Quality built V Age related (1 Viewer)

Snowbird

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Having owned a few very old quality built motorhomes in my time am wondering if I am alone in the thinking that older quality built motorhomes are a better buy than an expensive lesser quality but newer motorhome.

Have noticed out here in Morocco that there are many of the older Merc based Hymer S class, Arnolds, Bimobile, Niesmen etc, Not to mention a few Tabberts:RollEyes:.

I suppose the older mechanics are easier to repair than modern vehicles but that cant be the only reason.

Have noticed a few on the site we are on constantly repairing and bodging the interiors of modern vans whilst the older van owners sit in the sun with amusement watching the antics and shaking there heads.

What are your views on older quality built V a newer number plate.
 

scotjimland

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Much prefer the older vans with no black boxes to go wrong.. so pre 1996 .. or there abouts ?

The coachwork on older motorhomes is also sturdier and made to last .. modern vans are built to cost .. and to weight.

Downside is generally lower MPG due to weight and less efficent engines, but a cost I would rather pay..

Hopefully my next camper will be a panel van conversion on an old merc .. 207 or 307D .. but they are getting scarce and hard to find in reasonable nick :Sad:
 

rainbow chasers

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Quality is definitely much higher in older vehicles than the new ones! If you look at something 10 years old, and compare with a new equivilent, it is glaringly obvious - That said, there are those that just want the plate and will put up with the lower quality and comfort.

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I repair bodywork on caravans and motorhomes most days.
I have noticed that you are correct ie:
The latest Bailey series 6 caravans ,the doors on the loo and wardrobe tend to bend the walls so much that the lock binds with the door because the angles change so much.:Blush:
I am repairing a side damaged Fiat Geist touring 65 at the moment,it seems very airey, fairly robust and the doors work ok. -- I don`t like the flimsy front side and windscreen sliding blinds they use,a nice lined curtain is better!

My own is a 1997 Autotrail scout and seems to be built very well.
I think modern techniques and materials and the need for less wieght and better fuel consumption all steer towards a flimsy end product.

It may be very nice to have 40mpg + on a later machine with electric everything but i do like to relax in surroundings that are more Rolls Royce than Ford Escort! :thumb:
 

slobadoberbob

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D not agree with you on this one JIM

Much prefer the older vans with no black boxes to go wrong.. so pre 1996 .. or there abouts ?

The coachwork on older motorhomes is also sturdier and made to last .. modern vans are built to cost .. and to weight.

Downside is generally lower MPG due to weight and less efficent engines, but a cost I would rather pay..

Hopefully my next camper will be a panel van conversion on an old merc .. 207 or 307D .. but they are getting scarce and hard to find in reasonable nick :Sad:

I do not agree with you on this one Jim... my first motorhome ..way back 25 years was a Glendale on a Merc chassis .. the back was a wooden frame with plastic ripple cover.. and board on the inside.. insulation was stuffed in between.

My 5 year old B class RV .. Winnebago aspect has a aluminium interlocking frame (cage) this is covered on the outside with fibreglass panels.. fibreglass end cap and front panel plus the roof is also fibre glass. The inside has panels over more insulation.. OK the cabinets are veneer covered .. but as you know if you had say a safari trek that has solid wood cabinets and often corrigon worktops... these days there are some much better made motorhomes about.. mainly it is the price and the make that dictates the end product.. not always expensive means good. I changed over to RV;s after owning just one european motorhome and would never go back.. but as the product for the price is good.... now if I had £150k to spend I might look at some of the German vehicles... but at the £28k I paid I feel that was good for the low mileage RV I got.... look at the red link below if you want to see what i am talking about.. let it load.. o it is not for sale now..

Bob:Blush:
 

Terry

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I suppose it is all about bragging rights ::bigsmile: ie mine is newer than yours, I have 3,000 w solar pans on,a Honda genny not kipour ::bigsmile:(that never gets used)etc etc,::bigsmile:Some need the newest while others are happy with what they have :thumb:
I would not mind a newer van simply because I would make the inside that would suit us and last a long time ::bigsmile: My mate does not like our upholstery colour (red check type) but he has changed his light upholstery twice in five yrs,showing signs of ware :ROFLMAO: ours is still like new and unmarked :winky: because I got better quality material :Smile:
There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one ::bigsmile:
terry

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Heyupluv

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Having owned a few very old quality built motorhomes in my time am wondering if I am alone in the thinking that older quality built motorhomes are a better buy than an expensive lesser quality but newer motorhome.

