Advice please (1 Viewer)

Sara2sparkle

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Feb 4, 2018
18
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About to buy
Hi guys, we are about to buy our first motorhome. We think we have narrowed it down to the Hymer ML-I 580 and the Rapido 855F. We are feeling a little bamboozled by the amount of optional extras, any advice on must haves would be gratefully received. Thanks so much.
 

Carol

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Hello Welcome to Fun, I would go for Solar panel , essential I think, and possibly LPG Tank, both very useful and both definitely save you money over time.

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mikebeaches

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Feb 22, 2010
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It all depends almost entirely how you plan to use it.

First decision is the gearbox - manual or automatic - can't realistically be changed or retro-fitted. Same pretty much goes for engine output too.

Otherwise, everybody uses their vans differently.

As already mentioned, by TheBig1, solar panels and extra batteries are popular. As are awnings and refillable gas systems. Likewise satellite TV.

But, after three vans and 8 years motorhoming around the UK and Europe, we haven't bothered or needed any of them. However, we have added a reversing camera on our current van; and parking sensors might be useful too.

Most extras can be retro-fitted.

Have fun with your new van whichever you decide to get - they are both good brands. (y)

Oh, and - :welcome3: :)
 

canopus

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Whatever van you decide on, I would only have factory fitted accessories by the manufacturer. Dont get the UK dealer to fit any extras, far better to go to an after market specialist for things like solar panels, refillable gas, additional batteries and inverters etc.
 
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Sara2sparkle

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Feb 4, 2018
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About to buy
Thanks for the advice. How would we find an after market specialist?

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Fletton

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Oct 19, 2014
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I took mine ... as is...was
Got a better price from Vanbitz for Solar and alarm...
Then I tried it for a while ...

Bought a second leisure battery... after a month or so...

Then had LPG fitted by Autogas 2000 when i went full time...

That’s about it really...
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
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What extras to add will depend very much on how you will use it and you may not yet know the answer to that. Even if you think you do, you might find yourself changing your mind in the light of personal experience. I’d suggest you delay commitment to anything that can be added later and focus on the bits that cannot be, like engine and transmission (I’d choose the biggest engine with automatic gearbox).

Of the two vehicles you’ve narrowed down to, I’d go for the Hymer because of the Mercedes base and being slightly narrower would also be an advantage. If only two of you, get one without the drop-down bed and, if not expecting to squeeze a scooter into the garage, the lower rear bed option would be the better one for more internal space and easier access to the beds. Both makes are sound but the Hymer may give you a better payload, which is something you’ll learn to value. Mentioning payload, that’s a good reason for postponing other additions until you’ve discovered that you really need them. Even if you could afford the cost, you cannot carry them all.

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dabhand

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Definitely extra gin and Fever Tree tonic, a must, two solars, 3 batteries, and inverter for those hairdryer moments!(y)
 
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Sara2sparkle

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Feb 4, 2018
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About to buy
Excellent, thank you. I think the lower bed option would definitely be for us. Is it worth having a satnav put in or do phone apps do the job these days? So appreciate everyones advice X
 

DBK

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Excellent, thank you. I think the lower bed option would definitely be for us. Is it worth having a satnav put in or do phone apps do the job these days? So appreciate everyones advice X
I wouldn't get a built in satnav. I use a cheapie garmin, easy to update and replace with a better one if I ever needed to.
Of the vehicle options I would include cab a/c. Great for demisting in typical UK weather and for the hot stuff in Europe.
 
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Sara2sparkle

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Feb 4, 2018
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Is additional heating worth thinking about, or is that something we can have added at a later date?

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DBK

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Thank you, I did wonder if a/c was a good idea. X
Just in case there is any confusion I mean the engine driven a/c which just cools the cab end when driving. A/C for the habitation end seems to be rarely used by those who have it but it's something which can be retrofitted if you feel you wanted it later.
 

Fletton

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Although the posh ones have Alde heating nowadays...

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Sara2sparkle

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Feb 4, 2018
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About to buy
Thanks, extra heating off the list, but air con for cab on the list. Other half asking if extra electric sockets required?
 

Fletton

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Thanks, extra heating off the list, but air con for cab on the list. Other half asking if extra electric sockets required?

12v or 240v?

I have a plethora of 240... and use about 3 if on EHU...

I’ve installed 3 extra 12v...

Tele
Usb’s for charging and iPad to watch stuff whilst in sack...

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two

Aug 4, 2011
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I’ve just thought of another biggish decision (in the case of the Hymer) – a full oven or just a hob. I would not take the oven option usually offered for the UK market, to have much more storage space in the living area but your preferences could differ. Think about what food and cooking equipment you might take with you and where you will put it. Even if you eat-in every meal, you may not need a full oven (nice though one might be). Save some weight and gain much more drawer space. You can still prepare a wide variety of meals from a hob.
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
4,901
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West Midlands
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A-Class Fiat
Thanks, extra heating off the list, but air con for cab on the list. Other half asking if extra electric sockets required?
Cab AirCon is often an 'obligatory option' anyway (but don't go fo habitation AirCon). Sockets can be added later, when you've discovered what's required, where.
I understand your enthusiasm but try to be patient...
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
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I'm not sure which Merc Sprinter will be used, it may be the new FWD version. I'd prefer the RWD if there's a choice, but I'd still go for the Merc base over Fiat, any day (but that's my choice).

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Sara2sparkle

Free Member
Feb 4, 2018
18
5
Wales
Funster No
52,273
MH
About to buy
Good advice. On the oven front, I was thinking of no oven but possibly a microwave tho I have seen some people think that is a waste. Was thinking of baked potatoes and veg you can steam in a microwave in minutes. I'm very aware I'm being very female here and appreciate your patience
 
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Sara2sparkle

Free Member
Feb 4, 2018
18
5
Wales
Funster No
52,273
MH
About to buy
I'm not sure which Merc Sprinter will be used, it may be the new FWD version. I'd prefer the RWD if there's a choice, but I'd still go for the Merc base over Fiat, any day (but that's my choice).
I think you can have either, the fwd is extra, not necessary then?
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
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There are other ways to cook than a microwave and microwaves are heavy. You could install one in the garage and see how you get on but I wouldn't go having furniture changed to accommodate one until I was certain I was going to make good use of it.

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