HELP - New to motorhomes, advice required purchasing a new motorhome (1 Viewer)

bri

Oct 2, 2020
185
169
South Yorkshire
Funster No
76,490
MH
BENIMAR BENIVAN 122
Hi everyone, I have read a number of threads on here and the amount of experience of motor-homing is amazing and who better to ask for help and advice when looking to buy our first motorhome.
We have had caravans for many years and have enjoyed our time very much. Unfortunately in 2019 my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness which resulted in major surgery and since then we have struggled with the caravan, hitching etc. I also don’t like to tow the caravan but feel that I could help with driving the motorhome, I have done this some years ago in Canada.
The problem is when looking for a new motorhome there is so many to choose from, we have narrowed it down to three.
1. PILOTE 626d - 6.2m - spacious lounge, good kitchen - 2 gas rings , wet room with swing door. Over lounge electric drop down bed.
2. PILOTE 696d - 6.99m - same lounge as 626, good kitchen with 3 gas rings, full rear bathroom With separate shower and large wardrobe.
3. BAILEY 69-4 -6.99m similar layout to the PILOTE 696 But with 4 rings and separate grill and oven.
all 3 have decent garage.

I prefer the layout of both the PILOTE 696 and Bailey 69-4 but they are longer motorhomes and have concerns that this may be more difficult to manoeuvre and take into towns, villages, Devon and Cornwall.
Those of you with much larger motorhomes will probably think I am crazy but we need to get this right as we want to enjoy our time out in the motorhome and reduce the stress of driving as much as possible.

Any advice on the manufacturer and experience of build quality as well as length of motorhome would be very much appreciate.
sorry It’s long winded.
thank you
Hi and welcome, we have health issues also and that's why we got rid of caravan.weve got a benimar 122 2019 and its magic! Check the layout, it's a van conversion so very manoeuvrable. Good luck and happy days.☆☆☆
 
Oct 25, 2016
5,586
31,582
Hartford Cheshire
Funster No
73,061
MH
Bailey Autograph 79-
Exp
Lots but slow learner.
We are edging towards the Bailey 79-4t mainly because of the layout and value for money combined. Like the twin bed as someone mentioned if one wants a nap in the day no faffing about.
Reliability and build is pot luck with any vehicle. If we have issues i have identified a local business to take care of it.
Good luck with your search.
 

Cheshirecat57

Free Member
Feb 3, 2018
3,482
5,589
Mid Cheshire
Funster No
52,244
MH
None
Exp
10 years on and off
We are edging towards the Bailey 79-4t mainly because of the layout and value for money combined. Like the twin bed as someone mentioned if one wants a nap in the day no faffing about.
Reliability and build is pot luck with any vehicle. If we have issues i have identified a local business to take care of it.
Good luck with your search.
Good van, I wish they did it without the dinette ( ie 2 seat belts with parallel lounge) like the 76-2T in the Alliance (lower spec) range

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Oct 25, 2016
5,586
31,582
Hartford Cheshire
Funster No
73,061
MH
Bailey Autograph 79-
Exp
Lots but slow learner.
Good van, I wish they did it without the dinette ( ie 2 seat belts with parallel lounge) like the 76-2T in the Alliance (lower spec) range
I think they do do it without the dinette, or at least a L shape and a double on tuther side, no fixed table.
Gonna double check as you got my cells going. One of our criteria is NO dinette, prefer table one can store away when done with.........like our Imala we have now.
 

MisterB

LIFE MEMBER
Feb 25, 2018
5,752
12,799
Essex
Funster No
52,564
MH
Adria 670 SLT
Exp
enough to know i shouldnt touch things i know nothing about ....
I think they do do it without the dinette, or at least a L shape and a double on tuther side, no fixed table.
Gonna double check as you got my cells going. One of our criteria is NO dinette, prefer table one can store away when done with.........like our Imala we have now.
We've got a 79-4I on order. We've asked for a few extras Inc cab blinds. It's got a fixed table which folds to allow easy access and has two bench seats, which convert to provide 2 additional travelling seats
 
Oct 25, 2016
5,586
31,582
Hartford Cheshire
Funster No
73,061
MH
Bailey Autograph 79-
Exp
Lots but slow learner.
I'm thinking one can order without the fixed table. Highly unlikely we will need the 2 additional seats or the additional bed but nice to know they are there. I thought it came with the concertina blinds? Learning every day.
Hope you get yours on due date

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bri

Oct 2, 2020
185
169
South Yorkshire
Funster No
76,490
MH
BENIMAR BENIVAN 122
I think they do do it without the dinette, or at least a L shape and a double on tuther side, no fixed table.
Gonna double check as you got my cells going. One of our criteria is NO dinette, prefer table one can store away when done with.........like our Imala we have now.
Mine has 4 belted seats and option of utilising as a dinette,but it would be tight for 4 adults.however, the 2 long seats at back make ample dining space.l think you've got to go with your own needs . Just be glad when we can take it out again haha!
 