Have noticed out here in Morocco that there are many of the older Merc based Hymer S class, Arnolds, Bimobile, Niesmen etc, Not to mention a few Tabberts:RollEyes:.

I suppose the older mechanics are easier to repair than modern vehicles but that cant be the only reason.

Have noticed a few on the site we are on constantly repairing and bodging the interiors of modern vans whilst the older van owners sit in the sun with amusement watching the antics and shaking there heads.

What are your views on older quality built V a newer number plate.

To answer you question....I would buy BOTH::bigsmile:....both have advantages::bigsmile: and disadvantages !!:Sad
If the right van with the right layout came available at the right price, well maintained and looked after:winky:

I would say the older motorhomes the interior was made of material that you could screw into and repair (wood) this would allow any extras to be fitted:thumb:......Not this thin 2mm(1/32") veneer they glue to the sandwich foam insulation on modern M/Hs of today:Doh:......
I would think the modern M/H will be better insulated:thumb:,....
I would think older M/H with a lot of mileage on, the chassis and suspension would be getting worn and a bit tired compared with a newer M/H:Sad:.....
The modern M/H the engines do seem to have a better economy:thumb:,
A better engine and more reliable:thumb:....
On the older van the seals on the exterior panels may not be has good because of the flexing of the body panels on route on the M/Hs that have done a fair bit of mileage, or those sat in the garden in the sun square wheeled:Eeek: and not being used

Some of the older M/Hs & RVs in the UK seem to have very little mileage on them:thumb: ...some not even run the engine in:whatthe:....
 
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terry;559557 There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one :BigGrin: terry[/QUOTE said:
I agree, ok, if i went out and blew 50k + and got a starship enterprise it will look cool on the outside and drive lovely. But would i want to get out my Black and decker with a 10mm bit and start drilling into the unknown?

I think i would get bored very quickly with modern----i do like to fiddle and convert and fix, mainly because i feel i am involved in the whole idea of the hobby.
I don`t want to just push a button and arrive, i want to feel i done something to get there!
Now-- diy old sky sat nav next :thumb:

If i were not DIY interested and just wanted a reliable modern machine then new is the way to go.
 

Terry

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I agree, ok, if i went out and blew 50k + and got a starship enterprise it will look cool on the outside and drive lovely. But would i want to get out my Black and decker with a 10mm bit and start drilling into the unknown?

I think i would get bored very quickly with modern----i do like to fiddle and convert and fix, mainly because i feel i am involved in the whole idea of the hobby.
I don`t want to just push a button and arrive, i want to feel i done something to get there!
Now-- diy old sky sat nav next :thumb:

If i were not DIY interested and just wanted a reliable modern machine then new is the way to go.

I converted ours almost 5 yrs ago and have not touched it since (inside) :thumb: that's the way to go ::bigsmile:
edit only just realised nearly 6 yrs ago
terry

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We chose a 5 year old 2.8JTD over a newer 3.0 X250 because we trust the 2.8 engine and gearbox configuration as Fiat had solved the 5th gear issue and the engine has a solid flywheel. We thought the older gearbox was a better bet than a juddering gearbox, there is no CANbus to flatten the battery, no catalytic converter to steal etc.

We went for the older Frankia as we could not afford and did not want a new one, but chose it for quality of build. No wood frame to rot, real metal handles, door latches, quality worktops and all round good build quality.

Would I swap it for a new budget van of the same layout and spec. Definatly not. Well I would then I would sell the new one and buy another older Frankia :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:

There are an odd exception though, our last van was a budget van although not quite new, and the quality was good. It was built in France not the UK.
 

