Hymer Camp 55 - Light restoration project
Discussion
I thought I would drop into this section as we have been given a 1994 Hymer Camp (55 i think) motorhome by my father who has owned it since new,
Given we have never owned a motorhome before I'm looking for recommendations for Insurance and European Breakdown cover, (Given the age of the vehicle)
Also are there any other things I will need to have checked? Apparently the fridge and heating system has never been run on gas so will be in need of a good check over before using, (any ideas on where to get this done)
As we will be mostly using the truck on the continent does anyone know the situation with the electric hookup cable? (Where to buy type etc)
Given its based on the mk1 Ducato 2.5TD (Talbot express) I'm expecting to have to get some welding done in the near future and the windscreen frame has some mild rust which will be seen to in due course, Also the paint on the habitation part is faded (Stripes etc will need repainting and it needs a good wash)
Is there anything else we need to know or look out for?
Pictures to follow once we pick it up
Given we have never owned a motorhome before I'm looking for recommendations for Insurance and European Breakdown cover, (Given the age of the vehicle)
Also are there any other things I will need to have checked? Apparently the fridge and heating system has never been run on gas so will be in need of a good check over before using, (any ideas on where to get this done)
As we will be mostly using the truck on the continent does anyone know the situation with the electric hookup cable? (Where to buy type etc)
Given its based on the mk1 Ducato 2.5TD (Talbot express) I'm expecting to have to get some welding done in the near future and the windscreen frame has some mild rust which will be seen to in due course, Also the paint on the habitation part is faded (Stripes etc will need repainting and it needs a good wash)
Is there anything else we need to know or look out for?
Pictures to follow once we pick it up
I've only had one for a year, mine is about the same age.
Gas inspection : ask at your local calor center, motorhome /caravan center, or other local owners.
Insurance : I'd suggest a good broker, mine is £230, or was last year it isn't due until July
Breakdown cover : I got quotes from The AA, RAC & Green flag, last year for me the AA was less than half the price of the others, I imagine that will change yearly.
Gas inspection : ask at your local calor center, motorhome /caravan center, or other local owners.
Insurance : I'd suggest a good broker, mine is £230, or was last year it isn't due until July
Breakdown cover : I got quotes from The AA, RAC & Green flag, last year for me the AA was less than half the price of the others, I imagine that will change yearly.
Thanks for all the replies, I'll spend some more time getting some quotes and will also have a look for a Calor place in the north west as we are picking it up from Preston next week and taking it straight to Poland as i'm not sure they bother checking anything here
Will try the AA again today, We used to be with them years ago however their EU cover became prohibitively expensive.
Will try the AA again today, We used to be with them years ago however their EU cover became prohibitively expensive.
Managed to get cover with ADAC despite living outside Germany, If anyone else is interested they are still accepting non German residents over the phone but not via their website. They speak perfect English too! number is +49 (911) 9595 - 0 if anyone is interested.
97 EUR for myself and my wife and the bonus is all 3 of our cars are now covered as it covers the person as opposed to the car. (AA quoted in excess of 300 GBP)
Now for the insurance.....
97 EUR for myself and my wife and the bonus is all 3 of our cars are now covered as it covers the person as opposed to the car. (AA quoted in excess of 300 GBP)
Now for the insurance.....
I use a broker for our insurance (AIB if I remember correctly) and I have UK & EU breakdown cover included in this. Never had to use it <touches wood> though. Your hook-up cable needs the standard camping circular blue three round pin connections. Get a UK and an EU adaptor for this (makes it easier if you plug in at home). I would suggest a good hab check, which should check gas aswell as for damp, you can often find a mobile service for this, so they come to you.
Is Poland for holiday or more permanently? We visited in 2015 and we're itching to go back . . .
Is Poland for holiday or more permanently? We visited in 2015 and we're itching to go back . . .
chopper602 said:
I use a broker for our insurance (AIB if I remember correctly) and I have UK & EU breakdown cover included in this. Never had to use it <touches wood> though. Your hook-up cable needs the standard camping circular blue three round pin connections. Get a UK and an EU adaptor for this (makes it easier if you plug in at home). I would suggest a good hab check, which should check gas aswell as for damp, you can often find a mobile service for this, so they come to you.
