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Topic: We fancy a motorhome

Dawnyowl2905

19/9/2014 at 9:30pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Crusader folding camper

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Hi All,
Well you will usually find me surfing the Folding Camper messages on the other page, however, after a fabulous first year with our folding camper my husband and I are getting rather interested in a motor home, whilst we know absolutely nothing about them we decided we definitely do not want one of those beds in the roof as I can't imagine my husband getting up in the night after a couple of glasses of vino!!!
We would definitely like fixed beds as we are used to that with our FC. Toilet essential too.
Can anyone recommend something that fits the above??. As said we know absolutely nothing, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance x

pamanddoug

19/9/2014 at 9:47pm
Location: plymouth
Outfit: fiat trigano tribute 665

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Itraded in my shogun and sterling explorer due to health problems for my trigano tribute 665. As it is my only vehicle I had to keep the size down for use/parking in town so it is 6 metres long with a fixed bed at the rear which can if necessary be folded up to make it walk through or carry bulky objects ,it suits my needs but everyone is differentso have a good think about what you need it to do is it your only vehicleparking at home sixe restrictions etc so have a good think about what you want and look rond dealers so you can see what you get its going to be an expensive outlay so make sure you know what you want before you buy

doug

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magnolia

20/9/2014 at 8:07am
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: None

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Go to as many dealers and shows as you can and 'Try On' for size. Imagine yourselves living in it for a few days.

We looked at dozens of layouts and decided against a fixed bed. Side seats which converted to a large double bed suited us initially but we soon got fed up of one of us having to climb over the other to get to the loo in the middle of the night.

Our side seats (rear lounge) are 6ft long and once the back rests are removed they make a decent size single. We use Duvolays as our bedding (home made) and it is just a simple thing of removing the back rests and rolling out the duvolay and we are in bed. A couple of minutes in the morning and the bedroom is converted back into living space.

Comfort when trapped indoors during the day was a consideration for us. I found the table and bench seating area too cramped and thought the fixed bed took up too much living space.

We are an aged couple who like to nap in the afternoons and the table and bench seating configuration just would not do!

Think carefully about how you want to live in your new home both in good weather and in the colder months before committing to anything.

Also think about how much use you will get out of the van as it is an expensive ornament for a driveway.

We don't get as much use out of our van as we would like but as, for the next 12 months or so, we are both still wage slaves - look out 2016 as we will be on the road much more

KeithChesterfield

20/9/2014 at 9:43am
Location: Near Stand Road Chesterfield
Outfit: Pilote Reference P716 LPR

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If you have the opportunity go to one of the Motorhome shows and see the wide variety of Motorhomes available – there's a show at Newark next weekend and the NEC Birmingham in October.

It won't take long, after looking in as many MH as possible, to work out which arrangement is most likely to suit you.

Then go home and see if you can hire a similar MH for a few days to see if it really does suit.

That's what we did and now are the owners of a 7m Pilote, fixed rear bed and electric drop down bed, with all the comforts of home and a desire to go out in it as often as possible.

There are pros and cons with owning a MH or a Caravan but we are happy with our choice of vehicle and wish you the best with your choice.

ronal archer

24/9/2014 at 9:59pm
Location: East Northants
Outfit: Adria A45 Motorhome

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I am also looking for a motorhome and have settled on a rear island bed configuration, I was interested in the roller team 695 and was going to purchase one until I joined a roller team forum and noted their tales of bad workmanship and poor after sales service from the dealers, That putt me off. I have also noted negative comments about other dealers and suppliers of other Motorhomes concerning poor after sales service.
so I suggest that care and research is required to avoid disappointment.

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Ronnie

Ina

28/9/2014 at 9:49pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Coachman 460 VIP; VW Tiguan

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Quote: Originally posted by ronal archer on 24/9/2014
I am also looking for a motorhome and have settled on a rear island bed configuration, I was interested in the roller team 695 and was going to purchase one until I joined a roller team forum and noted their tales of bad workmanship and poor after sales service from the dealers, That putt me off. I have also noted negative comments about other dealers and suppliers of other Motorhomes concerning poor after sales service.
so I suggest that care and research is required to avoid disappointment.

