.100-05:00It will be nice to drive around in something new f...It will be nice to drive around in something new for a change. :-)<br /><br />We are looking forward to it too! We know from our two month experience back in 2017 when we traveled around southern Spain and Portugal that we loved it and wanted to do more of Europe, so I have no doubt that we are going to enjoy this adventure immensely. We just need to be able to get into Germany to pick up the motorhome, hopefully we won't have to wait too long!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-46009251435051689112021-02-27T18:10:23.423-05:002021-02-27T18:10:23.423-05:00Maybe I missed this, but will you bring this rig b...Maybe I missed this, but will you bring this rig back to North America when you are done with Europe or will you sell it there and and come back to purchase a new to you one since you sold Sherman? I know that's way off, but it just popped into my head.Jenleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08181034734909835891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-77016756102192817902021-02-27T14:01:56.275-05:002021-02-27T14:01:56.275-05:00Thanks for replying Kevin, appreciated fella. I gu...Thanks for replying Kevin, appreciated fella. I guess through sites like mobile.de used vehicles are available through English-speaking dealers, but I've no experience of trying to go through that process, and trying to look around lots of used vans at the moment sounds very difficult.<br /><br />I don't blame you going for a new vehicle after all those years fixing up your old van, draining for anyone, respect for handling all that!<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to seeing how you guys find Europe in your new van, hopefully it won't be too long now.<br /><br />Cheers, JayJasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003935167849718160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-68588588429799001702021-02-27T10:38:39.074-05:002021-02-27T10:38:39.074-05:00Hi Jay. Yes, it's a good question especially g...Hi Jay. Yes, it's a good question especially given our normally frugal nature! <br /><br />In doing the research, it seemed that in Europe there was not the high depreciation that we have seen take place with North American RV's. I came to the conclusion that there is not as much markup between the manufacturer and the dealer. I was looking at used units that were between 2-4 years old that had maybe 30-40,000 kms on them, and they were priced at maybe €6-10,000 less than new. For that kind of money, I simply decided it was worth getting a brand new one. If we drive it for between 2-4 years, I don't think we will take that much of hit and we have the enjoyment of driving a new vehicle that is under warranty and with only scheduled maintenance to worry about.<br /><br />And yes, it's easier. Especially if you are buying in Germany and don't understand the language. How would we shop for a used one privately? Of course quite a few Germans speak some English, but it would be easier buying at a dealership that is used to dealing with foreign buyers, and has a good reputation of not taking advantage of them. So yes, getting the registration and paperwork done will certainly be easier.<br /><br />And not as important, but still in the back of my mind... I spent 14 years regularly fixing up an older rig. I will probably miss some aspects of that, but ultimately I am looking forward to driving something new for a change!Kevin Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-35454328330150962692021-02-27T10:14:20.456-05:002021-02-27T10:14:20.456-05:00Can I ask why you guys opted for a new vehicle rat...Can I ask why you guys opted for a new vehicle rather than a second hand one? Just curious. How any of us choose to spend our money is our own concern, but I wondered whether it avoids some paperwork for you guys, makes registration/insurance easier maybe? Cheers, JayJasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15003935167849718160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-61530153843179515332021-02-27T00:26:06.130-05:002021-02-27T00:26:06.130-05:00It is great news but the better news will be when ...It is great news but the better news will be when they open up Germany and we are able to get in and pick up the motorhome. We are so looking forward to exploring a whole new area. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-53746764102991222762021-02-27T00:24:37.198-05:002021-02-27T00:24:37.198-05:00It sure is, we just have to wait for a window of o...It sure is, we just have to wait for a window of opportunity to open up so we can get into Germany and pick up our motorhome, hopefully we won't have to wait too long. <br /><br />It is going to be the perfect size for Europe, that is why we choose to go smaller than bigger. I doubt that we will miss the spaciousness of Sherman, we really didn't use up much space in him, this one is just better organized and there is so much more counter space in the kitchen in this one than in Sherman. We might miss some of the extra storage space but then again, we won't have as much stuff to store either. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-67125862739452627512021-02-27T00:20:26.446-05:002021-02-27T00:20:26.446-05:00Their are also lots of second hand stores where we...Their are also lots of second hand stores where we will be able to pick stuff up at a much lower cost, although there will definitely be somethings that we will want to buy new. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-22070676256570853852021-02-27T00:18:55.009-05:002021-02-27T00:18:55.009-05:00Oh yes, there will be lots of adventures in store ...Oh yes, there will be lots of adventures in store once we get into the motorhome and start traveling around Europe. We are so excited now that the time is eventually getting closer. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-14145401807698398812021-02-27T00:17:21.570-05:002021-02-27T00:17:21.570-05:00Yep, the base price is €52,700 ($63,600 USD).Yep, the base price is €52,700 ($63,600 USD).Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-53596177438398070512021-02-27T00:13:46.493-05:002021-02-27T00:13:46.493-05:00The solar panels are much higher in cost than in N...The solar panels are much higher in cost than in North America but yes, part of that cost will be the labor to install them.