Motor home advice please!
Discussion
After a brief and unsuccessful stint in owning a pop top VW T5 (it was too small for us!) we today found ourselves mooching around a motor home sellers stock.
We’ve got a 5 year old and 3 dogs, and as we’re both teachers we envisage getting a fair amount of use out of it in the holidays. We also were thinking we could use it for accommodation for when friends and family are up.
Budget wise we’d be looking at up to £20k.
I passed my test in 2001 which I think means I’m limited to up to 3500kg? I don’t really know much about makes, models, what to look for etc so any help beyond that would be great.
We’ve got a 5 year old and 3 dogs, and as we’re both teachers we envisage getting a fair amount of use out of it in the holidays. We also were thinking we could use it for accommodation for when friends and family are up.
Budget wise we’d be looking at up to £20k.
I passed my test in 2001 which I think means I’m limited to up to 3500kg? I don’t really know much about makes, models, what to look for etc so any help beyond that would be great.
Although you’re not looking to buy new, it’s worth spending time going to motorhome shows and having a good look at the vast range of vans available, especially layouts and sleeping arrangements.
Almost all motorhomes have their shortcomings, design flaws and faults. However, we were generally disappointed with the quality and finish of new/nearly new UK vans when we were looking to buy 2 years ago. Flimsy cupboards with weak hinges and catches, cheap looking upholstery, uncomfortable beds, adhesive smears around wall panels and messy wiring. We found Swift and Bailey to be particularly poor. We really would have preferred to have bought British but couldn’t find anything that compared with their European rivals, so we bought a German van. It’s not been perfect - broken freezer door catch and leaking bathroom tap (both replaced under warranty), but otherwise its been great. Whether it’s worth paying extra for Continental vans over UK ones is debatable, and many owners of British vans are obviously quite happy with theirs. Just go in with your eyes wide open, do your research thoroughly, speak to owners and join one-make Facebook groups for the van/s you‘re thinking of buying. We found most owners are only too happy to tell you how good or bad their vans are.
It’s also worth considering renting a van for a holiday to get an idea of what they are like to live with. They’re obviously wider than a camper van and often longer. We went from a standard wheelbase Transit, to an extra long wheelbase Transit (6.5m) and now have a 7.4m long Fiat Ducato-based motorhome. It’s brilliantly spacious for us (two adults and two dogs) and very comfortable, with a fixed bed as I’ve got a dodgy back. You might well find that a drop down bed is a better option for your needs.
Good luck in your search; it’s a bit daunting given the array of vans available and the money you’re spending, but ultimately a great way of getting away, esp with kids!
Almost all motorhomes have their shortcomings, design flaws and faults. However, we were generally disappointed with the quality and finish of new/nearly new UK vans when we were looking to buy 2 years ago. Flimsy cupboards with weak hinges and catches, cheap looking upholstery, uncomfortable beds, adhesive smears around wall panels and messy wiring. We found Swift and Bailey to be particularly poor. We really would have preferred to have bought British but couldn’t find anything that compared with their European rivals, so we bought a German van. It’s not been perfect - broken freezer door catch and leaking bathroom tap (both replaced under warranty), but otherwise its been great. Whether it’s worth paying extra for Continental vans over UK ones is debatable, and many owners of British vans are obviously quite happy with theirs. Just go in with your eyes wide open, do your research thoroughly, speak to owners and join one-make Facebook groups for the van/s you‘re thinking of buying. We found most owners are only too happy to tell you how good or bad their vans are.
It’s also worth considering renting a van for a holiday to get an idea of what they are like to live with. They’re obviously wider than a camper van and often longer. We went from a standard wheelbase Transit, to an extra long wheelbase Transit (6.5m) and now have a 7.4m long Fiat Ducato-based motorhome. It’s brilliantly spacious for us (two adults and two dogs) and very comfortable, with a fixed bed as I’ve got a dodgy back. You might well find that a drop down bed is a better option for your needs.
Good luck in your search; it’s a bit daunting given the array of vans available and the money you’re spending, but ultimately a great way of getting away, esp with kids!
£20k is a decent budget for a used motorhome if you're prepared to look at older models. You could get a well equipped post-1995 face-lift B-series Hymer with some change leftover. Ours is the generation before that, and solidly built. These models are definitely worth a look and hold their value.
I’ve got an older Hymer and yes, the build quality is ace.
20k is the next ‘level’ from mine really, which cost me £5k, you don’t get much in the middle.
