RHD/LHD, Hymer, buying abroad, etc (1 Viewer)

Sep 26, 2010
611
364
North Wales
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13,865
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Hymer B654
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Hi,
We're interested in buying our first Motorhome (ex caravanners whose children now have flown the nest!).
We decided it would be a good idea to hire one first to see how it worked for us.Consequently we have just returned from a very enjoyable holiday in Cornwall (narrow roads!!) in a hired 2010 Swift Bolero 680fb.
The 'van' certainly had the wow factor and has many plus points but we've decided the layout was not for us.
We're now looking at 'A' class, particularly Hymer, B584 or similar with a budget of circa £30k. We like the idea of the pull-down bed which can be put away when not in use.
Could anyone help with some advice please:
1. The cab area looks emormous - is it difficult to get used to drive?
2. RHD or LHD - we realise it's personal choice and will depend on whether most of touring will be UK or abroad - but, is there any other factors to be considered?
3. Anyone any experience of 'South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre'? Seem nice people.
4. Any general advice about Hymers, engines or B584 type layout that would help us would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Link Removed
Joined: Oct 17, 2010
Posts: 1
MH: n/a
Gender:
Location: North Wales
Medals: None
Status:
We're interested in buying our first Motorhome (ex caravanners whose children now have flown the nest!).
We decided it would be a good idea to hire one first to see how it worked for us.Consequently we have just returned from a very enjoyable holiday in Cornwall (narrow roads!!) in a hired 2010 Swift Bolero 680fb.
The 'van' certainly had the wow factor and has many plus points but we've decided the layout was not for us.
We're now looking at 'A' class, particularly Hymer, B584 or similar with a budget of circa £30k. We like the idea of the pull-down bed which can be put away when not in use.
Could anyone help with some advice please:
1. The cab area looks emormous - is it difficult to get used to drive?
2. RHD or LHD - we realise it's personal choice and will depend on whether most of touring will be UK or abroad - but, is there any other factors to be considered?
3. Anyone any experience of 'South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre'? Seem nice people.
4. Any general advice about Hymers, engines or B584 type layout that would help us would be appreciated.

Many thanks
Hi,
We're interested in buying our first Motorhome (ex caravanners whose children now have flown the nest!).
We decided it would be a good idea to hire one first to see how it worked for us.Consequently we have just returned from a very enjoyable holiday in Cornwall (narrow roads!!) in a hired 2010 Swift Bolero 680fb.
The 'van' certainly had the wow factor and has many plus points but we've decided the layout was not for us.
We're now looking at 'A' class, particularly Hymer (thanks Carol and Eddie!), B584 or similar with a budget of circa £30k. We like the idea of the pull-down bed which can be put away when not in use.
Could anyone help with some advice please:
1. The cab area looks emormous - is it difficult to get used to drive?
2. RHD or LHD - we realise it's personal choice and will depend on whether most of touring will be UK or abroad - but, is there any other factors to be considered?
3. Anyone any experience of 'South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre'? Seem nice people.
4. Anyone with advice about buying abroad - Germany.
5. Any general advice (pros/cons) about Hymers, engines or B584 type layout that would help us would be appreciated.

Many thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:

JockandRita

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 2, 2007
11,447
149,908
Lincs/Cambs border
Funster No
49
MH
N+B Flair 8000i
Exp
Since May 05 (Ex Tuggers).
Hi there John & Di,

1. The cab area looks emormous - is it difficult to get used to drive?
Not now that you have had some experience at driving a MH. They do feel very "panoramic" due to the enormous windscreen, and the perception conceived by that.

2. RHD or LHD - we realise it's personal choice and will depend on whether most of touring will be UK or abroad - but, is there any other factors to be considered?
We bought our Hymer because it was the ideal layout. It just so happened to be a left hooker, which made us all the more determined to cross the channel, and see how it should be done, ie, properly.
Your approach to a junction will differ, especially if there isn't a middle lounge window on the LHD vehicle, and you are driving solo in the vehicle. Single carriageways will take a little getting used to, but dual carriageways and motorways are a piece of cake.

3. Anyone any experience of 'South Hereford Motorcaravan Centre'? Seem nice people.
Sorry, not us, but hopefully someone else will be along to answer that one for you shortly.