<br /><br />We are hoping that we won't have to use the furnace often but I am sure that we will let you know how efficient it is when that time comes. Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-59852596305866829142021-02-27T00:08:07.653-05:002021-02-27T00:08:07.653-05:00We think so too, plus the fact that it will be don...We think so too, plus the fact that it will be done professionally so it will look so much better and we have no doubt that the additions will help with the resale valve when it comes time to sell the unit in a few years time.<br /><br />The kitchen space/counter space is so much better than what we had in our old North American motorhome. I am looking forward to cooking in it. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-37123029214876467552021-02-27T00:05:03.032-05:002021-02-27T00:05:03.032-05:00We sure do! It is so nice to have your own house t...We sure do! It is so nice to have your own house traveling with you all the time but we are doing just fine the way we are traveling at the moment but having the motorhome is just that much better.<br /><br />Yes, the price really is amazing especially when you compare it to American motorhomes and the quality is so much better too, in our opinion.<br /><br />Fingers crossed that we won't have to wait too much longer before we manage to make our way to Germany to pick it up. :-)Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18136052866820208847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-65182694019430960812021-02-26T18:09:22.785-05:002021-02-26T18:09:22.785-05:00Wow, that's great news! That will be super fun...Wow, that's great news! That will be super fun! Look forward to seeing Europe in a couple months,from the ease of my computer! Take care, Rawn Prayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14285611117838939570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-82599993426396544482021-02-26T16:50:07.335-05:002021-02-26T16:50:07.335-05:00Yaaay! The end of the tunnel ( waiting for the new...Yaaay! The end of the tunnel ( waiting for the new rv) is in sight! Hope everything turns out perfect as you like it! Your new unit is exactly the same size as our Pauly..19.5 ft.long.You will really enjoy how easy it is to drive around Europe, but you'll miss the spaciousness of Sherman. So happy and excited for you!Lynnette Khuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15608492676290925231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-29718466672931764672021-02-26T16:27:25.897-05:002021-02-26T16:27:25.897-05:00Many Ikea stores in Germany, so you should be able...Many Ikea stores in Germany, so you should be able to find lots of your cutlery, dishes, etc. there.BethB from Indianahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15294626495777153996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-23226869420813535582021-02-26T13:45:39.135-05:002021-02-26T13:45:39.135-05:00Oh boy, we see more armchair travels in our future...Oh boy, we see more armchair travels in our future!! Nice choice!! So happy for you!!💕Connie and Barryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07324923679408549696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-3154536446271004452021-02-26T12:30:15.336-05:002021-02-26T12:30:15.336-05:00Actually if I remember right the base cost in euro...Actually if I remember right the base cost in europe was very reasonable compared to North America. 60-70 k sticks in my mind.<br />GMFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15730646156446065339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-83544711160274218782021-02-26T10:34:30.471-05:002021-02-26T10:34:30.471-05:00Definitely higher cost in Europe but most of that ...Definitely higher cost in Europe but most of that cost is Labour. <br />Will be interested to see their Furnace. North American Furnaces waste more heat then they produce.<br />Be Safe and Enjoy!<br /><br />It's about time.<br />Rick and Kathy Rousseauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05187734210342762674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-72100974059867026472021-02-26T10:21:21.226-05:002021-02-26T10:21:21.226-05:00It is just under 6 meters (19.5 feet). Yes, it loo...It is just under 6 meters (19.5 feet). Yes, it looks like the one in the bike rack photo, except ours is a 2021, and I think that photo is a 2020.Kevin Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-84815971754282044772021-02-26T10:18:33.738-05:002021-02-26T10:18:33.738-05:00We actually don't have any use for a portable ...We actually don't have any use for a portable solar panel. We had one in Australia and it was a pain. Also, I'm not yet sold on the value of lithium batteries. Yes, I understand the benefits, bit can't justify the cost. Also, they seem to be a bit finicky with regards to charging.Kevin Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-88491308030834047642021-02-26T10:05:57.522-05:002021-02-26T10:05:57.522-05:00Congratulations on having a nice new unit and havi...Congratulations on having a nice new unit and having it pre tiddled to your liking! How big is this new unit? And does it look like the photo with the bike rack? You two are so much more adventurous than we ever aspire to be. Enjoy your new mobile travels! Lorrainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09912759978957425944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-8895641963278878152021-02-26T09:52:51.635-05:002021-02-26T09:52:51.635-05:00Sherman had 4 batteries and 240 watts of solar. On...Sherman had 4 batteries and 240 watts of solar. Once we installed LED lights in Sherman, the 4 batteries was a bit overkill. The new motorhome will have 2 batteries and 200 watts of solar.Kevin Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7171307653508307040.post-71238244277780823122021-02-26T09:51:42.241-05:002021-02-26T09:51:42.241-05:00Yes, and we have 14 years worth of experience doin...Yes, and we have 14 years worth of experience doing exactly that! However, it will also be nice to have something new for a change. :-)Kevin Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795747155781311686noreply@blogger.com