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Antony Moxey

8,014 posts

218 months

Tuesday 29th March 2016
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Fingers crossed for you Spuffers that that's the last tale of woe you post on here. Looking forward to more stories and pics about great weekends away instead!

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Friday 15th April 2016
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Thanks Antony, no more pics, but then no more tales of woe either!

Finally some good news and the news I knew we'd eventually get......

Harry passed his MOT yesterday and with no advisories! smile

As suspected, in spite of all the issues, Harry is rock solid and in great condition. The only issue which came up was as a result of my request to change the brake fluid. Turns out the bleed nipples on 3 of the calipers are seized, so he'll have to go back for a bit of work to unwork those and replace them but no more than 150quids worth according to my mechanic.

Given he was coming up 15yrs this November, the service manual states to replace the rear diff oil. I had this done and can't believe the difference it's made! On the motorway, Harry would be happiest around 60mph with 65mph sounding a little uncomfortable and 70mph downright noisey, boomy and on the overrun, whiny. Yesterday, the whining had disappeared and on the sliproad joining the M11, I saw a very easy 70mph with the previous boomy/noisiness gone. I won't be cruising at that speed, but certainly may avail of a 65mph cruise instead of my usual 58-60mph, which will help with the long distance journeys in France.

All in all, a very happy pup. Had hoped to get away this weekend in him to celebrate, but the weather looks truly miserable for tomorrow. But we'll see how the mood takes us tomorrow.

Oh, and another blot on Travelworlds book, all the parts All Klasse Autos took off yesterday during the servicing were cheap pattern parts. Now given Travelworld serviced the thing last, that's down to them. So much for using Genuine Mercedes parts!

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Monday 25th April 2016
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Well, as things now happen in the 21st century, Facebook pinged me a "Timehop" reminding me that it is coming up 12 months since we bought Harry. eek Therefore it seemed like an appropriate juncture to have a look at the costs incurred to date and a peek ahead. Also maybe a quick recap of what we've done and how we're using him and whether it would be worth recommending to others who have an itch to scratch.

Let's get the money side of it out of the way first.....

We bought Harry for 25k from Travelworld in Telford. This was 3k discount on the screen price. My view, 12 months on from purchase, is that I wouldn't bother buying from a dealer in future. The support we got was pretty poor to non-existent I think the trick is to buy from a fellow enthusiast and commission third party checks and barter the price accordingly. Although I probably didn't pay much more than I would've done privately in the end, knowing what I did (didn't) get, I'd go private and keep a few k in the bank to cover any issues, if I were to do it again.

That said, although we had a shaky start with Harry and some issues along the way, there is no way any of us want to change him anytime soon. He's the perfect layout for us (which is what matters most) and is now getting to be how we want him. The only thing which would have us change is something more modern and with a "garage" - that would take us into the realms of another 25-30k, which just isn't worth it.

Anyway, I digress. Depreciation - effectively zero. If anything, these trucks are going up in value rather than down and especially with Harry being on a 4.6t chassis, versus the more standard 3.5t, he's a rare old beast and commands a premium amongst those in the know due to the proper carrying capacity.

Now for the real numbers.....

Insurance - 450
VED - 165Tyres - 564 (7 x Michelin Agilis+)
Servicing & Repairs - 1,541
Breakdown - 476
Upgrades - 350
Fuel - 567 (110 gallons @ 24mpg)

Total - 4,113 = 342pcm

Or 2,647miles @ 115p per mile.

Big numbers, but I'd also like to hope that it's going to be one of my most expensive years too. Why do I say that?

Well, as ever, the numbers only tell half the story. Buried in that servicing line is a rather large service - diff oil, aircon servicing and all the filters and oil change. The first item is a once every 15yr job(!), the aircon is obviously not a regular item and the remaining servicing is once every two years. The remainder of that line is the replacement or resealing of two rooflights, which failed due to age. Whilst there will be other age-related defects, those two were quite major and expensive, so I'm budgeting a few hundred quid a year going forwards.

