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My first motorhome


Dennisthemenace

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Hi there,

I few weeks ago I asked here for some advice when choosing my first MT. I had a lot of great help through this forum which I have acted upon. I have ended up choosing to go for a Bessacarr E560 with a fixed bed. I'm after one around 2008. Before I sign on the dotted line for one has anyone got any thoughts on this MT please?

Dennis

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These are a couple of links to general advice on buying a motorhome

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Motorhomes/Buyers-Guide/Motorhome-Advice-Features/_vt13

 

http://motorhomes.autotrader.co.uk/motorhome-buyers-guide

 

These are Swift Group around-2008 publications that may be helpful

 

http://tinyurl.com/lw78pn2

 

http://tinyurl.com/klfcr4j

 

http://tinyurl.com/mpd3s5m

 

My understanding is that, in 2008, a Bessacarr E560, Ace Airstream 680FB and Swift Bolero 680FB were essentially the same vehicle, badge-engineered and with relatively minor differences in the standard specification, the ‘look’, upholstery options, pricing, etc. Examples of the Airstream and Bolero versions are here

 

http://www.chelstononline.co.uk/used-motorhome-ace-airstream-motorhome-8737

 

http://www.gumtree.com/p/campervans-motorhomes/swift-bolero-680fb-manual-2008-58/1102854011

 

If you GOOGLE-search on “Bessacarr E560”, or “Ace Airstream 680FB”or "Swift Bolero 680FB”, you should find owner comments on those models. For example

 

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/modules.php?name=MReviews&op=show&rid=149

 

You should also anticipate finding owner criticisms.

 

Remember that a 2008 motorhome will essentially be a 7-year-old caravan grafted on to a 7-year-old light-commercial vehicle. Whatever you buy, make sure you inspect it very very carefully.

 

 

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we have just changed our 680fb for a van with a bigger garage for our bikes.

the bolero (2010) was a really good van, large enough comfortable lounge, pretty good kitchen, good washroom and decent bed.....storage was good two, under both front sofas and under the bed.

I did look at changing to a new one (and continuing with a bike rack) but didnt like the wash swift had tarted it up......

buy as new a one as you can, check carefully, there is a possibility of damp under ear wheel arches, a known issue.....

good luck.

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Hi Dennis

We owned a Bessacarr new in 2008 and kept it for 2 years, the big mistake was selling it. Of all the motorhomes it was the best motorhome with no faults at all.

All the best with your purchase and enjoy.

Den

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We bought an Ace airstream 680 FB, on an 07 plate, it did everything we wanted ,good lounge, darn great fridge and tons of storage under the bunks, and the rear bed was a dream, misses sleeps on the out side and gets up with no problems. took it abroad all over France etc, then found the rear bed sagging one day, the floor had rotted and the supports sinking in to the soft wood and foam. Experience with wooden yachts helped me and fingers crossed it is all sorted now. The badge engineered models are in our mind ,good, if you get one ,of either make, check the floor underneath at the rear of the wheel arches on the nearside, walk away if it feels spongy, if under warranty you might be lucky and get the seller ( dealer) to get the repair done. engine wise they are good, expect the usual age related failures, Taken all in, we will not part with ours. Good luck.
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2008 was the era of damp floors in Swift group models - some affected more than others. Then main problem posted on forums appeared to be that underfloor was protected by plastic / pvc sheet which retained water in contact with the floor. I search of threads on the Swift-Talk forum should expand the definition of the problem & the models most affected.

A damp check to include the floor would be prudent.

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