Upgrading decision (1 Viewer)

[Mags52]

We're trying to decide whether to renovate our current MH or upgrade to another one. It's a difficult decision so would appreciate some thoughts.
Our current one is 2007 with 23k on the clock. We have spent money on it (solar panel, gaslow, second leisure battery, new clutch, remap) and we like the fact that it is relatively compact (6.5 metres) and economical to run (29mpg). The bed is also super comfy!
The problem with it is that several things are getting tatty and we've had real difficulty getting spares (washbasin, hob, rooflight blind, cutlery drawer). It is a Geist and Camper NE (Geist agent) can't seem to find the replacements for us.
If we keep it we also want to replace the dinette cushions as they're making our bums numb.
What are your thoughts?
Also, if we did sell it privately, how would we know what was a fair price?
Mags

 

[BreweryDave]

Mags - if your happy with the van overall - keep it and renovate. You can literally customise it as you like for way less than the cost of changing it. We have just had a similar 'dilemma' and opted for some interior design and layout change - all of which has cost just a few hundred quid but has made a whole world of difference for us - it's like having a new van!
Plus - we know the history etc and are happy with it - for now

To gauge a price - just google and eBay for similar models both private and trade.

On the other hand - buy a lotto ticket

 

[Minxy]

It will cost you a heck of a lot less to keep your van and spend a modest amount on it, than it will to change it. If you post some pictures of the bits you want to change we might be able to identify where you can get them, rather than having to rely on your Geist dealer as many motorhomes use the same 'stock' parts. The hob and rooflight blind will fall into this category, and the washbasin may too. The seat foam can be replaced with something more suitable too by going to a company that supplies it (not just for motorhomes) at a fraction of what the dealer would be likely to charge.

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[TheBig1]

just a few thoughts

if you think parts are looking tatty, then so will anyone looking to buy it. spend a few quid just making it more comfy and renewing any worn parts and it will be good as new and worth more

any van has a "book price" and that is what its worth. spending a fortune on it for accessories wont change its ceiling value. the opposite of this is carrying out an interior remodel, as this seriously devalues the van

some of the newer vans are built on such a tight budget that you may not get another van with the build quality youre used to. once youve traded in and driven off in your new purchase, that one will start to wear and devalue too

on the whole, if you are happy with the van youve got, why risk changing it. it should be good for many more miles and enjoyment. new sprung seat bases and some new upholstery will soon have it looking and feeling new again

 

[GJH]

We bought our current van as a result of our Autoquest being written off (see Albums) so, although it ticked most of the boxes, had half an idea that we might trade up within a short while.

Very quickly we realised that it was ideal for us, decided to keep it and added solar and Alugas. We've had some repairs since (including curing some damp) and added other bits, the latest being having our upholstery refurbished by Tappers just last week (excellent job).

The fact that Camper NE can't source replacement parts surprises me as we bought out van from them and have had excellent after sales service. However, somewhere like O'Learys may well be able to do so.

As others have said, we work on the principle that maintaining our current van will be much less costly than buying another one (with unknown faults).

 

[Mags52]

You're all saying what we were thinking really. We don't want to spend a fortune on an ageing van but at the same time it's familiar and we know it's faults.
Whenever we go and look at vans that we can afford we're disappointed by the build quality. In the end we're investing in our own enjoyment of it.
I'll have a chat with Camper NE and try to find out what the issue is with parts.
We also need to do something about the exterior paintwork which is patchy and dull.
Has anyone tried www.tourershine.co.uk/ ?
Mags

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[mike mcglynn]

Replace/Renew

Mags, our van was in a similar situation as yours so we decided to change the flooring then the furnishings ie new seating, curtains, carpet, wallcardings ,result van now looks like a new one from the inside total cost about £2000 all in took two days to do very happy with the jobs done by the 2 firms involved :thumb:much better van than the new models which are somewhat overpriced by my reconing :thumb:

 

[chaser]

Yes, another vote for keeping here:thumb:, I get derided on here for trying to save money, but if you are happy with the van , what's looks got to do with it, keep adding little bits you think you need , better cushions here, a new shelf there, and you have a new van all the time and one that you are used to and like, unless you are buying brand new you never know what's happened to your new one, or in fact even a brand new one needn't be perfect, look at some threads on here

 

[Biged]

Have you tried http://www.camperukonline.co.uk/
They are agents for our models of MH, Geist, LMC and TEC. These are all pretty much the same.
I have bought some spares for our TEC, they are very obliging, though they lost all our details in a major fire they had and we had to reorder. Have a look :thumb:

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[GJH]

Have you tried http://www.camperukonline.co.uk/
They are agents for our models of MH, Geist, LMC and TEC. These are all pretty much the same.
I have bought some spares for our TEC, they are very obliging, though they lost all our details in a major fire they had and we had to reorder. Have a look :thumb:

Same company as Camper NE

 

[Yorick]

Better the devil you know

 

[Biged]

Same company as Camper NE

Surely Camper NE are in the North East as in the title and Camper UK (a family run business) are in Lincoln. Just a thought

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[GJH]

Surely Camper NE are in the North East as in the title and Camper UK (a family run business) are in Lincoln. Just a thought

Yes, but Camper NE is a branch of Camper UK

 

[Mags52]

I found a replacement silver basin (plastic) for the Geist. They are quoting £280!!!
Obviously I need to find someone who will change the shape of the hole and fit a more reasonable basin. That is ridiculous and even more so as the one that's in there was scratched when we bought the van at 2 years old. Feeling outraged!!! :thumbdown:

 

[JeanLuc]

Even at that price, it's cheaper than a new van!

