Hi all
Hooe this hasn't been asked asked a million times before.
We been tenters for many years and love it. We now have 2 children and want to camp more. We are now hoping to buy our first motorhome so we can go all year round. We have considered a caravan but feel that a motorhome/camper would be better.
We have started to browse and think our budget will be between 15,000 and 18,000.
Any advice you would give to a newbie, any tips for a van of this budget.
We live in the north west and was wondering if there are any places we could look at vans. Used to go to barrows but know it's closed down now..
Any help much appreciated
Browse 'Autotraders' - motorhomes. Put in your postcode and you will soon pick out the dealers in your area as well as private sales.
You should have no problem finding something within your budget. I would suggest a small coachbuilt, diesel, Euro 4 engine. This would take you up to 2008-9. It should not have a DPF at that age, but Euro 4 will allow you to go into European cities with emission control zones. ( have to buy a sticker)
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Hi,
Well the first thing I would do is sit down and work out roughly what layout you want.
Will you need a shower ?,or will you use campsite showers.That sort of thing.
Obviously you will need at least two rear seats complete with seat belts.
Think very carefully about what your needs will be ,it's amazing how many people get a van and find it totally unsuitable for their needs.
Then I would try and get to a show and go through as many vans as possible to see whats available layout wise.
If you are on campsites ask if you can have a look ,most people are happy to show you their vans if you explain why.
Once you decide ,and find one ,get it checked by an expert ,you only have to see the horror stories on here.It's a small price to pay as opposed to finding damp damage , electrics and gas not working.
I will say you will have to be quick these days if you find a van.
I sold my last van this year the same day I advertised it. They are in great demand.
I know this is at odds with the last sentence but take your time in your choice ,it's a lot of money to lay out to find you don't like it.
I wish you luck in your search.
Regards,
Greg
Go to the NEC Birmingham in October for the caravan & motorhome show. No, you're not going to spend £50K. But the layouts haven't changed much, the same half dozen or so keep cropping up (miss out the drop down beds, that's quite new), so you can try sitting in them all in one day rather than trailing around dealers (or looking in MH windows in car parks, as we did for years). The build quality for the same layout but £10K less new may feel more flimsy - see what you think, the washroom is a good place to check e.g. the shower arrangement. Or do you need a shower at all? We always use the site ones. I've been told by dealer that motorhomes half in value every 10 years, you'll be able to work out what your budget will buy you.
I would not buy a British van. My 20 year old German Burstner has just taken us all round Germany and Holland for seven weeks without a murmer Everything works as it should and this is it's fifteenth year doing just that. So long as they are given a bit of TLC they seem to go on for ever. There are more old vans on the roads on the continent than new.Find a small dealer who isn't too worried about age and start looking, it'fun realey and good luck.
Took us 6 months of looking. We wanted a L shaped Lounge and had to have Seatbelts. It amazing how many don't have seatbelts.
My Advice have a look around don't buy the first you see.
If its private check for MOT, Check if Timing belt done, check service history or bring a mechanic.
Look under the MH. See if any damage or rust. How is the spare wheel.
Get the seller to show you everything working. Its not cheap to repair things on a MH.
Look for Water damage or leaks. Use a Moisture tested.
Check all the windows for Damage.
Wind out Awning.
Have a good look around.
Nice to have -
Solar Panels
Bike Rack
Oven
AC
Check to see if there leaving items. Hook -up cable, Levelers etc...
Or a monocoque body. Our MH is 23 years old, no problems with water ingress at all. Bike rack a good idea for children's bikes though I've heard a load of bikes can make the steering a bit light. (We carry folding bikes inside.) Our oven is for storing the pans - it's a quick way to go through the gas supply! We'd want cruise control in the next MH but I think that's quite new on MHs.
Anyway, it's coming up to the end of the season, it's a good time to buy - good luck! Let us know what you get.
I think what we have shown is that 'one size' does not fit all. For example, I do not want a TV and aerial, but I do want an oven as we enjoy cooking. I would expect EHU and a leisure battery as standard, but I'm not worried about solar panels.
Vans are a very individual thing and it's unlikely you will find EXACTLY what you want, but with luck you will find one that you can make your ideal one.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
We looked and researched for a year before we found the perfect setup for us.
Go to as many dealers and 'try on' as many vans as you can. Don't be rushed! Imagine yourselves living in it and being 'trapped' inside because of weather conditions. Can you lounge comfortably or will you have to sit upright for the whole time.
Remember you are the one spending the money so dont take any pressure from salesmen.
Its a lot of money to spend at one time so make sure its what you want and not what the salesman thinks you need to have.
Somethings sound wonderful coming out of the salesmans mouth but in reality would never be used.
Whatever happens - take your time. You will never get something that is perfect but you can get very close.
Thank you for all your replys I've taken all your advice on board.
We are going to get tickets for the show in Oct at the nec to get some ideas. We have been searching on sites and getting closer to knowing what we want. We are going to take our time over the next few months and hopefully will have one next year.
Can't wait to get cracking but I understand it's a big decision and we want to make the right decision so we can get the most from it
Hi, one tip, have a good look underneath, for rust. Open the bonnet and check the bulkhead for rust. A lot of motorhomes look in outstanding condition. But remember for that price range they will be over 12years old.
How about renting one for a week or two? - as we found, what we thought we wanted was not quite what we really did, luckily our van is almost perfect for us but wish we'd gone for a fixed Bed at the back - next one definitely
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: I want a motorhome
