Motorhome newbie - 5 days in subzero Cornwall. A review
Discussion
Good write up and will be useful for a lot of people entertaining it for the first time.
Now I would say this, but might be worth trying out a Hymer before you settle on a campervan. I know campervans do things a bit differently to a big coachbuilt, but a lot of your comments surrounded build quality, ease of use (control panel), noise, power etc. would be addressed by something perhaps even a bit older, but a bit better quality to start with.
I'm not knocking the Chausson (it was on my list for reason of bunk beds early-doors) but I know they're built to a price and popular with the hire brigade due to their reasonable initial cost and relative sturdiness - they do get a hard life with multiple occupants and perhaps people not taking as much care as they should. But at the end of the day, they're a 35k motorhome new. My Hymer A-class, just two years older has an invoice price of 95k new. And it shines through.
The reason I'm so confident of this is having been the owner of a Rimor Superbrig previously. It did all of what it said on the tin, but much like the Chausson, build quality was questionable and although it was ultimately a bag of spanners which I had to get rid of (for mechanical reasons), I'm so glad I did, because I've ended up in something which truly restores my faith in motorhoming and that I can't wait to spend time in.
Whilst I'm still rocking the same 60mph cruise speed, 165bhp sees to the issues of acceleration, PUAL Body construction sees to insulation, warmth and longevity, really well-built cabinets, simple to operate control panel and useable tank volumes, shower and living area see to the home comforts aspect.
Unless your desire for a camper Comes down just to every-day practicalities of driving one instead of (or in addition) to a Family car, then I'd take a serious look at an early noughties Hymer for rental (preferably on a Merc Chassis - but then I would say that!
) and see why they have such a great following and rock-solid residuals. 
Now I would say this, but might be worth trying out a Hymer before you settle on a campervan. I know campervans do things a bit differently to a big coachbuilt, but a lot of your comments surrounded build quality, ease of use (control panel), noise, power etc. would be addressed by something perhaps even a bit older, but a bit better quality to start with.
I'm not knocking the Chausson (it was on my list for reason of bunk beds early-doors) but I know they're built to a price and popular with the hire brigade due to their reasonable initial cost and relative sturdiness - they do get a hard life with multiple occupants and perhaps people not taking as much care as they should. But at the end of the day, they're a 35k motorhome new. My Hymer A-class, just two years older has an invoice price of 95k new. And it shines through.
The reason I'm so confident of this is having been the owner of a Rimor Superbrig previously. It did all of what it said on the tin, but much like the Chausson, build quality was questionable and although it was ultimately a bag of spanners which I had to get rid of (for mechanical reasons), I'm so glad I did, because I've ended up in something which truly restores my faith in motorhoming and that I can't wait to spend time in.
Whilst I'm still rocking the same 60mph cruise speed, 165bhp sees to the issues of acceleration, PUAL Body construction sees to insulation, warmth and longevity, really well-built cabinets, simple to operate control panel and useable tank volumes, shower and living area see to the home comforts aspect.
Unless your desire for a camper Comes down just to every-day practicalities of driving one instead of (or in addition) to a Family car, then I'd take a serious look at an early noughties Hymer for rental (preferably on a Merc Chassis - but then I would say that!
) and see why they have such a great following and rock-solid residuals. Good read.
We went the opposite way, thought we wanted a VW T5 but bought a motorhome. The main thing that put me off the T5 was the thought of being in something that you can barely move about in when it's pissing it down all day. We've got a Chausson but it's based on the Fiat Ducato and it's a very quiet drive. Sits at 75mph no problem although the mpg suffers a bit at that speed.
We went the opposite way, thought we wanted a VW T5 but bought a motorhome. The main thing that put me off the T5 was the thought of being in something that you can barely move about in when it's pissing it down all day. We've got a Chausson but it's based on the Fiat Ducato and it's a very quiet drive. Sits at 75mph no problem although the mpg suffers a bit at that speed.
We bought a similar level van (an Autoroller 600g), and agree with your assessment. But it suits us perfectly. We've just been away round the UK and are planning to go skiing in it at Easter.
We used to have a selfbuilt T4 and while the small size was an advantage the lack of onboard loo was a pain and the poptop roof bed varied in temperature massively. You had to wrap up at night but woke in a muck sweat as soon as the sun hit.
We used to have a selfbuilt T4 and while the small size was an advantage the lack of onboard loo was a pain and the poptop roof bed varied in temperature massively. You had to wrap up at night but woke in a muck sweat as soon as the sun hit.
Bill said:
Ps in your shoes I'd be looking at a low line coach built with a double over a garage at the back and a drop down double at the front.
Good call. If lugging bikes weren't an issue, I'd say twin single-bed panel van conversion too. At least there's on board amenities and a bit more space to move around in a PVC than a California or something of that ilk.I agree very hard with Spuffington here. You have been very smart to rent before buying, but this should be used as a chance to figure out if you like that type of holiday/getaway/lifestyle rather than if you like a brand of motorhome. Chausson are at the lower end of the scale so it is of no surprise that you found the materials to be on the flimsy side and worn or wearing out. You should look at Hymers - they are very highly regarded; high build quality, smart use of space, reliable etc.
On another note, your post has made me envious because we have hardly used our MH this year due to other commitments. Going away for the weekend in the freezing bloody cold is great
On another note, your post has made me envious because we have hardly used our MH this year due to other commitments. Going away for the weekend in the freezing bloody cold is great
I keep telling my wife we ought to try the caravan in the winter, although am not sure about towing it should it snow! However pleased to read a motorhome was toasty as caravan should be too.
With the caravan we also use the site showers, and toilets for No2s. much easier thn filling with water and heating it, then emptying it later.
With the caravan we also use the site showers, and toilets for No2s. much easier thn filling with water and heating it, then emptying it later.
There should have been an option for gas AND electric for the heating. Use both to get it warm and then turn to electric only to keep it that way. Uses a lot less gas.
Double over garage, drop down double over lounge for us. Build quality differs wildly between manufacturers (UK vans not always the best built unfortunately)
Double over garage, drop down double over lounge for us. Build quality differs wildly between manufacturers (UK vans not always the best built unfortunately)
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