Complete Novice Questions

[Wizz]

The situation I'm at is-
I've wanted a motorhome for years, and I am hopefully going to get one at long last in the next days.
I have never actually ever been in one, and have little idea, other than the extensive research I've been carrying out over the last weeks, which has predominantly been in regard to layout, and makes, and dealers availability and prices, along with locating somewhere for storage, which has presented extreme difficulty as I live near London. I have now been to view a few MH's.

My questions at the risk of seeming like a complete idiot are-

Lokking at Burstner, Harmony 736 and 734.

I have settled on a rear bedroom layout, and we favour an island bed, but are aware that it takes from the garage, which is a slight issue, as I don't particularly want a bike rack, but will definitely want to transport 2 bikes.
We are also considering twin beds now to alleviate this problem. Does having twin beds create more heat, less airflow when its very hot temperatures due to being raised closer to the ceiling, thereby reducing airspace?

What is the general setup when having a security system, alarm, tracker, immobiliser fitted by Vanbitz, how long does it normally take, is it just a one day job?

Can I rely on the generic published weights/payloads for the models listed by the Brand or will I still need to get the respective MH put onto a weigh bridge?

And finally, hopefully you will have stopped chuckling by now.
On arrival at a pitch, what actually needs to be done other than filling water, connecting to electric, levelling up? I'm thinking more on lines of which internal switches need to be put on/changed over, for gas, electric, heating etc.
My questions aren't as a result of laziness, I have tried to research the matters, but have not been confident they actually answer fully enough for me to make my decisions.

Many thanks
Dave

 

[Zigisla]

To the house of fun.

How to set up a motorhome for the "What do I do an arrival"
Vanbitz - Takes forever to get an appointment; cos they are that busy, but only a days job. Stay on their site, drop off at 08:30 then collect later. - Workshop on campsite grounds
Never take anyones word for weight. Pack for a trip and go via a weigh bridge
No idea about heat distribution, but sounds like you are over thinking that one

 

[IRHP]

Not sure what you mean by an island bed takes away from the garage. It doesn’t. Some are bigger than others. Some have the island bed which can be raised to give even more room in the garage and will take full sized bikes. If you have a partner decide if you want a double bed or singles and start from there.

 

[Lenny HB]

Sounds like you have thought it through thoroughly, we favor twin beds for the much more usable garage. Although you can often get bikes in a garage with an island bed it can be tight in vans of 7.5m and below.

Not much to do when you arrive, handbrake on, swivel seats get the beer out of the fridge. Unless you are fussy and need to be level.

Most modern vans have gas regulators with crash protection & anti-rupture hoses connecting the bottle so the gas can be left on when traveling.

As for payload & weight, weights are given on a basic van that does not include any factory options or dealer fitted extras. With a German van you need at least 700 kg of payload as you never buy them without extra packs. Also there is a +/-5% weight tolerance, always best to assume the van will be towards +5%, they usually are.

 

[Gaston aires]

Sounds like you have done your homework pretty well. Our main thrust is having a check list for departure more than arrival.
Fridge closed and locked, drawers shut and locked, roof vents closed, aerial, satellite, down, disconnect leccy ? Etc.
We’ve all driven off with people pointing at us, your aerials up .
Phil

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[Landy Andy]

Twin beds are fantastic for us. And far from the hotter, they are cooler as you aren’t getting the others heat. Also you can then have different covers for each of you. One person’s bad night sleep, doesn’t become two peoples bad nights sleep.

 

[lorger]

We liked the island bed layout but most of them where to short for me and I'm only just over 6ft, we found a few that pushed back during the day then pulled out so ideal that is until you try and get to the loo at night and can't get buy the now longer bed so make sure you test it out.

Our last van had twin beds and our new one which we collect on Friday (keep it a secret though) We find the twin beds are far better regarding heat as you can have your own quilt on or off and no body heat from the person next to you.


As for alarm we're booked in to Vanbitz in July, it normally take a full day so better to drive there the night before and take up their offer of a free pitch as they need the van for 8:30am.

As for arriving on site if we're going away for the weekend and only about an hour away we will fill up with water at home the night before to save time, if going further a field or for longer we'll stick enough water in for a few cuppas and a shower each just in case we can't get water straight away. Apart from that its just turn up level if you need to and stick the kettle on.

 

[TerryL]

Don't worry too much about the details there's plenty of advice on here once you've taken the plunge.

Concentrate on the big things - layout, layout then layout, weight (do you have C1 on your licence? For a decent payload you're probably going to need it), parking it when when not in use, adequate storage for what you want to carry (bikes etc), budget (i.e. don't spend everything on the purchase, keep a small reserve). One important point, are you happy with the vendor be it a dealer or private; unfortunately there are a few disreputables around so make sure before you part with money. Finally check everything is as advertised and there are no hidden problems e.g. damp - get a proper hab check, even on a relatively new vehicle.

Wouldn't worry too much about make/manufacturer. Although there are those who say don't touch a UK built, go for German, or French or maybe Italian, nowadays they're all much of a muchness. We've heard of problems with brand new supervans costing well over £100,000!

But whatever you buy it will change your life. Good luck in your search and let us know what you decide.

Oh yes and to the FUN!

 

[Snoopy]

Hi and welcome

 

[Minxy]

Welcome to the fun house.

If you haven't already done so, download from the Resources section the Buyer's guide and Security guide and read them thoroughly as you will gleam a lot of info.

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[Al-Di]

 

[JC2001]

Hello Wizz, I'm in a similar position. My motorhoming experience is 30 years gone so I've spend the best of 6 months looking at vans and researching my options - one benefit of the lockdown.

I will be travelling full time and alone with a dog but have gone for a 8.11m 4.25t van. I took lots of advice and decided big was best. I will have lots of room and payload for me and all the dog's needs. Also, if the maxim of "...3 vans before you get it right" proves true for me too, I have the reassurance of too much comfort the live with until I change vans!

If like me you're comfortable driving a longer van, you're not worried by the restrictions of weight and you can afford the bigger van - why not? Or at least that was my logic!

Good luck and maybe we'll meet on the road.