SOON it will be that time of the year again. A time when thousands of people open the garage and dust down their second home ready for the summer ahead.

I always used to think caravan owners were sad individuals who just had to take a little piece of home with them every time they went on holiday.

"What's wrong with a decent four star hotel?" I used to curse as we joined yet another log jam of traffic queuing behind a caravan travelling at 25mph.

Yet, according to a recent survey of 30-somethings, a motorhome is de rigeur if you want to look hip and trendy.

Affluent dinkies (dual income no kids) are splashing out on motorhomes in ever greater numbers. So could it be that I was wrong all the time?

The only way to find out was to have a try, so we took a Pilote Galaxy 75 on a brief spin of Scotland to see if the motorhome experience could change my narrow minded prejudices - or simply reinforce them.

Not too big, not too small, the Galaxy 75 is the Ford Escort of motorhomes. Powered by a pokey but reasonably frugal Peugeot diesel engine, the bodyshell is purpose-built and fitted to a separate ladder chassis.

According to the brochure, a Galaxy 75 will sleep four adults, or five at a push.

The main double bed drops down on an ingenious hinge system from above the driver's cab while the kitchen area seating can be re-arranged for sleeping.

With all the curtains drawn, I felt quite at home and despite the relatively compact dimensions there was room to stretch out in comfort.

Other home-from-home comforts include a (tricky to operate) central heating system, electric power shower, a gas oven and full air conditioning.

The motorhome has come a long way since those old-style VW camper vans that seemed to consist of a bench seat which turned into a bed, and little else.

Electricity and water are precious commodities on the move.

In fact, the generator needed to power a portable TV was so noisy we couldn't hear a thing and the water indicator soon hits empty if you're partial to long showers.

The best bet is to check into a decent campsite (the Caravan Club can provide a list) where it's a simple matter to hook your 'van up to the mains and refill the water tanks.

Driving something so big isn't such a chore but it pays to avoid town centres.

Friends who own one of these beasts have a couple of mopeds they lash to the back and use for scooting around when they arrive.

So was I convinced? To a degree, yes.

Motorhomes are a lot of fun, they put the adventure back into a simple touring holiday and it's nice knowing you can up sticks and move on without a second thought about where you'll be staying.

Their drawbacks are mainly associated with driving a large vehicle and that's true of larger cars as well.

Would I have one? Only if it came with the engine from a Chrysler Viper beneath the bonnet and an AMG handling kit, but I'll never curse a motorhome or a caravan again.

Motorhomes start from around £22,000 and can range up to £35,000 or beyond depending on your individual requirements.

For more information you can try the Motorhome Information Service on (01444) 453399 or the Caravan Club on 0800 521161