newbie

[Roadrunner]

Hi all

Myself and Mrs Roadrunner are going to buy our first motorhome.

We have toured Europe camping on Motorbikes and have been static caravanners for years.

We were going to buy a foriegn Property but thought a motorhome would give us more flexibility. I'm now disabled and can't ride a motorbike any more so that ends the camping and biking years

 

anyway I'm looking for help and advice.

We visited our local dealers and looked round a lot of what they have available, Bought MMM but I think it confused us even more.:-)

 

we need Sleeping for at least 2 or 4 (we have no kids)

Something luxurious. We like comforts.

 

opinions on:-

fixed bed or not.

Hi-line or not

What to look for

what's important in a motorhome.

 

thanks in advance

 

 

Roadrunner

 

 

[pmitic]

Are you looking for new or used and what budget?. This may give the people viewing this a better chance of good advice.

[Roadrunner]

Probably New

Budget is probably up to about £40K

[Thai Bry]

Hi Roadrunner

With that kind of budget-another option and to even confuse you further - you could look at a nearly new low mileage model. Many can be found advertised in MMM, & then there's the dealer's forecourts to look at.

Look in as many models & layouts as possible. You will eventually get to know your likes & dislikes, and then you can go on from there.

Let us know how you get on

Thai

[Guest Tracker]

Not only is a nearly new or one year old van much better vfm it generally arrives with all the problems sorted, plus often some handy extras - and do not believe for one minute that buying a new van will be trouble free unless you are very very lucky indeed.

 

Also bear in mind the distance from your supplying dealer as this can be a real issue if (sorry, I mean when) you have to return for warranty or service work.

 

The best bet is to go to some shows and look at lots of vans to see what layouts suit you, not forgetting to actually do the following.

 

Sit on the loo - is there enough space?

Stand in the shower (if you intend using it other than as a cloakroom). Swivel the front seats (if they are needed for dining etc).

Put the table in place (some are very heavy and awkward)

Try lounging in the lounge (does it suit your style of lounging)

Make up the bed and lie on it and decide how easy it is to sit up watch TV, read, drink a cuppa, and get out for nocturnal excursions.

Watch out for inadequate kitchens, fridges and worktop space if you will do a lot of cooking.

Decide whether the noise of a diesel heating system is better than the dependency on gas.

Is the gas locker capacity sufficient for long term holidays or will you need to upgrade to refillables.

 

Any one else think of anything else to check before buying?

 

Do not forget to take a test drive to ensure the driving position and comfort suit you and the handling and performance are in line with either what you expect or with what you can live with.

 

The main reason there are so many nearly new vans around for sale is because people sometimes tend to leave their brains at home whilst getting inebriated by the thought of their new toy.

 

Don't be afraid to ask for opinions on here about specific vans as there is a good chance that someone somewhere will either have one, have had one, or be familiar enough with it to offer an opinion.

 

Just thought!

Are fresh water and waste tank capacities enough for your anticipated use?

Is the leisure battery capacity enough if you want to camp away from mains hook up?

Does it have a spare wheel?

Will it fit on your drive?

The bigger it is the better the comfort but the smaller it is the easier it is to explore and park.

Big vans can be a nightmare to park in towns and even in supermarket car parks parking a bigger van can pose quite a challenge.

Over 6 metres long and ferry costs can rocket - not a problem if you are aware and prepared.

[Ralph]

Hi Iain and welcome to the world of Motorhoming

 

I'm not surprised you need to move on if you've been camping on a motorbike as it's very difficult to get a good nights sleep on one of those but quite easy to drop off :-D Sorry I couldn't resist that one.

 

Trouble is that there are so many different types about and different types suit different people. On your budget there are so many to choose from.

You don't say where you are but a good start is to look at some dealers. Despite what we all may say about Brownhills in Newark they have the biggest selection so a day out to there is a good idea if practicable. MH shows are very useful as well so make a date to visit some to get a good look around. Then when you get a few ideas we can give you lots of conflicting advice :-D For instance I have a fixed bed but many will tell you what a waste of space it is. I must admit I thought so too till the wife persuaded me.

Also you say you are disabled. Without wishing to pry, that may affect your comfort and choice. For instance if you were in a wheelchair etc.

 

Just re-read Richard's good advice above and it reminded me of one I was told. Go in the shower, shut the door and then simulate dropping the soap. It's surprising how many of us just open the loo door, peer in and say "That's nice"

 

[Roadrunner]

thanks for that folks

I'm in no rush to buy and I will take yiour advice on visiting all the available dealers I can

 

thanks again

 

Iain

[Roadrunner]

anyone buy a left hand drive model

We probably would like to spend time in Europe so I was considering this too

[Thai Bry]

Roadrunner - 2007-10-29 1:40 PM anyone buy a left hand drive model We probably would like to spend time in Europe so I was considering this too

Ian

It would really depend on how much time you were looking to spend in Europe. This would dictate wether you would opt for a LHD model.You would of course have the dilema of a LHD vehicle being mainly used in the UK.

Not really an issue, as there are many owners on this forum who have bought & imported a LHD vehicle and use it mainly in the UK. There is the cost saving to be enjoyed as well by using this option.

It really is looking very closely at what suits you best, and only you will know this, and then going with your decision.