Is Poland for holiday or more permanently? We visited in 2015 and we're itching to go back . . .
I'll have a ring around my local broker, I was worried that my no claims bonus is tied up on my main car so hoping to find a company that can mirror my NCB,Is Poland for holiday or more permanently? We visited in 2015 and we're itching to go back . . .
My dad has just said he will get the habitation check done before we pick it up, (I have no idea whats involved) Will also keep an eye out for the cables,
Poland has recently become a bit more longer term, My wife is Polish and we spend our time 50/50 UK Poland however I think its starting to lean more towards being full time.
Poznan (where we live) is great, As are the other major cities however the smaller towns are a little bit depressing as they are practically empty. Planning to take the camper up to Mazury and to Hel once we have got it back here. I miss the sea!
Hello! Sorry, I've only just seen this.
Congrats on your new acquisition.
I think most of the points have already been covered, but wanted to say hello from a fellow Hymer owner!
I insure my B640 Starline with Safeguard - they package the insurance (inc. European Cover) together with European Breakdown Cover. If the van is over 3.5t, which I imagine it's not, trying to get breakdown cover is tricky, particularly for vans over 10years old. Hence Safeguard is a good option for me (mine is a 2001 on a 4.6t chassis).
Faded decals is unfortunately just what happens and I don't think it's possible to get replacements from Hymer. I remember looking at replacements for a Rimor Superbrig I had of a similar age and the importer wanted nearly 600quid for a new set. I didn't need them that much!
Enjoy your adventures. I'm now into my 3rd year of motorhome ownership and 2nd year with the Hymer. I love it and can't imagine being without one.
Congrats on your new acquisition.
I think most of the points have already been covered, but wanted to say hello from a fellow Hymer owner!
I insure my B640 Starline with Safeguard - they package the insurance (inc. European Cover) together with European Breakdown Cover. If the van is over 3.5t, which I imagine it's not, trying to get breakdown cover is tricky, particularly for vans over 10years old. Hence Safeguard is a good option for me (mine is a 2001 on a 4.6t chassis).
Faded decals is unfortunately just what happens and I don't think it's possible to get replacements from Hymer. I remember looking at replacements for a Rimor Superbrig I had of a similar age and the importer wanted nearly 600quid for a new set. I didn't need them that much!
Enjoy your adventures. I'm now into my 3rd year of motorhome ownership and 2nd year with the Hymer. I love it and can't imagine being without one.
Thanks Spuffington for the welcome! I've been reading your thread about full timing in a Motorhome with interest as its something we will have to do later in the year for 3 months whilst our house is being built,
From reading online it looks like Hymers are pretty well built, Yours looks lovely!
This is a picture of ours that my dad sent through we pick it up next month, (Nowhere near as nice as the A class variants but great for weekends away on the cheap with 3 cats)
Cab is being repainted next week (My dad arranged it) and I think once we have it i'll spend a bit of time restoring the Hymer stripes as they look a bit faded and give the outside a good deep clean as its been parked up a while. Inside looks as new from what i can remember. The only thing that worries me slightly is the fact the drivetrain is 23 years old however here in Poland its quite common to have the habitation area transplanted onto a newer chassis cab which is something we will consider next year once we have tried motor-homing.
From reading online it looks like Hymers are pretty well built, Yours looks lovely!
This is a picture of ours that my dad sent through we pick it up next month, (Nowhere near as nice as the A class variants but great for weekends away on the cheap with 3 cats)
Cab is being repainted next week (My dad arranged it) and I think once we have it i'll spend a bit of time restoring the Hymer stripes as they look a bit faded and give the outside a good deep clean as its been parked up a while. Inside looks as new from what i can remember. The only thing that worries me slightly is the fact the drivetrain is 23 years old however here in Poland its quite common to have the habitation area transplanted onto a newer chassis cab which is something we will consider next year once we have tried motor-homing.
Flights are finally booked so we are collecting it on the 5th,
Still need to sort insurance which is a bit more problematic than I first thought as I have 0 no claims bonus to use on this one. I have 12 years no claims on my private car but it seems that is irrelevent, (Any suggestions as to who I could call would be welcome) We also need 365 day EU cover ideally.
