Older Motorhome possible issues

Mick67

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Thinking of trading in my self build for a Motorhome we are getting on a bit now and could use a bit more space and comfort this would mean getting something from 2005 - 2010 looking at the prices is rust likely to be an issue in vans this age or any other issues I need to look for,I had a 96 duetto previously which I inherited and it was pretty bad thinking a Ducato base or similar boxer not Ford.Thanks in advance
 
All can say is the two extended Alko Chassis vans I have had 1996 Kontiki and last year a 2015 Swift Esprit 496 have never had rust issues underneath. So that might be worth looking at. Of course they all have the same cabs, engine bays etc but the Alko chassis is galvanised and never rusts. Our 2015 van looks like new underneath.
 
I would say that water ingress/damp is more likely to be an issue.

Don't get me wrong, most well maintained vehicles of that age don't suffer from it, but if you pick up one that is affected it's a major headache. If I was buying a vehicle of that age I would certainly take a damp meter with me or get it professionally surveyed before buying.
 
I'd avoid Transits too, very easy to break into, I would go with a 07 on Ducato, Boxer or Relay, a much better van than 06 and older ones, cheaper ones are of course the earlier ones, but the only extra space is about ten inch width, and of course being coachbuilt they do tend to be flimsy, maybe better the devil you know.

Knowing your budget might help us.

What's your self-build like? I'm looking on behalf of a mate.
 
Have recently ( past 2 years ) seen some very pitiful MH,s getting repaired at my friend's workshop.
Will try to get some photos of the latest patient.

As BarryD stated, and from experience of my own Fiat Ducato, Alko rear chassis my first quest would be an Alko based vehicle.

Next desire would be to check if the vehicle had waterproofing treatment at birth.
In my case it did, and found it was then maintained by the original owner (met him earlier this year), hence most of the vehicle is in good'ish condition after 27yrs.

Typical areas that are prone for rust on a Fiat Ducato are:
Front cross member. This is secured by 3 bolts on each chassis leg.
The nuts also rust in chassis leg, so bolt spins.
Front Inner wings - various places. Typically inside above the fixing points of the brake pipes.
Also the top railing under the bonnet.
Battery tray, itself, and fixing bracket to the front wing.
Jacking points, the chassis rails to which these are welded to.

In past few years, on our 27 Yr old Ducato, 250k kms, noticeable are rubber mountings weakening, both general (water covers, mountings) and suspension bushes.

Wiring now becoming tired, Horn wiring needed to be repaired, battery terminal connectors replaced, lights control malfunction.

Internally most still functions, have had failings in a tap lever, leaking rubber in shower, a few cupboard door securing latches.

Good luck in your search.
 
For the OP, you probably already know, but check the MOT history of any contenders on the DVLA website. This is critical to knowing a bit about a vehicles repair history, that might have been 'covered up' or not revealed in a sales pitch.. Means you can weed out the bad ones from your armchair, without even having to go look at them... Any seller who doesnt disclose the reg No, be very cautious!

PS - The one linked above (reg V9HLN) has a pretty good history - all the MOT issues have been with standard replaceable items, so its easy to get an idea of costs. With a rusty chassis, its blank cheque time!!
 
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davep10000 said:
For the OP, you probably already know, but check the MOT history of any contenders on the DVLA website. This is critical to knowing a bit about a vehicles repair history, that might have been 'covered up' or not revealed in a sales pitch.. Means you can weed out the bad ones from your armchair, without even having to go look at them... Any seller who doesnt disclose the reg No, be very cautious!
Click to expand...

I agree, although it is generally discouraged to show Registrations online I've never had a problem with it. After all, anybody can see my registration on the vehicle whilst it is parked on my drive.

Having said that, plate cloning is getting more widespread so I may think about it more in future.
 
Check the damp reports. No report .. walk away.

Check the Euro rating (don't take owners word) and the implications on your planned use.

Think about MGW and current / future C1 limitations.

Check date marking on tyres. Many MoHos have tyres with lots of thread but many many years old.

Make a list of what accessories you want (solar / towbar / sun canopy / LPG / etc.). Can be expensive for you to add later or you could be paying for stuff you don't want.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
I'd avoid Transits too, very easy to break into, I would go with a 07 on Ducato, Boxer or Relay, a much better van than 06 and older ones, cheaper ones are of course the earlier ones, but the only extra space is about ten inch width, and of course being coachbuilt they do tend to be flimsy, maybe better the devil you know.