Thai 

[colinfrier]

Hi

If you opt for a LHD look on mobil.de german web site with a vast selection of motorhomes at good prices.You may be able to buy vat free and if over 6 months old and over 6,000km? then no vat to pay on import.

Colin Frier

[malc d]

If it's one of the smaller vans ( say up to 6 metres ) I think it's a good idea to check how easy/difficult it is to make up the bed, and imagine doing it every night.

 

 

[Hughmer]

Something to add to the list of considerations: -

 

1) payload (difference between unladen weight and maximum authorised mass, - MAM)

 

Think about accessories you might want, - if not now but sometime in the future, - accessories, awning, TV, satellite dish, solar panels, generator, (wheelchair?) plus clothing, food, passengers, water, books (surprisingly heavy).

 

You said you like comforts. So do I, and I found that 3,500kg MAM vans never offered enough payload, so I've gone for a 4,600kg Mercedes 412 based van.

 

The 412 chassis has 4 wheels on one rear axle. An alternative I considered was a Fiat with an ALKO chassis modification. This has 4 rear wheels on two tandem axles. I was advised that the ALKO tandem axle caused "straightening out" when going round bends. I've never driven one so can't comment.

 

2) Auto or Manual Gearbox: My first and second vans were manual. The MB is auto and I'll choose it for my next van. Much easier in towns and works better with cruise control.

 

Gotta go now supper's ready.

 

[RonB]

Payload, payload, payload, to suit your needs should be your first consideration, including the individual axle payloads. If you get this wrong you are stuffed and a lot of compromises will have to be made.

[flicka]

Roadrunner - 2007-10-29 10:25 AM

 

. I'm now disabled and can't ride a motorbike any more so that ends the camping and biking years

 

anyway I'm looking for help and advice.

We visited our local dealers and looked round a lot of what they have available, Bought MMM but I think it confused us even more.:-)

 

we need Sleeping for at least 2 or 4 (we have no kids)

Something luxurious. We like comforts.

 

opinions on:-

fixed bed or not.

Hi-line or not

What to look for

what's important in a motorhome.

 

thanks in advance

 

 

Roadrunner

 

 

Hi Roadrunner

Depending on your disability you may qualify for VAT exemption if you are looking at a NEW vehicle.

So there may not be much price difference against a 2nd hand, nearly new. Plus if you do qualify any addition equipment purchased with the Van also qualify for the VAT deduction and you will be able to get any adaptations to suit your disability under the scheme.

Worth checking with your dealer and the Disability web-site (sorry I can't find the address at the moment but send me a PM if you are interested)

[flicka]

Hi Roadrunner

Typical, no sooner had I sent my earlier post when I found the website.

 

Have a look at:-

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageImport_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000128&propertyType=document

 

[Brian Kirby]

Roadrunner - 2007-10-29 1:40 PM anyone buy a left hand drive model We probably would like to spend time in Europe so I was considering this too

Yes, and you do save considerable sums, depending on what you buy and where.  However, you should be able to save at least £5,000, probably quite a bit more at the top of your budget, compared to similar spec vans sold in UK.

From experience, the driving advantages of LHD in Europe are not huge, but conversely neither are the disadvantages of LHD in UK.  As you sit fairly high the view ahead is generally good, and overtaking isn't such a major preoccupation in a motorhome.  However, the price advantage can be considerable, enabling you to get a much better specified van for the same money, or pocket the saving and use it to finance the holidays.

You won't realistically be able to buy a RHD van in Europe, and you'll almost certainly have to opt for one of the non UK makes to get the maximum advantage.  On quality, most German vans seem well regarded, as do Rapido and Pilote from France. 

You should be aware that currently comprehensive insurance will only be available on the van once it actually arrives in UK.  The trip from wherever to UK will be on third party insurance only!  The best work-arounds for this are to approach a company such as Bundesvan - who specialise in importing vehicles from Germany and deliver them to your door taxed and registered - or to find a dealer who will drive you to one of the channel ports on his insurance.  I have heard very good reports of Camparama in Belgium, who will do this and specialise in Hymers.  In either of the above cases you should still save the difference between the UK list price and the German/Belgian price in Euros - converted to Sterling at the going rate.

Once in UK, the van will need some changes to lighting and speedometer to comply with UK regs, but the cost of these changes won't knock much of a hole in your savings.  Neither, in reality, will the cost of travel and accommodation for selecting, ordering and collecting your van, be it new or used.

Send a pm to Mel Eastburn (mel e) for details of his information pack on importing.  It's excellent value, and excellent information as well.  Good luck.

[Roadrunner]

Folks

thanks a lot for the replies

this is much more than i expected so ta again for your efforts

I think we will be lookig at new as I have M.S. and the VAT relief kind of makes that attractive.

I'll keep looking though and I think we are going to mainly explore Europe and a LHD model might suit us better

We're not going to buy immediately and intend to go to a few shows and keep researching until we reach a decision

Will keep us all posted on progress but I suspect it will take a while.

When I couldn't ride Bikes any more I decided to buy a trike. That took 2 years to research and buy !

 

all the best anxd thanks again

[Hughmer]

As you're not in that much of a hurry, put next year's Dusseldorf caravan salon in your diary (Last week in Aug/1st in Sept).

 

There's mixed opinion on this Forum as to whether it's worth the journey, but in my view it's the best show to visit, especially as you're thinking about LHD. (Wise decision I think).