MH advice please!
Discussion
SomersetWestie said:
Use will be on and off grid UK then France/Spain etc in the future. We are very much outdoors people, the VW is just a bed on wheels with a fridge, we do everything else outside. Would be better to have somewhere to sit and make the bed up each night though, it's no hassle and we are used to it 
I'm a tall git but not too bothered about head height for the above reason ! Mrs wants an onboard loo, a nice campsite and space to change etc. I'm hooked on a lounge area at the back and fling the doors open of an evening off grid.
My wife and I fit your description. I'm tall. We ride bikes, climb mountains and live outdoors on weekends and holidays.I'm a tall git but not too bothered about head height for the above reason ! Mrs wants an onboard loo, a nice campsite and space to change etc. I'm hooked on a lounge area at the back and fling the doors open of an evening off grid.
We just rented a van for a few days to try things out. It was best thing ever. We realised we didn't need a huge van, but we did want more room than a SWB and pop top. We needed more storage for boots and bikes etc. We wanted heater, but not that bothered about a loo with use of sites and public conveniences. We had to have under 6m for cheap ferries, small to get down Highland single-track roads with ease. Etc.
We've just bought a LWB high roof Bilbo's Komba on VW T5.1 t28 2.0 (114bhp). It's designed as thier 'outdoory lifestyle' van.
I can stand up in it. It's got masses of storage compared to pop top. It's warmer & quieter. It's got full size double fold out bed. 30lt onboard water and grey tank. Etc.
Ours is the slightly 'cheaper' base van - so we get cruise etc, but we are rolling on steel wheels (cheap tyres!), not metallic paint, non touch screen stereo and cheaper headlights.
We've had it out in -3 already and were toasty. The bikes fit inside and I've got a rack to put on the back. So far I'm pleased with it.
I've learned that Bilbo's are apparently the shizzles when it comes to VW conversions. It was news to us.
As a 'get out to the hills at weekends, head to the continent for longer holidays with bikes and boots' it's about perfect.
stevemcs said:
I wouldn’t be too put off by the Transit, Ford seem to cover them under warranty but wet belts are around £1400 fitted, just go for 7/8 years and service it every year.
Anything Euro 6 will cause issues if left around for periods of time, vw seem worse for this.
For anyone doing low miles, typical for a motorhome, that's a big expense.Anything Euro 6 will cause issues if left around for periods of time, vw seem worse for this.
It would pay for a lot of LEZ fees or park and ride fees...
We sold our Burstner Nexxo motorhome last year. Excellent van but just too wide and long (7.4m) for the sort of remote places we now want to explore.
We’re looking at getting an Adria Twin Supreme pv conversion. Innovative features like a clever hinged loo/shower cubicle, and a fantastic skyroof over the cab area.
We’re looking at getting an Adria Twin Supreme pv conversion. Innovative features like a clever hinged loo/shower cubicle, and a fantastic skyroof over the cab area.
tight fart said:
We have a fleet of over 100 new Mercedes sprinters at work, I prefer the Fiats to drive, the air con is shocking in the mercs and the trim falls apart in no time.
I’m told the new auto in the Fiat are a great improvement.
Our MH is an Etrusco A7300DB, it's got the newer Fiat auto box which is good, we've done 9,000 miles in 18 months in it without issues including 3,500 round Europe this summer in some pretty extreme heat. I'm told we have a torque converter as opposed to the older vans with the clutch less manual/semi-auto box. I’m told the new auto in the Fiat are a great improvement.
When we bought us, every dealer said avoid Ford chassis due to injector issues and my brothers experience with Fords is injector issues (Ranger & Transit)
We were recommended European brands for build quality, they also happened to have a greater prevalence of garages too which suited us.
We're AdBlue but no issues with it yet, van sometimes sits for a month or two at a time.
missing the VR6 said:
Our MH is an Etrusco A7300DB, it's got the newer Fiat auto box which is good, we've done 9,000 miles in 18 months in it without issues including 3,500 round Europe this summer in some pretty extreme heat. I'm told we have a torque converter as opposed to the older vans with the clutch less manual/semi-auto box.
