Camper Vans - thinking of buying - any advice?
Discussion
Hi
I would rent one first for a week to make sure you like it as it's a big purchase to make if you are not sure. The first motorhome I bought was from a couple who had bought it then decided it wasn't for them - an expensive mistake!
They are expensive to buy but retain their value well and are lots of fun!
cheers
Tim
I would rent one first for a week to make sure you like it as it's a big purchase to make if you are not sure. The first motorhome I bought was from a couple who had bought it then decided it wasn't for them - an expensive mistake!
They are expensive to buy but retain their value well and are lots of fun!
cheers
Tim
I have just sold a three year old Elddis Autoquest hi line 6 berth, (owned from new) and replaced it with a new lowline 2 berth model as the kids have now flown the nest.
Excellent value for money, great MPG (around 35mpg) and more than enough power...(easy 65/70mph cruising)
Motorhomes certainly seem to hold their value if you look after them.
Insurance was around £300 fully comp.......
If buying secondhand, try to get one that has not had pets or smokers in it.
Excellent value for money, great MPG (around 35mpg) and more than enough power...(easy 65/70mph cruising)
Motorhomes certainly seem to hold their value if you look after them.
Insurance was around £300 fully comp.......
If buying secondhand, try to get one that has not had pets or smokers in it.
Well, if you are going for a 4 berth, you have probably ruled out the smaller VW based offerings, which is good in somerespects, because their main plus is that they drive just like a large VW saloon, so as an everyday alternative to a car are quite practical, and very tempting, but too small for anything more than 2 up.
So, if your into the medium coachbuilt, then yes. you are spoilt for choice.
You could, do lots of research, ask lots of questions of owners, go to lots of meets to get a feel of different vans from other owners dying to show their P and J off to you.
Or, as suggested, hire one, for a couple of holidays, see how you get on.
Or, as also suggested, buy a cheapish one, of the type you think suits you, use it for a season or two, then sell and take the plunge on a nwere one to keep long term. They hold their values so well, and do not obey the usual second hand rules, that if purchased well, will not devalue much, and may even break even.
That's their ace up the sleeve, you might have to buy high, but you'll generally sell high too. And as the man said, you'll enjoy the hols and freedom in the meantime.
So, if your into the medium coachbuilt, then yes. you are spoilt for choice.
You could, do lots of research, ask lots of questions of owners, go to lots of meets to get a feel of different vans from other owners dying to show their P and J off to you.
Or, as suggested, hire one, for a couple of holidays, see how you get on.
Or, as also suggested, buy a cheapish one, of the type you think suits you, use it for a season or two, then sell and take the plunge on a nwere one to keep long term. They hold their values so well, and do not obey the usual second hand rules, that if purchased well, will not devalue much, and may even break even.
That's their ace up the sleeve, you might have to buy high, but you'll generally sell high too. And as the man said, you'll enjoy the hols and freedom in the meantime.
v8will said:
Fiat based chassis seem to be the most popular. I don't know much about them but at a guess ensure you get one with aircon, most desirable for people touring the warmer parts of Europe.
My stepdad used to have a Ducato based camper - I can't remember exactly which make/model the camper part was, but it was remarkably easy to drive. It was only a 1.9TDi (90hp) which was sufficient for the 4 berth camper, fully laden with pax & 4 bikes on the rear mounted carrier, etc.When he needed parts he went to the Peugeot dealer as the Ducato was the same as a Peugeot Boxer (?), IIRC.
OP: What kind of size (berth) & budget are you looking at? You can spend an absolute fortune on some machines!
5potTurbo said:
v8will said:
Fiat based chassis seem to be the most popular. I don't know much about them but at a guess ensure you get one with aircon, most desirable for people touring the warmer parts of Europe.
My stepdad used to have a Ducato based camper - I can't remember exactly which make/model the camper part was, but it was remarkably easy to drive. It was only a 1.9TDi (90hp) which was sufficient for the 4 berth camper, fully laden with pax & 4 bikes on the rear mounted carrier, etc.When he needed parts he went to the Peugeot dealer as the Ducato was the same as a Peugeot Boxer (?), IIRC.
OP: What kind of size (berth) & budget are you looking at? You can spend an absolute fortune on some machines!
