This is my first post, so a big hello to everyone!
I’m hoping to commit myself soon to solo fulltime touring, in the UK and possibly Europe. Having done a lot of research (including reading Jim’s excellent The Motorhome Buyers Guide – yeah, I know, sucking up from the start), there are still a couple of issues I could do with some guidance on.
As background information, I’ll probably buy new, to take advantage of what the 2019 models offer: something that is as future-proofed as possible, e.g. Euro 6 engine, and a lot of spec included as standard.
I’m retired, single, and don’t own any property (I could afford to buy something small, property wise, but then I’d have nothing left to enjoy myself with).
From my research, the priorities would be: a comfortable and spacious lounge area, fixed island bed, separate shower, adequate kitchen, large garage (big enough for a scooter weighing, say, 97kg), plenty of included spec, and quality and price! By the way, I’ve just reapplied for C! entitlement, which I relinquished last year (I’m thinking about payload, not necessarily the biggest, longest, widest vehicle ever).
As a rough idea of what’s caught my eye so far, there’s Benimar’s Tessoro 497, Auto-Trail Delaware HB (low profile), and a couple of the new Hymers (however, despite the latter’s perceived build quality and the appeal of their marriage with Mercedes, I reckon that high prices and a lack of included spec – not to mention limited lounge space – would rule them out). There’s a couple of immediate questions arising from this:
- Does anyone have first-hand experience with the Benimar/Tessoro brand (e.g. build quality, reliability, comfort and practicality)?
- Auto-Trail seems to come in for a bit of stick from some of you guys, but I wonder if this is always fair and are there any good news stories out there – the 2019 Delaware HB (low profile), first impressions, looks a good fit. One concern is that Auto-Trail’s 2018 warranty (I haven’t seen the 2019 one) seems weighted against people who live fulltime in their motorhome as if it were their home (though I would be fulltime touring, of course) and to do so would invalidate the warranty. It’s almost as if they’re saying, we’ve built a luxurious motorhome, with fabulous quality, and it’s built to last, but please don’t ever use it! Would a contract with Marquis, as dealer, be a way round this potential problem?
- The consensus seems to be that the new Ford and Mercedes engines easily pass muster. But what about Fiat? Are their current/new versions up to the mark and equal to the task? I’d probably go for an automatic and see that the vast majority of you, when the issue has been raised before, would echo that.
- This one may raise a smile. In view of my age (I’m still fairly active, mind) and solo status, would an automated hydraulic levelling system be a sound investment? I know they’re expensive but the benefits and practicalities for someone in my position seem appealing. There are also the added security and reduced insurance to consider, and I gather they can be transferred to another vehicle. I’ve asked around locally (Devon) and some say they’re a bit of an extravagance. So, do any of you have first-hand experience of them?
- Finally, would fitting an LPG refillable tank be a good idea?
That’s it for now. I should add that I’m hoping to make it to the NEC. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rookie Phil
I’m hoping to commit myself soon to solo fulltime touring, in the UK and possibly Europe. Having done a lot of research (including reading Jim’s excellent The Motorhome Buyers Guide – yeah, I know, sucking up from the start), there are still a couple of issues I could do with some guidance on.
As background information, I’ll probably buy new, to take advantage of what the 2019 models offer: something that is as future-proofed as possible, e.g. Euro 6 engine, and a lot of spec included as standard.
I’m retired, single, and don’t own any property (I could afford to buy something small, property wise, but then I’d have nothing left to enjoy myself with).
From my research, the priorities would be: a comfortable and spacious lounge area, fixed island bed, separate shower, adequate kitchen, large garage (big enough for a scooter weighing, say, 97kg), plenty of included spec, and quality and price! By the way, I’ve just reapplied for C! entitlement, which I relinquished last year (I’m thinking about payload, not necessarily the biggest, longest, widest vehicle ever).
As a rough idea of what’s caught my eye so far, there’s Benimar’s Tessoro 497, Auto-Trail Delaware HB (low profile), and a couple of the new Hymers (however, despite the latter’s perceived build quality and the appeal of their marriage with Mercedes, I reckon that high prices and a lack of included spec – not to mention limited lounge space – would rule them out). There’s a couple of immediate questions arising from this:
- Does anyone have first-hand experience with the Benimar/Tessoro brand (e.g. build quality, reliability, comfort and practicality)?
- Auto-Trail seems to come in for a bit of stick from some of you guys, but I wonder if this is always fair and are there any good news stories out there – the 2019 Delaware HB (low profile), first impressions, looks a good fit. One concern is that Auto-Trail’s 2018 warranty (I haven’t seen the 2019 one) seems weighted against people who live fulltime in their motorhome as if it were their home (though I would be fulltime touring, of course) and to do so would invalidate the warranty. It’s almost as if they’re saying, we’ve built a luxurious motorhome, with fabulous quality, and it’s built to last, but please don’t ever use it! Would a contract with Marquis, as dealer, be a way round this potential problem?
- The consensus seems to be that the new Ford and Mercedes engines easily pass muster. But what about Fiat? Are their current/new versions up to the mark and equal to the task? I’d probably go for an automatic and see that the vast majority of you, when the issue has been raised before, would echo that.
- This one may raise a smile. In view of my age (I’m still fairly active, mind) and solo status, would an automated hydraulic levelling system be a sound investment? I know they’re expensive but the benefits and practicalities for someone in my position seem appealing. There are also the added security and reduced insurance to consider, and I gather they can be transferred to another vehicle. I’ve asked around locally (Devon) and some say they’re a bit of an extravagance. So, do any of you have first-hand experience of them?
- Finally, would fitting an LPG refillable tank be a good idea?
That’s it for now. I should add that I’m hoping to make it to the NEC. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rookie Phil
