Build quality question

[SueRL]

Morning all

For those of you familiar with these makes, what order would you put them in overall in terms of build quality and/or reliability? 1 - 6 with 1 being best.

Pilote
Chausson
Fleurette/Florium
Rollerteam
Bailey
Burstner

Thanks!

 

[Barchetta47]

I think the main problem is they are too expensive in the first place

Interestingly the sale of new motorhomes in 2025 is up 30% over 2024. This suggests that buyers of new motorhomes are not feeling the increased prices! The consequence of the new demand is a huge increase in used motorhomes. That’s probably where the pressure will be felt in the coming months as the number of used motorhomes has also increased by 30% over the last couple of years. It will be interesting to see how the market moves over the next couple of years.

 

[Jenka]

There's a reason Bailey give new vans free to any person claiming celebrity status,because they are total rubbish and I can't even give them minus 6 nearly gave me a breakdown but the again the van was always broken. Buy German .

 

[The Ice Man]

Evening guys I think in the big picture of this subject you just need to look at the brands that have models going back to the 90s and still going strong. That said I saw the German and French brands loose their way a bit in the mid 2000s and tried to get too much in the vans and lost the quality especially Hymer and Pilote.
Looking at the latest stuff I think the brits have defo caught up with the Europeans in most cases but that’s probably because most of them are owned by the big conglomerates.
So European a closely followed by Brits
iMHO
Regards as ever .

 

[Gordy29]

The sad truth is sometimes your unlucky with whatever brand you buy,distance to dealers and people’s financial positions play a big factor in this .its still no excuse for building m/homes or motor vans with poor quality control.i worked all my life in the electrical industry and before I retired 35 years on appliances German French Italian and British,all rest on their laurels and as the years went by quality was awful,

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[Jon Stewart]

Buy a Carthago and spend the rest of your life fixing the dodgy electrics .

Ask Lenny.

I'm hoping RogerIvy & co will do that for me.

(Apparently doesn't answer dm's on here, must use their website!)

Do it once, do it right.

Lenny was too expensive and has a 4 year waiting list!

Joking aside, when I was younger I would have had the patience and ability to figure most electrics out. Too old now.

 

[CazPaul]

Interestingly the sale of new motorhomes in 2025 is up 30% over 2024. This suggests that buyers of new motorhomes are not feeling the increased prices! The consequence of the new demand is a huge increase in used motorhomes. That’s probably where the pressure will be felt in the coming months as the number of used motorhomes has also increased by 30% over the last couple of years. It will be interesting to see how the market moves over the next couple of years.

Really, up 30%? Where does it say that please?

 

[nicholsong]

SueRL

You do not specifically say whether you intend to buy new or S/H.

Except for my own MH, my knowledge comes from reading comments from this and other forums over 15 years, of which there have been many.

If you are looking for quality it might be better to look at manufacturers outside that list, for several reasons:-

One can get a superior quality MH in the secondhand market for less than the price of a new inferior quality one.

The quality ones bought at say 5 yo will outlast the inferior ones.

Quality in newer MHs is reportedly going down.

Newer models come with all-dancing extras which is more to go wrong {See CazPaul's post #62)

Many manufacturers are building to accommodate 3.5t limits, and include the extras in last sentence. To do this they either use inferior materials and fittings or leave minimal payload. This type of buld migrates up to any models they offer over 3.5t. I would only buy from a manufacturer who does not offer under 3.5t, but S/H.

S/H MHs have usually have had defects sorted out, if any.


As for buying new: -

You have read above about defects and not everyone has been happy with dealer's rectification.

You have also read about the huge losses one might incur if one wants to trade-in after a short time. Similar trade-in losses on a S/H model would be much lower. Some of the losses quoted are more than I paid for our N&B Arto even adjusted for inflation.


More general comments on quality: -

As Dean14 said in post #66 avoid wood frames. There are plenty of double aluminium bonded constuction MHs around, which have little chance of leaks, likewise A Class have less chance than coachbuilts, because there is no joint between cab and hab area where flexing can cause movement cracks.

To see how a manufacturer's quality stands up to time go to see some 10+ year models. Our N&B is 22 yo and has had only a few minor defects in 16 years of ownership. Others with similar quality MHs can say the same.

My overall advice to find quality is to widen your sights to include S/H at 5-7 years old from the superior quality builders. You might be surprised what is available in comparison to lower quality new prices.

 

[Lenny HB]

Joking aside, when I was younger I would have had the patience and ability to figure most electrics out. Too old now.

That's my problem.
Roger phoned me the other day with a Carthago electical problem .