The tyres, well, I'm unlikely to wear them out (as motorhomes do so few miles on average), so they'll do me for the next 8yrs until it's time to replace on time rather than mileage.

That leaves Breakdown - this was the replacement of the turbo transducer right at the start of my ownership. I'm fairly convinced this wasn't at fault at all and only the poor wiring to the boost valve, which was subsequently resolved for just 60quid by an Indy! But nevertheless, I understand they do fail, so I view this as preventative maintenance.

Upgrades - OEM cruise control fitted by Mercedes themselves. This has been the best 350quid I've spent.

The rest is the usual insurance and VED, neither of which I view as being ludicrous given the size/weight of the vehicle. And fuel, also, has been something of a surprise - we're averaging 24mpg, which I think is jolly decent for such a big truck.

So - I've doshed out the thick end of 4k. What a nutter, you might think! Well, actually, I view it as quite good value considering what we have. It wouldn't take much to drop 4k on a very nice family holiday long-haul and although we haven't used Harry as much as we had intended in this first year, we have had him available to us 24/7 and some of the best breaks have been the relatively last-minute ones. That, to me, is a good justification of blowing 4k throughout a year of holidays and not just on 2wks in Florida, for example.

  • ******
So, how does it work? Very well indeed, I reckon. Both myself and Mrs Spuff were concerned about dropping 25k in addition to the other vehicles and worried about how much we would use Harry. So its been a little less than we had anticipated, but the time that we have spent has been magical. It's been great for family time - the decision not to fit a TV is one I still stand by and although there is still too much iPad usage when we're away, we also play puzzles, Connect4 and dominoes, which is priceless family time.

Then there is the outdoors. There is such a permanent connection with your surroundings. When it's sunny and dry, you play outside. When it's wet and cold, you huddle in the warmth of the van - always finding something to do. Nightime is also quite magical with the little'un since it's so intimate with you all being in the same space - getting to hear her softly breathe whilst she's asleep and Mrs Spuff and I can enjoy a relaxing G&T, pint of Stella and a chat without interruptions.

In recent weeks we've learnt to use Harry better. He's fully stocked up and ready to go with most things, with just fresh food and clothing required to turn him around from dormant to travelling in around an hour. The only thing which we haven't worked out yet is how to take care of him the best - he's such a big lump that cleaning him and protecting him from the elements is a BIG job and with a big garden to deal with too, it's quite an undertaking to share the love between the garden, motorhome and family!

  • ******
The future - it's very bright for all of us! cool We're all booked up for the ferry on 18th June to France for our summer holidays. Unlike last year when Harry was out of service, we fully expect to be on the boat and travelling the 900miles down to near Pontacq over the course of 3-4days. We'll then have a week down there before travelling back up, stopping off en route over 3 days or so. It will be a challenge for us as to how well we manage a lot of driving in something capable of 65mph and how we get on with the French, but given France is brilliantly accommodating of motorhomes, it should be a doddle.

Then there'll be the usual ad hoc trips here and there and maybe even a trip up to NW Scotland later in the year.

Next year is the big one with 6-8wks of touring N Europe and Scandinavia planned. Can't wait for that one. cool

  • *******
To Do

Relatively minor this time around since I've bitten the bullet on the majority of maintenance issues. There'll always be something which can rear its ugly head, so I've got a good grand tucked away for this purpose and reckon on spending half of this every year just to ensure he's in tip top condition. Like anything, tackling things ahead of time is a good way of reducing overall spend. Never letting it get too bad and nipping it in the bud.

