which make of engine have you found to be most reliable, and which would you avoid - I would love a Volvo/Saab based motorhome but the ones they do are prohibitively expensive so what to go for??
------------- rescue - my favourite breed of dog :-)
If you mean engines used in European motorhomes then read the courier van driver forums. Merc Sprinter appears to have the edge on longevity which is why most courier drivers use them. Usually run for over 200k miles. Few will be doing that sort of mileage in motorhomes though so any make will be much of a muchness nowadays. The only Volvo motorhomes will be large & built on truck chassis presumably? So will be expensive. Saab are no longer in business.
yeah, my reason for Volvo/Saab is that my brother has been a Swedish mechanic for over 40 years, first with Saab and now does Volvo as well, saves me a fortune on my cars (Saabs) looking to upgrade MoHO next year and it seems always to be Fiat or Peugeot
------------- rescue - my favourite breed of dog :-)
Some motorhomes are available on Merc Sprinter chassis. If you intend to do high mileage I would go for that. I think there is a price premium for Merc though.
Our VW T4 has done c120K and the mechanics joke it's still running in. But any engine will get less reliable with age (our MH is ancient) because rubber perishes, metal bits corrode, glow plugs stop glowing.
If you're going to replace your MH when it gets to 2 or 5 years old, I'd be surprised if there's that much difference. As Opensauce says, few MHs do the mileage that a courier does.
My Citroen based van is fitted with a Ford diesel engine and mechanics. My local garage described it as a 'Ford Transit, in all but name' It has the advantage of having a timing chain rather than a belt.
I had my last van (which was based on a Peugeot Boxer) for 15 years from new and the engine was totally reliable. As others have said, MHs rarely do high mileages, but bodywork rusts, brake pipes corrode etc.. with age.
I would be inclined to consider the quality/reliability of conversion, as much than the base vehicle.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
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: engine manufacturer
