Laurence Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 3:45 PM Also recommended by a friend is a levelling system. This one seems overkill to me but I'm open to advice and experience as ever as to the need for an automatic levelling system... Cheers Paul We have this E&P system and I would not be without it - in fact it is the first accessory I would put on any motorhome I bought. However, that depends on how important you feel it is to be level. Our motorhome is quite nose-down, so this system saves a lot of bother. It's not cheap. but personally I feel its worth it. I followed advice on many motorhome websites and went to SAP at Doncaster. Mick is the man! However, my advice would be the same as for all the other options you have been looking at, use the motorhome for several months first, then decide what you need based on experience and your way of using the motorhome. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmac Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 Hi, you are asking lots of questions about many equipment options for your motorhome I am wondering if you have spent much time in a motorhome up till now. Regards David Someone came and looked at my previous motorhome I was selling and told me that they were looking to go touring around Europe for nine months having not spent any time in a motorhome or caravan before, I told them they should give the idea a bit more thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 davidmac - 2019-03-13 6:25 PM Hi, you are asking lots of questions about many equipment options for your motorhome I am wondering if you have spent much time in a motorhome up till now. Regards David Someone came and looked at my previous motorhome I was selling and told me that they were looking to go touring around Europe for nine months having not spent any time in a motorhome or caravan before, I told them they should give the idea a bit more thought. HI David Isn't that what the forum is for? I made clear I haven't been in a motorhome for many years and that was a smaller camper. Fortunately others are very happy to help if you are not. When I need help, I ask and dealers always have a vested interest so I value other opinions here. When I have experience or ideas to share, I'll always share them and answer questions. Regards Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 aandncaravan - 2019-03-13 5:56 PM This is a "warts and all" discussion : https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/L-ion-batteries-C-MC-mag-Oct-18/50382/ It starts off with a discussion on Lithium but then covers eFoy, Including the little known fact, that in the small print it states that charger output power can drop below 70% in quite a short space of time. The good news is the unit can be rebuilt every so often to restore the lost power, but it costs an arm and a leg. Thanks! Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 Laurence - 2019-03-13 6:09 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 3:45 PM Also recommended by a friend is a levelling system. This one seems overkill to me but I'm open to advice and experience as ever as to the need for an automatic levelling system... Cheers Paul We have this E&P system and I would not be without it - in fact it is the first accessory I would put on any motorhome I bought. However, that depends on how important you feel it is to be level. Our motorhome is quite nose-down, so this system saves a lot of bother. It's not cheap. but personally I feel its worth it. I followed advice on many motorhome websites and went to SAP at Doncaster. Mick is the man! However, my advice would be the same as for all the other options you have been looking at, use the motorhome for several months first, then decide what you need based on experience and your way of using the motorhome. Regards, Thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmac Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 Hi Paul, I am not knocking you for getting all the information,hints and tips you can about motohoming you can before you start what I hope will be a very enjoyable experience. The perceived wisdom on this forum is that one should rent a motorhome a couple of times before committing a large amount of money to buying to see if the lifestyle suits. On Autotrader at the moment is a two year old high end motorhome equiped with many extras at slightly over two thirds of its original price. Someone is taking a huge hit in the wallet. No telling what the vendors circumstances are but would not like to see anyone loosing money like that. I really do wish you well in your adventure and hope you enjoy your time motorhoming as much as I do. