Newbe looking for advice on motor home inspections (1 Viewer)

dinosdad

Free Member
Aug 18, 2010
3
0
Northamptonshire
Funster No
13,275
Looking at buying the motorhome from a dealer who is providing the AA 5* warranty for 12 months - deposit is down and waiting for my list of niggles to be sorted

Thinking then of booking a motorhome inspection from either the AA, RAC or DEKRA

Any better than the others? Any good / bad experiences with the inspections?

Is it true - that the RAC and AA do not perform habitation checks with their inspections?

Anyone used M.A.C.I.C - seems comprehensive - has anyone used them

Who would you recomend - I want vehicle and van to be checked through thoroughly and independently.

Newbe question - sorry
 
May 16, 2010
3,213
2,535
North Hykeham
Funster No
11,622
MH
Custom
Exp
much more now
first of all welcome to the madhouse:winky:

Now to your question....From a personal perspective I would take it to a reputable dealer for a habitation inspection.

From personal experience if you take it to the RAC/AA they will probably frighten you to death with a huge list of what is wrong with it. They always have seemed to be of the attitude that if there is a tiny fault then it is a failure. (it is hard to explain what I have seen over the years when they have inspected something)
 

656

Free Member
Jul 30, 2007
1,052
290
The universe
Funster No
39
MH
C Class
Exp
6
Contact Ash or CLS, both members of this site. CLS did my hab check and was very thorough. Both MCEA members.

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lorger

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 11, 2008
9,632
90,351
Dumfries
Funster No
3,262
MH
Knaus Sun 650MEG
Exp
2007
Hi As Dave says contact someone who can go and check it for you id you tell us where you are im sure we could give some recommendations. Also if you wanted to say who the dealer was im sure someone on here will have dealt with them and might help put your mind at ease.

Gerry
 

ourcampersbeentrashed

Free Member
Apr 19, 2008
7,574
4,348
East London
Funster No
2,222
MH
C Class
Exp
well over 5 years
I would get either the AA or RAC to do the vehicle check

as well as

either CLS - Mark or ASH who are both motorhomefun members to carry out a habitation check. Both are very thorough.

If you are on a very tight budget you can always get the vehicle booked into the local Council MOT station and ask them to do a check - although not all have this facility dependent on the size of the motorhome.

but make sure you get it thoroughly checked over - it could save you a fortune.

Dont forget to do an HPI check too.

Good luck
 
OP
OP
D

dinosdad

Free Member
Aug 18, 2010
3
0
Northamptonshire
Funster No
13,275
Many thanks for all your useful advise and I'm guessing that there are too many business providing a combined vehicle and habitation inspection service?

I will look up contact details for Ash and CLS as advised - hopefully they are happy to travel to a dealers on the A41 just south of Markey Drayton, Shropshire.

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mudmover

Free Member
Apr 30, 2010
53
1
Wales
Funster No
11,328
MH
Low profile
Exp
0
MH

Many thanks for all your useful advise and I'm guessing that there are too many business providing a combined vehicle and habitation inspection service?

I will look up contact details for Ash and CLS as advised - hopefully they are happy to travel to a dealers on the A41 just south of Markey Drayton, Shropshire.

I guess that'll be Lazy days.....It would be good advice to get an independent inspector to check van as judging by their "horizontal" approach getting things resolved after the sale may well be tricky.....
We waited for 8wks for them to tell us we could NOT buy a van...one lie after another....

Also worth checking Salop Leisure out as they are very close to LD's and a little more professional.

MM
 

hilldweller

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 5, 2008
605
36,108
Macclesfield
Funster No
5,089
MH
Zilch Mk1
Exp
From Aug 2007
deposit is down and waiting for my list of niggles to be sorted

Thinking then of booking a motorhome inspection

You seem to have bought it with defects and *then* you are going to get it inspected. Sounds the wrong way round to me.

If you told us make/model/year/dealer we could be a whole lot more helpful.
 
OP
OP
D

dinosdad

Free Member
Aug 18, 2010
3
0
Northamptonshire
Funster No
13,275
You seem to have bought it with defects and *then* you are going to get it inspected. Sounds the wrong way round to me.

If you told us make/model/year/dealer we could be a whole lot more helpful.

Only the deposit - refundable if they dont sort the defects and if it is not up to the standard of the inspection.

The more thorough the inspection the better.