Knowing your budget might help us.

What's your self-build like? I'm looking on behalf of a mate.
Click to expand...
I had considered doing a rebuild on my van but as a complete rebuild would be needed to create space I’d be as well starting over on a new van hence considering a coach built one I’m still undecided on which route here’s a link to my self build I’m in Aberdeenshire though
www.facebook.com

Self Build Motorhomes and Campervans | Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
 
Mick67 said:
I had considered doing a rebuild on my van but as a complete rebuild would be needed to create space I’d be as well starting over on a new van hence considering a coach built one I’m still undecided on which route here’s a link to my self build I’m in Aberdeenshire though
www.facebook.com

Self Build Motorhomes and Campervans | Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...
Not a bad van, looks nice enough, it should make a good price to help fund the next one.

From my perspective, it needs to have two single beds, so a rear or front lounge, then the kitchen, need to have a decent hob and oven, Stoves make a decent one, and a proper sink with enough worktop for Liz, she doesn't ask for much so that is a must, a workable bathroom, and for me it HAS to be nice to drive, hence 07 on Ducato etc.

Not really fussed about anythig else, but our next van would likely be a built PVC with a 9 speed autobox, this would require a lotto win, but our present van, a 07 Swift, Ace Siena, 5 speed box, it has stayed with us for four years now, it's about to go over 50k, and it's mint to drive.
 
Pudsey Bear said:
Not a bad van, looks nice enough, it should make a good price to help fund the next one.

From my perspective, it needs to have two single beds, so a rear or front lounge, then the kitchen, need to have a decent hob and oven, Stoves make a decent one, and a proper sink with enough worktop for Liz, she doesn't ask for much so that is a must, a workable bathroom, and for me it HAS to be nice to drive, hence 07 on Ducato etc.

Not really fussed about anythig else, but our next van would likely be a built PVC with a 9 speed autobox, this would require a lotto win, but our present van, a 07 Swift, Ace Siena, 5 speed box, it has stayed with us for four years now, it's about to go over 50k, and it's mint to drive.
Click to expand...
Yes thinking similar layout myself I fancy a u shape seating area in the rear also single beds hate disturbing the missus in the night for a pee
 
Mick
Perhaps consider using Quirky campers to advertise it (less facebook idiots / scammers)...I just sold my old 4wd motorhome on there, a week ago to similar money to yours. Standard ad is £20, but well worth it I think...
I could have sold mine 5 times over, and I am in Scotland as well...(One buyer who lost out was ready to get on the train from Cornwall!)
 
davep10000 said:
Mick
Perhaps consider using Quirky campers to advertise it (less facebook idiots / scammers)...I just sold my old 4wd motorhome on there, a week ago to similar money to yours. Standard ad is £20, but well worth it I think...
I could have sold mine 5 times over, and I am in Scotland as well...(One buyer who lost out was ready to get on the train from Cornwall!)
Click to expand...
There used to be a DaveP on facts a while ago. Am you he?
 
davep10000 said:
Mick
Perhaps consider using Quirky campers to advertise it (less facebook idiots / scammers)...I just sold my old 4wd motorhome on there, a week ago to similar money to yours. Standard ad is £20, but well worth it I think...
I could have sold mine 5 times over, and I am in Scotland as well...(One buyer who lost out was ready to get on the train from Cornwall!)
Click to expand...
I might do that I’ll give it over the weekend funny enough I’ve just had my first scammer on Facebook first day ads on and some bloke trying very hard to get me to use a particular vehicle check site from a link he sent me,I offered him an AA HPI even though the buyer usually does this check,but apparently his site is super duper better than the rubbish AA obviously a phishing scam duplicating a real website, one to watch out for but thanks for the suggestion I might do that
 
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Mick67 said:
Thinking of trading in my self build for a Motorhome we are getting on a bit now and could use a bit more space and comfort this would mean getting something from 2005 - 2010 looking at the prices is rust likely to be an issue in vans this age or any other issues I need to look for,I had a 96 duetto previously which I inherited and it was pretty bad thinking a Ducato base or similar boxer not Ford.Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
That's older?
 
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