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<\/a>Reviewing the different derivatives under the B500 series, we liked the rear kitchen models and started looking at B584’s. \u00a02003-2006 \u00a0production models were our target, avoiding pollution restrictions associated with earlier models. \u00a0Having identified a couple of likely suspects, Terry was off giving them the once over. \u00a0Having done less than 25,000 miles, with everything in excellent working order, a scooter rack on the back and some hard negotiating behind us, we had our Hymer secured in undercover storage near Chichester.<\/p>\n Arriving in the UK 2 months later we set aside a couple of weeks for getting the Hymer ready for some long term travelling and turning it into our home away from home. \u00a0A Gasit<\/a>\u00a0refill system and a Dometic air conditioner for the habitation area being the main expenses. \u00a0Setting up a motorhome on the other side of the world can be expensive. \u00a0BBQ, outdoor chairs, hoses and power cables all add up. \u00a0Luckily our aunties and cousins supplied lots of manchester and bits for the kitchen.<\/p>\n Our first trip up to the midlands was a great success. \u00a0The Hymer is easy to drive, has fabulous visibility, brings it own cold beer and you don’t need to be keeping an eye out for a clean toilet!<\/p>\n After seeing the Hymer safely back in storage for the winter, we applied to have it SORN, recovered some of our road tax and headed of on a cruise and a couple of weeks in Paris but that another story. \u00a0During our summer in Sydney we have had a microwave and a water filter fitted. \u00a0Upgraded the leasure batteries and had the MOT and a minor service completed. \u00a0Owning and maintaining a motorhome is not cheap, but the costs are comparable with owning one in Australia. \u00a0After all it’s not our inheritance where spending and you can’t take it with you.<\/p>\n A good GPS takes a lot of the anxiety out of travelling in foreign lands. We used\u00a0our old Garmin Nuvi 765 for the\u00a0first two weeks of driving the Hymer and our travels in France with a rented motorhome. \u00a0Despite the european map set and an update, it was very slow and froze at the most inopportune times. \u00a0Heading back in 2014 we decided on an upgrade to the\u00a0Garmin Dezi 760 Lmt<\/a>. \u00a0Its has a significantly larger touch screen, rear camera interface and the vehicle weight and dimensions can be entered to avoid low bridges and narrow streets. \u00a0the Garmin POI interface has proved easy to add the various waypoints associated with camping site and services.<\/p>\n Our other accessory added in 2014 was a Cotek SK1000 pure sine wave inverter. \u00a0Its main purpose being to run our coffee machine whilst free camping ! \u00a0I could rationalise the expense further by saying we can re-charge this or that, which we do but its primary function is coffee. \u00a0During the MOT and service in 2014 the 80 amp leisure batteries both indicated a drop in voltage that had not responded to recharging. \u00a0Rather than replace them with same gel batteries, we chose to 110 amp deep cycle wet cell batteries which are half the price. \u00a0Having the vehicle in storage and not on charge constantly is not conducive to gel batteries in any case.<\/p>\n The 2015 MOT and service went without a problem and I was finally able to get in contact with the previous owner who confirmed the engines timing belt was changed in 2012. \u00a0So one less thing to worry about. \u00a0Our other additions for 2015 are a wireless reversing camera suitable for the Garmin GPS. \u00a0This proved easy to install and link, the picture quality is however average, its good enough to know when I need to ask Pam to get out and provide a guide. \u00a0The other addition is a new alarm system which includes central locking. \u00a0I will provide more details regarding the alarm in due course.<\/p>\n For the 2016 season we replaced the bicycle rack which was showing it’s age with fatigue cracks getting longer. \u00a0For the 2017 season we replaced the 1000 watt inverter with a Cotek SK2000. \u00a0Its extra capacity allows us to run the microwave or vacuum cleaning whilst off-grid.<\/p>\n The following link will open a spread sheet itemising the costs associated with our motorhome (other than fuel) in 2017.<\/p>\n Hymer Budget 2017<\/a><\/p>\n If you have any queries about buying, insuring, road tax, MOT or storing a motorhome as a non UK resident, send me an email and I can let you know what we did.<\/p>\n Update 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n After a lot of research in the off-season, our first stop in 2018 was Warrington and AS-Air Suspension<\/a>. \u00a0The Hymer has driven slightly tail low since we originally purchased it. \u00a0Exasperated further by the 2 electric bikes hanging on the back. \u00a0With the e-bikes sold and the purchase of a scooter pending we made the decision to fit an air-suspension kit to the rear end. \u00a0An expensive addition at \u00a31,700, but the improvement in general handling and ride have been amazing.<\/p>\n Update 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n We recently met Michael and Debbie from Queensland, they purchased their motorhome through Euro Camping Cars, a French company that can provide ownership, insurance and storage of motorhomes for non-eu residents at what seems a reasonable cost. \u00a0Well worth a look before you take the jump.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>