New Motorhome

[Hawcara]

We are due to collect new motorhome in January.

Is there a checklist that we could download to go through on handover available?

Thank you *-)

[Big Momma]

Is the Motorhome new as in 'New' or new as in another van that is 'Used'. If it is brand new then the dealer should go through everything with you, External and Internal and show you how things work. Try and think beforehand about some of the things that you are not sure about, don't worry about sounding silly, if you don't know then ask. No matter how much detail they go into though, you will forget something so the best advice is get out and use it as soon as possible. January is a good time to test the heating, lighting etc (External road lights and Internal habitation lights). Not only will this give you confidence with how things work but if there is something that needs attention then better to find it early on rather than away on a major trip.

 

If it is a used van then take it for a drive before parting with anymore money, that way if there is something wrong the dealer will be eager to put it right and get his money. Do check the tyres, tyre walls do crack and although they may look legal they could be a death trap, see other thread relating to this topic.

 

It may assist other contributors if you give an indication of make and model of van as there is likely to be others who either own or have experience with the vehicle.

 

Enjoy the freedom ;-)

[Hawcara]

Thank you.

It is new Chausson Flash 04.

Minx (Mel) and others have given some excellent advice so far, including downloadable reviews.

Saw at Nec in October and collect in Jan from Highbridge.

It has taken us about a year to get to this stage.

We have had a caravan before, but there are always silly questions that one thinks of afterwards, eg with the caravan it took us about 2 months to work out how to get the hot water to work properly. Dealer was rubbish and handbook unclear.

Dont worry about the obvious as it is often those things that are missed.

Thank you. 8-)

[MandyAndy]

Thank you to who ever put this on a forum xxx

 

By the time pickup day arrives, it is assumed that all finance is in place, and ready to be transferred. Inform the seller that the money will be transferred once the handover checks have taken place. Ask them if they can ensure that all systems on the motorhome will be available to be tested. If the van is brand new, and doesn't have gas bottles installed (and you should really make sure you order the gas bottles when you order the van), inform the dealer that you will need to see the gas systems checked, and you would like a gas bottle temporarily connected to enable this check to take place.

 

Also ask for the seller to make sure the fuel tank is at least half full.

 

Take a checklist with you. Take a friend with you - by all means, take a partner or "significant other", but a friend will be able to help you check over the van before you hand over any money. The idea is that the motorhome needs to be checked over thoroughly, and we, as the excited new owners, cannot be relied upon to look at it dispassionately. Someone also needs to listen carefully to all of the instructions and guidelines that the dealer or previous owner might say.

 

Someone unrelated can go through a checklist without getting diverted into discussion about where the previous owners went, how they used the van, "what we used to do was", and anecdotes like that. If something is unclear, a friend will ask questions until it is clear, whereas the new owner might think it is taking a bit of a liberty.

 

When we picked up our first motorhome, we took a checklist (http://www.motorhomefacts.com/downloads-details-3-7-MHF_Handover_Checklist.html), but most of it got ignored. We bought privately, and the previous owners were really thorough about the handover, showing us how everything worked, and proving that it did. We didn't listen much. It was all new and strange, and all we wanted to do was to get on the road and try it out. In our case, there were very few problems, but the possibility was there.

 

The Pickup - Checking Over The Van

The day eventually arrives. All the money is in place, and the van is apparently ready to pick up.

 

If the van is new, it is easy to assume that everything will work fine, but there are numerous instances of problems that miss the factory and dealer checks, so it is important to check that all systems are functioning properly. If the van is second-hand, these checks should have been made when the van was inspected.

 

Water Systems

 

Most motorhomes operate with a fresh water tank and a grey water tank, mounted under the floor. The vendor should show you where the fresh water filler cap is, which is usually a locking cap to stop contamination. Both fresh water and grey water (waste water from the kitchen / bathroom sinks and shower) tanks should have drainage taps, which are usually tucked up underneath the bodywork. Make sure the vendor shows you that these work, and are not seized up. Request that the tank is filled, and that water comes from taps in the kitchen and bathroom. Also check that the water tank shows no sign of leakage.

 

At the start of the handover, tell the vendor that you would like to see the water heating system working, which will give time for the water to heat up during the handover check.

 

Electrical systems

 

Most motorhomes have dual electrical systems - 12 volt dc and 240 volt ac. The 12 volt system should work off one or more habitation batteries, which can be charged from the engine whilst it's running or a 240 volt charging system. This system powers the internal lighting and caravan-type electrical sockets. The 240 volt system powers the charger, any 240 volt mains electrical sockets and possibly the fridge. Check that all are working. If possibly, take along an electrical tester (less than £10) to check the correct working of this system.

