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HI Folks,

we have been campers and caravaners for years but are now considering our first

campervan/motorhome. Apart being diesel, 2.2ltr and above, what should we look out for . We'd value any advice or tips you can give.

first thing set yourself a budget then decide what style type make etc then go window shopping , sit in em  look at em then drive em , check for damp and rust issues if you like what you see buy it it,s that simple.

a lot of people will tell you different things to look for but if you have had a caravan you will know what to look for anyway.

There is only one :- http://www.unicat.net 

.................... If the budget will stretch that far!!!!!

I think you need to choose the style of interior you want first - it's where you're going to live after all! We have a Fiat Carioca because we wanted bunk beds for the kids, plus we didn't want to have to re-arrange the interior of the van each time we got up or went to bed.

But when the kids fly the coop, we'll want something different. Happy hunting

Research, Research then research some more. Try and get a hold of as many brochure's from as many makers as you can to see all the different layouts. Try and visit as many showrooms as possible and have a good old rummage round the various van's and think about how the layout  would work for you.

Once you have a clear idea of what you are after, make  list of all the things you want from a van and don't deviate from the list.

 Set yourself an upper price  limit and have a bit to spare if you are buying secondhand as they're will always be something needing fixed.

Lastly, don't rush into buying, it took us 6 months to figure out what was best for us  and in the end we got the exact layout we wanted at a price we were happy with and we couldn't be more content with our van.

Always remember, its a bit investment and impulse buys can be costly.

Good luck in your search

Hi, we had spent just over a year choosing our motor home. We sold our caravan as towing/packing up and 'other halfs' bad back started to take the joy away. what we  thought we wanted in a motor home changed many times over the first 6months - over cab fixed bed, rear lounge, garage, where would the teenaged plus 'kids sleep (if they came away with us) , how big/small etc. We made a list of what we would like then highlighted what was a 'must' and any draw backs - over cab bed no good for us as 'bad back' and I dont like any heights so no ladders - this also put some rear fixed beds out of the running. We spent a lot of time going around dealers and started chatting to others looking around. We were shocked how many were on their 3rd or 4th van in as many years because they couldnt live with the lay out. BUT this could be to your advantage as we bought a van that the 1st owner's wife didn't like after two holidays in it. They had put many, many extras on the van and not many miles so we got a nearly new van for about £25,000 less than a new one. Dont forget to set your budget and stick close to it. chris

One thing that I would recommend is going for a road test for as long as you can and try it not from the driving seat but also from all the passenger seats.

When my sister & I were looking for a camper we found what we thought was the perfect 'van, we loved the layout, the finish, absolutely everything about it............

Until we went on a road test............... It wes a coachbuilt with under floor storage beneath the whole floor area, and the net result was that anyone travelling in the rear seats ( i.e. the dinnette ) had a lovely view of the overcab bed and virtually no view of the road ahead. It was only a couple of miles before we both started feeling really rough.

If we had bought the camper without sitting in the back, taken nephew and niece on a long run we would probably have had them both barfing for Britain which would have made for a really happy motor caravanning experience............... NOT!!!!!

Get a bongo and join us over here at

www.bongofury.co.uk

Thanks for all the comments ,folks.

The point about over cab coachbuilts is well taken as there is only the two of us to consider and fuel economy is important to us.  If we should want more space for our Grandchildren we'll probably go for a drive alongside tent. 

Keep the comments coming please as we are just starting to look at what's available and any tips are helpfull.

http://www.wellhouseleisure.com/

Well worth a look for HiAce campervans - my friend is on his second one from there and swears by them.

Hi Edward452,

Sorry I didn't respond to your question but have been rather busy with other things to log on and look at the thead.

We will carry bikes and use public transport, finding sites near towns we wish to visit and explore. I know this may be limiting but it will also force us to get fit and participate in localtransport culture as part of the experience. .   As the OH is an ex biker then a trailer/motorbike combination  may suit us if we do need subsidiary motorised transport.