I would advise starting off trying a few models on hire though, it’s surprisingly inexpensive and you’ll get a good feel for what layout and models work. And indeed that you enjoy it!
I love both the end lounge and fixed bed designs, but you do pay in terms of length! Not a problem if you’re intending to be mainly on sites however it does limit you in terms of ‘wild’ camping/parking. Mine is 5.5m and just about fits in normal spaces...
20k is the next ‘level’ from mine really, which cost me £5k, you don’t get much in the middle.
I would advise starting off trying a few models on hire though, it’s surprisingly inexpensive and you’ll get a good feel for what layout and models work. And indeed that you enjoy it!
I love both the end lounge and fixed bed designs, but you do pay in terms of length! Not a problem if you’re intending to be mainly on sites however it does limit you in terms of ‘wild’ camping/parking. Mine is 5.5m and just about fits in normal spaces...
Wacky Racer said:
As with any motorhome, or caravan:-
Rule number 1 Check thoroughly for DAMP.
Rule number 2 Never forget rule number 1
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that WR Rule number 1 Check thoroughly for DAMP.
Rule number 2 Never forget rule number 1
OP - make sure you get an independent damp check by someone who knows what they’re doing. Don’t trust the vendor’s damp check.
Thank you for the advice so far!
Damp is a big no-no as it can exacerbate a health condition in my family so I’ll swot up on that. I do however have a strong nose for damp!
Everything I’ve read so far points to a Hymer!
I’m not sure why but I don’t like the idea of a Caravan. In theory they make more sense (less to go wrong with no engine etc, but more of a ball ache to hitch it up and sod off somewhere then unhitch it etc, and my wife (who gets more holiday than I) doesn’t think she fancies doing all that if she wanted to go away. I’ll make sure to look at a few however...
Damp is a big no-no as it can exacerbate a health condition in my family so I’ll swot up on that. I do however have a strong nose for damp!
Everything I’ve read so far points to a Hymer!
I’m not sure why but I don’t like the idea of a Caravan. In theory they make more sense (less to go wrong with no engine etc, but more of a ball ache to hitch it up and sod off somewhere then unhitch it etc, and my wife (who gets more holiday than I) doesn’t think she fancies doing all that if she wanted to go away. I’ll make sure to look at a few however...
Edited by ADogg on Sunday 15th March 21:44
What you have to remember is you are buying into a lifestyle when you purchase a motorhome.
As an economic proposition they don't make a lot of sense, when you factor in purchase price, insurance, site fees (Unless you wild camp), depreciation,...... it makes more financial sense to stay in cheap B&B's and Travelodges.
We have recently bought our third brand new motorhome since 2008 and have travelled to all corners of the England, literally right around the coast from Berwick on Tweed round to Carlisle via Cromer, Dungeness, Lands End, Swansea, New Brighton etc.
This time we opted for a van conversion, (Elddis CV20), so far we have been very pleased with it.
Take your time, choose wisely and you will have a lot of fun.
Good luck.
As an economic proposition they don't make a lot of sense, when you factor in purchase price, insurance, site fees (Unless you wild camp), depreciation,...... it makes more financial sense to stay in cheap B&B's and Travelodges.
We have recently bought our third brand new motorhome since 2008 and have travelled to all corners of the England, literally right around the coast from Berwick on Tweed round to Carlisle via Cromer, Dungeness, Lands End, Swansea, New Brighton etc.
This time we opted for a van conversion, (Elddis CV20), so far we have been very pleased with it.
Take your time, choose wisely and you will have a lot of fun.
Good luck.
We’re well versed in B&Bs etc having owned one for 3 years, but yes it’s a worthwhile shout! I get 9 weeks holiday to my wife’s 13 so I reckon we’d get our money’s worth out of it - I’ve also done a fair amount of road trips in the past and reckon my son would love it.
At present we go on 2-3 holidays a year which probably comes to well over £10k as we end up using the hotel as a base to explore. That’d cover quite a lot of diesel, upkeep, insurance and camp site fees...
At present we go on 2-3 holidays a year which probably comes to well over £10k as we end up using the hotel as a base to explore. That’d cover quite a lot of diesel, upkeep, insurance and camp site fees...
ADogg said:
We’re well versed in B&Bs etc having owned one for 3 years, but yes it’s a worthwhile shout! I get 9 weeks holiday to my wife’s 13 so I reckon we’d get our money’s worth out of it - I’ve also done a fair amount of road trips in the past and reckon my son would love it.