4. Any general advice about Hymers, engines or B584 type layout that would help us would be appreciated.
Not the B584 specifically, but in general Hymers are quality built vehicles, especially many of the older models from the late 90s and earlier. I have never fathomed out the Hymer model identity system, but this link will give you some idea. Link Removed

Good luck with finding your ideal layout. Try this one for buying abroad, however, the exchange rate is not in your favour right now. Link Removed

Regards,

Jock.
 
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staging lady

Free Member
Nov 12, 2007
1,131
55
North Wales in the Hills
Funster No
826
MH
A Class
Exp
6 years but caravan owner in past
Hi John and Di
we don't have a Hymer but we have an A class Frankia. The panoramic cab feels very spacious and gives you great visibility. No chance of bumping your head or clashing elbows!
Before you know it it feels like second nature.
LHD or RHD? Up to you.
We have had both. LHD is easier in Europe but because of the euro we are spending more time in GB at the moment so RHD is good for us.
Can't help with the rest of the questions but some here will have the answers.
Hope you find what you want.
Lucille

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SandJ

Free Member
Sep 14, 2007
1,799
818
North Yorks
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293
MH
A Class
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Too long lol
Hi
I am away at the mo and using iPhone not pc so hard to do a long reply
We had a Lh Hymer B544L which was brill
We sold it for a Bolero the same as you hired
Which do we prefer.................
See our posts about both on here
The winner is













The











Swift Bolero 680fb
 
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chrisboyo

Free Member
Aug 5, 2009
1,317
818
Newport South Wales
Funster No
7,855
MH
Autosleepers Sussex Duo
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5 + 30 years a tugger
We have a 2004 B584 and love it

1 Layout very spacious and spot on for 2

2 Not too long so parking is not an issue

3 LH / RH drive LH drives can be less expensive but down to choice

4 Watch out for storeage space, the B 584 is on an ALCO chassis and has a double floor with lots of storage space under, the 584 Classic is on a Fiat chassis a single floor and does not have as much storeage underneath

5 Hymers, especialy 4-6 old +, the depreciation is very low

6 Had an WOW power engine remap on ours, now much smoother to drive and lots more power.

7 Lots more I could tell you if you want , 584 owners seem to hang on to them some we know 10 years +

Happy Hymer Daze
Chrisboyo

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chrisboyo

Free Member
Aug 5, 2009
1,317
818
Newport South Wales
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MH
Autosleepers Sussex Duo
Exp
5 + 30 years a tugger
Forgot to mention previously

Our experiance of the dealer you asked about was not the best, we found ours at Chelstons and found them very good


Only advice I can give is Look, look, look and look again

I belive there is a download on this site that gives a buyers checklist make sure you use it or take someone experinced with you to check over your choice. A little cash invested in making your choice is nothing to what you are spending.

Happy Daze
Chrisboyo
 
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OP
OP
johnandi
Sep 26, 2010
611
364
North Wales
Funster No
13,865
MH
Hymer B654
Exp
Since 2009
Many thanks for all the advice - I'll have a look at the checklist (chrisboyo) and the dmiuk.com website (Jockandrita).
All your advice has been very helpful and I keep learning.
I'll be looking around so if anyone knows a Hymer B584 or similar that's looking for a new home, we may be interested.

Thanks again.
 
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SandJ

Free Member
Sep 14, 2007
1,799
818
North Yorks
Funster No
293
MH
A Class
Exp
Too long lol
Hi
have you tried contacting Peter's team at Johnscross?

Excellent company, they may be able to source one for you.

Look at the postings on here about them

good luck

Steve

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johnandi
Sep 26, 2010
611
364
North Wales
Funster No
13,865
MH
Hymer B654
Exp
Since 2009
Couple of points that are not so often made:
1. RHD is good on the narrow steep mountain roads. You can keep a much closer eye on the drop side...! Apparently it used to be common for Italian lorries to be RHD for just that reason and you still see them around.
2. It is virtually impossible to sell a RHD in Europe so it is home market only when you come to change - if you do.
Patrick

Point 1 is a point well made!
Point 2 is a good one - never considered that!
Thanks
 
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