Heyupluv

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I would not mind a newer van simply because I would make the inside that would suit us and last a long time ::bigsmile: My mate does not like our upholstery colour (red check type) but he has changed his light upholstery twice in five yrs,showing signs of ware :ROFLMAO: ours is still like new and unmarked :winky: because I got better quality material :Smile:
There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one
terry



Quote
There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one

That is very true TERRY.....:thumb:.....and some very good Hymers

Quote
I suppose it is all about bragging rights ::bigsmile: ie mine is newer than yours, I have 3,000 w solar pans on,a Honda genny not kipour ::bigsmile:(that never gets used)etc etc,::bigsmile:Some need the newest while others are happy with what they have

Terry are you saying there is :Eeek::whatthe::Sad: class destinction on this forum.....middle class...working class, lower class.. mine is better,bigger ,cost more and newer than yours.....I can't stand that and I have no time for them :Angry:
Any body that has bought a motorhome any motorhome no mater how old or new ,Custom, "A"or "B" , overcab type motorhome, a popup, a van conversion, self build converted, Rv, caravan, has spent a lot of money hard to get now a days...to be stood and used only for a few weeks every year....some have sold up and gone fulltiming...and good luck to them..they have but one life live it.... ....people buy what they are allowed to drive e.g. up to 3.5 ton/or 7.5 tons / or above depending on there licence, or what they can get on the drive and in there garden,or what they like, or what they budget allows for...they buy what's suits them, not what suits other people..........:Doh:

Mel
 
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Terry

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I would not mind a newer van simply because I would make the inside that would suit us and last a long time ::bigsmile: My mate does not like our upholstery colour (red check type) but he has changed his light upholstery twice in five yrs,showing signs of ware :ROFLMAO: ours is still like new and unmarked :winky: because I got better quality material :Smile:
There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one
terry



Quote
There are loads of old hymers around that a bit of wire wool and a lick of varnish would do wonders for but people see an old van and as such they are condemned to beginners who do not realise how good there old van is until they get a new one

That is very true TERRY.....:thumb:.....and some very good Hymers

Quote
I suppose it is all about bragging rights ::bigsmile: ie mine is newer than yours, I have 3,000 w solar pans on,a Honda genny not kipour ::bigsmile:(that never gets used)etc etc,::bigsmile:Some need the newest while others are happy with what they have

Terry are you saying there is :Eeek::whatthe::Sad: class destinction on this forum.....middle class...working class, lower class.. mine is better,bigger ,cost more and newer than yours.....I can't stand that and I have no time for them :Angry:
Any body that has bought a motorhome any motorhome no mater how old or new ,Custom, "A" , overcab type motorhome, a popup, a van conversion, self converted, Rv, caravan, has spent a lot of money hard to get now a days...to be stood and used only for a few weeks every year....some have sold up and gone fulltiming...and good luck to them..they have but one life live it.... ....people buy what they are allowed to drive e.g. up to 3.5 ton/or 7.5 tons / or above depending on there licence, or what they can get on the drive and in there garden,or what they like, or what they budget allows for...they buy what's suits them, not what suits other people..........:Doh:

Mel
Hi Mel not so much on here but more out and about ::bigsmile: We all take the p--s a bit here, but on sites I have witnessed a couple of times new van moving onto a different pitch simply because a older van is next to them :whatthe: What they do not realise is sometimes the old codgers in the old van is absolutely the nicest people you could wish to meet and speak/converse with :thumb:.Our first van we had a brill time in but snooty new vans would not like the look of,second they all came around for a nosy ::bigsmile:after that they got a little newer so no probs,and now lots look at this and cannot figure out what make it is -then they find out ex ambulance and again like to nosy around ::bigsmile:
terry

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Heyupluv

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Hi Mel not so much on here but more out and about ::bigsmile: We all take the p--s a bit here, but on sites I have witnessed a couple of times new van moving onto a different pitch simply because a older van is next to them :whatthe: What they do not realise is sometimes the old codgers in the old van is absolutely the nicest people you could wish to meet and speak/converse with :thumb:.Our first van we had a brill time in but snooty new vans would not like the look of,second they all came around for a nosy ::bigsmile:after that they got a little newer so no probs,and now lots look at this and cannot figure out what make it is -then they find out ex ambulance and again like to nosy around ::bigsmile:
terry

Ok Terry :winky::thumb:
 
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I might buy a different van if my needs changed i.e. bigger/smaller more/less berths but not to get a newer one. Motorhomes usually do so little mileage that not much wears out, so a 20year old can be pretty perfect if its been well looked after. Our current van is quite new and cost more than I would really liked to have spent, but it was there and the right layout. I would have liked it even better if it was 5 years older and less expensive.:Smile:
 

