What to do now!

[Tigerfish]

With ever worsening back problems, I had an extended assessment with a spinal surgeons Clinical assistant on Tuesday morning. It was not especially good news. They showed me the result of the MRI scan and the X-rays taken last week and it was a bit of a worry!

We all know that the spinal column is hollow and that the spinal cord runs down through it, with nerves coming off it at various places to work the arms & legs etc. Problematically right down at the bottom of the spine near where it meets the pelvis, the aperture in my spine has got very small and is pinching the spinal column and the nerves which run down to the legs. In short I need a very difficult (At my age and diabetes etc) operation to try and correct it. There is a waiting list of three to four months least.

The sheer effort required in caravanning is getting too much, and as a result we have cancelled the CC National rally at Sandringham, but a few days later we are booked on our main Holiday to St Buryan Nr Penzance in Cornwall. We have the option then of leaving the van there at the site and using it as a seasonal pitch etc. We have known the site owner as a friend for over 60 years so i am sure the van will be safe.

But am I only putting off the inevitable? The Van is a very late 2014 Coachman Pastiche 565/4. (two single fixed beds). Should I sell it now when its value is high at the start of the season? I am really troubled by this as I realise the season will progress very quickly and its value drop, I don't want to give up, but the future for our touring does look a bit murky!

TF

[Tinwheeler]

I'm sorry to hear of your problems, TF, but only you can decide. However, I think I'd give the seasonal option a try. In reality, I don't think another year will make much difference to the value of the van if you then decide to sell. The biggest depreciation seems to be in the first year or two.

What is it about the caravan that causes the biggest difficulties? We might have some ideas to help.

[oneputt]

As Tinny says only you and Mrs TF can make that decision. I'm guessing it's not so much the driving but the hitching, setting up etc. If that's the case would a motorhome be the answer?

[Tinwheeler]

My thought, too, One. I was hoping to get a little more detail from TF as health issues were the reason we made the change.

[DianneT]

As TW says why not give it another seaso and see how you feel then.

[Happydaze]

Pukka advice thus far TF I'd go for the option(at least consider it) of the Moho route. You can drive, seems that's the main part of the Moho issues sorted. I've seen them set up in a few mins without sweating or much bending/twisting. If you are struggling with a C/van it can only worsen. I'd at least do some sums & research into the possibility. Even after an op it ain't going to be plain sailing with a C/van, it could be with a Moho

[Tinwheeler]

Also, Mrs TF doesn't tow but she might well drive a sensibly sized MH.

[neveramsure]

I cannot improve on the ideas/advice from the other members TF.
The only thing I would say is to make sure motor homing is for you, they can be quite an outlay and a lot of money to be stuck on the drive if you don't use it.
Good luck with whatever you decide and your op.

[Takethedogalong]

Have to agree with everything said above TF. If you carefully choose the layout and size that best suits, then motorhoming is an absolute breeze compared with most aspects of caravanning. It really is literally hop in and go. There are just no heavy tasks with it. Even if Site doesn't have a dedicated dump for MH waste, you can just use a bucket! Fill tank as you arrive with hosepipe, no carting water up and down.

However......we used to leave a touring van in Cornwall, albeit not pitched up, but on farm storage. We could zip up and down more easily. Cornwall is unforgiving on vans, all that rain soon turns them green unless they get regular cleaning.

[Tinwheeler]

Easier than having to empty a bucket is connecting a hose to the waste outlet and draining the tank into any available waste water drain. It's much kinder to the back.