You will find positive and negative comments about every make of MH and every dealership. You will also find positive comments about the same make of MHs and same dealerships. It's a minefield out there, and unfortunately after doing lots of researching you can still come unstuck. Some of it is down to "the luck of the draw", as in a Friday afternoon or Monday morning car. When thinking of purchasing you need to really take the MH apart, as it were. Ask lots of questions, and don't forget that payload is a very important factor.

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Ina

Mick S.

29/9/2014 at 10:22am
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The bed appears a major factor in many choices. You either want a fixed one, or you dont. I cant see how this could be got wrong. After that, its assessing the living /storage space, and position of the appliances. A bit like planning a new kitchen, albeit a much smaller scale.
Payload is also important if you plan to carry a lot of stuff - or even occupants (which brings in the seatbelt factor - have you enough belts?).

And, dont ignore the engine. Do a bit of homework on how much it will cope with, and its fuel consumption - which will never be great whatever you opt for!

Good luck.

georga

29/9/2014 at 10:13pm
Location: durham
Outfit: autotrail tracker rb

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we had the same problem earlier this year and it took me 6 months to find the perfect van we have a transverse fixed bed which only takes up 4ft 6 inches off the length but theres nothing like a fixed bed no making up those beds and worse still taking them apart next morning also with a fixed bed you get a good size garage for all your "stuff"and if youre partial to an pm snooze get on the bed and stretch out and dont forget there are usually 2 swivell captains chairs in the cab for comfort snoozing ours is an autocruise starseeker jaybee

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jaybee

MattyT

30/9/2014 at 2:23pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: None Entered

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We're in the same position and have been trying to have a look at as many as we can. Like someone else said, go to the Motorhome shows and get in them.
Looking online etc is not the same as being inside one and getting a feel for them. Do your homework before you go so that you're not just trying out every one you see, that will just waste time.
And take reviews and testimonials with api9nch of salt, what's right for one person isn't for another, you have to find the one that's right for you.

Good luck :)

Elaine-n-Trev

05/10/2014 at 11:22am
Location: Norn Iron
Outfit: Citroen Relay conversion

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We started off with a caravan and Trev hated it, fortunately we bought a cheapo and it didn't hurt the bank balance. Our next move was a cheap 2000 Peugeot Boxer which was a conversion from a caravan. We did a lot of work on it including trying various trials of beds. Trev likes making "stuff" so we struggled with all sorts of arrangements. Unfortunately after spending a significant amount of money sorting out the engine.. (too much to write down!) the van failed its MoT because of rust. Basically the whole of the undercarriage - or whatever it's called, was rotten. Funny how the mechanic failed to tell us that when he was putting in a gear box and other stuff.

Anyway, that was pretty heartbreaking, but undeterred, we bought a Citroen Relay (2010) and cannabalised the old van and started again - or rather Trev did - I made the tea.

We learnt alot from past mistakes and the most important issue for us was weight and ease of movement. So the beds were first priority. We settled on a lounge type chair which is also my bed and a bed which folds up and also is a huge drawer for stuff. That is on the side where the sliding door is. It's all easy peasy to open up and close. Our Sally dog has lots of room between the beds to sleep.

We also installed an awning on which is fantastic because we can put windbreakers etc on and it effectively creates a second room and gives the dog more space within a boundary she can move around in.

I would agree with the other comment above - go to a Motorhome Show - (we're going in a week or so) to have a nosey and try to work out what suits you best. Ask people for their opinions, it can't hurt. Ultimately it is a second home and it has to work for you.