When we bought us, every dealer said avoid Ford chassis due to injector issues and my brothers experience with Fords is injector issues (Ranger & Transit)
We were recommended European brands for build quality, they also happened to have a greater prevalence of garages too which suited us.
We're AdBlue but no issues with it yet, van sometimes sits for a month or two at a time.
Agree with all you say I have a Pilote 2021 7.5m Motorhome with the latest torque converter 9 speed automatic , been all over this country uphill and down dale hasn’t missed a beat over 9k miles….There are to many on PH who make sweeping statements about this type of engine or vehicle is this that or whatever. And it’s an adblue vehicle that aspect been fine as well.When we bought us, every dealer said avoid Ford chassis due to injector issues and my brothers experience with Fords is injector issues (Ranger & Transit)
We were recommended European brands for build quality, they also happened to have a greater prevalence of garages too which suited us.
We're AdBlue but no issues with it yet, van sometimes sits for a month or two at a time.
As regards your mention of Fords I retired from the building game last year my small business had 2 3.2 Rangers from new and 3 2.2 Transits all had injector and adblue issues. None of the vehicles had more than 30k miles.
All vehicles can have problems from time to time they are a complicated machine after all……and hey you just have to do your due diligence when buying…..the rest is down to luck I guess…
9k miles is hardly a barometer for reliability 
. Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.
. Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.r3g said:
Not a chance I'd touch an Iveco for the reason already mentioned - the wet belts distintegrating and destroying the engine. Also, when I spent a few months looking around the dealers earlier this year for a replacement, every Ford chassis I looked at had basically no anti-rust treatment and many at the 4-6 year old mark were already very scabby with rust taking hold.
I also wouldn't touch a Ducato with the auto box. They are made out of cheese and if it hasn't already got stuck in a gear or refused to engage one and left you stranded, it soon will. Every motorhome related forum is flooded with threads about them.
Adding a WC/shower cubicle to a pvc makes the rest of the van extremely tight, hence why most don't have them. Remember you need somewhere for all the gubbins to go, ie. your electrics/batteries, heating, plumbing, storage space. That typically all fits nicely under a fixed rear bed, but if you are wanting a rear lounge area to sit and chill, you're going to have problems..
The 2.3 IVECO F1A lump is probably one of the most durable engine options IME. These are dry belt lumps unless this changed recently but I see no evidence of this on the Fiats we deal with. The new 2.2 (FIAT engine) should be dry belt from memory too (already fitted to an array of passenger vehicles).I also wouldn't touch a Ducato with the auto box. They are made out of cheese and if it hasn't already got stuck in a gear or refused to engage one and left you stranded, it soon will. Every motorhome related forum is flooded with threads about them.
Adding a WC/shower cubicle to a pvc makes the rest of the van extremely tight, hence why most don't have them. Remember you need somewhere for all the gubbins to go, ie. your electrics/batteries, heating, plumbing, storage space. That typically all fits nicely under a fixed rear bed, but if you are wanting a rear lounge area to sit and chill, you're going to have problems..
Fords are not my favourite. They do not handle as nicely as people suggest, though sometimes they ride better out of the box because the rear suspension isn't usually sat on the bump stops after the manufacturer has built it out and have a woeful seating position (short legged here).
The ComforMatic gearbox has a spotty past although the Euro 5 vans (black dashboard) do not really seem to give much grief these days, however the new 9 speed is a lot better as its a traditional modern torque converter and has a good reputation (ZF!). I've only had one immobilised and it was the converters fault and nothing to do with the FIAT bit (FIAT were very understanding with the situation and did recover the van!).
You can hide a lot of the gubbins with the rear lounge option.
r3g said:
9k miles is hardly a barometer for reliability . Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.
As a matter of interest what motorhome/base vehicle do you have ? . Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.Antony Moxey said:
There’s a HUGE place just outside Highbridge with millions of vans on show that cater for for pretty much every budget. Go and spend a couple of hours mooching round there and you’ll soon get an idea of what suits you the best.
Or head down the m5 to chelston motorhomes in Somerset SomersetWestie said:
I've reached that golden age where I've just sold the Tamora (sadly) and am just about to put the VW camper up for sale in order to finance a motorhome. Plans to wind down a bit and do a bit more travelling etc in the next few years. We've had the VW for a while and have used it a lot so understand what it's all about and have until recently I've spent many years in the tent/awning/accessory trade so know enough to get me through, I just need some decent advice as to what to buy..........