Its a Joint J365 2006 2.8 Fiat - rather keep the dealer name away from an internet forum but there are only a few Joint J365 for sale

p.s. I Like the avatar - I am ex Libelle pilot
 
Last edited:

Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Hi & welcome :thumb:
you may find these attachments handy --download and print to take with you
terry
 

Attachments

  • mh_inspection_checklist_938.doc
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Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Collection / Inspection Tick Remark
1 Check exterior, inc roof, for damage / poor workmanship
1.1 Check for scuffs, cracks, scratches, transfers
1.2 External fitments – aerial, roof rack and ladder
1.3 Check all windows carefully for scratches

2 External check:
2.1 N/S front tyre size/type / wheel trim tight. Pressure
2.2 Side repeater indicators fitted.
2.3 High level light fitted.
2.4 Passenger's door closure and locking
2.5 Passenger's door security.
2.6 Fridge vents fitted and undamaged.
2.7 Fridge vent winter covers.
2.8 External light fitted.
2.9 Habitation door closure and locking.
2.10 Canopy fitted.
2.10.1 Demonstrate canopy operation.
2.10.2 Check canopy size & colour.
2.10.3 Check support arm foot brackets fitted.
2.10.4 Check support arms engage brackets.
2.10.5 Check canopy locked shut.
2.10.6 Winding arm and stowage place
2.10.7 Pay attention to quality of fitting
2.11 Electrical socket, lid and connection. Is there a hook up lead?
2.12 N/S rear tyres size/type / wheel trim tight. Pressure
2.13 Toilet cassette trap and lock.
2.13.1 Toilet cassette fitted.
2.13.2 Remove / inspect cassette.
2.13.3 Are toilet chemicals included
2.14 High level light fitted.
2.15 Rear lights condition / fog lights modified.
2.16 N/S steady.
2.17 Rear bumper damage / numberplate fitted.
2.18 Cycle rack.and fittings
2.19 Roof rack and ladder.
2.20 Spare wheel fitted – mini pump and sealant
2.21 O/S steady.
2.22 High level light fitted.
2.23 Grey tank waste valve damage/operation.
2.24 Boot trap and lock.
2.24.1 Heater installation / electric element.
2.24.2 Automatic drain valve & shutoffs
2.24.3 Battery installations
2.24.4 Cycle rack fitting.
2.25 O/S rear tyre size/type / wheel trim tight. Pressure
2.26 Gas bottle trap and lock.
2.26.1 Gas bottle fitted?
2.26.2 Gas cock open?
2.27 Heater flue + winter cover.
2.28 Water filler cap lockable. Check keys
2.29 High level light fitted.
2.30 Fuel tank cap fitted/lockable. Check keys
2.31 Driver's door closure and locking.
2.32 Driver's door security.
2.33 Side repeater indicator fitted.
2.34 O/S front tyre size/type / wheel trim tight. Pressure
2.35 Front bumper painted.
2.36 Front bumper damage / numberplate fitted.
2.37 Headlights condition & dipping direction
2.38 Windscreen condition. Windscreen trim
2.39 Underbonnet checks – oil, water, washer fluid, brake fluid
2.40 Garage – locks, shelving, lights, tie down rails
2.41 4 bike rack – fitting & operation
2.42 Lockers – locks and contents
2.43 Tool kit – jack, handle, locking nuts
2.44 Step operation
2.45 Tax disc in place – 12 months

3 Check base vehicle:
3.1 VIN as supplied for insurance
3.2 Operation of lights:
3.2.1 Side lights.
3.2.2 Headlamps dip.
3.2.3 Headlamps main.
3.2.4 Left indicators and repeaters.
3.2.5 Right indicators and repeaters.
3.2.6 Tail lights.
3.2.7 Brake lights.
3.2.8 Rear fogs.
3.2.9 Hazard.
3.3 Exterior mirror operation
3.3.1 Driver's
3.3.2 Passenger's
3.4 Cab window operation
3.4.1 Driver's
3.4.2 Blind
3.4.3 Passenger's
3.4.4 Blind
3.4.5 Windscreen blind.
3.5.1 Start: check instruments (fuel full?).
3.5.2 Sat Nav/Radio/CD – operation and manuals/codes
3.5.3 Reversing camera – operation and manuals
3.5.4 Cruise control – fitting, operation & manual
3.6 Seats operation:
3.6.1 Driver's: fore/aft, height & rake.
3.6.2 Passenger's: fore/aft.
3.7 Fan operation.
3.8 Heater operation.
3.9 Two airbags.
3.10 Seatbelts and pretensioners.
3.11 A/C present and working.
3.12 Tinted windows and screen.
3.13 3.0 litre power version (VIN + handbook).
3.14 Engine *chassis numbers (record).
3.15 Alarm fitment, operation, cert & manuals inc codes
3.16 Keys for all doors.

4 Check conversion:
4.1 Control panel live, mains connected?
4.2 Pump on?
4.3 Water in tank?
4.4 All gas taps on?
4.5 Heater on?
4.6 Fridge on?