On a brighter note, My dad had the cab repainted before we pick it up so one last massive job to do and I think it looks amazing,
I have also ordered a brand new set of headlights (LHD version) as the current ones are looking a little worse for wear,
It seems crazy as my other car is a Lexus LS430 which does everything perfectly but for some reason I really cant wait to pick this up and start driving it!
On another note, Anyone know what the speed limits for these vehicles are? The weight of it is 2800kg when I checked the vehicle tax checker online.
Still need to sort insurance which is a bit more problematic than I first thought as I have 0 no claims bonus to use on this one. I have 12 years no claims on my private car but it seems that is irrelevent, (Any suggestions as to who I could call would be welcome) We also need 365 day EU cover ideally.
On a brighter note, My dad had the cab repainted before we pick it up so one last massive job to do and I think it looks amazing,
I have also ordered a brand new set of headlights (LHD version) as the current ones are looking a little worse for wear,
It seems crazy as my other car is a Lexus LS430 which does everything perfectly but for some reason I really cant wait to pick this up and start driving it!
On another note, Anyone know what the speed limits for these vehicles are? The weight of it is 2800kg when I checked the vehicle tax checker online.
Hi - the Hymer is looking lovely! I also have a heavily specced 530d Touring but love driving the Motorhome, even after 2+ years.
In terms of insurance, try Safeguard. I've had mine with them for the last 2 years and they mirror my NCB on my car. They also do EU cover and UK & EU breakdown included.
As for speed limits, IIRC at 2800kg MGVW you're in line with car limits. Double check the Highway Code but AFAIK the limits change once you hit >3500kg. You'll find that it's probably irrelevant anyway as you'll settle into a groove around 60mph. Not sure what the Camp models are like but when I had my Rimor coach built, i got an awful lot of wind noise from the Luton cab but over 55mph which did more to limit my cruise speed than the engine in that vehicle.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
In terms of insurance, try Safeguard. I've had mine with them for the last 2 years and they mirror my NCB on my car. They also do EU cover and UK & EU breakdown included.
As for speed limits, IIRC at 2800kg MGVW you're in line with car limits. Double check the Highway Code but AFAIK the limits change once you hit >3500kg. You'll find that it's probably irrelevant anyway as you'll settle into a groove around 60mph. Not sure what the Camp models are like but when I had my Rimor coach built, i got an awful lot of wind noise from the Luton cab but over 55mph which did more to limit my cruise speed than the engine in that vehicle.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
I expected the speed limits to be the same as vans but it seems they are not as long as the unladen weight is under 3050kg.
So in your case it's as above, the same as a car.
I suspect that when loaded up you will be over 3.5 tonnes, I gather most campers are, even those with a nominal gvw of 3.5 t.
So in your case it's as above, the same as a car.
I suspect that when loaded up you will be over 3.5 tonnes, I gather most campers are, even those with a nominal gvw of 3.5 t.
CDB1983 said:
Poznan (where we live) is great,
We went past there on the way to Torun (where we stayed for a few days on the airport, with all the 2CVs)With the amount of time out of the UK, you could well be better off with a Polish insurance policy. Most of the UK policies will limit the amount of cover outside of the UK (I may be wrong!), but definitely the breakdown cover will be limited.
Spuffington said:
Hi - the Hymer is looking lovely! I also have a heavily specced 530d Touring but love driving the Motorhome, even after 2+ years.
In terms of insurance, try Safeguard. I've had mine with them for the last 2 years and they mirror my NCB on my car. They also do EU cover and UK & EU breakdown included.
As for speed limits, IIRC at 2800kg MGVW you're in line with car limits. Double check the Highway Code but AFAIK the limits change once you hit >3500kg. You'll find that it's probably irrelevant anyway as you'll settle into a groove around 60mph. Not sure what the Camp models are like but when I had my Rimor coach built, i got an awful lot of wind noise from the Luton cab but over 55mph which did more to limit my cruise speed than the engine in that vehicle.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
Perfect, I will give them a call on Monday and see what I can sort out, I'm guessing it will be quite noisy at speed as its a very old truck but will be great to be able to go away whenever we want In terms of insurance, try Safeguard. I've had mine with them for the last 2 years and they mirror my NCB on my car. They also do EU cover and UK & EU breakdown included.
