[Closed] Renting a Motor Home and Driving to Italy from the UK

I can recommend this book, for listing the vast majority of Motorhome Aires in France.
https://www.vicarious-shop.com/All-the-Aires-France-3rd-edition-all-the-Frence-Aires.html?page=1

Aires are spaces set aside in towns and vilages for motorhomes to park up for free, usually with facilities such as fresh water, waste water drain and sometimes elec hook up. This places are free to stay at and services may cost €2. These are not the same as Aires on the autoroutes BTW.

That's a lot of driving in 3 days, are you sure you really want to do it in something that struggles with speed limits, hills and headwinds and only does mid 20's mpg? A big diesel estate (more headroom inthe back than a hatch/saloon generaly) would eat that a day driving with the two of you doing it in 4 hour shifts.

Saying that, I've spent plenty of time in overcrowded camper vans on long european trips. But beer and chips probbaly wont feature quite so heavily in your trip to pass the time.

If he can't take the train, won't a long car journey prove worse? You'd probably be better off with a decent size car / people mover and a portapotty - cheaper, more comfortable, quicker and better economy.

Whereabouts in Italy? Goes without saying that you should take a bike: some fantastic spots around Riva del Garda, Liguria etc. Then return via the Alps...

Can't recommend anywhere, but I reckon you'll be spending a couple of grand - have you looked at the price of a repatriation service?

Surely a train and a wheelchair would be a more comfortable option? The modern high-speed trains glide along, no bumps, swaying etc. that you get in a car...

I would have thought that a first class ticket on fast trains would be the way to go. More space, less stress, back quicker and would work out way cheaper.

The motorhome will only have a small toilet so it is unlikely that your dad will be able to use it anyhow.

It's not that much driving, I don't think. Well, if you don't have a broken hip 🙂 We did 900 miles back from Germany in three days with a toddler, it's not so bad.

As above though, I can't see how driving is going to be any better than flying or the train, but then again it's probably a question of liability - if you drive it's your responsibility.

[i]The motorhome will only have a small toilet so it is unlikely that your dad will be able to use it anyhow.[/i]

this.

there's not a lot of room in the toilets in those things, and the thrones are often awkwardly placed - bear in mind he'll need space for a zimmer frame/crutches/help - you'll really struggle, tbh.

I'm sure the motorway servcies will have wheelchair accesible facilities in any event.

Might be better with a car and an overnight stop in a suitable equipped hotel room?

I've not had a hip replacement but have had a fair few ops on my hips and sitting is a bloody nightmare. I'd look at the train option myself.
Any insurance to help with cost?

AS the others say - I cannot see how he would use the toilet in a motor home and why a motorhome would be more acceptable than a train

I have a MH - and the loo is tiny - I can't read a paper without the door open....! No way anyone could help an invalid on or off....

Standard advice following a hip replacement is not to flex the hip joint to anywhere near 90 degrees. They can and do dislocate easily.

Fly or train.

Thanks for all your replies.

His Italian surgeon and UK doctor have both advised not to fly and not to take the train. Both like the idea of a motor home so that's what my father has fixed on.

I did wonder abut the size of the toilet. My father is over 6'. However he will be on crutches not a zimmer and it will be about 6 weeks after his operation by the time we go to collect him so I'm hoping he will be fairly mobile and we won't have any problems.

As for the driving we'll only be doing about 3 hours each most days. With lots of rest stops and a bit of sunshine (27 degrees where we're heading) it'll be fine.

My missus drove me back from the French alps when I had broken my pelvis - 9 hours sat on my (stable) fractured ischium in the dual passenger seat of my T4 wasn't an experience I'd repeat in a hurry.

Make sure you've got lots of tramadol for him 🙂

Dave

6 weeks after should be fine if you take it steady. He may be almost off crutches by then.

surely this is the insurance companys issue to deal with not yours?

crikey - Member

Standard advice following a hip replacement is not to flex the hip joint to anywhere near 90 degrees. They can and do dislocate easily.

this is the key thing - he ain't gonna be able to sit on the onboard loo and needs to be careful in a seat as well

surely this is the insurance companys issue to deal with not yours?

My thoughts too. My old man had a stroke in Norway after sailing his yacht over there, they flew him back and paid for a skipper to sail it back to his home port. The skipper then paid a company to lift it out of water, take masts and keel off and low loader it back. Nice profit he made for a few phone calls...

Remember that even getting in and out of a motorhome can be a bit of a leg-stretch.

I can't figure out what is wrong with getting the train.

In reply to some of the posts above:

I can't understand either why a motor home is much better than the train but that's what the doctors have said.

Unfortunately no insurance as they said it was too expensive for them in their 70s with spending several months out of the country every year. They don't mind paying a couple of grand to get them home as they've saved more than this over the years.

As for the loo, he has been given a tall cushion to put on the seat as even regular loos are too low to keep to the 90 degree flex rule. This is standard for people after a hip replacement.

I'll make sure the van has two double seats around the table. That way he can recline while keeping his seat belt on rather than sitting up with my mom next to him.

I am hoping that nearer the time (the week after next) he'll be so mobile that he'll entertain the thought of a regular big car (if not the train). Perhaps a 7 seater people carrier type thing so he can have a whole bench to himself.

Unfortunately no time for taking a bike with me but there should be plenty of space for storage of booze on the way back.

Thanks again for the replies.

