A week from Wednesday, we'll be flying off to the UK to pick up the 307d motorhome from the farm where it is stored, and take a ferry across the Channel to tour the continent (mostly France I think)for 7 weeks.
It's been sitting for about 10 months but last year it sat for six and started up on the first crank.
I recommend it for all of you interested in budget travel. (It cost $1800) I've already sold the motorhome via the internet and will be delivering it to the buyer at the end of our trip. We got three European trips out of it and are just about breaking even in the sale. For all of you with Mercedes mechanical skills, there are tons of Mercedes motorhomes in Europe anxiously awaiting your attention and enjoyment.
The whole adventure began when I was looking at an atlas and noticed there is a road following the coast of the Mediteranean, all the way around. It would be a fascinating historical and cultural experience to follow it all the way around. The last couple of years have been a kind of dry run to see if I had what it takes to wrench and travel on other continents.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Just returned yesterday. Had a great time and the Mercedes proved as reliable as ever. Once I charged the battery, it started on the first crank after sitting for almost a year. Only problem I had was a fan belt that needed to be replaced.
Thought people might be interested in the different automobile culture in France. I drove about 1400 miles and did not see one auto parts store. The only place to buy parts is at dealers. In addition almost all garages specialize in only one brand of vehicle and most are dealerships. The idea of an independent parts store or independent mechanic does not seem to exist in France. I assume there must be some legal barrier to them because it would seem that an independent parts supplier could make a million in France in short order.
Sold the motorhome the day before I left so I am now European Mercedes less.
By the way, diesel is about a dollar a gallon cheaper than gasoline in France so almost all the vehicles are diesel. You get to the point where you think all engines rattle and are surprised when a gasoline car drives by.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

In Paris I saw a 307 or so and a man was using it as a mobil mechanic.
Also most dealers there did not stock cars. If you wanted one you ordered it.
Never look for parts.
You must have taken your tool's with you.
Did you see a lot of Elf Stations?
Charlie

Yes, took my own tools. Caused me some delay when my luggage was x-rayed. Yes, I noticed that dealers had few or no cars on the lot. The mobile mechanic should be able to make a lot of money. It also looked to me that there weren't a lot of DIYérs in France although the supermarkets usually carried the same variety of oils, filters and parts that we find in K-Marts or Wal-Marts over here. Saw some Elf stations but most people, including me, bought their fuel at the supermarkets or hypermarkets.
Roads were much better than in the UK, and camping was fantastic. The French really cater to campers. Was able to camp just outside of Paris at Versailles and take the commuter train into the city.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I drove along the Mediteranean (sp?) coast a couple of weeks after 9/11. I only went from Niece to Genova, but it was very slow going. It was a very interesting drive. I can't imagine driving through those towns, especially the ones in Italy in a motor home.

Sounds like it was a fun trip.

Have a great day,

Kerry:

That is too cool. I knew you had purchased the MH but didn't realize the long term view. Great adventure and thanks for the idea.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

Any chance anyone could post a picture of one of those mobile homes?

Check out the picture of the one I just sold which I posted on this t hread:
Why don't we all post a picture of our diesels?

For a picture of the one I still have, do a search on 'new 409d' in the title and you will see the pictures of that one.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Absolutely fascinating method of touring Europe. How did you come up with this good idea?