As for speed limits, IIRC at 2800kg MGVW you're in line with car limits. Double check the Highway Code but AFAIK the limits change once you hit >3500kg. You'll find that it's probably irrelevant anyway as you'll settle into a groove around 60mph. Not sure what the Camp models are like but when I had my Rimor coach built, i got an awful lot of wind noise from the Luton cab but over 55mph which did more to limit my cruise speed than the engine in that vehicle.
Enjoy and keep us posted!
chopper602 said:
We went past there on the way to Torun (where we stayed for a few days on the airport, with all the 2CVs)
With the amount of time out of the UK, you could well be better off with a Polish insurance policy. Most of the UK policies will limit the amount of cover outside of the UK (I may be wrong!), but definitely the breakdown cover will be limited.
Torun! I'm very close to Torun as I write this staying with our inlaws its a stunning city With the amount of time out of the UK, you could well be better off with a Polish insurance policy. Most of the UK policies will limit the amount of cover outside of the UK (I may be wrong!), but definitely the breakdown cover will be limited.
Was it in May/June 2015? I remember seeing loads of 2cv's around at one point and did wonder what was going on, The plan is to register it on Polish plates within the first 6 months of owning it and insure it here as I don't really fancy driving this one back and forth for MOT's each year
It made it! Left Preston at 20.00 on thursday and arrived back last night,
Couple of issues, Upon further inspection the tyres need replacing urgently due to age as opposed to wear, (Cracking etc)
Rear engine mount is shot, Pulls to the right hard under acceleration and left when letting off, Track rod ends also feel a bit slack. These issues meant our top speed all the way home was around 45mph which was quite tedious however its now home and we love it!
Time for a bit of a rolling restoration project it seems, Starting with a deep clean.
Audi b7 seats are being fitted as my friend just took some lovely leather s-line seats out of his audi for no real reason but he wants to sell them,
Clutch cable needs adjusting,
Some sound insulation in the cab wouldn't go amiss
Stereo System, It would be nice to have one,
Restore the Hymer stripes on the habitation part, (rustoleum job)
Sort out the worn bushings etc in the front suspension as its a bit all over the place.
Apart from that inside is like new and we are both over the moon with it, I prefer sleeping in it to sleeping in our flat,
Currently parked on my inlaws farm 100kms from where we live and going to the mechanic tomorrow so that its hopefully ready to go next weekend!
Couple of issues, Upon further inspection the tyres need replacing urgently due to age as opposed to wear, (Cracking etc)
Rear engine mount is shot, Pulls to the right hard under acceleration and left when letting off, Track rod ends also feel a bit slack. These issues meant our top speed all the way home was around 45mph which was quite tedious however its now home and we love it!
Time for a bit of a rolling restoration project it seems, Starting with a deep clean.
Audi b7 seats are being fitted as my friend just took some lovely leather s-line seats out of his audi for no real reason but he wants to sell them,
Clutch cable needs adjusting,
Some sound insulation in the cab wouldn't go amiss
Stereo System, It would be nice to have one,
Restore the Hymer stripes on the habitation part, (rustoleum job)
Sort out the worn bushings etc in the front suspension as its a bit all over the place.
Apart from that inside is like new and we are both over the moon with it, I prefer sleeping in it to sleeping in our flat,
Currently parked on my inlaws farm 100kms from where we live and going to the mechanic tomorrow so that its hopefully ready to go next weekend!
Congratulations!
There is nothing quite like it. I love sleeping in mine (good job, given it's also my home at the moment :lol: )!
Check out the front wheel alignment before you go changing anything. Mine was so out, it was unbelievable. Left wheel 5mm and right wheel 15mm!!!! After having had the tracking done, it's like driving a brand new van. That said, mine has only done 45k miles so it wasn't like anything was going to be worn at that mileage. But worth a shout anyway. Good call on the tyres - they're not that expensive anyway and you've done yourself a favour given the safety aspect and now 5yrs or so before they'll need replacing again.
Other than the few bits you mention, sounds like there's nothing major. There'll always be something (as I've learnt over the last two years or so) but hopefully you can enjoy it whilst you're doing the work you want to.
There is nothing quite like it. I love sleeping in mine (good job, given it's also my home at the moment :lol: )!