We love ours. It's what we wanted - privacy glass (a bit like a Warwick type van) good size fridge, oven, gas is LPG. Our heating system would keep us warm at the North Pole. I guess the only thing we messed up (a little bit) was the size of the bathroom - it's a tight fit when sitting on the loo, especially for Trev. :-)

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Elaine, Trev and Sallydog

ronal archer

14/10/2018 at 9:49pm
Location: East Northants
Outfit: Adria A45 Motorhome

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been visiting the Auctions in Nottingham for couple of years to get the hang of it have noticed quite a few rotten ones going through (mouldy)settled for an Adria With garage in the end as I also have a small motorbike .
I am on a camp site in Cromer testing the van out and I am very happy all that research seems to have paid off.
Only problem I have encountered is the side running lights some not working.

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Ronnie

romany

15/10/2018 at 12:55am
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We love ours. It's what we wanted - privacy glass (a bit like a Warwick type van).

This is a classic example of what suits one person doesn't suit another, we were looking to buy either a Warwick XL or the latest Symbol XL but when we looked at them although we loved the lay outs and the look of them we hated the athermic windows far far to dark and interfered with view out especially when cloudy outside.

Also very disappointed with the lack of opening windows and sky lights, its alright for the sales rep to say "well you can open the side and back doors" but there are many days where you want ventilation but not let every bit of warmth fly out the back doors or side door.

So as many have said before choose the layout etc that you like go to the dealers try out those drop down beds and anything else and see just how practical they are for you .

dartgirl81

16/10/2018 at 7:58am
Location: Sunny Leigh On Sea
Outfit: Itineo (Rapido) 720cd

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I would look at as many as you can in dealers or hire one for a week. Also look at the size, it's great having a large moho but think of the parking side of it....usually ok in supermarket car parks, but in local seaside towns finding a space big enough can be a challenge, also if you take up 2 spaces in a car park you have to pay for 2 spaces.
If it's over a certain size/weight check you have this category on your driving licence.
Whenever you go to look at one, take your damp meter.

AUSTINS

17/10/2018 at 8:13pm
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Ronald, I am so pleased for you. 2014 when you started looking, and 2018 when you found the vehicle you desired.
Adria have been around for some time and your garage model looks just great. We have bus passes, we call them 'boarding cards' LOL. So have no need for a garage at the back, and bed(s) above it.
If you know how to sort the side marker lights any garage mechanic worth his wage should be able to help you with that. I guess you know of Heart of England Motorhomes at Weedon on the A5, they both sell MH, and service, repair them. Their repair/service department is just up the road from the showroom and has a great reputation.
You must have had good weather even though it was most probably windy, we certainly did down in Dorset. The world is yours now. Make great use of her and enjoy. Come back, but not on this 'old post' with anything that we can all be of help with. There are some very knowledgeable guys on here.

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Fish like a matchman <*))))><

pnefan

17/10/2018 at 11:02pm
Location: Preston
Outfit: None

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Like you we have been looking for a MH. We have just purchased a Autosleeper 2012 Symbol. Before we decided we spent 3/4 months looking around all the dealers within the area throughly trying out different models. We had been used to fixed beds in the FC but early on in the search decided that to get a fixed bed would result in much less usable space during the day for the occasions when the weather is bad. We also wanted one less than 6 mtrs in length so we wouldnt need to be pulling another vehicle around for transport which also narrowed down the field. Another consideration was a bathroom area with a clear space for the shower tray. We found the Symbol for its size gave the best area. We also wanted A/C both in the cab and also in the habitable area. Another criteria was underslung lpg gas holder to free up storage space inside. Other MH had some of our requirements but to our mind as we wittled the competion down everything pointed to the Symbol.
You need to be quite clear in your mind exactly what you are looking for. Somethings you wont be able to get all in the same package. Following a good look round and making a wish list in order of priority you will be able to find most of your requiements. You may also have to be prepared to travel to get what you want when a decision has been made
I wont even go into the price requirements which are another matter altogether! Maybe on second thoughts its best to set a price first then look at whats available....

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