 

[rolosroller]

Honestly, I’m all ears so if you have any suggestions please throw a few my way - 7m max, lounge with drop down elec bed over, garage space and room for my fat backside on the loo. I don’t ask for much

No idea as have no problems with being a short a-se with a small backside

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[pelican]

Morning all

For those of you familiar with these makes, what order would you put them in overall in terms of build quality and/or reliability? 1 - 6 with 1 being best.

Pilote
Chausson
Fleurette/Florium
Rollerteam
Bailey
Burstner

Thanks!

I doubt if any one on this forum has owned all six makes and therefore able to give you an answer!

 

[Bill-H]

Morning all

For those of you familiar with these makes, what order would you put them in overall in terms of build quality and/or reliability? 1 - 6 with 1 being best.

Pilote
Chausson
Fleurette/Florium
Rollerteam
Bailey
Burstner

Thanks!

That's a difficult one as I would think the number of members on here who've had all six makes to allow them to make an honest and valid comparison must me very small.
So I'm guessing that answers will be based on ownership of two - maybe three off your list.
I might further surmise that van A had problems so van B was chosen as replacement. I've heard stories of problems from owners of makes I've never owned, but equally, the number of people with a complaint may well be a lot more vocal about it that the many others happy with their purchase.
I haven't owned all or any of the makes on your list, so am unable comment or make a comparison for you.

 

[Saucer]

Interestingly the sale of new motorhomes in 2025 is up 30% over 2024. This suggests that buyers of new motorhomes are not feeling the increased prices! The consequence of the new demand is a huge increase in used motorhomes. That’s probably where the pressure will be felt in the coming months as the number of used motorhomes has also increased by 30% over the last couple of years. It will be interesting to see how the market moves over the next couple of years.

I’d be interested in where you got the ‘new’ sales data. That 30% is quite remarkable given the state of the economy, but then again 24 was probably a poor year. Furthermore, as far as I can see new prices aren’t up that much on last year, especially when additional equipment included as standard and inflation are taken into account.

 

[Barchetta47]

Really, up 30%? Where does it say that please?

Sorry got my years mixed up I should have said 2024 over 2023. Actually it’s 35%!!!

https://www.e-c-f.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EU_CY2024.pdf

 

[Barchetta47]

I’d be interested in where you got the ‘new’ sales data. That 30% is quite remarkable given the state of the economy, but then again 24 was probably a poor year. Furthermore, as far as I can see new prices aren’t up that much on last year, especially when additional equipment included as standard and inflation are taken into account.

Sorry got my years wrong it’s 2024 over 2023!!!

https://www.e-c-f.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/EU_CY2024.pdf

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[Pentwhistle]

2 Hymers over 18 years - zero real problems. First one sold for more than I bought it for after 11 years just as Covid struck. could have gained another 5K plus if I had held on. Loved the van but LHD and need ultimately to export to South Africa where LHD vehicles are banned. Replacement a new Hymer 2018 RHD MLT 570 4X4. Beautiful, only issue was payload, since upgraded to 4500Kg. Interior upholstery destroyed by our cat (premium German loopstitch). Price paid when purchased has increased 42% since. After-service for Hymer in the UK sucks but fortunately little goes wrong.

 

[Dutch 68]

I agree we had all Miele home kitchen appliances dish washer packed up new pump £400 , we dumped dish washer , bought A cheap for £160; one was great, combi oven inside glass door from new damp ingress, and walls of appliance dimpled impossible to keep spotless , wouldn't buy another Miele

I left our Miele dishwasher in our previous house when we sold it for the new owner, about 22 years old, working without a single breakdown since new ……..

 

[StillGoing]

I agree we had all Miele home kitchen appliances dish washer packed up new pump £400 , we dumped dish washer , bought A cheap for £160; one was great, combi oven inside glass door from new damp ingress, and walls of appliance dimpled impossible to keep spotless , wouldn't buy another Miele

Miele used to come with a 10 year warranty. It’s now only 2 years. I think that tells you everything.

 

[Al n Val]

After-service for Hymer in the UK sucks but fortunately little goes wrong.

You need to tell my 2 mates that

first mate had his 8 years and had water ingress for 5 and other things

2nd mates had his 2.5yrs and it’s been back with all manner of electrical and built problems and I mean a lot

 

[buzz1]

Morning all

For those of you familiar with these makes, what order would you put them in overall in terms of build quality and/or reliability? 1 - 6 with 1 being best.

Pilote
Chausson
Fleurette/Florium
Rollerteam
Bailey
Burstner

Thanks!

We have only have experience of a burstner ixeo a class 2019 .
We had minor issues, overall very pleased with it , we have looked around dealers when ours is in for service,
At newer models but the build quality isn’t the same and bits falling off,
And that seems to be the case of most of the different vans on there forecourts .

