First time buyer

[Malone]

We are looking to buy our first MH shortly. We plan on using it from early next year, and shall be living in it for the foreseeable, likely 9-12 months. We are 2 adults, and 2 dogs. We shall be spending as much time in Europe and living cheaply where possible, but we understand with a changing and unstable year likely, we’ll also be in the UK.

Our requirements are a fixed bed, ideally transverse, and living space, and a garage. Of course we are aware that we may have to compromise on certain aspects, but ideally this is what we would like. The research and advice I have been given is that ‘german’ build quality and the Ducato 2.3 engine is a good starter point. We have viewed quite a few MHs, all from dealers. We like the rear transverse bed, so far that seems the most suitable layout. We are happy to go for 7.5m in length if required, however my license is only standard therefore a twin axle is out of the question. Lastly, we will be selling this on, so although our budget is quite vast, potentially up to £45k, we need to think, without hindsight unfortunately, what may also be an ‘easier’ MH to sell.We would be comfortable buying private or new through a dealer, we aren’t to precious on that score.

I am not expecting loads of advice, however any comments will be taken into consideration. Thanks for reading this.

 

[David and Sally]

 

[mitzimad]

are you young enough to be climbing over each other with a transverse bed?full time it could get tiresome.

 

[funflair]

By standard licence do you mean up to 3500kg, in which case you will be tight on payload if you want to take a lot of stuff with you,

 

[funflair]

are you young enough to be climbing over each other with a transverse bed?full time it could get tiresome.

Does that mean I'm still young transverse is our bed of choice so I converted the longways beds in the new Palace to a huge transverse.

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

 

[AndyPK]

Welcome from a very wet Ciren.....! 🌧
Have you ‘lived’ in a motorhome before......holidays, etc., as the experience can be very different from viewing at a dealer’s lot......? If not, it may pay to hire a ‘van with your choice of layout just to see how practical it is.

 

[AndyPK]

.

 

[The Coops]

Transverse beds? see previous posts about * getting up in the night!* Twin beds every time!

 

[ManTheVan]

We have a transverse bed and love it. Ours is a 6m coachbuilt Rapido which has excellent build quality, so don’t discount non-Deutche makes. With a 3500kg maximum weight we have masses of payload. Fully laden there is still over 300kg spare. Ducatos, Boxers, Relays...all the same van badged differently.

All I’d say is “good luck” finding a van now. Many dealers have little or no stock and workshops are booked up months in advance.

Welcome to the fun, anyway!

 

[Malone]

By standard licence do you mean up to 3500kg, in which case you will be tight on payload if you want to take a lot of stuff with you,

We aren’t taking to much, most of our belongings will be in lock up so weight payload will not be an issue but thanks for the comment.

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

 

[Malone]

Welcome from a very wet Ciren.....! 🌧
Have you ‘lived’ in a motorhome before......holidays, etc., as the experience can be very different from viewing at a dealer’s lot......? If not, it may pay to hire a ‘van with your choice of layout just to see how practical it is.

I do understand your view point, however I’m confident we have the layout in mind that suits us. It’s more practicality that leads us down this route.

 

[Malone]

are you young enough to be climbing over each other with a transverse bed?full time it could get tiresome.

Yeah, we’re cool with that layout. I’m not suggest that’s the only layout but it would work for us fine. Your comment has made me think though. Perhaps when selling it on, potential buyers may prefer the beds running front to back?

 

[funflair]

Yeah, we’re cool with that layout. I’m not suggest that’s the only layout but it would work for us fine. Your comment has made me think though. Perhaps when selling it on, potential buyers may prefer the beds running front to back?

I wouldn't worry personally, you will always find somebody who wants an extra 0.5 metre in the lounge or bathroom and you only need one buyer when you are selling.