- Audio system - this is something I'm really keen to get done. I have been in touch with AudioFile but it looks like they're massively busy at the moment, so may not get it in place before our travels to France. OK so a good bit of cash at around 1.5k, but it'll be worth it given how much we know Harry is a good unit.
- Leather - the interior leather is beautiful quality but showing its age a bit. It's a bit marked in places and dirty (being cream) so I'm going to be seting myself the target of getting this completely rejuvenated during the next month or so. I have bought AutoFiness leather cleaner & conditioning products and although I've had a go with some microfiber cloths, which have shown good results, I am awaiting a proper leather brush as a lot of the dirt is ingrained and need shifting to properly show it off to best effect. This will probably involve me taking the settee cushions inside and spending my evenings in front of the telly doing this, but it'll be worth it and another round of preventative maintenance. There's a danger if its left any longer then the leather will start cracking in some places.
- Bike rack fitting - I have one bought, just need to pay someone to install it. 180quid budgeted.
- Oven/Grill - one of the most irksome things for the wife is no oven/grill (which is normal for foreign vans - UK ones tend to have them fitted, continentals tend to cook more outside). I'm looking into having one retrofitted before our long trip next year. Could cost up to 1k and we'll loose some cupboard space, but Mrs Spuff would like one, so need to at least properly look into it.

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Overall, I'd say it has been the best decision we've ever made. There's no doubt it's a luxury and we are of course very lucky that we can afford to do it, but I'm so glad we have tried it, because it has been great fun and will continue to be so.




I'd urge anyone with even the slightest itch to have a go and scratch it. If you think you'd like it, chances are you would! (y)

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
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Rightyho - 6 months down the line and I thought I'd update....

Where did I get to with all the To Do's? Well, not very far is the answer!!

- AudioFile install will be scheduled for next year now. The Quote was closer to the 2k mark, so some saving required;
- Leather has been cleaned and conditioned and came up really, really nicely. Used AutoFinesse Hide (both cleaner & conditioner) and made a huge difference. Going to be systematically taking the cushions into the house for another treatment over the winter. A nice little job I can do in the living room whilst watching TV rather than being stuck out in the van doing it;
- Bike Rack - still needs Fitting and gaining in urgency now that our daughter is getting a lot more confident on her balance bike;
- Oven retrofit - this is still on the Agenda but maybe not quite as high a priority as it once was. Taking a sabbatical next year is off the Agenda post-Brexit - due mainly to job uncertainty and finding it somewhat difficult to justify 6wks of unpaid leave!

Harry was the consummate companion on our 2k trip down to the Pyrennes and back in June and has given us a real taste for EU adventures, given how well everything is set up for motorhomes. We haven't used him much for touring since we got back, due to other commitments, but I have been using him as my Home Office for the last two weeks and it's been great to have somewhere to go, at the bottom of the garden, where I'm not disturbed, warm, can make myself a cuppa, go to the loo and work effectively but not remove my 3hr daily commute.

The big news, however, is that Harry will be coming in to his own for holidays soon, since we're on the cusp of collecting our new Family member - Teal:



She's a 14month old Labrador bh, bred by the Guide Dog Association for their own breeding Programme. She failed her final medical on a rather surprising discovery of minor elbow displasia which only showed up in a routine xray. As such, she's been rejected from the breeding programme and training, so is being rehomed. We pick her up on Friday.

Given the relative "restriction" this will bring to some forms of Holidays, the motorhome will come into its own, since we can take her with us. One of the stipulations we made when we applied for the rehoming Programme was a dog which travels well. We understand she does. We'll take it easy at first and only short journeys but she'll soon get used to our epic trips to NW Scotland and SW France, I'm sure! My Uncle's dog is a seasoned traveller and loves both the motorhome aswell as his i8 and 991 TurboS!!!!

So - all change. And looking forward to the new adventures this will bring for the family and Harry & Teal! smile

Rosscow

8,723 posts

162 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
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Great news! Can't beat a 4 legged friend.

UK holiday may be the order of the day next year if the Pound gets any weaker - you're only getting €1.08 at the moment!

chasingracecars

1,696 posts

96 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
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Rosscow said:
Great news! Can't beat a 4 legged friend.

UK holiday may be the order of the day next year if the Pound gets any weaker - you're only getting €1.08 at the moment!
0.98 at Bristol Airport yesterday!

eric twinge

1,614 posts

221 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
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I reckon a 4 legged friend would be a great addition! On my early trips with the Hymer I have already thought we should have a dog sat outside and it would fit in well. It is something we have been thinking about for a while. For some reason I like having a walk round the campsite having a nose at other peoples set up, walking a dog might be a good excuse, especially if you have to walk past a pub!