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 davidmac - 2019-03-13 8:41 PM Hi Paul, I am not knocking you for getting all the information,hints and tips you can about motohoming you can before you start what I hope will be a very enjoyable experience. The perceived wisdom on this forum is that one should rent a motorhome a couple of times before committing a large amount of money to buying to see if the lifestyle suits. On Autotrader at the moment is a two year old high end motorhome equiped with many extras at slightly over two thirds of its original price. Someone is taking a huge hit in the wallet. No telling what the vendors circumstances are but would not like to see anyone loosing money like that. I really do wish you well in your adventure and hope you enjoy your time motorhoming as much as I do. Regards David Hi David Thanks for clarifying but I'm not naive. I realise motorhomes are bad investments and I realise there is a lot to learn. What I'm not is arrogant to not ask and I care for my family enough to do thorough research. I don't think any discussions here will stop me motorhoming; what I do hope is they improve my experience. Best wishes Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 7:47 PM Thanks for clarifying but I'm not naive. I realise motorhomes are bad investments and I realise there is a lot to learn. What I'm not is arrogant to not ask and I care for my family enough to do thorough research. I don't think any discussions here will stop me motorhoming; what I do hope is they improve my experience. Paul, Remember one thing: There is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer! So keep asking away and we'll do what ever we can to help you. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 Keithl - 2019-03-13 8:56 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 7:47 PM Thanks for clarifying but I'm not naive. I realise motorhomes are bad investments and I realise there is a lot to learn. What I'm not is arrogant to not ask and I care for my family enough to do thorough research. I don't think any discussions here will stop me motorhoming; what I do hope is they improve my experience. Paul, Remember one thing: There is no such thing as a stupid question, only a stupid answer! So keep asking away and we'll do what ever we can to help you. Keith. Thanks.... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceM Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 6:59 PM HI David Isn't that what the forum is for? I made clear I haven't been in a motorhome for many years and that was a smaller camper. Fortunately others are very happy to help if you are not. When I need help, I ask and dealers always have a vested interest so I value other opinions here. When I have experience or ideas to share, I'll always share them and answer questions. Regards Paul Well your prior purchase knowledge was probably better than mine. With no previous motorhoming experience (although I did have a boat – maybe that counts?), I spent 4 months researching and getting to know the market and then bought the first van I viewed – a private Ebay sale. It ticked all the boxes and was correctly priced. It’s been superb fun and exceeded my expectations. So there’s no right way to approach getting a van, it’s really down to an individual’s outlook on life. Incidentally it took me a good 3 months to absolutely get to know how everything on the van actually worked and that despite having a manual, so when you take delivery expect to be asking a lot more questions, we've all been there. My personal experience of this forum (2 years?) is that there are plenty of well informed people willing to help and the level of professionalism is exceptional. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmac Posted March 13, 2019 Share Posted March 13, 2019 Hi I brought my first motorhome in 1979, at the time I was racing a hydroplane and it was brought so we could go away for the weekend rather than rushing around on the Sunday. The motorhome lasted longer than the racing career. We had the motorhome for about 7/8 years.A few years later I had a Ducato van that I used for work and I made some fittings so we could go camping in that. 1995 silver wedding anniversary rented an RV and toured British Columbia for two weeks. 2010 two years before retirement the wife and I decided that we would go back to motorhoming when I retired. Spent two years looking on eBay and autotrader finally buying an Auto Sleeper Luxor, kept it for five years and traded in for the Rapido May 2017. Getting back on topic,the Luxor had domitec roof aircon , hardly used it as thought it was noisy, solar panel , very useful, underslung refillable l.p.g. tank, very handy had content gauge and electric on/off switch in hab , built in 2.2 kw Honda generator, too much noise and vibration to have running when others around but good for boiling water for tea or coffee when having a quick stop on route . The Rapido is 184hp 3lt auto ,that’s good and has a large garage that the Honda scooter goes in. Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 13, 2019 Author Share Posted March 13, 2019 Speaking of generators, my off-forum reading leads me to believe that I can run aircon when occasionally needed with a generator of around 2400kw output. If I fit aircon, I’m being recommended the Trula Comfort unit. I have three questions: 1. Is the Trula Comfort quiet enough to sleep? 