2018 Rapido 696f - what to watch out for
Discussion
My parents have been looking at a motor home for ages and they’re pretty sure they’ve found ‘the one’, but are just a bit jittery about spending £55k on something that they don’t know anything about technically.
I’m going to go and have a look with them at some point this week, but was just wondering if anyone knows anything specific to keep my eyes out for? Will be borrowing a damp meter to check corners etc and will have a once over on the engine, but that’s about the limit of what I know to check for!
I’m going to go and have a look with them at some point this week, but was just wondering if anyone knows anything specific to keep my eyes out for? Will be borrowing a damp meter to check corners etc and will have a once over on the engine, but that’s about the limit of what I know to check for!
I'm certainly no expert mate but I would get it independently checked by someone who knows what there doing. While they're there they can check the gas & electricity for safety.
Otherwise just make sure the layout is what they like. I'm on my third motorhome and each time we change we alter the layout for our liking.
Otherwise just make sure the layout is what they like. I'm on my third motorhome and each time we change we alter the layout for our liking.
I suppose it depends on whether its being bought from a reputable motor-home dealer giving a long warranty or a private purchase.
If its the latter I'd definitely get a professional inspection on a £50k van! In fact, thinking about it I'd probably get an independent inspection even if its from a dealer.....for the sake of a few hundred pounds!
If its the latter I'd definitely get a professional inspection on a £50k van! In fact, thinking about it I'd probably get an independent inspection even if its from a dealer.....for the sake of a few hundred pounds!
Cheers guys, the layout is definitely what they’ve been after. It’s been about 3 years of umming and ahhing over various layouts before agreeing on what they want!!
Tbh, I hadn’t thought about professional inspections, didn’t really realise it was something you could get! Will take a look at a few places nearby, it’s probably the best option.
It is from a large dealer, not sure which one, but I know the van was taken in px for a brand new one. It’s only 12-ish months old with 3k on the clock!
Tbh, I hadn’t thought about professional inspections, didn’t really realise it was something you could get! Will take a look at a few places nearby, it’s probably the best option.
It is from a large dealer, not sure which one, but I know the van was taken in px for a brand new one. It’s only 12-ish months old with 3k on the clock!
Have an independent habitation check carried out-don't rely on the dealer. Check for damp yourself as well-buy a cheap damp meter. Be careful with dealers-I nearly got stung for £30000 for a "supposedly" excellent motor home which turned out to have extensive damp and a dangerous gas system although a habitation check had been "carried out".
I would also make sure everything works OK, even down to blinds and flyscreens as sometimes it can not be easy getting replacement parts if required.
Also check the mileage and any history, I have a hymer and part of the warranty is that is needs a habitation check annually by an authorized dealer so it should have had one done.
The reason I mention the mileage and previous keeper is sometimes ex rental vans are sold off within 2 years and they are obviously not as cared for compared with one that has been owned from new.
Also check the mileage and any history, I have a hymer and part of the warranty is that is needs a habitation check annually by an authorized dealer so it should have had one done.
The reason I mention the mileage and previous keeper is sometimes ex rental vans are sold off within 2 years and they are obviously not as cared for compared with one that has been owned from new.
Might be as well to discuss with someone on this website:
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/
There a lot of information available
https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/
There a lot of information available
Rapido motorhomes don't need a full habitation service to maintain warranty, generally just a damp test to keep the body shell warranty (this is the biggie!).
Most will have had the full on hab service though.
Check for damp with a proper moisture meter, not some cheapo one as they are generally not well calibrated and won't usually have non-invasive sensors (ultrasonic) and will mark wallboard/lino/surfaces. Check everywhere for damp, not just the corners.
Check the bodywork looks largely straight, all doors shut correctly and check for delam.
Is this going to be a dealer purchase within the Southwest? A family ran business?
Plenty of good forums to choose from particularly Motorhome Fun and a new one called Motorhome Help https://www.motorhomehelp.com
Most will have had the full on hab service though.
Check for damp with a proper moisture meter, not some cheapo one as they are generally not well calibrated and won't usually have non-invasive sensors (ultrasonic) and will mark wallboard/lino/surfaces. Check everywhere for damp, not just the corners.
Check the bodywork looks largely straight, all doors shut correctly and check for delam.
Is this going to be a dealer purchase within the Southwest? A family ran business?
Plenty of good forums to choose from particularly Motorhome Fun and a new one called Motorhome Help https://www.motorhomehelp.com
I’d strongly recommend getting an independent pre purchase inspection carried out.
Www.approvedworkshops.co.uk is the place to find someone local of a reasonable standard.
Www.approvedworkshops.co.uk is the place to find someone local of a reasonable standard.
Cheers for all the advice guys, I have passed it on to the ‘rents, but a little bit too late - they bought it yesterday!
Bit of a back story, my old man got the big C diagnosis a few months back and was told he didn’t really have much of a chance so, after 2 and a bit years of shopping around, they put the van purchase on hold until they knew how long he had left. There’s already found the van they wanted, brand new, perfect layout etc, but the enforced wait obviously put pay to that one.
He got a call from the doc yesterday morning saying the chemo and radio therapy has worked better than anyone expected and so he’s pretty much home and dry (barring regular check ups to monitor it), so he was on the phone to the dealer within 30 minutes and bought it!
I’ve not seen him this happy for a couple of years and I’m pretty sure he’s happier about the van than the other news
Is a bit of a punt not having the inspection, I know, but they’re happier than pigs in poo and are in the fortunate position to be able to sort out any issues, if there are any, that fall outside of the 12m warranty they got with the van.
Thanks again
Bit of a back story, my old man got the big C diagnosis a few months back and was told he didn’t really have much of a chance so, after 2 and a bit years of shopping around, they put the van purchase on hold until they knew how long he had left. There’s already found the van they wanted, brand new, perfect layout etc, but the enforced wait obviously put pay to that one.
He got a call from the doc yesterday morning saying the chemo and radio therapy has worked better than anyone expected and so he’s pretty much home and dry (barring regular check ups to monitor it), so he was on the phone to the dealer within 30 minutes and bought it!
I’ve not seen him this happy for a couple of years and I’m pretty sure he’s happier about the van than the other news
Is a bit of a punt not having the inspection, I know, but they’re happier than pigs in poo and are in the fortunate position to be able to sort out any issues, if there are any, that fall outside of the 12m warranty they got with the van. Thanks again
Jonboy_t said:
He got a call from the doc yesterday morning saying the chemo and radio therapy has worked better than anyone expected and so he’s pretty much home and dry (barring regular check ups to monitor it), so he was on the phone to the dealer within 30 minutes and bought it!
Thanks again
How wonderful! Thanks again
Suddenly pre-purchase inspections pale into total insignificance!!
I hope they enjoy their motorhome for many years to come
dugsud said:
Jonboy_t said:
He got a call from the doc yesterday morning saying the chemo and radio therapy has worked better than anyone expected and so he’s pretty much home and dry (barring regular check ups to monitor it), so he was on the phone to the dealer within 30 minutes and bought it!
Thanks again
How wonderful! Thanks again
Suddenly pre-purchase inspections pale into total insignificance!!
I hope they enjoy their motorhome for many years to come
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