Kneetrembler

2,069 posts

201 months

Thursday 13th October 2016
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Our Mutt loves to Travel we take him everywhere with us, it would seem really strange not to have him in the van with us.

Rosscow

8,723 posts

162 months

Friday 14th October 2016
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chasingracecars said:
0.98 at Bristol Airport yesterday!
weeping

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Friday 20th January 2017
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What a difference a few months make. And how Harry is coming into play in a different way to that originally envisaged.....

Very sadly the start to 2017 hasn't been the greatest. My wife decided over Christmas that she wants us to separate, therefore as of mid-Feb, Harry will become my home for up to a year. frown

Clearly not an ideal situation but I can't tell you how pleased I am that Harry is at least an option. The alternative would've been moving back in with parents (I'm 37 so not an appealing thought) or sleeping on a park bench (even less appealing). But equally not what the intention was when Harry was purchased back two years ago.

So, in preparation for him becoming "home", I've spent a bit of time ensuring he's fit for purpose given he's been used less this year than would've been anticipated. So the list so far:

- very slight cracks in the showertray and bathroom floor all been cleaned and filled with Silkaflex. Looks ok, could've looked better given that although the shower tray was white, it's slightly offwhite, which Shows up the bright white Silkaflex! But I'm investigating the longerterm solution of getting the floor replaced. In the meantime, the main thing is it's watertight;
- instead of retrofitting an oven, I've bought a Remanska slowcooker/halogen oven thing which has rave reviews;
- removed a couple of shelves in some of the cabinets to create space for a Bookshelf of both maintenance manuals and novels;
- bought cargo straps to allow me to secure the oil-filled rad during transit. I'll be taking that with me since it will allow me to save on gas whilst hooked up to the mains at sites. Blown air is fine, but traditional convection warmth is cosier and more effective when it's really cold outside;
- bought a small electric dehumidifier as full-timing I'm sure will result in more moisture in the atmosphere;
- And bought an iPad Pro to be able to keep in touch properly and act as a "TV" for films etc for the evening.

And then sorting out things which I either should've done before or becoming more of a necessity. Will be booked into MG Caravans for the following:

- finally fit the bike rack as I'll try and do more cycling plus may have to cycle to a station;
- sort out one of the gas rings - reckon the thermo-couple has gone. Will need all three to be functional;
- given how critical it will be whilst full-timing, the fridge will be serviced;
- the rooflight in the bathroom has broken. One side will lift, only. Therefore considering (depending on finances) whether this is replaced at the same time too. Not imperative but things like this will niggle when I'm in it every day.

Otherwise I'm kinda set. I at least have the Silver Screens thermal blanket for the windscreen, have a second toilet cassette already too and bought a Wastemaster a few months back for the winter to enable me to leave the grey waste tank valve open in frosty weather.

In some ways being this practical and hands on has helped me to focus on something positive but the sheer fact is, the situation sucks and I've still got the worst ahead of me - having to deal with telling our daughter (who's now just turned 4) and deal with the emotional upheaval for her and me.

Anyway, I'm soon to be a full-timer. I'll probably keep a blog on it for both my own sanity and for anyone who is interested in what it's like living in the van full-time. I say full-time, but I do travel back and forth to Germany every other week anyway, so my time is somewhat limited compared with proper full time. But nevertheless, it will be home for up to 12 months. Not yet sure where exactly to pitch - there is supposed to be a private site with hookup about 15mins from the Family home. I'll try that first, then move on to Cambridge C&CC site once they open in April since that's ideally located for both Family home, near friends, near Great Shelford Train Station (which is on my current train line) and has full facilities for ablutions and washing. We'll see how long they tolerate me there before I have to move somewhere else for a bit.

Truly st.

chasingracecars

1,696 posts

96 months

Friday 20th January 2017
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Sorry to hear that!

It is nice when you actually have somewhere relatively familiar to stay.

Don't forget about CL's a lot of them have Electrics now and they are more likely to tolerate longer stays. If I remember correctly Camping Club is max 4 weeks. Electronic booking caught me out when I was staying away with work.

