Winnebago roof loss

[meltec]

I guess we are going off thread here Bill but heck, it is Christmas!

There is absolutely no need to feel sorry for us over here. There is nothing unusual about an RV and we have a good network of specialists around the UK and some provide a mobile maintenance service.

I had new rear suspension bushes made locally at a general truck and bus workshop, manufactured to the latest specification, rather than pay shipping from the US for OEM items from decade old specs. And yes, it was cheaper and quicker. It was the same with our auto transmission shift cable - custom made with the latest materials, £58 including shipping. The OEM from the US would have cost nearly $500 including shipping.

Travel anywhere in Europe is no problem either, as camp grounds especially, cater for many languages. We have all the attractions of the many European cultures, from Scandinavia in the north to the beaches of the Mediterranean countries in the south. And of course, on the continent they drive on the right so it is easier than driving in the UK.

Our comprehensive insurance includes full European and UK Breakdown and recovery back to home or place of repair. The cost, little changed for the past six years is £542 this year.

It is not all good of course. If I can claim some sympathy it is for driving in the UK. I am sitting on the wrong side of the road and apart from motorways and major roads, they are quite narrow. Where we are based the RV takes up most of the width of the lanes so we hope not to meet a milk tanker coming in the opposite direction. Low and narrow bridges mean a GPS is to be used in conjunction with a good truckers map. Many locally we have to route around. A reliable truckers GPS is wishful thinking. The overhang at the rear can be an issue.

We pay for length and height on ferries but we are not penalized on toll roads or bridges. We are classed as a motorhome and that means the charge is very reasonable despite our size. In fact we are quite small compared to some that you guys are building over there now.

But we can agree that the rewards outweigh most things.

Have a good one.

Alan