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[bobnick]

No bias or porkies how good and reliable ones vans are on this thread is there

 

[V and B]

As other people have said, it's not so much the manufacturer, it's being able to fix any problems easily. We made the mistake of buying our current van at the nec from a dealer a long distance away, no problem with them sorting some warranty issues, just a pain getting the van there. Our current van is is chausson with the layout the op seems to be preferring. Had it 5 years now, love it no intentions of changing it.
Our previous moho was a Bailey bought from new, that we had for 3 years or so, no issues whatsoever. Only changed it because hubby wanted an automatic and the layout wasn't quite right.
Motorhomes are complicated pieces of kit. Make your requirement list, and go for the one that most fulfills the criteria, and try not to worry about what could go wrong.

 

[SueRL]

I doubt if any one on this forum has owned all six makes and therefore able to give you an answer!

No, but as a newbie to the forums i was looking for any thoughts on the subject from more experienced motorhome owners - whether that be personal lived experience or that of friends, or just the knowledge gained from being on the forums for months/years

 

[Soycd]

From the list we have had Buerstner and Chausson. Both were good. Like others we’ve noticed the decline in build quality over the years. Our first was an Adria back in 1996 (Adriatik 670) solidly built. Current is a 2024 Adria Twin. Build quality is just about ok, but way below our first one.

 

[SueRL]

SueRL

You do not specifically say whether you intend to buy new or S/H.

Except for my own MH, my knowledge comes from reading comments from this and other forums over 15 years, of which there have been many.

If you are looking for quality it might be better to look at manufacturers outside that list, for several reasons:-

One can get a superior quality MH in the secondhand market for less than the price of a new inferior quality one.

The quality ones bought at say 5 yo will outlast the inferior ones.

Quality in newer MHs is reportedly going down.

Newer models come with all-dancing extras which is more to go wrong {See CazPaul's post #62)

Many manufacturers are building to accommodate 3.5t limits, and include the extras in last sentence. To do this they either use inferior materials and fittings or leave minimal payload. This type of buld migrates up to any models they offer over 3.5t. I would only buy from a manufacturer who does not offer under 3.5t, but S/H.

S/H MHs have usually have had defects sorted out, if any.


As for buying new: -

You have read above about defects and not everyone has been happy with dealer's rectification.

You have also read about the huge losses one might incur if one wants to trade-in after a short time. Similar trade-in losses on a S/H model would be much lower. Some of the losses quoted are more than I paid for our N&B Arto even adjusted for inflation.


More general comments on quality: -

As Dean14 said in post #66 avoid wood frames. There are plenty of double aluminium bonded constuction MHs around, which have little chance of leaks, likewise A Class have less chance than coachbuilts, because there is no joint between cab and hab area where flexing can cause movement cracks.

To see how a manufacturer's quality stands up to time go to see some 10+ year models. Our N&B is 22 yo and has had only a few minor defects in 16 years of ownership. Others with similar quality MHs can say the same.

My overall advice to find quality is to widen your sights to include S/H at 5-7 years old from the superior quality builders. You might be surprised what is available in comparison to lower quality new prices.

Thanks very much for your helpful response, nicholsong

My original post was short on detail admittedly

I’m in a position where we reluctantly have to trade in our current van (Rollerteam Pegaso 590) because I can’t manage the pull down over cab bed any more. We’ve had the van for under a year, and are very happy with it in every other regard.

We’re looking to replace it with a sub 7m van with lounge area, electric bed over (that drops to an easily accessible height without ladder) and a decent sized bathroom (I am of, shall we say, generous proportions myself ).

The other makes on my list all have vans that would fit the bill, but because I don’t have a wide knowledge of motorhomes in general, I was hoping to get a feel for the manufacturers’ reputations.

We’ve seen examples of most of the vans that would potentially work for us, but to be honest we’re scared of making a mistake and regretting our choice.

The ‘new’ van would definitely be second hand. We traded in an old Bessacarr, our first van, to get the Pegaso, and used money left to me by my parents to make up the difference. We don’t have a lot of spare cash to add to get the next one, so at a guess I’d say we’re looking at max forecourt price of £65k.

My other half is worried about buying an ‘older’ van, say 6+ years old, in case we’re just buying a load of problems, but from what I’ve read on this thread so far, it seems older vans may have been better quality…. so I’m really not sure of anything at all now

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[vzac]

Thanks very much for your helpful response, nicholsong

My original post was short on detail admittedly

I’m in a position where we reluctantly have to trade in our current van (Rollerteam Pegaso 590) because I can’t manage the pull down over cab bed any more. We’ve had the van for under a year, and are very happy with it in every other regard.