Kneetrembler

2,069 posts

201 months

Friday 20th January 2017
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So sorry to near your sad news, not a nice time at all for you and daughter & or dog.

I really hope that everything goes as well as posdible for you.

Don't leave this forum though always handy to have another ear for any help or chat in the forthcoming months.

All the very best.

KT

oblio

5,396 posts

226 months

Monday 23rd January 2017
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st...sorry to hear your woes. It puts the argument I am currently having with my Mrs into perspective. I'd better go and do the man thing and sort it out...

Good luck

smile

donaircooleone

427 posts

176 months

Monday 23rd January 2017
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Spuffington said:
And then sorting out things which I either should've done before or becoming more of a necessity. Will be booked into MG Caravans for the following:

- finally fit the bike rack as I'll try and do more cycling plus may have to cycle to a station;
- sort out one of the gas rings - reckon the thermo-couple has gone. Will need all three to be functional;
- given how critical it will be whilst full-timing, the fridge will be serviced;
- the rooflight in the bathroom has broken. One side will lift, only. Therefore considering (depending on finances) whether this is replaced at the same time too. Not imperative but things like this will niggle when I'm in it every day.
Which rack is it? As the Fiamma Hymer specifc one is easy to DIY if you've got the tooling and time.

Thermocouple still in the flame?

Don't skimp on the fridge servicing.

Rooflights can be easy to DIY again its access.

Keep your head up and keep busy wink

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Tuesday 24th January 2017
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Thanks for the support, chaps.

Gonna be a long slog & very sad it's come to this but there's always someone worse off.

Harry will be booked in to MG caravans shortly. TBH, what with everything going on, I don't have enough time presently to sort the things out myself as I need to focus on my little girl right now. But I am planning a few trips too.

I'm a bit constrained both by not wanting to leave it too long between seeing my daughter and wanting to get decent adventures in. And in June I've got a darned stag do in Somerset which starts on 29th June right through to 2nd July. But I'm rather pleased I've managed to book a Dover-Calais Ferry on 25th June and I'll head down the coast to Honfleur and then work my way down the Normandy coast doing the landing beaches etc. before heading on an overnight Ferry from Cherbourg to Poole on 28th/29th June. Only four days, so a bit of a whistle-stop tour, but something different which allows me to combine Somerset with not missing too much of my daughter either. Ferry (inc. cabin on return) was "only" 330quid and will do a decent amount of diesel, but then equally I'll stay in freebie aires and eat cheaply whilst there, so justifiable for my main summer Holiday.

Whilst Harry will be lived in, he still needs to be driven and used as the adventure bus. Can't think of any better adventure than France! smile

77racing

3,346 posts

186 months

Tuesday 24th January 2017
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Spuff

Bad luck on one side but a bit rosier on the other. Enjoy the travels as life will look completely different again by June

Rosscow

8,723 posts

162 months

Tuesday 24th January 2017
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Bad news, Spuff frown

Hope your little girl copes OK with the split.

keithsmith777

68 posts

175 months

Wednesday 25th January 2017
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Spuff, I've followed your blog from the start owning a rimor myself but not being able to afford to change it !
Sorry to hear about your latest personal problems, been there and done it tenfold !!
Just keep a close eye on your daughter she might not show it but it really can affect them, she's at that awkward age ! But life goes on just live it and make the most of it. Hope our paths cross some time we can swap stories ! Enjoy France it really is great .
Keep your chin up, onwards and upwards, ,
cheers Keith.

Spuffington

Original Poster:

1,203 posts

167 months

Thursday 2nd February 2017
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Thanks chaps - appreciate the support. Solicitor being consulted tomorrow before I move out, just to ensure I'm not shooting myself in the foot legally. And then Harry will be home shortly thereafter. Will blog on what full-timing is like once commenced!

custardkid

2,514 posts

223 months

Saturday 4th February 2017
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Spuff thats a bit rubbish - hope it all works out for you.

for me the motorhome is all about sharing adventures, hopefully you'll have plenty to come in the future