Deposit paid

[Sucoz]

We have just put a holding deposit on a Burstner Aviano 675. During the negotiations I asked for 2 new gel leisure batteries, solar ( if there wasn't any) and refillable gas_ they fit gaslow, all these are to be included in the agreed price.
I have been told the leisure batteries ( gel) which I asked for would not be compatable with the solar panel ( which later they told me it didn't have one and a new 100 watt would be fitted.
So 1- I think the compatibility plot is sales speil, am I right?
2_ whilst I accept 100 watts is all they have agreed to, would it be a good idea to offer to pay the difference and get a higher wattage solar panel fitted?
BROKEN LINK

 

[peterc10]

It ha nothing to do with the panel itself. Sounds like they are fitting a very cheap solar controller. Insist on an MPPT one with a Gel setting. There are plenty about.

 

[Sucoz]

Thanks, on our way back to have a test drive need to know what I'm talking about!!

 

[peterc10]

In addition 100 watts will be Ok for the middle of summer, but if you want to be able to be off grid for long periods in autumn and spring you should at least double that.

 

[138go]

Couple of the Dealers we have dealt with say the Panel comes as a kit and they just fit what is in the kit. The controller they fit will probably not have a Gel Setting. Why do you need Gel batteries anyway. Standard sealed ones work just as well IMHO.

If you are not happy with what they are fitting tell them you will supply the controller for them to fit and you will keep the one they supply as a spare.

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[peterc10]

Couple of the Dealers we have dealt with say the Panel comes as a kit and they just fit what is in the kit. The controller they fit will probably not have a Gel Setting. Why do you need Gel batteries anyway. Standard sealed ones work just as well IMHO.

If you are not happy with what they are fitting tell them you will supply the controller for them to fit and you will keep the one they supply as a spare.

That is because the dealers are trying to spend as little money as possible. At the moment the OP is in the best position to get what they want/need as part of the best deal they can get. No good asking to change it after you have put your deposit down. I got 250W of solar, a Schaudt MPPT controller and a Victron BM700 monitor as part of the deal I got.

Gel batteries can be regularly discharged to a lower level than a normal lead acid without causing damage, so they have considerably more practical capacity than an equivalent sized lead acid. But, again they are more expensive.

 

[canopus]

Important to consider the CSA (cross sectional area) of the cable from the roof to the MPPT controller and the Ah (ampere hour rating of the controller).

If they only fit a 10A controller and 10A rated cable and you subsequently decided to add more solar, then neither will be man enough to cope with more current (Amps).
Go for 2 x 150w panels and 20A MPPT controller plus 4mm cable if you can, then you will have more charging capability. Suggest you will have to get your wallet out. If they don’t want to play ask for more discount and get the solar fitted by experts.

 

[Sucoz]

Thanks everyone, when we got there today we asked to see the roof, there was already a solar panel fitted, being skeptical I wonder if they new that and were trying to make out they were adding more than they were. Anyway I left that and the batteries as it was. I had agreed that they were to fit refillable gas, but managed to get them to agree to 2 bottles rather than 1.
We have no idea really about motorhomes, we had a campervan before, so we are to some extent in the dark.
However, I have asked questions on here and used the 'motorhome buyers guide' and apparently appear to know what I'm talking about, so any reduction I got off the asking price and extras is down to you good people.

 

[Sucoz]

Another question, is it normal to pay by bank transfer 3 days before you pick up a motorhome? I'm probably being over cautious by suppose they went into liquidation!! I'd rather get it sorted onthe day

 

[peterc10]

Another question, is it normal to pay by bank transfer 3 days before you pick up a motorhome? I'm probably being over cautious by suppose they went into liquidation!! I'd rather get it sorted onthe day

No it is not, and you are right to be worried. There are threads on here about the problems that can cause. Pay on the day using a debit card, but you will need to make sure that you have the money in your account! That is what we have done for motorhomes and cars.

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[Kannon Fodda]

We've just done a big debate on the whole when to pay for your van. General concensus is there are risks to part with the cash before you have the ability to get your hands on it https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/paying-in-advance-for-new-motorhome.198249/

If the van is already with the dealer, every chance they have finance on it " a stocking loan" and you need to ensure that is cleared as part of the purchase.

 

[Louis]

Don’t pay until they are ready to handover the keys, after you have checked over the van first

 

[Jagtazman]

Don’t pay until they are ready to handover the keys, after you have checked over the van first

We paid a deposit then bacs transfer on day. Rang my bank beforehand to warn them. They advised should okay but if not just ring back.
Spoken to sales guy on day about it he said yeah normal some banks will allow 10's of k others will want you to confirm on day.
Ours went through no issues did it on mobile sat in front of sales guy.
He was happy enough