Hello Everyone,
Long time lurker and now a new member. Really liking the friendly vibe and active nature of this site !
Over the past 3-4 years my wife and I have rented motorhomes on the 6 different occasions - mainly around the Lakes and Scotland. We have had a windfall from an inheritance, so we are keen on getting our own motorhome.
Having tried several different models - some large van conversions and some with low profile coach built bodies, one of our big impressions is that some seem to be a lot more rattly and noisy than others. I remember one of the early homes we hired creaked and groaned like an ill-fitting shed loosely sat on a chassis, while a Hymer we rented last year didn't really rattle much at all. That was a nice van, but not cheap !
My biggest issue is that I have a problem with noise. I work hard to contain loose items in bags and wrapped in towels and stuff, but the thing that really drives me nuts is squeeky cabinets and furniture ! I know people say I should get used to it, but I have tried and I find it really tough. A noisy van really reduces the miles I cover because I find it so exhausting. I go out in motorhomes alone quite often to de-stress and noise bothers me. The contrast between wild camping on the shores of a Loch, compared with the torture of getting there in a badly made van, is something I am having trouble with. I wish I could find it easier but I can't.
Are there brands or designs that squeak and rattle less than others? Which tend to be noisier - van conversions or coachbuilt bodies? I know there are huge numbers of Fiat Ducato based vans available - surely however there must be a variation in the noise factor in how they are made and fitted out? I do not expect luxury car-levels of silence, but some of the vans I have hired make a shocking din. I remember a rather rattly van once that flexed so much I feared the windows would pop out !
One of the most frustrating things about reviews of different vans ( and I have watched hours of them on YouTube now ! ) is that no-one ever actually drives the van and says how it drives and how quiet or noisy it is when on the move. The subject of noise levels seems to not be discussed much, which I find strange as for me it is one of the most important factors in making a purchase decision.
Any insight, advice or wise guidance is very welcome. I am about to pull the trigger and spend some money - but this factor is making my decision process quite scary. I am worried about sinking a lot of money into a vehicle only to know I am going to bitterly disappointed if the thing howls, rattles and squeaks like a barn full of tools in a hurricane.
Thank you all so much !
.
Long time lurker and now a new member. Really liking the friendly vibe and active nature of this site !
Over the past 3-4 years my wife and I have rented motorhomes on the 6 different occasions - mainly around the Lakes and Scotland. We have had a windfall from an inheritance, so we are keen on getting our own motorhome.
Having tried several different models - some large van conversions and some with low profile coach built bodies, one of our big impressions is that some seem to be a lot more rattly and noisy than others. I remember one of the early homes we hired creaked and groaned like an ill-fitting shed loosely sat on a chassis, while a Hymer we rented last year didn't really rattle much at all. That was a nice van, but not cheap !
My biggest issue is that I have a problem with noise. I work hard to contain loose items in bags and wrapped in towels and stuff, but the thing that really drives me nuts is squeeky cabinets and furniture ! I know people say I should get used to it, but I have tried and I find it really tough. A noisy van really reduces the miles I cover because I find it so exhausting. I go out in motorhomes alone quite often to de-stress and noise bothers me. The contrast between wild camping on the shores of a Loch, compared with the torture of getting there in a badly made van, is something I am having trouble with. I wish I could find it easier but I can't.
Are there brands or designs that squeak and rattle less than others? Which tend to be noisier - van conversions or coachbuilt bodies? I know there are huge numbers of Fiat Ducato based vans available - surely however there must be a variation in the noise factor in how they are made and fitted out? I do not expect luxury car-levels of silence, but some of the vans I have hired make a shocking din. I remember a rather rattly van once that flexed so much I feared the windows would pop out !
One of the most frustrating things about reviews of different vans ( and I have watched hours of them on YouTube now ! ) is that no-one ever actually drives the van and says how it drives and how quiet or noisy it is when on the move. The subject of noise levels seems to not be discussed much, which I find strange as for me it is one of the most important factors in making a purchase decision.
Any insight, advice or wise guidance is very welcome. I am about to pull the trigger and spend some money - but this factor is making my decision process quite scary. I am worried about sinking a lot of money into a vehicle only to know I am going to bitterly disappointed if the thing howls, rattles and squeaks like a barn full of tools in a hurricane.
Thank you all so much !
.