Seriously, a 2007 motorhome is very young - barely run in in fact. Why on earth change it when refurbishing will be a lot cheaper. Ours is a 2003 and I'm thinking we may have to have the swivel seats recovered at some point, but that is about all.
If you want upholstery sorted out, there are several specialists who can do it: Regal and Tappers spring to mind. There are businesses that can supply new carpets to fit and, many of the fittings are standard across many brands of moho.

Enjoy the van you are used to (so long as you are confident it is not hiding any major problems).

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[GJH]

Our van is also a 2003 model. This is the difference that an upholstery refurbishment can make.

 

[Puddleduck]

I'd say refurbish - for all the reasons given.

As an aside does anyone buy a second hand van (or car) with the possible resale value in mind? I buy what is suitable and what I can afford, resale value comes way down the list of choosing one thing above another.

 

[Minxy]

Our van is also a 2003 model. This is the difference that an upholstery refurbishment can make.

I was gonna say I liked the new 'spotty' fabric ... until I realised that was the OLD one!

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[bernardfeay]

If it runs ok and the equipment works as it should then I would stick with it. When you change you run the risk of massive headaches. Better to stick with the peace of mind that you have now than risk dealing with motorhome suppliers who can be questionable in their ethics.

 

[westy77]

If the van is good and its just the sink and cosmetics then its probably worth keeping, as others have said, better the devil you know. We had a 1980's Karmann that was a tad moist in the frame which gave us this

But with a bit of hope (and lots of measuring and beer) we got to here

And finally here, this was all done in one week with no clue what we were doing at the start, replaced all rotten wood in one side (other was dry), roof and round front cab window.

 

[TheBig1]

I found a replacement silver basin (plastic) for the Geist. They are quoting £280!!!
Obviously I need to find someone who will change the shape of the hole and fit a more reasonable basin. That is ridiculous and even more so as the one that's in there was scratched when we bought the van at 2 years old. Feeling outraged!!! :thumbdown:

there is always the option to refurbish your current basin

remove from the van clean thoroughly
sand any scratches using 1500 grit wet & dry
dry and clean again
spray it with wheeltrim paint available from any car accessory shop
wait for it to dry
refit

alternatively if you cant source a silver basin, get a white one and spray that one silver to suit

wheeltrim paint is very durable and waterproof as it needs to be in all weathers. easy to get a very good looking job too. costs about £10 for a can:thumb:

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[GJH]

I was gonna say I liked the new 'spotty' fabric ... until I realised that was the OLD one!

The photos make it look better than it was

 

[cmcardle75]

We bought our current van as a result of our Autoquest being written off (see Albums) so, although it ticked most of the boxes, had half an idea that we might trade up within a short while.

Very quickly we realised that it was ideal for us, decided to keep it and added solar and Alugas. We've had some repairs since (including curing some damp) and added other bits, the latest being having our upholstery refurbished by Tappers just last week (excellent job).

The fact that Camper NE can't source replacement parts surprises me as we bought out van from them and have had excellent after sales service. However, somewhere like O'Learys may well be able to do so.

As others have said, we work on the principle that maintaining our current van will be much less costly than buying another one (with unknown faults).

2007 is not old. Barely run in. OK, our 1978 one has faults, but nothing too serious these days (after we replaced the engine). They can go on forever!

 

[cruiser]

I have mine 24 years.i brought it new.it sill looks great.and I still cant find anything.that is built as good as mine.most look very flimsy inside.my foster kids would destroy them.

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[haganap]

Sell it Mags----

Follow your brain not your heart. It's already 7 years old and probably going to be a wreck in the next 3 years. You will spend all that money on it and yet it will give you less back. :Cool:



what?

What?


Well someone ad to disagree with everyone else, this thread was in danger of dying and I wan't to see more Karmen and other Motorhome rebuilds.

 

[cruiser]

glad to see you have still got your sense of fun.but please send in more photos.they were great well done.:thumb::thumb:

 

[Mags52]

there is always the option to refurbish your current basin



alternatively if you cant source a silver basin, get a white one and spray that one silver to suit


We would be happy with a white basin. Our local dealer said it was au unusual size. I'll try the spray idea though - it has to be an improvement.

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[Pat4Neil]

I think it depends on your available budget.

Yes you can revamp it for approx £2,000 and it will look like a new van, you know its history which is a plus point.

However, because you are already struggling with parts to replace the geist, I would be tempted to change the van if I could afford too, before you loose any more money, or spend money on a revamp.

Most sinks are about that price, I know other members that have been quoted lots of money for new shower trays, etc. There are companies that will respray it for you and this could be a good option for you.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[westy77]

Sell it Mags----

Follow your brain not your heart. It's already 7 years old and probably going to be a wreck in the next 3 years. You will spend all that money on it and yet it will give you less back. :Cool:



what?

What?


Well someone ad to disagree with everyone else, this thread was in danger of dying and I wan't to see more Karmen and other Motorhome rebuilds.

One thing is to make sure you have a good wood carrying vehicle for the rebuild. Or like us at the time, a lowered 50+ year old VW bug with 30hp and a roof rack.

 

[Mags52]

Well the washbasin dilemma is solved. I emailed a company that was advertising Hymer basins on Ebay to see if he could source one for our Geist. It turns out that he makes GRP basins using a mould from the old one. He's making one for me for £55 - beats the £283 quote from Geist. Chuffed

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