At present we go on 2-3 holidays a year which probably comes to well over £10k as we end up using the hotel as a base to explore. That’d cover quite a lot of diesel, upkeep, insurance and camp site fees...
At present we go on 2-3 holidays a year which probably comes to well over £10k as we end up using the hotel as a base to explore. That’d cover quite a lot of diesel, upkeep, insurance and camp site fees...
Wacky Racer said:
What you have to remember is you are buying into a lifestyle when you purchase a motorhome.
As an economic proposition they don't make a lot of sense, when you factor in purchase price, insurance, site fees (Unless you wild camp), depreciation,...... it makes more financial sense to stay in cheap B&B's and Travelodges.
We have recently bought our third brand new motorhome since 2008 and have travelled to all corners of the England, literally right around the coast from Berwick on Tweed round to Carlisle via Cromer, Dungeness, Lands End, Swansea, New Brighton etc.
This time we opted for a van conversion, (Elddis CV20), so far we have been very pleased with it.
Take your time, choose wisely and you will have a lot of fun.
Good luck.
[Thread hijack / apologies OP] As an economic proposition they don't make a lot of sense, when you factor in purchase price, insurance, site fees (Unless you wild camp), depreciation,...... it makes more financial sense to stay in cheap B&B's and Travelodges.
We have recently bought our third brand new motorhome since 2008 and have travelled to all corners of the England, literally right around the coast from Berwick on Tweed round to Carlisle via Cromer, Dungeness, Lands End, Swansea, New Brighton etc.
This time we opted for a van conversion, (Elddis CV20), so far we have been very pleased with it.
Take your time, choose wisely and you will have a lot of fun.
Good luck.
Wacky - how you find the build quality of your Elddis? We’re contemplating downsizing next year to a campervan and are looking at the options. We weren’t very impressed with Elddis motorhomes when we were looking to buy a motorhome a few years ago, but have heard good reports about their build quality since they were taken over by the Hymer Group (and in turn Thor Industries).
It’s probably one of the makes we’d contemplate as we’d prefer to buy British next time.
Cheers.
carreauchompeur said:
I’ve got an older Hymer and yes, the build quality is ace.
20k is the next ‘level’ from mine really, which cost me £5k, you don’t get much in the middle.
I would advise starting off trying a few models on hire though, it’s surprisingly inexpensive and you’ll get a good feel for what layout and models work. And indeed that you enjoy it!
I love both the end lounge and fixed bed designs, but you do pay in terms of length! Not a problem if you’re intending to be mainly on sites however it does limit you in terms of ‘wild’ camping/parking. Mine is 5.5m and just about fits in normal spaces...
We have the same motorhome as you! I wish ours was left hand drive though as if it was it wouldn't now be for sale after sinking a load of time and effort into making it perfect. after the over cab wind incident.... (Can't register RHD motorhomes where I live)20k is the next ‘level’ from mine really, which cost me £5k, you don’t get much in the middle.
I would advise starting off trying a few models on hire though, it’s surprisingly inexpensive and you’ll get a good feel for what layout and models work. And indeed that you enjoy it!
I love both the end lounge and fixed bed designs, but you do pay in terms of length! Not a problem if you’re intending to be mainly on sites however it does limit you in terms of ‘wild’ camping/parking. Mine is 5.5m and just about fits in normal spaces...
I concur they are utterly solid, Would highly recommend an older Hymer. We've slept in ours in -20 and it wasn't that bad
The biggest difference I noticed when looking at newer models (That I could actually afford) was the not so solid interior fixtures and fittings compared to the older stuff. As mentioned damp is your biggest enemy. Hymers get damp however its very rarely terminal due to the structure not containing any soft wood (PUAL construction)
They have a great following too and a very active FB community.
CDB1983 said:
We have the same motorhome as you! I wish ours was left hand drive though as if it was it wouldn't now be for sale after sinking a load of time and effort into making it perfect. after the over cab wind incident.... (Can't register RHD motorhomes where I live)
I concur they are utterly solid, Would highly recommend an older Hymer. We've slept in ours in -20 and it wasn't that bad The biggest difference I noticed when looking at newer models (That I could actually afford) was the not so solid interior fixtures and fittings compared to the older stuff.
As mentioned damp is your biggest enemy. Hymers get damp however its very rarely terminal due to the structure not containing any soft wood (PUAL construction)
They have a great following too and a very active FB community.