We’re looking to replace it with a sub 7m van with lounge area, electric bed over (that drops to an easily accessible height without ladder) and a decent sized bathroom (I am of, shall we say, generous proportions myself ).

The other makes on my list all have vans that would fit the bill, but because I don’t have a wide knowledge of motorhomes in general, I was hoping to get a feel for the manufacturers’ reputations.

We’ve seen examples of most of the vans that would potentially work for us, but to be honest we’re scared of making a mistake and regretting our choice.

The ‘new’ van would definitely be second hand. We traded in an old Bessacarr, our first van, to get the Pegaso, and used money left to me by my parents to make up the difference. We don’t have a lot of spare cash to add to get the next one, so at a guess I’d say we’re looking at max forecourt price of £65k.

My other half is worried about buying an ‘older’ van, say 6+ years old, in case we’re just buying a load of problems, but from what I’ve read on this thread so far, it seems older vans may have been better quality…. so I’m really not sure of anything at all now

I feel for you. I think sometimes we ask for help and we get to much and rather than clearing up the uncertainty we get even more confused.
My recommendation would be to find a van or 2 you like , get a mobile habitation survey to inspect them for you, check previous mots for issues found, if service records and invoices are available and see if habitation surveys have been carried out, take your time don't be pressured and stick to your budget. Oh and see how many owners it's had, or has it been used as a hire vehicle.
It's always a risk, but the more research you do the less risk of failures or getting it wrong, will help getting your ( never ) perfect van.
Goodluck
Having read what you say. A couple of ideas come to mind.
Burstners have an extra large door to get in, so a plus.
Baileys are one of the widest vans on the market at I think about 2.46 wide. Ours was an autograph 69.2 with lounge that made into a large double. Only one small step, downside was only small garage.
Alternatively have you looked at getting your drop-down bed retrofitted with a motor, and also have a small lift fitted to help you into the bed. If you like the van and are comfortable with it in all other aspects, it might be worth looking around to see if you can find some company willing to do the work, it might not be cheap but might be cheaper than changing the van and reliability worries.
There may be a weight issue with the van having the work done so check that if it's currently 3.5 t you can either up plate or have enough capacity in your current van for the extra weight.
I have seen some county council van with a scissor lift that fits wheel chairs on.

 

[bobnick]

Our Bailey was bought purely on layout and space it provides. There was no other van that we looked at (and we looked at lots) that was even close.
Now, had i done more research i think we could have made a compromise or two.
Kali Wali, it is was it is, shit happens, get over it, i told you so, you should have bought a, Ha ha ha........etc etc.

Had 2 offers so far, of course both daft, imo.

 

[Tony50]

As other people have said, it's not so much the manufacturer, it's being able to fix any problems easily. We made the mistake of buying our current van at the nec from a dealer a long distance away, no problem with them sorting some warranty issues, just a pain getting the van there. Our current van is is chausson with the layout the op seems to be preferring. Had it 5 years now, love it no intentions of changing it.
Our previous moho was a Bailey bought from new, that we had for 3 years or so, no issues whatsoever. Only changed it because hubby wanted an automatic and the layout wasn't quite right.
Motorhomes are complicated pieces of kit. Make your requirement list, and go for the one that most fulfills the criteria, and try not to worry about what could go wrong.

They are not particularly complicated, it's the way they are put together that causes the most anguish, a lot now built with plastic frame , one wonders in a few years time what these unseen plastic frames will be like , my experience has been plastic goes hard / brittle, with all the bad roads we travel on where the van is twisting and bending, will something snap, but wood also rots , so all in all I would choose plastic and live on hope.

 

[But5y]

Morning all

For those of you familiar with these makes, what order would you put them in overall in terms of build quality and/or reliability? 1 - 6 with 1 being best.

Pilote
Chausson
Fleurette/Florium
Rollerteam
Bailey
Burstner

Thanks!

Bought a new Bailey Autograph three years ago, absolute shocking quality, had three window surrounds and headrests fall off during journey home from the dealer. Nearly every time we used it, someting broke or went wrong. Bailey simply cannot do any final inspections/quality checks before despatch to the dealers. Sold after a terrible year and purchased an Adria Coral.
Never looked back.

 

[DandJ]

I feel that rather than putting the 6 van makers in a list, I'd be finding the very best company to buy from...one that is nigh on unanimously praised for customer aftersale care and attention. You could buy a 3 yr old Burstner or a nearly new Chausson and have an issue with either...but it's how that issue is sorted that counts...IMHO.

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[Ian Bosman]

My current van is a Rollerteam, so that’s interesting. Only had this and an old Bessacarr so I don’t have much experience to go on.

My old euramobil was much better built than my current Elddis