JJ

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I am about to take my beloved 1987 Hymer 660 on a round trip of about 2000 kms... I will tell you how reliable she is when I get back... :winky:

JJ :Cool:

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Terry

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I am about to take my beloved 1987 Hymer 660 on a round trip of about 2000 kms... I will tell you how reliable she is when I get back... :winky:

JJ :Cool:

I have every confidence in the old bus JJ :thumb: just as you have or you would go in the wagon :winky:
terry
 

yorkshirepudding

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Hey! Remember the days when you went on holiday with a set of points, a condenser and a set of spark plugs?
When we had screw and locknut tappets?
Anyone with common sense could fix an electrical fault?

Nostagia, it's not what it used to be.

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Heyupluv

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Very nice JJ but whats that on the roof? New type of satellite dish, rain collector perhaps

ITS THE HYMERS OUTSIDE LIGHT.....:Doh:....shame its not got a LED bulb in it because it whaps his battery power down :thumb: that's why he has that large wind genny... have you not seen JJs wind generator WOW is it big:
 
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Snowbird

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Hey! Remember the days when you went on holiday with a set of points, a condenser and a set of spark plugs?
When we had screw and locknut tappets?
Anyone with common sense could fix an electrical fault?

Nostagia, it's not what it used to be.

Ye and all the luggage on the roof rack because the boot was full of spare parts just in case. Also setting off from Manchester at 11 PM to get to Cornwall for lunchtime next day..........Ahh those were the days:ROFLMAO:

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Terry

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Been thinking a little more on this and I should deffo get a new/newer van :thumb:I have always made money on every van we have had.That way I could spend time doing the van (making money)instead of this bloody decorating lark (FOC) ::bigsmile:
keep sneaking on between coffees and coats of paint :Smile:

terry
 
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Snowbird

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I am about to take my beloved 1987 Hymer 660 on a round trip of about 2000 kms... I will tell you how reliable she is when I get back... :winky:

JJ :Cool:

Is that a hookup lead I can see trailing from the lampost to your van JJ :thumb:

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JJ

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I have every confidence in the old bus JJ :thumb: just as you have or you would go in the wagon :winky:
terry

Can't go in Wagon because...

1) No registration papers.

2) No insurance. (need No 1 first)

3) No inspection/MOT. (need No 1 and No 2 first)

and most important of all...

4) I would never be able to persuade my Princess to spend a single night (let alone ten) in the back of the Wagon... :ROFLMAO:

JJ :Cool:
 

Heyupluv

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ITS THE HYMERS OUTSIDE LIGHT.....:Doh:....shame its not got a LED bulb in it because it whaps his battery power down :thumb: that's why he has that large wind genny... have you not seen JJs wind generator WOW is it big:


This is JJs wind genny...for the Hymers outside light...they built them big and strong in them days:thumb:

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Heyupluv

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Can't go in Wagon because...

1) No registration papers.

2) No insurance. (need No 1 first)

3) No inspection/MOT. (need No 1 and No 2 first)

and most important of all...

4) I would never be able to persuade my Princess to spend a single night (let alone ten) in the back of the Wagon... :ROFLMAO:

JJ :Cool:


Shame on you JJ to even think of the Princess in the back of your.....wagon
 

Terry

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Can't go in Wagon because...

1) No registration papers.

2) No insurance. (need No 1 first)

3) No inspection/MOT. (need No 1 and No 2 first)

and most important of all...

4) I would never be able to persuade my Princess to spend a single night (let alone ten) in the back of the Wagon... :ROFLMAO:


JJ :Cool:
Does that make Frankie a van snob then ::bigsmile:
terry
edit sorry Frankie -that reads back awful
 
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JJ

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You have never seen inside the back of the Wagon have you Terry... :ROFLMAO:

It is... how shall I put this?... a slobby, lazy, single man's paradise... unfit for normal human life... :thumb:

I love it when the customs say the classic words "open up the back sir, we are looking inside..." :ROFLMAO:

They don't hang about for long I can tell you! :ROFLMAO:

JJ :Cool:

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