 

Get the vendor to show you the location of the habitation battery, and use a voltmeter, set on its 20 volts dc range, to show that the voltage rises when either the engine is running or the 240 volt charger is operational.

 

Check that all of the internal lights work, and that the water pump operates to give a smooth flow of water through the taps. Water pumps can be replaced reasonably easily, so it's not necessarily a deal-breaker if it can't be shown, but be aware that a simple non-functioning pump may hide the fact that there are leaks in the pipework, or some other fault condition.

 

Gas systems

 

Most motorhomes have some sort of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) system, which is used for a cooker (if fitted), a fridge, and possible water heating. The most common form of LPG is propane, which has better low temperature qualities, and this comes in red metal gas bottles. Butane is the alternative, which is a "Camping Gaz" type, and comes in blue containers. Don't take the excuse that "the gas has just run out", because there are a number of reasons why a gas system may not work, and it is important to see that gas is flowing to the cooker. Repairs to gas fridges can be expensive, since they are non-domestic, and it should be possible to check the pilot light on the fridge and to adjust the temperature and see the gas flame change.

 

If you are unsure about any part of the gas system, try to arrange an inspection by a Corgi-registered gas engineer, who can check for leaks and bad installation.

 

Toilet

 

By far the most common toilet installed in motorhomes is the Thetford cassette type. These are mounted next to a wall of the van, and allow the cassette to be changed from outside. Check the flush (either manual or electric) is working, and that the trap door into the storage cassette operates easily. It is a common courtesy for a vendor to empty the toilet before putting a van up for sale. If the toilet is smelly, be wary that the vendor might not have taken much care in their treatment of the rest of the motorhome.

 

Go outside, and make sure that the cassette door opens easily, and ask the vendor to show you how the cassette is removed. Watch out for any signs of "leakage" in the cassette compartments. Spares are widely available for Thetford toilets, but even so it might be better to get the vendor to fix any problems in this area before you pick the van up.

 

Mechanical systems

 

Most motorhomes have opening windows, which should all operate (sometimes, they can be a little "sticky" on the rubber seals if they haven't been used for a while), and locking mechanisms to hold the windows open should work. Replacement parts are generally available for most window types.

 

There are usually skylights for ventilation, around the kitchen area and in the bathroom. Ensure the vendor shows you these opening and locking. Some motorhomes have roof hatches (sometimes called "Hekis"), which are larger, and can be used as an escape route as well as for better ventilation in warm weather.

 

If the van has retractable steps, make sure these work (either manually or electrically), and that any warning buzzer (to alert the driver to the fact that the steps are still in their "out" position) also works.

 

Any doors (including entrance and locker doors) should open easily, and close firmly. Test the locking mechanisms, and that you have keys to all of the locks on the van, which might include main entry door, gas locker, storage lockers, and the toilet cassette door.

 

It may seem silly, but with the concentration on the habitation side of the motorhome, don't neglect the "van" part. Check that lights, indicators, and windscreen washers all function properly. This is a requirement of law, and once you hand over the money, the vehicle is yours, and once you sit behind the steering wheel with the engine running, you are the driver, and responsible for the legality of the vehicle.

 

Don't forget to ask the location of the fuel filler cap, and make sure you have any keys required to allow you to get fuel. It may seem trivial, but can easily be overlooked in the excitement of the pickup.

 

Quite often, a side awning is fitted to a motorhome to provide shade and rain cover for the outside living area. Get the vendor to show you how the awning is extended, and how the support legs are withdrawn and set up. Watch carefully for any knobs that may need to be released before the awning can be erected. Also watch how the legs are stored away inside the awning cover, as incorrect storage can cause the awning mechanism to fail to close the awning completely, and may damage the mechanism.

 

Cycle racks are common accessories, and although fairly simple, make sure that all the relevant fixings and brackets to hold the bokes are in place.

 

Finally, Before You Hand Over The Cheque!

Perform one final circuit of the van, looking for any fluid leaks, and checking that all the accessories that you saw when you first agreed to buy the van are still actually on it (it has been known for unscrupulous sellers to remove bike racks or awnings between the sale agreement and the pickup).

 

Also, make sure you know (as you walk completely round the van) what all the little doors and caps and openings do. If you're in any doubt, ask the vendor to explain. It is much better to ask several times until you're clear on all of the features of the motorhome, than risk not understanding something when you're miles away from any help.

 

The First Few Days

Unless you are an experienced motorhomer, take great care on your onward journey from the pickup. Don't attempt to drive too far on the first day, and don't immediately start off on a huge tour. Give yourself time to get used to the motorhome, and how everything works. Many new owners have spent the first night in their motorhome in the driveway of their house! This is actually a very sensible idea, so that if anything goes wrong, you can "bail out" and return to the security of bricks and mortar.

