I am sat here on a very wet and windy day, hoping that sometime in the not too distant future the weather forecast will improve and we can take Hygge out again. I am not holding my breath.
It is at this time of year we always get Hygge ship-shape and prepared for the next 12 months of travel. We always feel it is important to keep on top of maintenance and servicing and it’s been an expensive year this year. I guess it is something you always need to factor into your calculations when buying a campervan, or any motorhome/caravan. With this in mind I thought I would write a blog on this year’s running costs for Hygge before we even leave the driveway. Just in case any of you were thinking of joining the club!
Of course, there are the standard vehicle costs with any vehicle over 3 years old, I’ve included these too.
MOT – luckily Hygge passed this year 40.00
Road Tax - 12 months 260.00
(There are some very confusing changes to road tax classes, which means that not all campervans are classed as campervans and are taxed differently. Someone in the DVLA was obviously having a moment when making up the new rules!)
Insurance and Roadside Assistance 270.00
Second Long Life Service 198.00*
New Battery 110.00*
Cambelt/Water Pump 456.00*
Habitation Check 199.95*
(Camperking do an amazing 1 year rolling warranty on Habitation Checks for their vans, so naturally we return Hygge to them every year.)
Some of the things covered in the habitation check include: all gas connections and devices, mains electric, 12v electric and appliances. The diesel heater and flues are checked as well as the water system and the filter is cleaned. Fire safety and ventilation are also part of the review and they also check the body work and wheels.
* excluding VAT
As you can see the costs can mount up in some years. For us peace of mind is paramount, especially when you are travelling a few thousand miles from home. And for us Hygge is an investment too, so if we ever have to sell (can't see that happening) looking after him should help keep his value.
There are other costs if you travel abroad and these can vary depending on which country or countries you visit. These include:- International Roadside Rescue. Emissions Vignettes. Motorway Vignettes and potentially motorway tolls.
I think most campervanners will agree when I say the temptation to buy lots of goodies for our vans is impossible to resist. On that note this year we want to buy a sun screen to attach to our Dometic Sunshade and possibly an electric single hob. We have watched a view vlogs on Youtube about the advantages of electric hobs especially when you have paid for electricity on a site.
It goes without saying we love travelling in Hygge and the freedom a campervan gives us. If I am honest we didn’t totally take on board how high the running costs could be in some years but we are more than happy to compromise with other things in life so we can enjoy our road trips in Hygge.
So our enforced stay at home means that I can now plan some more trips for this year and Garry can tidy the garden!!!!!! Fair division of labour I feel ;-)
Finally I have put together a few of our favourite photos from 2019 to share with you.
Please click on the arrow to scroll through the photos
This is why we love travelling in Hygge so much. Its a wonderful world!
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Happy travels
Caroline
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