2. What is the absolute best and quietest generator to buy that will run it? 3. Is it a good idea to get an lpg conversion for the generator and run from my gas Gas Low cylinders instead of using petrol? Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davidmac Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 Hi have a look at Hyundai HY35000Rv 3.5kw made for motorhome installation, advertised as quiet you will probably have to get one to find out how quiet ?? Regards David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 11:11 PM Speaking of generators, my off-forum reading leads me to believe that I can run aircon when occasionally needed with a generator of around 2400kw output. If I fit aircon, I’m being recommended the Trula Comfort unit. I have three questions: 1. Is the Trula Comfort quiet enough to sleep? 2. What is the absolute best and quietest generator to buy that will run it? 3. Is it a good idea to get an lpg conversion for the generator and run from my gas Gas Low cylinders instead of using petrol? Paul Do you mean one of these? https://www.truma.com/uk/en/products/truma-air-conditioning/truma-saphir-comfort-rc.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboyprowler Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 Derek Uzzell - 2019-03-14 1:04 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 11:11 PM Speaking of generators, my off-forum reading leads me to believe that I can run aircon when occasionally needed with a generator of around 2400kw output. If I fit aircon, I’m being recommended the Trula Comfort unit. I have three questions: 1. Is the Trula Comfort quiet enough to sleep? 2. What is the absolute best and quietest generator to buy that will run it? 3. Is it a good idea to get an lpg conversion for the generator and run from my gas Gas Low cylinders instead of using petrol? Paul Do you mean one of these? https://www.truma.com/uk/en/products/truma-air-conditioning/truma-saphir-comfort-rc.html These units are for fitting in compartments only, and not suitable for roof mounting, which I think Escapist wants to do. Our Niesmann has been pre-fitted for these Truma units, the larger one being fitted in a forward locker, and the bedroom unit fitted in the garage. We looked at the Carthago before deciding on the N/B and I don't think the pre-fit was offered as an option. We are going to try the van without A/C for a season to see if we really need it. It is an expensive option, and as others have said, the amount of use you would get in a year, generally the summer months in the south of Spain etc, would not be worth the investment or trouble. That said, the Truma units mentioned are supposedly quiet, and have a reasonably low power consumption, but you must have the prefit done, before fitting. (Sorry Derek can't seem to get the quote box separately!) (Fixed - Keithl) Ainsley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 14, 2019 Author Share Posted March 14, 2019 davidmac - 2019-03-14 10:28 AM Hi have a look at Hyundai HY35000Rv 3.5kw made for motorhome installation, advertised as quiet you will probably have to get one to find out how quiet ?? Regards David Thanks. Anyone else know of it’s quiet / as quiet as a small Honda? It says 54db at 7m... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 14, 2019 Author Share Posted March 14, 2019 flyboyprowler - 2019-03-14 1:17 PM Derek Uzzell - 2019-03-14 1:04 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-13 11:11 PM Speaking of generators, my off-forum reading leads me to believe that I can run aircon when occasionally needed with a generator of around 2400kw output. If I fit aircon, I’m being recommended the Trula Comfort unit. I have three questions: 1. Is the Trula Comfort quiet enough to sleep? 2. What is the absolute best and quietest generator to buy that will run it? 3. Is it a good idea to get an lpg conversion for the generator and run from my gas Gas Low cylinders instead of using petrol? Paul Do you mean one of these? https://www.truma.com/uk/en/products/truma-air-conditioning/truma-saphir-comfort-rc.html These units are for fitting in compartments only, and not suitable for roof mounting, which I think Escapist wants to do. Our Niesmann has been pre-fitted for these Truma units, the larger one being fitted in a forward locker, and the bedroom unit fitted in the garage. We looked at the Carthago before deciding on the N/B and I don't think the pre-fit was offered as an option. We are going to try the van without A/C for a season to see if we really need it. It is an expensive option, and as others have said, the amount of use you would get in a year, generally the summer months in the south of Spain etc, would not be worth the investment or trouble. That said, the Truma units mentioned are supposedly quiet, and have a reasonably low power consumption, but you must have the prefit done, before fitting. (Sorry Derek can't seem to get the quote box separately!) (Fixed - Keithl) Ainsley https://www.truma.com/uk/en/products/truma-air-conditioning/truma-aventa-comfort.html These are the products. Carthago fits the Comfort model on the left but as I’m dealer fitting, im wondering if the smaller model on the right makes sense as it says quiet and uses less power... Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboyprowler Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 But Paul, has the pre fit been done by Carthago, because, if not, I don't think , without major upheaval, that you can have the pipe work retro fitted. Also, if the pipework is installed, usually the larger unit supplies the living area, and the smaller unit the bedroom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted March 14, 2019 Share Posted March 14, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-14 7:29 Carthago fits the Comfort model on the left but as I’m dealer fitting, im wondering if the smaller model on the right makes sense as it says quiet and uses less power... Paul If you have a 7.5m MH, I would not, under any circumstances, fit the 1700w model. When you get to 40 degree heat, it just won't do the job. You want overcapacity so the unit isn't struggling, not undercapacity. Struggling and working hard = extra noise. I have had both the Truma Aventa Comfort and the Dometic Freshjet 2200. The former is (in my view) by far the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 15, 2019 Author Share Posted March 15, 2019 flyboyprowler - 2019-03-14 9:48 PM But Paul, has the pre fit been done by Carthago, because, if not, I don't think , without major upheaval, that you can have the pipe work retro fitted. Also, if the pipework is installed, usually the larger unit supplies the living area, and the smaller unit the bedroom. Apparently the dealer (Chelston) for aircon all the time. I have to assume they know how to do it and there is the ducting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 15, 2019 Author Share Posted March 15, 2019 Laurence - 2019-03-14 10:36 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-14 7:29 Carthago fits the Comfort model on the left but as I’m dealer fitting, im wondering if the smaller model on the right makes sense as it says quiet and uses less power... Paul If you have a 7.5m MH, I would not, under any circumstances, fit the 1700w model. When you get to 40 degree heat, it just won't do the job. You want overcapacity so the unit isn't struggling, not undercapacity. Struggling and working hard = extra noise. I have had both the Truma Aventa Comfort and the Dometic Freshjet 2200. The former is (in my view) by far the best. thanks... Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 Hello everyone My motorhome has arrived at Chelston. I'm checking specs of items before fitting. 1. Aircon is the Truma Aventa Comfort (Carthago recommend as well as dealer). https://www.truma.com/int/en/products/truma-air-conditioning/truma-aventa-comfort.html 2. Generator is the Hyundai 3500 I was recommended here. https://www.hampshiregenerators.co.uk/product/hyundai-hy3500rvi-3500w-motorhome-rv-petrol-leisure-generator/ 3. Solar Panels being recommended are PV Logic {spelling corrected} monocrystalline. I don't have a link. There is space up top for a 150w and 100w panel, no more. 4. I am also fitting an extra 80ah leisure battery and will request uprated charger. 5. Delaer is recommending some converters etc to link it all up. Can I get comments on the best solar panels in particular? Thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BruceM Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 TheEscapist - 2019-03-19 7:02 PM 3. Solar Panels being recommended are y POV Logic monocrystalline. I don't have a link. There is space up top for a 150w and 100w panel, no more. I’ve not been able to find any trace of a solar panel manufacturer called “POV Logic” . If the converters are solar specialists it might be better seeing what they’d recommend for a motorhome installation. Failing that, maybe ask your dealer to provide a link to the solar manufacturer’s website so that the data sheets on their solar panels may be reviewed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikefitz Posted March 19, 2019 Share Posted March 19, 2019 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logic-STP150-150W-Solar-Panel/dp/B008AVN9BS Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheEscapist Posted March 19, 2019 Author Share Posted March 19, 2019 BruceM - 2019-03-19 9:17 PM TheEscapist - 2019-03-19 7:02 PM 3. Solar Panels being recommended are y POV Logic monocrystalline. I don't have a link. There is space up top for a 150w and 100w panel, no more. I’ve not been able to find any trace of a solar panel manufacturer called “POV Logic” . If the converters are solar specialists it might be better seeing what they’d recommend for a motorhome installation. Failing that, maybe ask your dealer to provide a link to the solar manufacturer’s website so that the data sheets on their solar panels may be reviewed. Sorry it’s PV Logic. Typo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.