2005 Ford Transit base w/Rimor Superbrig box
Discussion
First time motorhomer here so pls be gentle....!
Myself and the wife are very keen to give it a go both for holidays (monthly weekend away), longer holidays throughout the year and me using it as a "race van" for my mountainbiking. As such, I've narrowed down the search to Rimor Superbrigs as they have requisite amount of family space plus practicality with the bikes.
Saw one on a Merc chassis which wasn't all it was cracked up to be; unused for 4 months, a bit dank & potentially damp and a non runner due to clogged fuel filter and/or derv algae. Still awaiting outcome of service work to see if its worth taking a punt.
In the meantime, looking at a 2005 Ford Transit chassis with 2.4l derv lump and twin axle rwd. Really dislike the cab since it looks so old fashioned compared to the >2007 but I'm presuming they're pretty bombproof? This one has 47k on the clock. Anything I should look out for or ask questions about?
Budget is £20k but could stretch to £25k if the right one came long. Any other ideas of what to look for?
My list of 'wants' are as follows:-
- RWD & good payload capacity (i.e. probably around 4 tonnes);
- Ford (twin-axle), Iveco or Mercedes cab;
- diesel, not willing to go LPG on an American RV;
- winterised or at least very well insulated;
- rear garage large enough for mountain bikes (preferably over double bed but potentially under bunks);
- enough living space for little'un to be in bed whilst Mrs Spuff and I can drink wine without having to sacrifice dinettes for bed space;
- separate shower cubicle (Mrs Spuff's only condition);
- <7.3m long
Thanks in advance!
Myself and the wife are very keen to give it a go both for holidays (monthly weekend away), longer holidays throughout the year and me using it as a "race van" for my mountainbiking. As such, I've narrowed down the search to Rimor Superbrigs as they have requisite amount of family space plus practicality with the bikes.
Saw one on a Merc chassis which wasn't all it was cracked up to be; unused for 4 months, a bit dank & potentially damp and a non runner due to clogged fuel filter and/or derv algae. Still awaiting outcome of service work to see if its worth taking a punt.
In the meantime, looking at a 2005 Ford Transit chassis with 2.4l derv lump and twin axle rwd. Really dislike the cab since it looks so old fashioned compared to the >2007 but I'm presuming they're pretty bombproof? This one has 47k on the clock. Anything I should look out for or ask questions about?
Budget is £20k but could stretch to £25k if the right one came long. Any other ideas of what to look for?
My list of 'wants' are as follows:-
- RWD & good payload capacity (i.e. probably around 4 tonnes);
- Ford (twin-axle), Iveco or Mercedes cab;
- diesel, not willing to go LPG on an American RV;
- winterised or at least very well insulated;
- rear garage large enough for mountain bikes (preferably over double bed but potentially under bunks);
- enough living space for little'un to be in bed whilst Mrs Spuff and I can drink wine without having to sacrifice dinettes for bed space;
- separate shower cubicle (Mrs Spuff's only condition);
- <7.3m long
Thanks in advance!
Don't worry about the stfu - keep talking! :lol:
That's been of great help, thank you.
Just found the Matterhorn, looks great and just what the Dr ordered but length will be a problem since my local caravan storage place won't allow more than 7.2m.
How reliable are the Ford drive trains of this era?
Like the look of the Preston van but a little too far away and I'd probably go with LHD if we were spending lots of time on the continent but will probably only be max once per year. Appreciate the heads up though.
That's been of great help, thank you.
Just found the Matterhorn, looks great and just what the Dr ordered but length will be a problem since my local caravan storage place won't allow more than 7.2m.
How reliable are the Ford drive trains of this era?
Like the look of the Preston van but a little too far away and I'd probably go with LHD if we were spending lots of time on the continent but will probably only be max once per year. Appreciate the heads up though.
Damn you - you're winning me over to the LHD point! And just seen this at Southdowns, which could be interesting given the price point...
http://showroom.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/for-...
I guess I could get an independent inspection done?
What are the insurance implications for LHD over here? Presume its a bit pricier? Any issues with DVLA / taxing etc? Would be looking to put a private 'M' prefix plate on, presume I could do that given its got a UK plate on it already?
Thanks for your help guys!
http://showroom.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/for-...
I guess I could get an independent inspection done?
What are the insurance implications for LHD over here? Presume its a bit pricier? Any issues with DVLA / taxing etc? Would be looking to put a private 'M' prefix plate on, presume I could do that given its got a UK plate on it already?
Thanks for your help guys!
Thanks NHW - will bear those in mind.
I'm going to give Southdowns a call tomorrow about that Superbrig. If I get a warmish feeling from that conversation, I'll commission an inspection. Photos show it looking v clean, certainly inside, so if it all checks out, I'll attempt to do a deal. Certainly from spec, layout and condition, it looks like it fits the bill. If not, then I'll check out some of your other suggestions.
Really appreciate your help, I'll keep you posted!
I'm going to give Southdowns a call tomorrow about that Superbrig. If I get a warmish feeling from that conversation, I'll commission an inspection. Photos show it looking v clean, certainly inside, so if it all checks out, I'll attempt to do a deal. Certainly from spec, layout and condition, it looks like it fits the bill. If not, then I'll check out some of your other suggestions.
Really appreciate your help, I'll keep you posted!
Thanks chaps.
I'm back looking at the original 2003 Merc Rimor 728. Had a long chat with the chap who used to look after it (motorhome dealer) and got myself comfortable that it's something worth taking a second look at. Providing it's not succumbed to the damp and engine issues are a blocked fuel filter, then I'll be going for it.
Watch this space. If all doesn't pan out, I'll be in touch with the Preston dealer and will give you a shout, Bill.
While I'm here - anything I should be aware of on the Merc 316CDi chassis?
I'm back looking at the original 2003 Merc Rimor 728. Had a long chat with the chap who used to look after it (motorhome dealer) and got myself comfortable that it's something worth taking a second look at. Providing it's not succumbed to the damp and engine issues are a blocked fuel filter, then I'll be going for it.
Watch this space. If all doesn't pan out, I'll be in touch with the Preston dealer and will give you a shout, Bill.
While I'm here - anything I should be aware of on the Merc 316CDi chassis?
Ah. Hmm. Ok - good to know. It is a Sprintshift! It's only done 33k - not sure if that counts for or against!
I've noticed Southdowns carry a fair stock of Rimor bodyparts but noted in the event something happens in future.
Re: damp - the habitation check will be carried out by the dealer who originally sold it to the current owners. He has no vested interest in the van and has told me about his diligence regarding seeking out damp and lessons learned from previous checks. Have faith that I won't be fobbed off with something substandard.
I've noticed Southdowns carry a fair stock of Rimor bodyparts but noted in the event something happens in future.
Re: damp - the habitation check will be carried out by the dealer who originally sold it to the current owners. He has no vested interest in the van and has told me about his diligence regarding seeking out damp and lessons learned from previous checks. Have faith that I won't be fobbed off with something substandard.
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