Does anyone have any advice on which motor home would suit a couple? It should preferably be no more than 6.50m, gross weight 3500kg. The problem is my husband doesn't like the Fiat Ducato chassis & would prefer a Mercedes, but that usually means less payload. We don't mind paying more for the latter as we intend spending 5-6 months a year in it.
We're thinking of moving to a motorhome when we retire and so I've spent a fair bit of time researching. There's no easy answer. Whilst there's lots of potential 2 berth vans, it all depends on your particular likes and needs. I'd like a garage, not too long, a decent payload and ideally an A class if I could afford it. The type of base vehicle hasn't worried me yet... but I'm sure it will in time.
hi ,biggest problem is sticking to 3,500kg. not recomended for long terming .i would advise bed at back garage underneath ,sink cooker one side .shower the other then a seat and table with the front seats spinning round so you may sit 4 round ther table . its possible in most mid /long wheel base vans .but i think rear wheel drive is the way to go. ldv convoy .merc sprinter/vw lt. possibly a transit if you get a chassis cab and box. or iveco daily. or look hard you can find a mitsubishi canter or an izusu chassis cab and box. do you want it finished or can you do it yourselves. more info needed. cheers alan.
Hi Bryn, thanks for the reply. We took early retirement this year & like a lot of people would like to spend the winter months in the sun. Our needs are probably similar to yours: 2 berths, payload etc. with regards to the chassis, the Fiat Ducato seems to be the most popular or at least the most used by by a lot of manufacturers. But have read a lot of negative stuff about the F.D. chassis. I think we'll have to order a model that we've changed to our particular specifications & wait patiently for the delivery.
Delboy, you suggested doing our own conversion. Do you mean converting a model to our own specifications, as I mentioned in my reply to Bryn? With questions like that I'm sure you realise me & my man are total novices in this game. Big learning curve!
Thanks for the advice about the wheelbase sprinter. Will keep it in mind when doing my research.
Hope you managed the steep incline & got down the other side ok.
Fran
I thought that the Sprinter was a bit 'bouncy' at the rear - maybe need uprated suspension for a conversion. I've got a Peugeot Boxer conversion at present and I'm V.happy with it, but if I was doing my own conversion, I think I'd look at a LWB Transit with a high top.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
vwalen, Thanks for all the info & advice. I know that sticking to a 3.500kg is going to compromise us but I want to be able to drive the motorhome as well as my husband. My man has a driving licence that allows him to drive a rocket if he wants but mine is just the usual type. So that's one reason. The others are, fuel consumpsion, parking, driving through old European cities & most importantly being able to see over the steering wheel as I'm only five feet!
We're also aware that living in such a small space for more than a month-or perhaps week-could end in homicide, but we intend to rent an apartment for a couple of months in southern Spain when we eventually arrive.
With regards to the chassis cab & box. you asked if we wanted it finished or could we do it ourselves. I don't understand the question. Could you explain please.
As you must be aware, I don't have a clue, but I'm willing to learn.
hi, its possible to buy a box van .then you kit it out yourself. or get someone to do it.did you pass your test after 97 or before. if before you could drive upto 7.5ton the size does not alter sometimes its the weight it can carry. an iveco is hard to say if its 3.5 or 6.6 its the same body shell. many get a 4.5ton and debadge it then nobody knows by looking. they never stop you in these towns. i,m hoping you have uk licence ,on reading your posts it doesnt say. you can fire away with questions .you must make the right decision. i winter away most years so know its harder once you leave home and get on the road. cheers alan.
Hi alan, the van conversion wouldn't suit us as we live in Luxembourg & no one would be interested, too expensive here anyway i.e labour & materials etc.
My man did his test in England before 97 so can drive up to 7.5ton but I did mine here in Lux. after that so those conditions don't apply to me.
With the iveco I would be concerned about debadging as the customs around this part of Europe are very active.
Fran
Just spent 52 nights in out lovely old Burstner 538. !95000 on the clock, used no oil, 24 mpg. Two berth for us but has had four up. 12000-1600euros in Germany. Fiat Ducatto 1.9 TDI. Slow on hills but who cares. Quality van ,can't find better anywere.
We tour Germany every year and can say that it is the best MH country we have tried. Average cost per night........5 euros.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Help. I`m confused.