Budget is £50K but would prefer to spend £40K if we can. Planned to buy a panel van size MH as it should fit on the driveway, ish........
I guess the questions are..... What brand do I buy, what do I keep away from. It seems like at the moment you get more for your money with a coachbuilt MH rather than a panel van...... Guessing that's because the Covid VW buyers are trading up for more space etc and buying panel van size ? Why would I not buy a coach built, except for the extra width which may not fit on my drive, or the fact it could have damp........... Does one drive better than the other?
We only need/want a 2 berth, and I'm not looking to get anything as big as an A class. Like the bench seats in the rear but are there any downsides to this? I'm in Somerset and have many old customers that I can go and ask but I guess I was looking for some independent advice from people that have experienced both types.........
As your in Somerset visit us at chelston then go to Highbridge and in a day you'll have seen pretty much every big manufacturers offerings.Budget is £50K but would prefer to spend £40K if we can. Planned to buy a panel van size MH as it should fit on the driveway, ish........
I guess the questions are..... What brand do I buy, what do I keep away from. It seems like at the moment you get more for your money with a coachbuilt MH rather than a panel van...... Guessing that's because the Covid VW buyers are trading up for more space etc and buying panel van size ? Why would I not buy a coach built, except for the extra width which may not fit on my drive, or the fact it could have damp........... Does one drive better than the other?
We only need/want a 2 berth, and I'm not looking to get anything as big as an A class. Like the bench seats in the rear but are there any downsides to this? I'm in Somerset and have many old customers that I can go and ask but I guess I was looking for some independent advice from people that have experienced both types.........
Your 50-50k , is that for a new vehicle or is used a option?
Edited by egor110 on Sunday 26th November 20:34
Russ T Bolt said:
r3g said:
None currently. Last was a Kontiki on Ducato chassis with 3 ltr lump and manual box..
The internet is awash with stories of poor build quality, leaks, breakages etc on the Kontiki, how did you find it ?
I'd have another if my circumstances suited. Everyone says go German like Dethleffs for a like-for-like, but the A787* series in comparable age and miles were all £10-20k dearer just because Dethleffs badge, and there wasn't any noticeable difference in quality.I don't hold enough directorships to be able to afford Concordes and N&Bs - at least not from this century anyway.
I manage the Devon branch of that huge dealership in Highbridge so will declare potential impartiality but offset that by also saying you've got a bundle of good dealers round there apart from our HQ in Somerset Motorhomes, Davan and Westcountry pkus Chelston so go tour then all.
Buy the layout and size you want, it's what suits you that matters.
Good news us it's hard to build a really bad conversion as they won't suffer the structural and damp issues of a coachbuilt.
You will only find end lounges from UK built brands as the European van conversions are almost exclusively fixed beds.
Lower end of your budget gets you an Autocruise Rhythm, these later became the Swift Select 122, A compass/elddis cv20 maybe, Autosleeper Warwick Duo.
Higher end brings in maybe the longer Warwick XL , Autotrail V Line 610 etc
Not a huge amount to worry about on any of them, older original spec V lines looked cool with their body kit and grp high roof bit be careful of cracking on the plastic windows and grp sections as you can't replace them.
Autosleepers will be higher spec but dated of decor and have non opening windows in the main.
2017 was the year Swift dropped the autocruise name and rebadged as Swift Select 122 bit they lowered the price and made everything optional aa an unsuccessful experiment so there's some plane jane ones put there.
Ideal world to future proof things then a 2015 facility shape base vehicle is the same shape as today's cab still so still looks fresh where as a 14 plater is the same shape as the 07 one , same mechanicals 14 as 15 but 15s look newer.
Euro 6 arrived 2017 bit in these bigger non daily driver vans it's not a huge issue.
For me, one of the last of the Autocruise Rhythms on a 15 or 16 , silver new shaped Pegueot or rare auto fiat is a good looking well specced van and decent build quality.
Or a nice elddis/Compass cv20, a dealer special version with a load if extras abd a colour is a good thing too.
Whichever you buy they are all great stock, sell well and hold their money well.