OP
OP
M
Mar 9, 2021
13
19
Funster No
79,629
MH
looking to buy
We've got a 79-4I on order. We've asked for a few extras Inc cab blinds. It's got a fixed table which folds to allow easy access and has two bench seats, which convert to provide 2 additional travelling seats
I asked the dealer if we could have the cab blinds as an extra on the Bailey Adamo 69-4 but he said it isn’t possible due to the rain sensors. They are unable to fit on this model. They offered me a silver blind instead. The curtain in the habitation area cuts the captains chair off from the lounge so at night if curtain is closed can’t use captains chairs.
 

Lenny HB

LIFE MEMBER
Oct 18, 2007
52,694
147,620
On the coast in West Sussex
Funster No
658
MH
Hymer B678 DL
Exp
Since 2008 & many years tugging
The curtain in the habitation area cuts the captains chair off from the lounge so at night if curtain is closed can’t use captains chairs.
That's stuipid not able to use the most comfortable perches in the house.

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Oct 20, 2016
982
11,634
Northampton
Funster No
45,688
MH
Autotrail Imala 625
Exp
Since 2016 and caravanning before that
We have the cab blinds. Only been out with this van three times. First time we used the cab blinds. The other two we used the external silver screens. Great for insulation bot hot and cold
 
Jan 23, 2016
1,855
301,210
Wales
Funster No
41,434
MH
Adria Coral 660SP
Exp
25 years
For me it doesn't matter how it looks or who it is made by, it's how it works - FOR ME!

So I sit in a van and 'role play' like;

I've just returned fom a bike ride, I want to have a shower, pepare food, cook food, eat it and clear away before getting into bed.

So how will that work?

How much furniture do I have to move about to complete those tasks?

The van I found enabled me do do all of the above without moving anything, save beer to glass, to table.
 

bri

Oct 2, 2020
185
169
South Yorkshire
Funster No
76,490
MH
BENIMAR BENIVAN 122
I'm thinking one can order without the fixed table. Highly unlikely we will need the 2 additional seats or the additional bed but nice to know they are there. I thought it came with the concertina blinds? Learning every day.
Hope you get yours on due date
Mine has got the concertina blinds as standard,but marquis has also mentioned some other blinds they forgot to put in when they delivered,so I'm waiting to see what they are.

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ManTheVan

LIFE MEMBER
Jan 11, 2020
1,447
2,747
South Devon, UK
Funster No
67,952
MH
Rapido C class
Exp
Yottie convert
I asked the dealer if we could have the cab blinds as an extra on the Bailey Adamo 69-4 but he said it isn’t possible due to the rain sensors. They are unable to fit on this model. They offered me a silver blind instead. The curtain in the habitation area cuts the captains chair off from the lounge so at night if curtain is closed can’t use captains chairs.
Nice to see you’ve subscribed. Welcome!

Are you absolutely sure that the curtain goes in front of the captain’s chair? Ive only ever seen them run behind. Cab blinds are OK, but the curtains are somehow cosier and more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, as well as more thermally efficient in my opinion.
 
OP
OP
M
Mar 9, 2021
13
19
Funster No
79,629
MH
looking to buy
8ECFB005-DBFD-49F7-95CD-27EA1E019DF3.png
 

Cheshirecat57

Free Member
Feb 3, 2018
3,482
5,589
Mid Cheshire
Funster No
52,244
MH
None
Exp
10 years on and off
I think they do do it without the dinette, or at least a L shape and a double on tuther side, no fixed table.
Gonna double check as you got my cells going. One of our criteria is NO dinette, prefer table one can store away when done with.........like our Imala we have now.
Sorry, its not a permanent dinette, but an L shape with 2x belted seats
We found these very uncomfortable when we were in ‘lounging’ mode
Also the o/s washroom which is mid-ships was too small to get dressed in and I found it’s bulkhead made the front of the van claustraphobic considering it’s OAL.
Elddis 285 ????

