First motorhome recommendations please

[M-J]

Hi

We are looking to buy our first motorhome and would love some recommendations as there are so many available. Our budget is £30-£35k and have decided on a fixed bed (not drop down or climb up) would prefer a shower that is not over the top of a toilet or sink. We will also need a wind out canopy and bike rack but could add these if budget allows.

It is just the two of us as the kids are now older and no grandchildren yet so 2 travelling seats are fine which helps as needs to be under 3500kg

Top of our list currently is the Bailey approach 740 (2012/13)

Any help or advice appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[Boringfrog]

 

[M-J]

I have added Burstner to our list of possibles if I can find the right one, also considering a slightly older A Class but not sure what the advantages/disadvantages are if we do.

 

[Simon Meadwell]

Have a look at burstener ixeo range we have one our first van fixed bed at rear but also drop down over lounge handy if you have visitors ie the kids

 

[hilldweller]

Any help or advice appreciated and thanks in advance.

Get in it, pretend to do everything ( they won't like you using the toilet for real ). Make sure the bed is big enough. And most important, it's snowing outside, it will be tomorrow and not looking good the day after -- will you survive ? Take your time.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[gus-lopez]

 

[DaveandJen]

Hi and Welcome. If looking to purchase your first Motorhome with only two on board don’t overlook a panel van conversion by some of the big names if your places of interest are normally found by traveling down small country roads because most Motorhomes are fitted with wide sticking out wing mirrors to allow for the overhang of the body behind the cab and it can be hard work at times trying not to clip mirrors with vans and other traffic coming in the opposite direction. If your budget allows select the size of your chosen van and hire one for a few days before purchase. Wishing you lots of good times in the future.

 

[nicholsong]

Answer to your question is

Research, research, research.

No use asking on here - they all think their own is the best.

I did research, and after 10 years, of the first secondhand MH I reckon it is still right.

 

[Ivory55]

Yes actually sit on the toilet and see if the door can still be shut. Things like this will give you a better insight.

 

[M-J]

Get in it, pretend to do everything ( they won't like you using the toilet for real ). Make sure the bed is big enough. And most important, it's snowing outside, it will be tomorrow and not looking good the day after -- will you survive ? Take your time.

Did this to decide on layout, must have spent 40 minutes in one MH acting out various scenarios!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Manic]

If you’ve never had a Motorhome and not sure what layout suits have you thought about hiring first.

 

[M-J]

Answer to your question is

Research, research, research.

No use asking on here - they all think their own is the best.

I did research, and after 10 years, of the first secondhand MH I reckon it is still right.

Trying but so many conflicting reviews, don’t buy English followed by my Bailey or our Elddis is amazing!

Then there’s the all English leak and get damp, only buy German even if it’s older the build quality will be better.

Lost!

 

[M-J]

If you’ve never had a Motorhome and not sure what layout suits have you thought about hiring first.

We know the layout and think with research and getting the right deal we would rather bite the bullet and go for it.

Go big or go home!

 

[hilldweller]

Did this to decide on layout, must have spent 40 minutes in one MH acting out various scenarios!

Nice one.

Where did the frying pan fit ? It's a home, and a compact home at that so the small things really do matter. However, you will never get perfection so do have to learn to live with the limitations and even make some modifications. We changed ours last year, job one was rip out microwave and turn it into a cupboard.

Probably the biggest limitations that will hit you are water, gas and electricity. All are in very limited supply and you need to learn to live with the limitations.

 

[SpeedyDux]

Top of our list currently is the Bailey approach 740 (2012/13)

Any help or advice appreciated and thanks in advance.

Bailey could be suitable if you prefer to use UK campsites. My impression is that they are quite "caravanny" especially their older 2012/13 Approach models. You do get plenty of space inside.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[M-J]

Bailey could be suitable if you prefer to use UK campsites. My impression is that they are quite "caravanny" especially their older 2012/13 Approach models. You do get plenty of space inside.

As well as lots of uk weekends we plan to go to France and possibly Spain over the next two years.

Currently making enquiries about a 2016 Elddis Majestic 155, very similar in layout to the Bailey

 

[Ivory55]

I don’t know your plans but that van has a big over hang and if you’re thinking of hanging a scooter or anything on the back be aware of overloading the rear axle.

 

[M-J]

I don’t know your plans but that van has a big over hang and if you’re thinking of hanging a scooter or anything on the back be aware of overloading the rear axle.

2 mountain bikes on the rack

 

[Puddleduck]

As well as lots of uk weekends we plan to go to France and possibly Spain over the next two years.

Currently making enquiries about a 2016 Elddis Majestic 155, very similar in layout to the Bailey

@old-mo think this is like you have?

 

[M-J]

@old-mo think this is like you have?

That’s the one I’m enquiring about

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Ivory55]

2 mountain bikes on the rack

I guess bikes and bike rack is about 60kg but that’s extra weight a long way behind the rear axle.