Check out the front wheel alignment before you go changing anything. Mine was so out, it was unbelievable. Left wheel 5mm and right wheel 15mm!!!! After having had the tracking done, it's like driving a brand new van. That said, mine has only done 45k miles so it wasn't like anything was going to be worn at that mileage. But worth a shout anyway. Good call on the tyres - they're not that expensive anyway and you've done yourself a favour given the safety aspect and now 5yrs or so before they'll need replacing again.
Other than the few bits you mention, sounds like there's nothing major. There'll always be something (as I've learnt over the last two years or so) but hopefully you can enjoy it whilst you're doing the work you want to.
CDB1983 said:
Torun! I'm very close to Torun as I write this staying with our inlaws its a stunning city Was it in May/June 2015? I remember seeing loads of 2cv's around at one point and did wonder what was going on,
July 2015 - on the site of the Airport / glider station. There were thousands of people there for the best part of a week. We loved it, although we were in the motorhome rather than the 2CV, we travelled with a group from England and we were the mothership at the back! Was it in May/June 2015? I remember seeing loads of 2cv's around at one point and did wonder what was going on, I think they are repeating the meeting in 2020, but this is for the ICCCR (International Citroen Car Club Meeting), so will be ALL Citroens from all around the world - it will be huge!
Spuffington said:
Congratulations!
There is nothing quite like it. I love sleeping in mine (good job, given it's also my home at the moment :lol: )!
Check out the front wheel alignment before you go changing anything. Mine was so out, it was unbelievable. Left wheel 5mm and right wheel 15mm!!!! After having had the tracking done, it's like driving a brand new van. That said, mine has only done 45k miles so it wasn't like anything was going to be worn at that mileage. But worth a shout anyway. Good call on the tyres - they're not that expensive anyway and you've done yourself a favour given the safety aspect and now 5yrs or so before they'll need replacing again.
Other than the few bits you mention, sounds like there's nothing major. There'll always be something (as I've learnt over the last two years or so) but hopefully you can enjoy it whilst you're doing the work you want to.
I totally understand the attraction! There is nothing quite like it. I love sleeping in mine (good job, given it's also my home at the moment :lol: )!
Check out the front wheel alignment before you go changing anything. Mine was so out, it was unbelievable. Left wheel 5mm and right wheel 15mm!!!! After having had the tracking done, it's like driving a brand new van. That said, mine has only done 45k miles so it wasn't like anything was going to be worn at that mileage. But worth a shout anyway. Good call on the tyres - they're not that expensive anyway and you've done yourself a favour given the safety aspect and now 5yrs or so before they'll need replacing again.
Other than the few bits you mention, sounds like there's nothing major. There'll always be something (as I've learnt over the last two years or so) but hopefully you can enjoy it whilst you're doing the work you want to.
We live 8 floors up and I miss being on the ground, It looks like we may be full timing from September as our house is quite delayed and I begrudge signing another lease + we have the space at my inlaws farm with electricity etc and camping in Poland seems to be pretty cheap,
The bed in the 24 year old Hymer is far more comfortable than the cheap ikea effort we have been making do with too!
We did try to have the tracking done but they told us that the track rods are too worn, poor thing was laid up for years until we woke it up and piled a heap of miles on it in 2 days! This one is pretty low mileage too but I think being left standing for so long has taken its toll on a lot of the suspension rubbers, Mechanic came back to me earlier quoting 350 GBP ish for 2 Engine Mounts, Track rods, CV gaitors and a Manifold gasket which given the Hymer was free makes for a very cheap camper.
I've also just ordered a new mat for the false floor in the cab to alleviate the accelerator pedal issue thinking that I can use the mat as a stencil to actually make the false floor, - (My DIY skills aren't great so we will see)
I get the impression that the main cause of the pulling is the engine mounts as the engine literally moves around 10 - 20 cm when i move the throttle cable and its difficult to get into gear.
RE tyres, I'm usually anal about them on our road cars but didn't think to really check them too much on the camper however looking through the old receipts it appears the front pair were bought new in July 2000
Which is embarrassing! (And also lucky given how far its just travelled)I think this summer once all the important stuff has been done (Safety related) has been done it will be enjoy it as much as we can whilst completing little jobs, I'm planning on painting the once grey parts this coming weekend if i'm brave enough, More pics to follow,
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