I’ve seen yours on eBay - if we weren’t in isolation for a further 11 weeks I’d be tempted to come and have a nosey! How many seatbelts does it have?I concur they are utterly solid, Would highly recommend an older Hymer. We've slept in ours in -20 and it wasn't that bad
The biggest difference I noticed when looking at newer models (That I could actually afford) was the not so solid interior fixtures and fittings compared to the older stuff. As mentioned damp is your biggest enemy. Hymers get damp however its very rarely terminal due to the structure not containing any soft wood (PUAL construction)
They have a great following too and a very active FB community.
ADogg said:
I’ve seen yours on eBay - if we weren’t in isolation for a further 11 weeks I’d be tempted to come and have a nosey! How many seatbelts does it have?
You're very welcome to once all this is over and done with (my friend will be looking after it until it's sold as I now live abroad) It's got 2 lap belts on the rear bench and the normal 2 in the front. You can retrofit 3 point belts fairly easily with a frame but it's a bit nonsensical given how motorhomes hold up in a crash (even the new ones) The lap belts do bolt through the chassis at the back though.
Unless it's been raided since we left it there is a 4 pack of toilet paper in there too
Hi, I was looking to buy a motorhome this year, always had a tourer up to last year. Obviously now that's on hold given the uncertainty of being able to get about much before July.
Any thoughts on likely price adjustments post-covid? I'm thinking maybe lower dealer prices? Sorry, I'm not trying to go the way of the used car prices thread, and I've got a Tvr to sell at some point so I could be in the same situation as all sellers when things relax.
Finally what do motorhomers do to get around once on-site, public transport? Electric bikes? I don't fancy towing a small car, finished with towing.
Any thoughts on likely price adjustments post-covid? I'm thinking maybe lower dealer prices? Sorry, I'm not trying to go the way of the used car prices thread, and I've got a Tvr to sell at some point so I could be in the same situation as all sellers when things relax.
Finally what do motorhomers do to get around once on-site, public transport? Electric bikes? I don't fancy towing a small car, finished with towing.
No idea about dealer prices, but on the Groups I'm in (mostly Hymer with an emphasis on classic/older models) private sale prices are starting to soften - anyone looking to sell at the moment is desperate. A few buyers starting to appear looking to make deals soon and collect when movements relax. I've seen a couple of nice classic 1990s motorhomes advertised around £7k in recent weeks that would have been advertised at £10k or more twelve months ago.
On your follow-up questions. How you get about when touring depends how you tour. We walk and use public transport, will probably start taking the bikes with us next time. We're not likely to spend more than 2-3 days in one spot, often just one night. Last year we did 2,500 miles around Europe and were either camped within the town/city we were visiting or directly next to the beach. We did shopping as part of movements between locations. We see other motorhomers who pitch-up and don't move until it's time to go home, and they've often got a small car on a trailer or a scooter or two. We've also shared sites the European gin palace Concordes fitted with a slide-out garage for the Porsche.
On your follow-up questions. How you get about when touring depends how you tour. We walk and use public transport, will probably start taking the bikes with us next time. We're not likely to spend more than 2-3 days in one spot, often just one night. Last year we did 2,500 miles around Europe and were either camped within the town/city we were visiting or directly next to the beach. We did shopping as part of movements between locations. We see other motorhomers who pitch-up and don't move until it's time to go home, and they've often got a small car on a trailer or a scooter or two. We've also shared sites the European gin palace Concordes fitted with a slide-out garage for the Porsche.
Tomm3 said:
Hi, I was looking to buy a motorhome this year, always had a tourer up to last year. Obviously now that's on hold given the uncertainty of being able to get about much before July.
Any thoughts on likely price adjustments post-covid? I'm thinking maybe lower dealer prices? Sorry, I'm not trying to go the way of the used car prices thread, and I've got a Tvr to sell at some point so I could be in the same situation as all sellers when things relax.
Finally what do motorhomers do to get around once on-site, public transport? Electric bikes? I don't fancy towing a small car, finished with towing.
Most small traders will be taking advantage of govt monies being made available in June as self employed etc so I don't think you'll see massive bargains as yet if at all. You might save a few hundred quid if lucky. Any thoughts on likely price adjustments post-covid? I'm thinking maybe lower dealer prices? Sorry, I'm not trying to go the way of the used car prices thread, and I've got a Tvr to sell at some point so I could be in the same situation as all sellers when things relax.
Finally what do motorhomers do to get around once on-site, public transport? Electric bikes? I don't fancy towing a small car, finished with towing.
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