potential owner says hello (1 Viewer)

[tommyboy]

Hi All,
Saw the flags at Peterborough and thought it would be a good idea to join the forum
We are Tom and Janice and we are looking to buy our first motorhome (off to view a 2002 Autocruise Starquest this very evening)
We have hired motorhomes in NZ and Oz and really want one of our own.
All advice and tips very welcome.
:thumb:

 

[Theonlysue]

Hi and welcome to the Fun house - almost all you need to know is here

S

 

[DESCO]

Hi tommyboy
Welcome to MH Fun

The biggest thing to look for is damp, as this is a motorhome killer. If you don't have a meter use the next best your nose, and then eyes. Check round windows, doors, roof vents for water marks, if it smells musty in cupboards or drawers or under beds or smells of air freshener then be wary What are they trying to hide.
Next check everything works, gas, heating, plumbing; fridge don't take their word for it, see it working
Then if possible test drive, after checking mechanics, if in any doubt leave well alone there is always another van.
If at all possible take an experienced motorhome owner, or caravanner with you 2 heads are better than one.

Best of luck

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ellabella]

Welcome

Hi and welcome. I bought mine a 2004 Hymer Swift 544 last year and love it. Be careful of the weight if you want to tow? A back window I find is great to see who is behind you. Try to remember, or write down all that the past owners tell you, I always forget.!! Does it have two sets of keys, it is really hard to get a second set!!!! A double step down will help if you have any medical problems. gosh I could go on for hours, but this is a great forum and always helpful friends. See you sometime.:Cool:

 

[Carol]

Hello and welcome to Motorhome Fun, ask any question you think of and hopefully someone will be able to give you a answer, you have already made a good decision joining fun

 

[staging lady]

Hi and welcome. Best advice is to get any MH you are serious about checked over by an experienced owner or professional before you seal the deal.
As was said damp can be a nightmare and may be well hidden. Make sure your driving licence entitles you to drive the MH you have seen; there are restrictions according to age and weight of van.
Test the bed - no - the length! Do you like a gas oven or microwave?
Best of luck there is nothing like your first motorhome!
Lucille

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Bailey58]

:welcomefunster:

Apart from the flags there was a lot more going on over the weekend in the Fun group. Join in or do your own thing, whatever takes your fancy. Have a look at the calendar and attend one of the meets, plenty of Funsters in Norfolk too once you start looking at the posts.:thumb:

 

[Jim]

Hi Tommyboy, welcome to the fun :thumb:

 

[EthnGeoff]

Hi.
Agree with all the above, but for me the most important aspect is getting the layout which best suits your needs. We spent 2 years, reading all the mags, scouring the web and visiting dealers and shows. Probably changed our minds on the ideal layout 4 times during the search, finally settled on a low profile garage model and thankfully have never regretted it.
Happy Hunting.
Geoff.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[lorger]

hi and welcome

 

[tommyboy]

Wow thanks for all the kind words of welcome and the tips too.
The MH we viewed tonight was ideal layout wise but for a 2002 I was expecting something in better condition so the search continues
I have seen a nice autocruise on ebay in wales so might try and wangle a half day this week before the auction ends.......

 

[bobandjanie]

Hi :welcome: to motorhome fun :thumb: we live in north Suffolk, so not far away. Bob and Jane.
:flyingwelcome:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Dalek]

Hi and Welcome

Good luck with your search.As some have already mentioned think what layout you want as the one we first thought would be ideal wasnt, and thankfully we didnt make the mistake of buying first. There are some local meets to come to even if you have a tent your still very welcome.

Dale, Graham & Emily

 

[jonandshell]

Hi! Welcome!

Our tip would be to consider if you will be all year round users or summer campers. The degree of 'winterisation' can vary considerably! Generally, continental vans are better for year round use, although their layouts might not suit our rainier climes! (big lounge required!)
Things to watch for would be positioning of water tanks and plumbing as well as a well-spread blown air or radiator heating system. Obviously for winter use, these should be within the body.
Also, are you going to be mainly caravan site users or are you going to be more adventurous and wild camp or use aires on the continent?
Independence requires a closer look at water tank capacities and battery sizes, possibly even solar panels and generators.
Also, if you like to camp on the wild side during winter, consider a rear wheel drive chassis to make sure you are not still there come the summer!

But don't worry too much, you'll be warmer and drier than in a tent when the weather gets bad!

PS Nearly forgot! Check out John and Mo's meet at Thetford Rugby club! Even if you only have a tent, you'll be OK. There's going to be lots of hairy-arsed bikers doing the same!!!!!!

Link Removed

 

[Terry]

Hi Tom and Janice and welcome :thumb:The single most important thing has already been said LAYOUT. Good luck with your search and if you need to know anything just ask away
terry

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Wildman]

Hi and welcome to the fun, most people go through at least three vans before finding their ideal van. You can shortcut that by doing the correct research to find your ideal van. Don't just buy to a budget and get the first one you see thaqt you can afford. Think about how you will use it, on sites, wildparking, wildcamping, UK abroad etc make lists then more lists or buy Jim's motorhome checklist. Ask questions but don't let the process drive you mad, enjoy it. Good luck with your search.:thumb:

 

[tommyboy]

Thanks again for all the help
We will be mostly staying on sites in the UK but will also try and get to France at least once a year. Being in Suffolk we hope to hit the Norfolk coast/Broads areas at least once or twice a month between April and October.
I have looked at a Autocruise Starquest which was ideal but a bit tatty, currently thinking about;
2003 Autosleeper Nuevo 2 berth Boxer 290 LX SWB HDI

Trigano Challenger 100 (Chauson 50) Motorhome Campervan

I have the day off so will try and get down to Stroud to view the Autosleeper, the Trigano is in Morpeth so would be quite a leap of faith but who knows!

Tom