Currently we are deluged by people who bought a vw or other camper abd have realised they are too small, or a bigger coachbuilt abd find them too big to use regularly all meeting in the middle and hunting fl size van conversions as the best of all worlds so they fly off the shelves and end lounge ones with 6ft sofas always have.
Wildcard option is a rare wildax europa , lovely build but your budget only hits an older one which were renault master based .
Buy the layout and size you want, it's what suits you that matters.
Good news us it's hard to build a really bad conversion as they won't suffer the structural and damp issues of a coachbuilt.
You will only find end lounges from UK built brands as the European van conversions are almost exclusively fixed beds.
Lower end of your budget gets you an Autocruise Rhythm, these later became the Swift Select 122, A compass/elddis cv20 maybe, Autosleeper Warwick Duo.
Higher end brings in maybe the longer Warwick XL , Autotrail V Line 610 etc
Not a huge amount to worry about on any of them, older original spec V lines looked cool with their body kit and grp high roof bit be careful of cracking on the plastic windows and grp sections as you can't replace them.
Autosleepers will be higher spec but dated of decor and have non opening windows in the main.
2017 was the year Swift dropped the autocruise name and rebadged as Swift Select 122 bit they lowered the price and made everything optional aa an unsuccessful experiment so there's some plane jane ones put there.
Ideal world to future proof things then a 2015 facility shape base vehicle is the same shape as today's cab still so still looks fresh where as a 14 plater is the same shape as the 07 one , same mechanicals 14 as 15 but 15s look newer.
Euro 6 arrived 2017 bit in these bigger non daily driver vans it's not a huge issue.
For me, one of the last of the Autocruise Rhythms on a 15 or 16 , silver new shaped Pegueot or rare auto fiat is a good looking well specced van and decent build quality.
Or a nice elddis/Compass cv20, a dealer special version with a load if extras abd a colour is a good thing too.
Whichever you buy they are all great stock, sell well and hold their money well.
Currently we are deluged by people who bought a vw or other camper abd have realised they are too small, or a bigger coachbuilt abd find them too big to use regularly all meeting in the middle and hunting fl size van conversions as the best of all worlds so they fly off the shelves and end lounge ones with 6ft sofas always have.
Wildcard option is a rare wildax europa , lovely build but your budget only hits an older one which were renault master based .
r3g said:
9k miles is hardly a barometer for reliability . Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.
I'm terribly sorry my MH has been reliable and me sharing that info has go you so upset. All the best. . Come back and talk when it's done 5 or 10x that. I guess the hundreds of threads all over the motorhome and camper forums from owners of the Ducato auto are all making it up and lying. Same for all the owners of vehicles with wet belts.nagsheadwarrior said:
Currently we are deluged by people who bought a vw or other camper abd have realised they are too small, or a bigger coachbuilt abd find them too big to use regularly all meeting in the middle and hunting fl size van conversions as the best of all worlds so they fly off the shelves .
The best thing we did was hire a vehicle for a few days and immediately visit a dealership with a really wide selection of vans. We rapidly came to a conclusion that there's a not too big and not too small 'Goldilocks' van. It had to be under 6m for cheap Calmac ferries. It had to fit down a Highland single-track road. It had to not creak, leak or rattle, so out went coach-built. But, I'm tall and wanted to stand up. We wanted a warmer high roof, not a fiddly, cold and expensive pop top. We wanted more storage and a bit more floor space etc etc.Hence the LWB high top Transporter, or MWB high top Fiat/Citroen/Peugeot was 'just right', with light weight and compact driveway awning for longer trips.
We didn't think we would get a VW for all sorts of reasons, not least price, but then the classic 'unicorn' van popped up locally at a cracking price and we beat everyone else to see it....
I think the o/p mentioned it had to fit on his drive so 1st of all that narrows his choices .
Next do you want a bed in the back of the van that's permanently up in the back of the van or would you prefer to have the extra space and make the bed up each night ? Again this eliminates another load of vans.
Next do you want a bed in the back of the van that's permanently up in the back of the van or would you prefer to have the extra space and make the bed up each night ? Again this eliminates another load of vans.
How about this OP? Looks a good van and (at last) at a sensible price.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145422358158?_trksid=p1...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145422358158?_trksid=p1...
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