 

It is recommended that you spend your first night in your motorhome not too far from your home base. It may be worth considering booking into a full-service campsite, with shop and restaurant on-site, so that you don't feel pressured into using everything on the van on that first night. Some people just use the motorhome to sleep in at first, and then graduate to cooking and washing later. And the advantage of an on-site shop is that it gives you the opportunity to get all those many additional accessories that you didn't know you needed until you're using the motorhome. Don't be afraid to ask other motorhomers for advice or assistance. We are generally a helpful, gregarious bunch, and are always willing to lend a hand to a "newbie".

 

Happy motorhoming!

[Corky 8]

[flicka]

It was suggested to us that one of you goes through everythingwith the Dealer whilst your partner videotapes everything.

This has 2 benefits,

A) You can refer back to the instructions for the onboard equipment, on the video at any time.

B) It is a record of What the Dealer told you if a subsequent problem arises.

C) What the Dealer didn't show you.

 

On the basis of the recent threads regarding problems with payloads, it would be advisable to ask the Question during the Hand-over & record the Dealers' comments.

 

I understand Autotrail now include an Instruction Video with their new Motorhomes. Hopefully more manufacturers' will follow suit.

[dawki]

 

 

I understand Autotrail now include an Instruction Video with their new Motorhomes. Hopefully more manufacturers' will follow suit.

 

Fkika what a great idea that is, so simple but very handy

well done A/T

 

Cheers

 

Dawki

[oldlowie]

Highbridge Caravans are very honest brokers, so don't get too hung up with remembering 'everything'. Pick-up day will be a blur anyway and all you will want to do is drive it home asap :D :D :D

 

Whatever you need to know later, just ring them, they'll be glad to help...

 

Above all - enjoy your new 'van (lol) (lol) (lol)

[Hawcara]

Thank you all again.

I have put all the info into a file for use on the day. We intend to book a site near to Highbridge to stay on the first night, just in case anything does not work properly.

Will give feedback when we are sorted and ask for further advice.

:-|

[Derek Uzzell]

Hawcara:

 

If you can, get hold of all the instructional documentation (Ford & Chausson) that will be be provided with your new motorhome well in advance of the hand-over date, read through it carefully and note those things that you'll need to have explained.

 

If that's not practicable, I suggest you download whatever documentation is available on-line for the vehicle's major appliances (for a Flash 4 I think that would mean a Webasto air-heater, a Truma Ultrastore boiler, a Dometic fridge and a Thetford toilet) or contact the manufacturer and ask for a copy.

 

As you've got caravan experience, I suspect that it's the Webasto air-heater that you should concentrate most on, as you will probably be familiar with the rest.

 

The more preparation you do, the more useful the hand-over will be.

[LordThornber]

Can I respectfully suggest you approach with a positive attitude too?

 

No offence whatsoever intended, but my experience of these matters is to approach in a good light as opposed to a "what can I catch these beggars out with" attitude.

 

Not for a second am I saying you're of this nature but a good natured approach will always in my opinion beat a heavy handed one.

 

Like others have said, it won't matter what preparations you make, you'll forget something, even if it's been explained to you 3 fold.

 

Enjoy your new van, that's the priority, if a screw falls out. Have a screwdriver ready and put it back in. If a door creaks, squirt a bit of fairy liquid on, you get the drift I'm sure.

 

Martyn

[Mel B]

Don't worry, Highbridge are very good and the stuff on the Chausson Flash 04 is quite straightforward.

 

Air-heater is very easy to operate - the control is on the side of the dinette seat just in case you can't find it!

 

Water boiler - the control is located on the let under the top step to the bed and is the normal type.

 

Fridge (Dometic) - is normal operation (not AES sadly) - be careful with the catch though, as it can 'jam' and is a begger to get out of the slot, I'd suggest some silican spray on it when you get home and regularly thereafter to avoid problems.

 

Hob - you'll need a lighter of some sort.

 

Grill - the work of the devil !!! We managed to get ours to finally toast the bread rather than frighten it by tweaking the grill plates (see my other Chausson thread about this).

 

Fresh water tank drain is underneath somewhere near the diesel heater (so hubby tells me). Waste water drain is at the rear and works a treat. The boiler drain is located in the garage.

 

Leisure battery is under the passenger's seat, cab battery is under the driver's seat.

 

Gas - the locker only takes one large propane bottle.

 

When we went to collect our van, we left our old one and got a loan car fand went into Southend on Sea. Highbridge moved over our solar panel and 2nd leisure battery, and as we'd also taken a bike rack with us, the chap kindly put that on for us too. We bought an awning light in the shop (you get a discount as a customer) as there isn't one already on the van although there is a connection for it in the electrics block (it takes a bit of working out where to connect the wires though!).

