olliemcleod Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Dear All We're a newby couple (with dog) to Motorhomes and admit to being a bit overwhelmed by the variety in the market. I'm looking for suggestions for a first motorhome with the following: < or = to 6m 2 berths 4 travelling seats separate shower ideally good fuel economy As for beds we like (i) fixed drop down (from ceiling) (ii) rear fixed (with/without garage) and (iii) rear made up from lounge i.e. we like a front dinete which wouldn't need to used as a bed. My wife prefers coachbuilt but I like panelvan conversions too. We've looked at Bessacar 424, Swift 604, Autotrail vline 699/700, Chausson Flash 514 Budget sub £40k ideally and would consider second hand but would want a manufacturers warranty. Advice welcomed please and tia! Stephen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 The nec show, 16-21 October will have hundreds to sit in and evaluate. Don't go wild and spend a fortune on your first one, so many folk change their mind and lose thousands. Either hire one, or if you want to buy, pick up a recent second hand one with a warranty. It's only by actually trying them out that you realise what works and what doesn't. (And read the forums) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAJay Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Billggski - 2018-09-12 11:00 AM The nec show, 16-21 October will have hundreds to sit in and evaluate. Don't go wild and spend a fortune on your first one, so many folk change their mind and lose thousands. Either hire one, or if you want to buy, pick up a recent second hand one with a warranty. It's only by actually trying them out that you realise what works and what doesn't. (And read the forums) Have to agree. Don't go mad on a new one, if it does not suit you, a lot of money will be lost on sale/changeover. Also check your licence re weight. Can you drive over 3500? Why 2 berth 4 seat belts ? Not a common set up. PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curdle Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Back in 2006, I read up reviews in the various motorhome mags and went with the "class motorhome of the year" award with a vehicle based pretty much similar to your current stated spec and budget. That was the Hymer van 522, a forerunner in that new compact class at the time. Many similar models and marques matching you spec have emerged since. Maybe worth researching publications for expert reviews. We loved that vehicle (and still do in fact) but having updated to a new model this year, now recognise the shortcomings even though it was cutting edge at the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 12, 2018 Author Share Posted September 12, 2018 Thanks Pjay Yes, I can drive over 3500kg. The 4 berth is for day to day use but we're unlikely to have more than the two of us sleeping over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 12, 2018 Author Share Posted September 12, 2018 Thanks - the NEC show is a good idea - thought i had missed it this year. Also been recommended the Dusseldorf one as much bigger apparently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterjl Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 Hi The Globecar range are worth a look. They tick the boxes you want except price new. The NEC show is s good start but once you have an idea it’s worth renting to get experience.. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 12, 2018 Author Share Posted September 12, 2018 Thanks! Had a look at the 522 and looks perfect - even the 2007 ones are £32k and look in great condition. I'll search for examples based on the 522 if that was the first type of it's class. I take it that Hymer is a more upmarket range? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cattwg Posted September 12, 2018 Share Posted September 12, 2018 I endorse the recommendation to visit a show. The NEC is good, but here you will only see brand new motorhomes. There is often a long lead time from ordering to actually receiving your vehicle. Friends of ours waited 8 months! If you can get to one or more of the Warner (MMM) shows you will have the opportunity to view new and second hand options side by side. You may find that by buying a recently second hand ‘van you will be able to afford to upgrade your choice. Cattwg :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will86 Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 Stephen, There's a comment recently posted ref a 2 yr old Bailey ... it might be worth taking an interest in its development. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 olliemcleod - 2018-09-12 10:31 AM Dear All We're a newby couple (with dog) to Motorhomes and admit to being a bit overwhelmed by the variety in the market. I'm looking for suggestions for a first motorhome with the following: < or = to 6m 2 berths 4 travelling seats separate shower ideally good fuel economy As for beds we like (i) fixed drop down (from ceiling) (ii) rear fixed (with/without garage) and (iii) rear made up from lounge i.e. we like a front dinete which wouldn't need to used as a bed. My wife prefers coachbuilt but I like panelvan conversions too. We've looked at Bessacar 424, Swift 604, Autotrail vline 699/700, Chausson Flash 514 Budget sub £40k ideally and would consider second hand but would want a manufacturers warranty. Advice welcomed please and tia! Stephen I can recommend the Travelhome ;-) .......... Under 6 m.......4 berths not 2........with an upstairs double and no drop down fancy bed that's bound to go wrong one day :D ..........4 belted seats ........admittedly the shower is only separated by a shower curtain.......but you'll have more kitchen work surface and a oven that works unlike some 100k+ campers ;-) ..........Not to mention 31 mpg.........and a turning circle that would make a London cabby blush B-) ........ Plus 30 to 35k worth of beer tokens left over from your budget ...........What's not to like? :-> ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deffheads Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 Hi, We were newbies 2 years ago, and researched for 2 years before buying, listening to many who bought the wrong one first time. I would suggest you look at more than just interior layout, try to image how you are going to use it. For just weekends and short holiday and the kind of temperatures you intend to use it in. We looked at many, mostly German made, because they are better built and mostly 'winterised', which means you can use all year round without any problems. We go away from November and do not return until early summer, and have camped in temperatures from minus 10c to well above 40c, both heating [ Alde] and fridge/freezer coped easily. Dethleffs get my vote any day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted September 13, 2018 Share Posted September 13, 2018 Deffheads - 2018-09-13 6:35 PM We go away from November and do not return until early summer, and have camped in temperatures from minus 10c to well above 40c, both heating [ Alde] and fridge/freezer coped easily. Dethleffs get my vote any day. We got down to -14 in Brittany in ours one Christmas ;-) ....... The only problem was back then we used 2 campinggaz cylinders which I thought we were using up 1 within two days......but they were actually freezing....... so I was returning 3/4 full bottles and buying new ones at 25 quid a pop years ago *-) ........ Now have a refillable B-) ........and a campinggaz just for emergencies :D ....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cidered Posted September 15, 2018 Share Posted September 15, 2018 We were also ifacing the same dilemma five years ago. Complete newbies at that point. Rented a couple for a weekend and realised they were too small. Ended up with a Dethleffs Globebus which has been excellent. Slim yet roomy with big garage. The other thing I would recommend is finding a good localish dealer. You don’t want to be schlepping more than 50 miles for any bits, repairs, servicing, warranty work etc. Pullingers in Essex have been top notch for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flicka Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 Cattwg - 2018-09-12 6:24 PM I endorse the recommendation to visit a show. The NEC is good, but here you will only see brand new motorhomes. There is often a long lead time from ordering to actually receiving your vehicle. Friends of ours waited 8 months! If you can get to one or more of the Warner (MMM) shows you will have the opportunity to view new and second hand options side by side. You may find that by buying a recently second hand ‘van you will be able to afford to upgrade your choice. Cattwg :-D Lincoln Motorhome Show at Lincoln showground a few miles north of the city is on next weekend & usually has a good selection of both new & used motorhomes / campervans. Many used & 2018 models are discounted as dealers don't want hold stock (& tied up cash) over winter ready for 2019 models arriving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 Thanks for the suggestion - I think we'll pop down next weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 Thank you. I have spent the day looking at German Motorhomes and I'm speechless at the range, quality and cost! I like the Globebus, but also the Frankie 640 and the Smove :-) I like the double floor arrangement and the ability to tour whatever the weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olliemcleod Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 Deffheads - 2018-09-13 6:35 PM Hi, We were newbies 2 years ago, and researched for 2 years before buying, listening to many who bought the wrong one first time. I would suggest you look at more than just interior layout, try to image how you are going to use it. For just weekends and short holiday and the kind of temperatures you intend to use it in. We looked at many, mostly German made, because they are better built and mostly 'winterised', which means you can use all year round without any problems. We go away from November and do not return until early summer, and have camped in temperatures from minus 10c to well above 40c, both heating [ Alde] and fridge/freezer coped easily. Dethleffs get my vote any day. The Dethleffs are beautifully designed. I think I'd rather use our budget for a 2nd hand but higher spec German MH than a new but cheaper brand...especially if I can get a warranty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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