Message Forums

Well, after years of decrying motorhomes and quietly laughing at them as I enjoyed camping "under canvas", I've decided to swallow my pride and have a go at owning and using a motorhome. For me the pleasure of camping has always been the simplicity of it and my son and I would often try to find spots with the least facilities and take the minimum amount of equipment, (to the point where Mrs P declared that she would no longer be coming with us ). After a few years of happy "father-and-son-bloke-camping" I've suddenly realised that I could do both! Enjoy the ownership and "man-faff" of tinkering and running a motorhome (and the wife could come too) and at different times poke off into the bundu and continuing to camp simply.

So I now have weeks of enjoyable research and investigation into what to buy...2nd hand certainly....minimum 4 berth definitely...not too expensive because I don't want to splurge on something that we may not actually enjoy.....I've hired one a couple of times, so I know it can be fun but I need to be certain we get sufficient use out of it to warrant the expense.

On to my question; what sort of price range would get me a MH of reasonable standard that won't breakdown as I drive onto the autobahn for the first time? My thoughts were of about 10K to 12K? Any other advice is warmly welcomed but don't spoil all that lovely research I've yet to do!

Quote: Originally posted by enodreven on 15/10/2012

---

Hi, I think your question is like how long is a piece of string ?

I think the main thing is don't over stretch yourself in the finances as even brand new vehicles breakdown.

In my opinion its more important to try and find out what layout will hopefully suit you best, and accept that you may not get it right first time, like a lot of us, so try and get the best value deal you can just in case you have to swap it.

My personal opinion is that I could not do without a garage and a fixed bed,

The garage because i am not the most tidiest of people and I can just sort of sling it all in the garage, I just wouldn't be able to handle putting everything back in its place under seats etc.

The fixed bed because I just could not stand keep having to set it up at night and take it down in the morning.

But that's me, some people enjoy that sort of thing, each to there own.

Hope that helps

---

All good stuff...Not quite sure what a "garage" is...I assume its a big storage locker somewhere in the vehicle and not where I park the car! Fixed bad is a must too. maybe I will spend time wandering round motorhome traders and sitting in the back to see how the layout feels.

Quote: Originally posted by blongs on 15/10/2012

---

I think your budget will get you something reliable and a good step into the motorhome fraternity.

I was talking to one of my neighbours yesterday whos parents had picked up a 1998 Elddis AutoStratus privately for £12,000.

Something like this one

Ebay Elddis

Think about what you liked and didn't like about the one you hired and see if you can narrow down the layout you like.

We wanted bunk beds for the kid(s) so this was the main factor for us. We have a double overcab for the wife and I. Having the bunk beds though mean we have a dinette seating arrangement and not a super comfortable lounge.

I try to sit outside though as much as possible so the lounge or lack of doesn't bother me that much.

Ben

---