 

Everything had already been thoroughly tested before we collected it - Highbridge are very thorough and everything worked as it should, plus they put fuel in it for us too (FOC).

 

We stayed at the below CC CL nearby - a lovely little site and would happily go there again, note that there isn't any electric though so if you intend to use it, make sure that Highbridge know you'll need the batteries charging up fully.

 

Elm Tree Farm

 

If you have any questions, now or when you get it, just ask. I'll PM you my mobile phone number so if you get a problem somewhere you can ring.

 

[Derek Uzzell]

Hawcara:

 

I don’t know if WARRANTIES have been mentioned already, but, before you get immersed in which switch does what and whether all the systems work, I strongly advise you to sit down with the Highbridge representative and ask for details (preferably written) of the durations and terms and conditions of the warranties that will apply to your new Chausson.

 

Unlike cars, it’s normal for motorhomes to have multiple warranties. There will be warranties relating to the base-vehicle (in your case a Ford Transit), warranties relating to the Chausson conversion, and warranties for the major appliances (heaters, fridge, etc.)

 

The warranties for a new Ford Transit sold in the UK are described on:

 

http://www.ford.co.uk/BuyingandprotectingyourFord/Warranties/WarrantyFAQs

 

It sometimes happens that Transit-based motorhomes built abroad do not have their basic ‘Continental’ 2-year base-vehicle warranty upgraded to the UK-standard 3-year duration. In such cases, it’s important that the omission is detected and remedied as soon as possible.

 

Should the Transit part of your motorhome develop a fault 30 months from now, you do not want to suddenly discover that Ford’s database shows your vehicle as being out of warranty and have to argue with a Ford service-centre about who is going to pay for the repair.

 

Just to be certain that Ford’s database shows that your Flash has the UK 3-year Transit warranty, I suggest that, after you've accepted the motorhome, you contact a local Ford agency yourself, provide the vehicle’s Registration Number and ask them to confirm the warranty’s duration. (You might find it takes a little while from when you will have taken delivery of the vehicle to when the notification that the vehicle has been sold reaches Ford, but a fortnight’s interval should be plenty.) If there is any problem, demand that Highbridge sort it out immediately.

 

I think the Ford base-vehicle service-interval for your motorhome will be every 15,000 miles or every 12 months (whichever comes first), but you’d need to confirm this.

 

Chausson’s conversion warranty will be 2-years duration covering the “interior décor”, and a 5 year ‘watertightness” warranty demanding an annual maintenance check by a Chausson dealership. (I don’t think habitation servicing is mandatory within the 2-year conversion-warranty period, but you’d need to check with Highbridge whether that’s so.)

 

I believe the Flash 4’s Truma Ultrastore boiler and Webasto air-heater both carry a 2-year warranty, but the fridge’s warranty may only be 1-year (check with Highbridge). I think, if you bought a Thetford toilet yourself, you might get a 3-year warranty, but I suspect that your motorhome’s toilet will be covered by Chausson’s 2-yeat conversion warranty.

 

Your Flash 4 will have a very different Transit chassis to Mel B’s Flash. Mel’s is built on a platform-cab chassis, while yours will be on the latest FWD chassis-cab base (25kg lighter, with a wider rear track and revised rear suspension).

 

The photo in my French Chausson 2011 brochure shows a Transit FWD chassis-cab fitted with a spare-wheel, but I’m doubtful that this is representative. I know Mel’s Flash came with no spare-wheel and I doubt that yours will have one either. (I can’t find any mention in the 2011 brochure of the presence, or lack, of a spare-wheel.)

 

So a) don’t be surprised if there’s no spare-wheel and b) don’t be surprised if fitting a spare-wheel beneath the chassis turns out to be impracticable. (At least your Flash has a garage to put one in if you so wished.) Assuming no spare-wheel is provided, the vehicle should come with a “Fix-&-Go” kit comprising a 12V tyre-pump and some tyre-sealant.

[Hawcara]

Sorry to be so long in replying, but I've been going around with my eyes shut for some reason.

All help is much appreciated.

Does AES mean where the fridge decides the power source. Not fitted with it means you have to do it yourself?

Will report back on how we get on.

Thank you and Merry Christmas B-)

[Mel B]

AES - automatic energy selection, you put the dial on auto and it will select whichever power source is appropriate: when static with the engine off and with hook-up connected it'll go to that first, if no hook-up, it'll then go to gas (if turned-on). When the engine is running (ie travelling) it would use 12v. You wouldn't have to do anything.

 

Our Chausson doesn't have an AES fridge so I don't think your's would either so it's a matter of twiddling the dial as appropriate.