5 Manuals:
5.1 Fiat manual?
5.2 Burstner manual?
5.3 Fridge manual?
5.4 Hob, extractor, oven manuals & warranties
5.5 Pump manual?
5.6 TV/DVD manual & warranty
5.7 Body aircon manual & warranty
5.8 Alarm manual & warranty

6 Generally, internal:
6.1 Upholstery for fabric as ordered.
6.2 Drapes etc for presence/quality.
6.3 Curtain around bed.
6.4.1 Floor covering for faults/damage.
6.4.2 Check connecting door operation and catches

6.5 Wardrobe:
6.5.1 Door.
6.5.2 Latch.
6.5.3 Hanging rail.
6.5.4 Road heating.

6.6 Washroom:
6.6.1 Lighting.
6.6.2 Rooflight:
6.6.2.1 Operation, plus blocking catch.
6.6.2.2 Blind.
6.6.2.3 Flyscreen.
6.6.3 Shower:
6.6.3.1 Tray damage.
6.6.3.2 Head fitted and secure.
6.6.3.3 Cubicle cupboard and light.
6.6.3.4 Works.
6.6.3.5 Cubicle door and retention.
6.6.4 Toilet:
6.6.4.1 Damage.
6.6.4.2 Swivel.
6.6.4.3 Flush.
6.6.4.4 Cover and seat.
6.6.5 Heater outlet.
6.6.6 Basin:
6.6.6.1 Damage.
6.6.6.2 Tap works, hot and cold.
6.6.6.3 Drains OK.
6.6.6.4 Leakage.
6.6.6.5 Cupboard and doors.
6.6.6.6 Latches.
6.6.7 Washroom mirror.
6.6.8 Washroom swivel mirror.
6.6.9 Sliding storage rack:
6.6.9.1 Action.
6.6.9.2 Attachments.
6.6.9.3 Latch.
6.6.10 Door:
6.6.10.1 Damage.
6.6.10.2 Closure.

6.7 Rear Bed Area:
6.7.1 Rear windows:
6.7.1.1 Operation.
6.7.1.2 Blinds.
6.7.1.3 Flyscreens.
6.7.2 Side window.
6.7.2.1 Operation.
6.7.2.2 Blinds.
6.7.2.3 Flyscreens.
6.7.3 Rooflight:
6.7.3.1 Operation, plus blocking catch.
6.7.3.2 Blind.
6.7.3.3 Flyscreen.
6.7.4 High level cupboards.
6.7.4.1 Doors.
6.7.4.2 Shelves.
6.7.4.3 Latches.
6.7.5 Lighting:
6.7.5.1 Operation.
6.7.6 Mattress.
6.7.7 Slatted base.
6.7.8 Prop??
6.7.9 Hinges.
6.7.10 Heater installation / 240V water heater.
6.7.11 Heating ducts.
6.7.12 Waste pipe extension tube.
6.7.13 Power sockets
6.7.14 Steps and cupboard

6.8 TV cupboard:
6.8.1 Doors actions.
6.8.2 Turntable.
6.8.3 Power/aerial supplies.
6.8.4 TV/DVD works well

6.9 Cupboards/drawers unit.
6.9.1 Doors.
6.9.2 Latches.
6.9.3 Drawers action.
6.9.4 Drawers latches.
6.9.5 Cutlery drawer liner.
6.9.6 Gas cock installation.

6.10 Banquette:
6.10.1 Rooflight:
6.10.1.1 Operation, plus blocking catch.
6.10.1.2 Blind.
6.10.1.3 Flyscreen.
6.10.2 Side window.
6.10.2.1 Operation.
6.10.2.2 Blinds.
6.10.2.3 Flyscreens.
6.10.3 Upholstery:
6.10.3.1 Workmanship.
6.10.3.2 Marks.
6.10.3.3 Sofa recline operation
6.10.3.4 Seatbelt fitments and operation
6.10.4 Table & extension:
6.10.4.1 Damage.
6.10.4.2 Stability.
6.10.4.3 Adjustment.
6.10.4.4 Removal.
6.10.4.5 Bar fixings.
6.10.4.6 Conversion into bed method
6.10.5 Seat bases:
6.10.5.1 Water tank access lids installed.
6.10.5.2 Water tank access lids open.
6.10.5.3 Water tank installation.
6.10.5.4 Cleaning cap, drain plug and chain.
6.10.5.5 Filler pipe connections.
6.10.5.6 Freedom from leaks.
6.10.6 High level cupboards.
6.10.6.1 Doors.
6.10.6.2 Shelves.
6.10.6.3 Latches.
6.10.6.4 Speakers and wiring.
6.10.7 Lighting under cupboards:
6.10.7.1 Correct items fitted.
6.10.7.2 Operation.
6.10.8 Main light:
6.10.8.1 Changed.
6.10.8.2 Operating.

