Hi all, I would appreciate help on brands or coach builders to avoid?

[Tobytastic]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

 

[AndyPK]

Welcome from Ciren!

Avoid the ones who have faults reported from new…….. !
Ooops - that’s all of them!

 

[AndyPK]

looking to buy a motorhome, i had a very old Fiat daily in the past.

Seriously, there are no ‘perfect’ brands - just find a layout that suits and go for it (after getting more opinions on here!)

 

[Tobytastic]

Ok, I like the Eriba and Chausson. We want a permanent double bed, Garage would be nice, I am guessing that only comes with the high double bed option?

 

[AndyPK]

Ok, I like the Eriba and Chausson. We want a permanent double bed, Garage would be nice, I am guessing that only comes with the high double bed option?

Yes, a bed over a garage is, generally, quite high. There are many fixed-bed options - what is it about Chausson/Eriba that you particularly like?

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[Jim]

99% of brands use the same base vehicles, the same or very similar construction methods, and kit it out with furnishing and equipment from the same suppliers. Some will argue that this brand is better than that, that German is better than French, or that UK brands are the worst. None of those assertions are 100% correct, most are opinions.

My advice, find a van with the layout you like, then come back and ask us if there is any reason you should not buy it. Happy Hunting

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks for that, I am 1.93 metres high, looked at a few yesterday and one in particular had a lower exit and entrance height so a bumped head, not a great start. My wife has a disabled sister who will travel with us so it needs to be two doubles. The Chausson had this. the eriba seems to have a good build quality.

 

[AndyPK]

Definitely try laying on any bed first - they do not all accommodate taller folk like you!
Will you need to add any assistance aids for your SIL?
Drop-down beds also tend to be quite high, so may not be practical.

 

[Guffy60]

Try them out when inside, silly things like can you sit on the toilet with the door closed.

if three of you as adults, how much spare weight will there be for you, clothes etc etc, many vans have surprisingly little weight carrying capacity if trying to keep below 3500kg

things like this more important than where made In my opinion.

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks, it's a pinch with the legs but managable, The siter in law has no problem with getting around she has a low mental age, dicression is more the thing re bathroom, that rules out those with a kinda ensuite.

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[Tobytastic]

Not sure re the weigh thing, is that licence related?

 

[AndyPK]

Do you have C1 on your licence?
If not, you’ll be restricted to 3500kg, so not a lot of payload for three adults, as Guffy60 said…..

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks for that, I currently have a Portuguese licence with 4250 kg, i guess that gives me a few more options.

 

[RetiredPope]

We had an Autotrail as our first van and it was great, no issues. A lot of people report Autotrails leaking like a sieve. Our current van is the Chausson we would have bought instead of the first if we could have afforded it. We love this van more, only one issue with the overcab window. A lot of people complain at Chausson quality. Either we have been lucky with our 2 vans, or others have been unlucky.

As Jim said, select a van and then ask on here to find out what the common issues with that model and year have been, gives you the things to check before parting with the cash.

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks l will post before l make the final purchase.

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[JohnH17]

That's got to be the hardest question to answer! As far as I can see, all makes have problems, with a slight bias towards German construction being better than others. But then some models in a range can be better or worse than others. What I would do is find a few models that would suit then search on here and MMM for problems with them. Then when you've narrowed it down to a few, find an independent repair place like Apple Campers in Wellington (excellent place, they've got my mhome at the moment!) and talk to someone there who actually has to fix the faults. They'll soon tell you if they're always having them in for this or that.
I've always done similar with cars - ignore sales people and talk to an experienced mechanic - you learn more in five minutes than an hour in sales with brochures! Hope that helps, and good hunting!
John

 

[gus-lopez]

 

[grumps147]

I see from your avatar you are Portugal based, so assume resident there.

The base vehicle should make no difference to you as all are multi-national.

The habitation area is going to be the key for you so maybe a local to you dealer and supplies network may also be important. Even if you buy in a private sale it will want maintenance and spares. Yes, pretty much everything can be mail ordered that is bespoke, but that can bring with it hassle you do not need and you sound as though you have a more than busy life.

 

[Tobytastic]

That's got to be the hardest question to answer! As far as I can see, all makes have problems, with a slight bias towards German construction being better than others. But then some models in a range can be better or worse than others. What I would do is find a few models that would suit then search on here and MMM for problems with them. Then when you've narrowed it down to a few, find an independent repair place like Apple Campers in Wellington (excellent place, they've got my mhome at the moment!) and talk to someone there who actually has to fix the faults. They'll soon tell you if they're always having them in for this or that.
I've always done similar with cars - ignore sales people and talk to an experienced mechanic - you learn more in five minutes than an hour in sales with brochures! Hope that helps, and good hunting!
John

Great ideas there and many thanks

 

[Tobytastic]

Thanks for the welcome, I have been around caravans since the age of ten, no idea about motorhomes.

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[hymermick]

I would never buy another Swift it was the only that the roof leaked. I have had seven motorhomes over 35 years all from new and the Swift was the only one we had loads of trouble with. I was taking it back to the dealers nearly every week when we first bought it to have things fixed. The first 4 we bought were English and the last 3 were German Hymers.

 

[63720]

Easy, avoid everything except Hymer, period, end of!

 

[Tobytastic]

I would never buy another Swift it was the only that the roof leaked. I have had seven motorhomes over 35 years all from new and the Swift was the only one we had loads of trouble with. I was taking it back to the dealers nearly every week when we first bought it to have things fixed. The first 4 we bought were English and the last 3 were German Hymers.

Thanks the Hymer seems a good build

 

[Tobytastic]

Easy, avoid everything except Hymer, period, end of!

Is the Hobby worth a look?

 

[AndyPK]

Let’s face it, any ‘van is worth a look…….it all depends upon what you’re looking for!

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[Speve]

We had a 2015 Hymer Exsis I 698 fixed bed at rear an double drop down at front @4250kg gvw a nice van

 

[138go]

We've bought our last two motorhomes from Southdowns in Portsmouth. We were chatting to one of their agents last time we were there, who told us that Southdowns have reduced their new motorhome range down to Concordes, Carthagos, Hymers and Burstners.

Southdowns Motorhome Centre

Welcome to South Downs Motorhomes – your destination for top-quality new and used motorhomes. Explore our extensive range, expert services, and tailored finance options. Start your journey with us today!

www.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk

 

[Tobytastic]

Let’s face it, any ‘van is worth a look…….it all depends upon what you’re looking for!

For sure

 

[Vipar]

Greetings peeps welcome from Bexley.

Measure twice cut once.
Look @100 buy once.

 

[Tobytastic]

Greetings peeps welcome from Bexley.

Measure twice cut once.
Look @100 buy once.

Thanks Vic, not sure my wife will tolerate a 100 views.