You are right though... You can spend a lot!
The choice IS bewildering.
The important thing is to decide on the internal living requirements you need (which you seem to have done) and then decide on the style and layout required.
There are a number of basic construction methods for motorhomes -
basic panel van (VW campers etc) - which use the basic van "box" as the living space
coachbuilt - Swift, Autocruise etc - which uses a standard van cab with a caravan style body built on the van chassis or a separate special chassis
A Class - in which the engine and running gear, suspension etc is from a standard van but the bodywork, including the cab, is specially designed. These are often Continental designs - such as Hymer or Dethleff.
Read a few of the motorhome magazines to get an overview of what's around and, if possible, get to one of the motorhome shows that are held throughout the year. There is a show at Newbury Showground the weekend after next.
The important thing is to decide on the internal living requirements you need (which you seem to have done) and then decide on the style and layout required.
There are a number of basic construction methods for motorhomes -
basic panel van (VW campers etc) - which use the basic van "box" as the living space
coachbuilt - Swift, Autocruise etc - which uses a standard van cab with a caravan style body built on the van chassis or a separate special chassis
A Class - in which the engine and running gear, suspension etc is from a standard van but the bodywork, including the cab, is specially designed. These are often Continental designs - such as Hymer or Dethleff.
Read a few of the motorhome magazines to get an overview of what's around and, if possible, get to one of the motorhome shows that are held throughout the year. There is a show at Newbury Showground the weekend after next.
A couple of people I know have bought vans, then found them to be very impractable for touring. They'd stop off at a campsite for the night with the intention of exploring the area the following day but, they found that repacking everthing away each time they wanted to move the van was tiresome. They spent more time unpacking/repacking than actually touring. The answer, they found, was to tow a caravan, leaving that as a base at the campsite & have the fuel efficient,light,fast car to roam.
So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
pauldm28 said:
A couple of people I know have bought vans, then found them to be very impractable for touring. They'd stop off at a campsite for the night with the intention of exploring the area the following day but, they found that repacking everthing away each time they wanted to move the van was tiresome. They spent more time unpacking/repacking than actually touring. The answer, they found, was to tow a caravan, leaving that as a base at the campsite & have the fuel efficient,light,fast car to roam.
So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
Wise words - lots of people don't consider this.So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
I borrow my Dad's occasionally and it's fun but they're a hefty burden to run and driving them a long way can get tiresome. Bro in law has a converted T5 (130bhp diesel) which is great for about three nights a year. The rest of the time it's an expensive load lugger that munches front tyres in under 10k miles.
I personally prefer sticking up a decent tent or staying in a B&B/guesthouse/hotel!
Vladimir said:
pauldm28 said:
A couple of people I know have bought vans, then found them to be very impractable for touring. They'd stop off at a campsite for the night with the intention of exploring the area the following day but, they found that repacking everthing away each time they wanted to move the van was tiresome. They spent more time unpacking/repacking than actually touring. The answer, they found, was to tow a caravan, leaving that as a base at the campsite & have the fuel efficient,light,fast car to roam.
So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
Wise words - lots of people don't consider this.So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
I borrow my Dad's occasionally and it's fun but they're a hefty burden to run and driving them a long way can get tiresome. Bro in law has a converted T5 (130bhp diesel) which is great for about three nights a year. The rest of the time it's an expensive load lugger that munches front tyres in under 10k miles.
I personally prefer sticking up a decent tent or staying in a B&B/guesthouse/hotel!
Unless you are going to be happy to drive to one camp site and sit there for a fortnight (or are willing to tow a car for touring around) then I can't see the attraction of a camper van over a caravan or hiring a house tent or static caravan.
Depends on what you want to do when you get on site. My wife and I like walking so we tend to stay on site for a few days and do all the local walks and/or use public transport (or even taxis) to get around the locality.
Many people actually tow cars these days although the choice of towable cars is fairly limited.
Many people actually tow cars these days although the choice of towable cars is fairly limited.
Thats why you see lots of campervans towing small cars or with scooters on the back.
Otherwise you are stuck with visiting places within walking/cycling distance or using public transport.