6.11 Cab:
6.11.1 Seat swivels.
6.11.1.1 Driver's
6.11.1.2 Passenger's
6.11.2 Seat upholstery workmanship / marks
6.11.2.1 Driver's
6.11.2.2 Passenger's
6.11.3 High level cupboards.
6.11.3.1 Doors.
6.11.3.2 Latches.

6.12 Kitchen:
6.12.1 Side window.
6.12.1.1 Operation.
6.12.1.2 Blinds.
6.12.1.3 Flyscreens.
6.12.2 High level cupboards.
6.12.2.1 Doors.
6.12.2.2 Shelves.
6.12.2.3 Latches.
6.12.3 Lighting under cupboard:
6.12.3.1 Operating.
6.12.4 Sockets.
6.12.5 Low level cupboard.
6.12.5.1 Door.
6.12.5.2 Shelf.
6.12.5.3 Latch.
6.12.6 Fridge:
6.12.6.1 Damage.
6.12.6.2 Shelves.
6.12.6.3 Egg container.
6.12.6.4 Bottom bin/s.
6.12.6.5 Light.
6.12.6.6 Gas.
6.12.6.7 12V.
6.12.6.8 240V.
6.12.7 Hob & oven:
6.12.7.1 Lids & doors open / stays open.
6.12.7.2 All burners light.
6.12.7.3 Lid closes / stays closed.
6.12.7.4 Taps operate correctly.
6.12.7.5 Chips / damage.
6.12.7.6 Grill pan
6.12.8 Sink:
6.12.8.1 Chips / damage.
6.12.8.2 Tap works, hot and cold.
6.12.8.3 Drains OK.
6.12.8.4 Leakage.
6.12.8.5 Chopping board.

6.13 Overcab Bed
6.13.1 Mattress, ladder, lift and catches to secure
6.13.2 Window & Heiki operation

6.14 Entrance:
6.14.1 Control panel:
6.14.1.1 Operation.
6.14.1.2 Damage.
6.14.1.3 Workmanship.
6.14.2 Hooks/hangers.
6.14.3 Shoe horn.
6.14.4 Door mat.
6.14.5 Door liner condition.
6.14.6 Lights switch.
6.14.7 Heating stat and control
6.14.8 Electric water heating control.
6.14.9 Locking.
6.14.10 Display cabinet – check glass, shelves, catches
 

hilldweller

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 5, 2008
605
36,108
Macclesfield
Funster No
5,089
MH
Zilch Mk1
Exp
From Aug 2007
Its a Joint J365 2006 2.8 Fiat - rather keep the dealer name away from an internet forum but there are only a few Joint J365 for sale

p.s. I Like the avatar - I am ex Libelle pilot

I've never seen that name MH before, which does not mean much but there might not be anyone on here who can jump in with "fantastic" or "rubbish" or both as is often the case.

Best of British with the deposit. After reading MH forums for 4 years I don't have a whole lot of faith in MH dealers. A few are excellent. A few, maybe more, are little short of crooks. Can't argue with getting it inspected, it's one BIG spend, I was just surprised at placing a deposit first.

You will have already seen the "Pay 3 days before collection thread". You can sense the general feeling for MH dealers in here.

The avatar was in a Junior over Bruntingthorpe. About 3 years ago it was "should I buy this Libelle ?" I actually emailed to show an interest, this went astray and by the time I spoke to the guy it was sold. So I gave up due to constant disappointments caused by weather and Camp Hill. Bought the MH instead. Obviously nowhere near as exciting but instead of bad weather grumps I now laugh at it most of the time with "well it could be worse, I could be sat on an airfield, dripping wet and frozen". I try to ease the withdrawal symptoms with RC helicopters.

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Terry

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 27, 2007
11,904
8,969
Lincolnshire
Funster No
1,075
MH
A class
Exp
Can't remember ;)
Hi Brian,they came on the scene about 5 yrs ago :thumb: and after giving one a good looking at we nearly bought one :Eeek: They looked to be screwed together quite well and were very good value for money compared to the other makes we looked around.
I made Alice instead :thumb::ROFLMAO:
terry
 

hilldweller

LIFE MEMBER
Dec 5, 2008
605
36,108
Macclesfield
Funster No
5,089
MH
Zilch Mk1
Exp
From Aug 2007
Hi Brian,they came on the scene about 5 yrs ago :thumb: and after giving one a good looking at we nearly bought one :Eeek: They looked to be screwed together quite well and were very good value for money compared to the other makes we looked around.
I made Alice instead :thumb::ROFLMAO:
terry

Well if you are good enough to make on that's pretty high praise.
 

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