I've done Calais to Lake Garda or the return, more than once in one go, apart from fuel stops. It's doable but can be tiring. I'm certain that post op, apart from discomfort, dvt could be an issue. The route we take to there is 988 miles on the continent; France, Belgium, Germay, Austria. Have done it via Switzerland and the Gotthard Tunnel, but was more tiring as a "dash". Truthfully a more relaxed route using less busy roads would be really nice. Maybe the motorhome isn't a bad idea, just can't help but feel for him that the train may be the better option.
That said, I've only ever windsurfed at Garda, but really intend to take the bike next time.

I don't know of a motorhome with reclining seats in the rear, generally they are pretty upright and if they convert into a bed, they are generally flat and unsupportive. The front passenger seat would be best.

The toilet cushion...very likely it won't fit on the smaller than standard bog seat. As others have said, the room is generally cramped and simple things like not having enough space to lean forwards into when trying to get off the throne can make things awkward. Wiping can also involve a bit of twisting around/lifting one buttock!

One option (obviously not recommended but his choice) is to get a motorhome with a fixed rear bed, as then he can rest whilst you are driving, with the small risk he will roll out of bed on the first roundabout.

Another option...if they have a bit of cash, consider a cruise to get home?

Get Jeremy Clarkson to drive the camper van and he will get you there in no time on one tank of fuel 😉

Six weeks after a hip replacement my mother-in-law flew to the UK no problems. No problems through the airports. Last week's Easy Jet ruling means airports/airlines are responsible for getting handicapped people from check-in to arrivals lounge unaccompanied (or pay a 5000e fine and costs).

It might be worth hiring one on the other side of the channel - you get one with the steering wheel on the correct side which is a great help IMO

I've driven my motorhome from Edinburgh to Scotland and am doing so again this summer. Doing 1000+ miles in 2 or 3 days is no problem, especially as you can stop overnight at most servicestations and motorway parking areas on the continent. Yes the fuel consumption is high at motorway speeds high but it's wrong to assume you can't maintain decent average speeds. My old motorhome used to cruise comfortably at 65-70mph but the newer one is a lot more powerful and will quite happily maintain 80mph+.

We've got friends in Munich so usually stop for a day or two there (and I'd recommend a visit even if you don't have friends there) and we also usually do a couple of days at EuroDisney on the way back.

One option (obviously not recommended but his choice) is to get a motorhome with a fixed rear bed, as then he can rest whilst you are driving, with the small risk he will roll out of bed on the first roundabout.

yes a option that is also stupid, dangerous and illegal.

We sometimes part convert the lounge seating area on long overnight trips so that the kids can sit upright but with their legs up and seat-belts on under a duvet. That way they're still secured but more comfy that just in a chair.

We don't normally allow anyone to sleep in the beds when driving but my wife did it once when she wasn't feeling well. We have a fixed bed in the back and she was able to sleep ok without being thrown about the place. Definitely not a safe option though.

I agree, its not sensible, but with many motorhomes still being sold for 4 people but only having two belted seats, unfortunately its still common...as is parents travelling their kids unbelted, not only in motorhomes but also cars.

I wouldn't go as far to say dangerous...irresponsible yes, but its not like stepping out into the road with your eyes shut.

Illegal, possibly yes if there are spare belted seats that are unused. But otherwise, unless people are walking about in the back, you will be OK. One grey area is the Police may prosecute for having an 'unsafe load' an approach they may take if they witness someone walking about in the back.

He may also be able to get a temporary medical exemption from wearing a seat belt due to his recent op.

I would seriously consider getting a second medical opinion about the travel arrangements. It seems crazy that a camper van is preferable to a train.

[i]I've driven my motorhome from Edinburgh to Scotland and am doing so again this summer.[/i]

Is this the other Scotland that's not just north of England?

re: travelling laying down. Don't. The last thing you need is an incident that means he rolls out of bed.

Seconded, Ian.

First class TGV (or whatever it is from Italy) to Paris, a quick change at Paris and the Eurostar to the UK. Spacious seats, spacious bogs, sorted 🙂

Is this the other Scotland that's not just north of England?

Doh! Meant Edinburgh to Italy of course!!!

Last time we only went as far south as Venice but as that motorhome didn't have aircon it was too hot. We got a roof-mounted aircon fitted to the new one so are heading further south this time.

I've done that journey many times, through Mont Blanc tunnel is probably the smoothest route rather than via Switzerland (you might be tempted to go that route depending on where he is in Italy).

Personally, I wouldn't fancy sitting in a car with a broken hip for that long. Have you looked into overnight trains and then picking him up from Paris?

You should be able to find an overnight train with sleepers...that might be more confortable and probably quicker.

I once saw a motor home in Italy by the side of the road...it had crashed and the only bit remaining was the cab...the rest of it was like crumpled cardboard across the motorway.

We have a 2010 Transit based motorhome. It will do around 30mpg and 80mph no worries, but definitely not at the same time - 50-55mph is best for economy. You'd be lucky to do 20mpg at high speeds.

The point of a motorhome is not to cover long distances quickly, but instead leisurely. I would echo many of the above points. The rear seats are ALWAYS a compromise between flexibility (in terms of usage) and comfort. I would avoid spending long days on the road in the rear seats. I have never seen a reclining rear seat.

The toilet will be tricky to use if you are recovering from an operation. And no-one will be able to fit in the room to assist if necessary. The washrooms are VERY small.

I would look for a vehicle with large very comfortable seats (seriously, a Limo?) and plan to take regular breaks at service stations which will all have disable toilets. The opportunity to move around may well be welcome. Book hotels at suitable points along your route.

Motorhomes are great, but they are by necessity a number of compromises, and I fear far from ideal for your needs. Renting one won't be cheap.

my solution to this is not a motorhome but an suv with serious rear leg room something like a merc viano which can be had for circa 120 a day comfortable fast acessable seats 8 adults seats can be re configured.. no competition..