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Grummyb

Free Member
Dec 31, 2020
714
2,205
Corby
Funster No
78,662
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Since about 2013
Of your worried about driving it why not go to your your local van hire co and rent a Luton van for a day and just drive around all the local country roads and villages although its not a motorhome its similar in size and and will handle a bit like 1 and if your OK with that I would go then rent a moho for a week because as people have already said its a bit expensive but a lot cheaper then buying something you don't like and have to sell again
 
Oct 25, 2016
5,586
31,582
Hartford Cheshire
Funster No
73,061
MH
Bailey Autograph 79-
Exp
Lots but slow learner.
Sorry, its not a permanent dinette, but an L shape with 2x belted seats
We found these very uncomfortable when we were in ‘lounging’ mode
Also the o/s washroom which is mid-ships was too small to get dressed in and I found it’s bulkhead made the front of the van claustraphobic considering it’s OAL.
Elddis 285 ????
All good points to look at when we can go to look. What does OAL mean?
 
OP
OP
M
Mar 9, 2021
13
19
Funster No
79,629
MH
looking to buy
Just an update after a lot of thought and hours of research we finally decided on the PILOTE P696D. For our requirements this motorhome is perfect and we feel very very lucky in all aspects. The same afternoon we purchased the motorhome my husband had some good news from his specialist advising there had been a slight improvement in his health. Although that may not seem a lot, it is amazing news for us. He is slowly moving in the right direction and we are very grateful. So we are going from old caravaners to newbie motorhomers and we can’t wait to collect the motorhome and start enjoying everyday.
Thank you for all your help and assistance HAPPY TRAVELLING.
 
Jan 20, 2019
843
1,838
Bristol
Funster No
58,131
MH
Pilote G740
Exp
Since 2019
Don't think you will regret your choice. Our first van was a Pilote 716 and we have stuck with the brand for our second van which we collected last week.
Good luck with everything and enjoy your travels! (y):giggle:
 

POH

May 29, 2018
1,181
903
Funster No
54,135
MH
Pilote 740c
Exp
5 years
Hi everyone, I have read a number of threads on here and the amount of experience of motor-homing is amazing and who better to ask for help and advice when looking to buy our first motorhome.
We have had caravans for many years and have enjoyed our time very much. Unfortunately in 2019 my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness which resulted in major surgery and since then we have struggled with the caravan, hitching etc. I also don’t like to tow the caravan but feel that I could help with driving the motorhome, I have done this some years ago in Canada.
The problem is when looking for a new motorhome there is so many to choose from, we have narrowed it down to three.
1. PILOTE 626d - 6.2m - spacious lounge, good kitchen - 2 gas rings , wet room with swing door. Over lounge electric drop down bed.
2. PILOTE 696d - 6.99m - same lounge as 626, good kitchen with 3 gas rings, full rear bathroom With separate shower and large wardrobe.
3. BAILEY 69-4 -6.99m similar layout to the PILOTE 696 But with 4 rings and separate grill and oven.
all 3 have decent garage.

I prefer the layout of both the PILOTE 696 and Bailey 69-4 but they are longer motorhomes and have concerns that this may be more difficult to manoeuvre and take into towns, villages, Devon and Cornwall.
Those of you with much larger motorhomes will probably think I am crazy but we need to get this right as we want to enjoy our time out in the motorhome and reduce the stress of driving as much as possible.

Any advice on the manufacturer and experience of build quality as well as length of motorhome would be very much appreciate.
sorry It’s long winded.
thank you
Just got a new Pilote evidence one thing I didn't check was the grey waste outlet as far as I know they do not have taps /valves just a lever which makes it hard to put any waste tanks under the main tank as the tanks are mostly in the middle of the van which would mean you struggle to locate the outlet.
 

POH

May 29, 2018
1,181
903
Funster No
54,135
MH
Pilote 740c
Exp
5 years
Unless someone can put me right or knows how to solve the problem
 
Jun 16, 2017
322
582
Bridlington
Funster No
49,041
MH
Pilote P650GJ
Exp
Happy to help
Like this on my P650GJ, the second picture with the bend on was prior to shortening the main pipe.
 

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Jul 18, 2020
125
438
Funster No
73,169
MH
c class
Exp
newbie
This might be classed as a minor point but check how easy it is to get in and out of ,take into account you may be parked on a slope and that steps might be higher off the ground

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