I am thinking of buying a motorhome, most appear to be based on Peugeot, Fiat, Mercedes and Ford chassis, I'm sure they are all fine, but are there any I should avoid or be wary of?
I'm quite keen on the Swift Kontiki, expensive, but they look good and stylish any thought anyone?
------------- Do not camp under tree's. ..... one might fall on you!
Personaly I think the development of the engine over the past 10-15 years has been nothing short of amazing. Gone are the days when a breakdown was a likely experience, nowadays if you take care of your vechile you would be quite surprised if you broke down. So in answer to your question I think you have to look at servicing/part replacement. If that sort of thing is not going to financialy embarrass you then, you have to look at what you want in terms of performance, comfort etc.
My father in laws new motorhome is on the new ford chassis with the 2.4engine. He swears by it and thinks it's amazing. Its the first chassis other than a fiat he has had. However he has not driven the new fiat chasis. I spoke to a chap on the way back from France earlier in the year whom had the new renault chasis. He stated it was the best chasis ever. In soustons in the south of france I spoke to a guy whom had the new fiat chasis whom told me that it was the best ever.
So by all accounts it seems that most are happy with their choice of chasis other than a guy whom was driving a new CI on a merc chasis whom done nothing but complain about it. Possibly because prior he had a fiat and now havin gpaid the extra dosh felt he had been ripped off.
Confused? well the bottom line is in my opinion its what ever suits YOU. There is a reason why most MHs are built on Fiat/peugot/renault vechiles and that is they are cheap (relatively) and on the whole reliable vechiles that offer a decent drive.
Incedently our 4 yr old MH is on a fiat chasis. We brought it 18months old and to be honest we wer'e more concerned about getting the right layout than what chasis it was.
Cheers Paul, what you state is what is thought, I,m not overly bothered which chassis my eventual motorhome is on, but thought it would be interesting to read other peoples thoughts on the subject.
------------- Do not camp under tree's. ..... one might fall on you!
Aye, my mate bought a merc, german parts, assembled in south africa, says its like the vw squeaking ad, with everything rattling etc-his expression a load of PONY !
some people have reported problems with the new Fiat Ducato and Peugeot based motorhomes having water leaks (around the windscreen into the engine I think). Might be worth doing some research on it........ here is the petition about it
it is a fault that some say are there with the new peugot/fiat chasis. It has nothing to do with the coachbuilding. Some say the problem does not exist others do. If there is, I am sure that it will be rectified very soon. This is always the problem with brandnew designs, It takes a while for any faults to show themselves. I feel lucky that we have one of the last of the old FIAT chasis, so all teh problems would have been ironed out by this time
Affects the new shape Fiat Ducato's and similar vintage Peugeots - not sure if they came out last year or this..... Anything before that should be fine. I understand Fiat have just started admitting there may be a problem, not sure whether Peugeot have yet.
Mine's a Renault base so I'm not the best person to give all the info but I'm sure a google search could dredge it up.
I have an 06 ducato, which is the last model before the new shape, this model can have problems with water getting into the engine compartment if you are not aware of it.
At the bottom of the windscreen, under the bonnet, there is a gutter that directs the water around the engine compartment and out through the front side edges of the bonnet. This gutter is very shallow and can get blocked with leaves & other debris, it needs to be cleaned out regularly for the water to flow out of it freely. I simply brush it out with saopy water when i wash the van.
It only becomes a problem if you are not aware of it. If this gutter is blocked water will overflow into the engine compartment and more importantly over the battery.
I have just entered into the world of Motorhomes having just purchased a brand new one with a large garage. This was purchased primarily to accomodate my son's motorsport needs, but I have to say my wife and I have also used it every weekend since we took delivery 6 weeks ago. (and loving every minute of it)
I have the New Ford Transit 2.4 140psi engine with the 6 speed box, It's great to drive, and the spec in the cab I found was far superior to the others. Every conceivable extra was standard and would put most cars to shame,in addition the layout I found very modern and practible with hide away and storage bins for things like mobilephone, sat nav, juice cans etc. It even has a storage area for the laptop.
However, the truth is - there is not a bad van out there, its just up to your own personal preferance.
Good luck and I hope what ever you buy - you enjoy as much as we are
Thanks for a great site - I am enjoying it very much
PS
I have just taken delivery of a new Mercedes C class and I have to say its the best car I have ever had!!!!
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Topic: What chassis?
..... one might fall on you!
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