Choosing the right motorhome

[SeeYa]

This was originally posted in the wrong thread and I'm told desrves one of its own!

I'm currently looking at motorhomes suitable for a single guy whose pretty domesticated (ie can cook, will clean etc) for long term use.

From what I've seen, I'll be looking for a 20/22 footer set up for no more than four berths. I'm attracted to an A-class with the drop down bed over the front seats which seems to offers a more airey feel (while on the road) but I have seen plenty of interesting coachbuilts that (I think) would suit me just fine.

Given that my interest is mostly in continental Europe (maybe into Turkey), I'm also thinking LHD would be best and, despite what I've been told by a salesman, managed to get what looks like a competitive insurance quote ~£330 unlimited days in Europe (inc RAC cover) for a 2000 Karmann Bahia on Merc 312 Sprinter chassis.

So, limited desk and a bit of field research has got me to a point where my absolute tops £17.5k budget and expectation of 30mpg (!!!) might buy me a 1999 Hymer 544 (Ducato), a 2000 Karmann Bahi 635(Sprinter), a 2002 Swift Bel-Air (which are all real and on my, probably all too naive, shortlist) or any one of any number of the many vehicles currently on offer.

So, the first question is, does anyone have any experience of the three named and/or have any suggestions about what might better fit my general bill?

The next one is more difficult cos it gets down to the nitty gritty of how my choice should be guided in terms of what's actually required/needed and what's wanted or desireable in terms of functions and features. For example, I understand the bit about availability of Butane and Propane in different countries but haven't yet got to grips with this smart idea of a bigger tank using standard LPG from the pump!

Finally (for the moment at least), I live on the Wirral so, if there's anyone who lives or is visiting hereabouts and might be interested in exchanging some home truths about what I'm planning in return for some refreshments in a nearby hostelry, just let let me know and ...

.... thanks for bearing with me while I struggle on with this!

Pete

 

[SeeYa]

Things German

......
Personally, I would only buy a German M/H as the quality is usually there and the showers are made for using ......

Also very true of German suits which are cut for guys who aren't likely to get disappear from view if they turn sideways!!!

 

[vwalan]

given what you have told us i would say better to look for a merc 814 van conversion .or a 6-7 ton truck convertion . gives much more usable space .specially if you use a box on the back.
can be made very secure and a favourite with long term travellers .
best to have rear wheel drive , none electric diesels ,and a base vehicle that is current in the country,s you want to visit.
an lpg tank is ok ,but always have space for a couple of local bottles as its not available easily in all countries.
a van- truck conversion can be easier to park sometimes as it may not look to like a camper. blends in with local vehicles.
cheers hope that gives you something to think about.
i do travel europe and maroc ,tunisia,etc do get further down sometimes so under stand the sort of vehicle best suited.
cheers alan.

 

[ajs]

So, limited desk and a bit of field research has got me to a point where my absolute tops £17.5k budget and expectation of 30mpg (!!!) might buy me a 1999 Hymer 544 (Ducato), a 2000 Karmann Bahi 635(Sprinter), a 2002 Swift Bel-Air (which are all real and on my, probably all too naive, shortlist) or any one of any number of the many vehicles currently on offer.


Pete

add this to your list.... mine...2.8T ducato CI riviera 181 6 birth for 17.5k... it's yours

regards
aj

 

[vwalan]

as for gas i carry spanish and maroc bottles .i can fill both at pumps .but they are cheap in there own country .maroc 4 quid a bottle spain about 11 quid. also can fill calor bottles and just about any bottle you have (not 20mm clip on ).buy e bay adaptors and speak to one of the auto gas places they sell adaptors for different bottles to calor. if travelling in warm climates use butane or propane .in africa its more likely to be pentane thats why its cheap.
cheers alan

 

[vwalan]

hi ***** ,i have maroc bottles here full as i have said they actually use alot of pentane never had a problem .but then i dont camp here in winter. just had 1117 litres of propane delivered this week ,by calor .they put that into a not quite empty 1200 litre tank .so that sorts the 80percent fill carry on.
there is no 80percent switch off on the big calor tanks ,only a small liquid bleed off . you open a valve gas escapes, when liquid comes out you know its nearly full. i can pump gas by a hand pump into bottles from the tank . i used to have a gas tank on the truck but took it off as bottles are far more conveniant. if you run out and cant get the tank full you are in stuck .i can chuck a bottle and replace with a foreign bottle. normal bottles are cheap refillable (so called )are very expensive.
cheers alan.

 

[vanmandan]

as usual, *****'s talking a lot of sense.
personally, I'd go with the Karman Merc Bahia.
All Fiats are crap in my book. (retired mechanic).
Looks like you've done your homework.
Go with your instinct.
best wishes & may the force be with you.

