Are motorhomes becoming too complicated? (1 Viewer)

Apr 13, 2012
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My 1991 van has a gas fire, hot water, cooker, fridge, toilet, shower and a base vehicle that has a diesel engine (no turbo or electronics), manual windows, mirrors, no central locking.........and everything works............ is less more?............ less to go wrong
 

mjltigger

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In my cars I like all the toys but in the van simpler is better I think. We have a plan to replace oura in2-3 years with something bigger and more modern but it does worry me about gadgets breaking down.
 
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Barclaybasher
Apr 13, 2012
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Too complicated for what?

Motorhoming for me is getting back to basics, camping in comfort, not taking my 'normal life' with me, I can even do without my phone and, believe it or not, the internet...... and a vehicle that is also uncomplicated
 

Techno

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So at what point are they getting complicated? The only thing that has failed on mine in 8yrs is the alternator regulator.
 

Techno

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Turbo is essential does that make it complicated ? I don't think so. It's progress in making progress

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Techno

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Excuse my haste, the throttle valve was replaced due to water ingress and recirculated shite but I fixed that for good :LOL:
 

funflair

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I fear that the answer might be Yes, I have read about habitation doors that need a software update and ovens that don't work seem to be quite common.

Martin
 

Techno

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I fear that the answer might be Yes, I have read about habitation doors that need a software update and ovens that don't work seem to be quite common.

Martin
But surely you have to spend a silly amount of money to be a guinea pig and do your own pdi
 

Billggski

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Vehicles are much more reliable now than even ten years ago. One year warranty was all you were offered, now all give three, some five, some seven years.
Motorhomes are, however, a hand built cottage industry, relatively small production runs using units from various suppliers.
You only read about problems on forums, the vast majority have nothing to complain about.

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Techno

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I love mine
I get in turn the key, loose the handbrake, the hydraulic jacks retract and beep when they're done. I start the engine first go, wind down the windows electrically for some air. Select auto and put my foot down and by complete surprise it starts moving like magic and!! it changes gear for me as we go faster :Eeek:
 

funflair

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Turbo is essential does that make it complicated ? I don't think so. It's progress in making progress
But surely you have to spend a silly amount of money to be a guinea pig and do your own pdi
i don't know if you have to spend a lot or a little to do your own PDI, but spending a lot is certainly no guarantee of trouble free ownership, if I had just spent £200k I would want it to be perfect.

Martin
 

Techno

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i don't know if you have to spend a lot or a little to do your own PDI, but spending a lot is certainly no guarantee of trouble free ownership, if I had just spent £200k I would want it to be perfect.

Martin
dream on lol

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Techno

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Crap I forgot the fridge didn't I :LOL: what a saga but fixed after two years no thanks to Dometic who failed miserably
 
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Barclaybasher
Apr 13, 2012
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I think it may be a nightmare for owner and dealer where electronics fail but generally almost anything is a problem for dealers is it not :LOL:

I have no electronics.........

My van starts first time.... and pulls as if it's got a turbo, overtaking much 'younger' vehicles...

Electronic spark generator failed on my heater, replaced it today with 'old school' piezo igniter............. lit first time............

Simple
 

Techno

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It's only complicated if you can't fix it yourself. There are people out there making a lot of money out of the misfortunate ignorant.

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funflair

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I think the vehicle side is pretty reliable these days, it seems to be the habitation components that are getting a bit too clever for their own good.

I will add that ours is OK, but then it doesn't have all the modern "gizmotrons"

Martin
 

funflair

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It's only complicated if you can't fix it yourself. There are people out there making a lot of money out of the misfortunate ignorant.
I hope you are right there Andy, and you might be(y)

Martin
 

Techno

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I hope you are right there Andy, and you might be(y)

Martin
Best weapon against being stiffed is google search for information parts and prices, then compare with what a dealer thinks the cost is and do it yourself saving a wad

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Barclaybasher
Apr 13, 2012
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I will add that ours is OK, but then it doesn't have all the modern "gizmotrons"

An example : I can never understand is the need for an electric step, except in RV's that are so high off the ground.... poor design if you need one on a Euro van
 

Techno

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My van is probably at least twice as complicated as Rapido made it but it all works fine until I lose my memory then it'll be a laugh

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Feb 22, 2008
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I like all the little extras, for example traction control, hoping it will help on wet grass.
Never had a front wheel drive moho, previously RVs.
 
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Barclaybasher
Apr 13, 2012
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My van is probably at least twice as complicated as Rapido made it but it all works fine until I lose my memory then it'll be a laugh

Seen the pics of your garage and your work(y) first class, better than my house or business, still have the brown, round light switches and fuses:Eeek:

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funflair

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My Burstner 615 had the extra step designed into the floor, no need for an extra step at all
Ours has, and needs a double electric step (but works OK) if they had designed it into the van the steps would protrude too far into the living space.

Martin
 

funflair

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My van is probably at least twice as complicated as Rapido made it but it all works fine until I lose my memory then it'll be a laugh
I think it's OK if you install it as you can fix it or uninstall, it's the standard stuff that seems to be getting too clever for its own good.

Martin
 

Techno

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I think it's OK if you install it as you can fix it or uninstall, it's the standard stuff that seems to be getting too clever for its own good.

Martin
I should write a manual. I do sometimes surprise myself when I remember why I did something and how its meant to work :LOL:

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