I would seriously consider a caravan. Much cheaper to buy, no road tax/MOT, insurance is pretty cheap and takes the same space as a campervan. Service is approx. £140 per year. I pay £230 insurance for £7500 van stored at my sister in laws small holding.
TBH the only downsize is towing it at 60mph max. but you won't be going much faster in a campervan.
Otherwise you are stuck with visiting places within walking/cycling distance or using public transport.
I would seriously consider a caravan. Much cheaper to buy, no road tax/MOT, insurance is pretty cheap and takes the same space as a campervan. Service is approx. £140 per year. I pay £230 insurance for £7500 van stored at my sister in laws small holding.
TBH the only downsize is towing it at 60mph max. but you won't be going much faster in a campervan.
Think long and hard about the internal layout you want, try and get to shows where you can get inside and have a proper look and get the feel of what you want. Also consider what it'll be like with all your gear in, they look great with show lighting and strategically placed wine bottles and fruit bowls, it's very different with wet Labradors, waterproofs and walking boots all over the place.
There is another option, coming in from left field really, but addresses the problem of mobility whilst on-site. That is the 5th wheel RV type of trailer. Smallest ones similar to a medium sized caravan, but usually have side pop-outs, to extand the living space sideways when on-site. Cheaper that the equivalent caravan, and cookers, beds tend to be full size, and the van is usually air conditioned, and has space heaters.
My neighbour has one, and uses a Navara 4 cab to pull it. Less towing length too, because the overhang is over the rear of the truck.
Can appear quite big due to having masses of head room, but if you could use a Navara as your daily vehicle, I'd have one over a caravan anytime.
My neighbour has one, and uses a Navara 4 cab to pull it. Less towing length too, because the overhang is over the rear of the truck.
Can appear quite big due to having masses of head room, but if you could use a Navara as your daily vehicle, I'd have one over a caravan anytime.
pauldm28 said:
A couple of people I know have bought vans, then found them to be very impractable for touring. They'd stop off at a campsite for the night with the intention of exploring the area the following day but, they found that repacking everthing away each time they wanted to move the van was tiresome. They spent more time unpacking/repacking than actually touring. The answer, they found, was to tow a caravan, leaving that as a base at the campsite & have the fuel efficient,light,fast car to roam.
So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
I bought a small van 2-3 years ago used it twice then sold it.So it depends on how you intend to use the campervan.
I just didnt like towing, poor fuel economy , driving slowly , potential for getting stuck.
We didnt have an ideal tow car though as its a 1.8 petrol FWD. With the extra weight on the tow bar you lose traction at the front so stopping on steep, wet inclines is not a good idea!
Did the van up and sold it for a small profit. Id rather get a big tent.
However my wife would like a camper so im sending this thread to her!
Left field option but...
Our 110 Defender is proving to be THE handiest thing we've ever had and you can semi convert them to a camper if needed or stick a safari tent on the roof - zillions of options. Plus you can get anywhere in one.
I surf a lot and the default option is a T4/T5 VW van/camper but I'm finding the 110 a far more useful vehicle.
Our 110 Defender is proving to be THE handiest thing we've ever had and you can semi convert them to a camper if needed or stick a safari tent on the roof - zillions of options. Plus you can get anywhere in one.
I surf a lot and the default option is a T4/T5 VW van/camper but I'm finding the 110 a far more useful vehicle.
Vladimir said:
Left field option but...
Our 110 Defender is proving to be THE handiest thing we've ever had and you can semi convert them to a camper if needed or stick a safari tent on the roof - zillions of options. Plus you can get anywhere in one.
I surf a lot and the default option is a T4/T5 VW van/camper but I'm finding the 110 a far more useful vehicle.
I agree. The only problem with tents afaic, is uncomfortable sleeping. So use the 4x4's floor and the kids on the roof...Our 110 Defender is proving to be THE handiest thing we've ever had and you can semi convert them to a camper if needed or stick a safari tent on the roof - zillions of options. Plus you can get anywhere in one.
I surf a lot and the default option is a T4/T5 VW van/camper but I'm finding the 110 a far more useful vehicle.
I've personally ruled out a campervan for the 'having to load it all up to drive to the beach' thing, and a caravan's no good because I need to tow a boat too...
Edited by richardxjr on Thursday 5th May 12:14
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