 

[derekfaeberwick]

Aye, and you would know. Ne'er mind, it's keeping OUR posts number up innit!

 

[vwalan]

hi derk .how are you .filled up lately?
lets not go too far down the gas route. if op. is wanting to long term he requires a good base vehicle .one that can if needed be fixed in any country.
very robust if going to turkey etc.
well insulated for summer and winter.
could have a really nice truck converted for full time living and still have change for a m,bike in the back.
money dont go far when we talk factory conversions and definately british campers dont like being driven on off the tarmac roads .
cheers alan.

 

[maingate]

If you are talking about Ducato`s of 1999 vintage, they have problems with 5th gear breaking up. Any broken bits can drop down into the box and cause even more problems.

Some owners even fit powerful magnets to the gearbox in case it happens and the magnets keep the bits out of harms way.

AJ`s van should be a good un. I think it has a different gearbox (later model). His van has had one careful owner. The one before him.

 

[SeeYa]

add this to your list.... mine...2.8T ducato CI riviera 181 6 birth for 17.5k... it's yours

regards
aj

Thanks for the offer but I think that it's going to be too big with too many berths for my needs; good luck with its sale.

Pete

 

[vwalan]

turkey is great but not so good in winter. made that mistake along time ago. even tunisia is quite cold in january.
when is this trip likely to be and what time of year?
i still find it a problem with front wheel drive on grass and even a little water on mud. i watch lots struggle to move when away get rear wheel drive . or the fiat daily seems to behave its self now .some nice convertions done on them .again look at german firms.
if you are thinking of long term trips then certainly 5ton and above is much more suited ,as you do gather things as you travel.
do your homework its too late if you get it wrong.
cheers alan.
ps ..seeya i use a mini artic combination mitsubishi canter and a lynton 20ft trailer. been lots of places .and got stuck many times. 4x4 would be nice.

 

[SeeYa]

Thanks for the inputs, guys. As I've said, it all looks so simple in the jar; simple that is until you unscrew the lid and ...

... so much to learn if I'm to do it proper cos, frankly, I couldn't tell a Merc 814 or 6-8 tonner from a bobsleigh which also wouldn't very good over potholes!

Maybe it's time to stop thinking, start doing and follow my instincts - ie German suits are great so the vans must be as well!

WTF; I'll just open another bottle of red and sort it all out tomorrow!

Pete

 

[ajs]

If you are talking about Ducato`s of 1999 vintage, they have problems with 5th gear breaking up. Any broken bits can drop down into the box and cause even more problems.

Some owners even fit powerful magnets to the gearbox in case it happens and the magnets keep the bits out of harms way.

AJ`s van should be a good un. I think it has a different gearbox (later model). His van has had one careful owner. The one before him.

lameplate... he knows nuuurrrfin what ever he gets it will be wrong
cus you only get it right the second van you buy

.. seeya


regards
aj

 

[biggirafe]

lameplate... he knows nuuurrrfin what ever he gets it will be wrong
cus you only get it right the second van you buy

.. seeya


regards
aj

THAT is the most sensible thing you have ever said..... bugger I'm speechless

 

[ajs]

.

OI U2....knock it orrrfff will ya .... i don't do tongues...
well... not with men anyway


regards
aj

 

[SeeYa]

Sorry to spoil your fun, guys, but I've now put the red to one side, I'm back on track and still wondering how/where to find the perfect van - can I use that term or do I have to say Motorhome?

So, I now know a bit more about purpose built vans and conclude that German could be good especially on the continent of mainland Europe. I also have a sense what might be possible with, but am actually a little put off by, conversions and am totally confused about gas - what is the difference between, lpg, butane and propane and does the use of one limit the use of the other wrt to installed apparatus.

I've also read something somewhere about an Alco or AL-KO chassis and air suspension - what's that all about?

Tiring of me, yet? No? Then, note to self: must try harder!!!

SeeYa

Pete

 

[SeeYa]

Sorry (again); also get the feeling that front wheel drive vehicles may not deal with off-road slippery conditions very well. Based on comments about Ducato gearboxes, am I right in thinking that most modern vans/trucks on which motorhomes are based are front wheel drive with integrated engine and gearbox mounted transversely - gawd, I'm now way out of my depth!

Pete

 

[ajs]

.

go get yersef a rangerover...

regards
aj

 

[maingate]

Rear wheel drive is better than front wheel drive but there are less options about to choose from.

Alko chassis means that the cab manufacturers own chassis has been discarded and a different one fitted (google Al-Ko for details)

Air suspension is a means of firming up soggy old rear suspensions and can be varied to give a better, smoother ride.

You should have started with the easy questions first.